15 November, 1943
The following are "do's" and "don'ts" for all personnel landing on Red Beach 3 and must be followed to the letter.
Carefully check all arms and equipment, especially first aid packs and gas masks.
Be sure you have your ammunition - two full canteens and rations. Remember this may be all the ammunition, water, and rations you will have for 24 to 48 hours. Do not waste it. Do not load weapons until ordered to do so.
Clean all troop spaces thoroughly so there will be very little cleaning necessary on D day.
Be sure you have a good pair of shoes to wear ashore
Again check all arms and equipment.
Do not load your weapons until ordered to do so.
Carry your four handgerades in your pockets - and remember your handgrenades are Mark 2 with a (3) seconds fuse - after releasing the safety lever get rid of the grenade.
Be prompt in carrying out all orders - Remember the time elements have been carefully figured and one man doping off may be the cause of serious delay or even unneccassary casualties.
After getting in amphibian tractors or boats all hands except the boat group commander, crew chief or coxswain must stay down - this includes boat gunners until needed. Do not load weapons or fix bayonets until ordered.
After leaving line of departure, weapons will be loaded and bayonets fixed on order of boat group commander. Remember the M-1 rifle is automatically loaded when the clip is inserted - be careful - lock all weapons - we must not have casualties due to carelessness.
Boat gunners will open fire only on order of boat group commander.
Boat gunners must not waste ammunition. It may be needed after landing.
Boat group commanders and crew chief must be on the alert - it is your job to keep your amphibian tractor in position - Do not dope off - to hell with watching the ships and aircraft. They'll do their jobs, you pay strict attention to yours.
Do not discard your gas mask on landing, gas may be encountered at any time and without your mask you are helpless, but if you have it and use it properly it will furnish all the protection required.
After landing be aggressive but not foolish - when you shoot have something to shoot at and be sure you hit it whether it be a Jap, position, or vehicle.
Remember to help your leaders maintain control by controlling yourself.
Bear in mind at all times that we are here to kill not to hunt souvenirs. When you stop to pick up a Jap sword or anything else your guard is down and if a Jap doesn't kill you, a booby trap will. Your Regimental Commander, Regimental Exec., Battalion Commander, Battalion Exec. do not want souvenirs and after our mission is completed, you can have all the souvenirs except those of value to intelligence units.
Remember the natives are friendly. Treat them accordingly.
Do not drink any water except that which you take ashore.
Our mission is to sieze and hold Helen Island. The plans to carry out that mission were carefully thought out and made by others, but you are the ones who are to execute those plans. All the help possible has been furnished you prior to your landing. After landing you are the ones who take over. It is your show from there to the South beach. Make it a good show by being a MARINE.
Major, USMC,
Commanding.
copyright 1999-2001 Wheaton, Illinois
Created 21 August 1999 - Updated 25 February 2001
Return to Documents and Diaries
