UNIT CITATION

FIRST MARINE DIVISION
In the Field
07 DECEMBER 1942

CITATION:
"From the operational records of this division it appears that the SECOND RAIDER BATTALION while attached to this division, took the field against the enemy at AOLA BAY on 04 November, 1942. For a period of thirty days this battalion, moving through difficult terrain, pursued, harried and by repeated attacks, destroyed an.enemy force of equal or greater size and drove the remnants from the area of operations. During this period, the battalion, as a whole or by detachments, attacked the enemy whenever and wherever he could be found in a series of carefully planned and well executed suprise attacks. In the latter phase of these operations, the battalion destroyed the remnants of enemy forces and bases on the upper Lunga River and secured valuable information of the terrain and enemy line of operations. In these battles, the enemy suffered 400 killed and the loss of his artillery, weapons,ammunition and supplies, whereas the battalion losses were limited to sixteen killed. For the consumate skill displayed in the conduct of operations, for the training, stamina and fortitude displayed by all members of the battalion and for it's commendable aggressive spirit and high morale, the Commanding General cites to the First Marine Division, the Commanding Officer, officers and men of the SECOND RAIDER BATTALION."

MAJOR GENERAL A. A. VANDEGRIFT
Commanding General,
First Marine Division,
Guadalcanal, BSI.