UNIT CITATION
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the
THIRD MARINES, THIRD MARINE DIVISION
for service as follows:
For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during
the invasion, seizure, occupation and defense of Empress Augusta Bay Beachhead,
Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from November 1 to December 22, 1945. In
action against the enemy for the first time, the Third Marines landed
on an extremely wide front in the face of perilous surf and beach conditions
and through flanking fire of hostile machine guns, anti-boat guns, mortars,
small arms and artillery from heavily entrenched positions on Cape Torokina
and Puruata Island. Pressing forward through almost impenetrable jungle
and swampy terrain, this regiment completely reduced the intricate system
of mutually supporting Japanese pillboxes, bunkers, fire trenches and
foxholes which constituted the Cape Torokina defense, and secured its
position of the objective by evening of D-day. Shifted to the left flank
of the beachhead, the Third Marines smashed a Japanese counter-landing
and drove steadily forward despite difficulties of terrain, supply and
communication and, developing the main enemy position in a meeting engagement
on the Numa Numa Trail, completely wiped out the Japanese 23rd
Infantry. In continuous action as a front-line regiment for a total of
fifty-two consecutive days, the gallant men and officers of the Third
Marines, by their skill in jungle warfare and their aggressive fighting
spirit, contributed greatly to the success of the campaign and enhanced
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
All personnel attached to and serving with the Third Marines at Bougainville
from November 1 to December 22, 1943 are authorized to wear the Navy Unit
Commendation Ribbon.
JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of the Navy
|
