Mel’s Diary, Part 3

September 4 Ate chow--played pinochle--received P.X. gear. The word gear is now used for everything from soup to nuts. Saw "The Great McGinty" at the cinema. Heard Jim Guerro sing. Jim is a native stowaway. Drank nightly cup of Jo and hit the sack.

September 5 Woke for chow--hit sack--slept till P.X. time. Read Post. Slept till eve chow--took shower--went to church. Had a good bull session on food--shrimp, ravioli, cake--hit the sack.

September 6 Had oatmeal and eggs. Cleaned weapons--played pinochle. Breen and Nap won from Cope and me.

September 7 Blair loaned me "Soundings" by A. H. Gibbs--played a couple games of pinochle--took shower and hit sack.

September 8 Had guard duty aboard this scow of all scows. Navy officers and ships crew are strictly H.S.

September 9 Prepared for disembarkation on the beautiful shores of Guadalcanal. Ate noon chow--boarded L.C.M. Hit beach at 3:30 and the Marine Band was playing as we waded ashore up to our "arse" in water. We received 4 cans of ice cold beer--Lucky Lager--returned to the same tents--went to movie--heard swing band and saw "Desert Song".

September 10 Cleaned up area. Built box for keeping clothes and gear in--went on working party--took tops off 50 gallon drums so drums could be used for garbage cans. Went to river and had wonderful bath. Received 3 packages--tennis shoes, cookies, candy, Readers Digest, films, etc. the occasion was a gala one. It seemed like Christmas each time I opened one.

September 11 Had to move up to a Squad Leaders tent. Finished box. Squared away gear in new tent--took shower. Nap, Tony and I went to movie. Saw half of "Lassie Come Home" when projector burned out--came home disappointed and hit sack. (Had fresh eggs for morn. chow (2 fried) and watermelon for eve chow)

September 12 Lots of scuttlebutt floating around. Supposed to have New Zealand liberty--Carlson is to take over regiment--I hope it comes true. We are now the 6th Marine Division.

September 14 Had working party at Henderson Field loading chow. Ate all the peaches, pears and fruit cocktail I could hold. Went to movie "Standing Room Only" with McMurray and P. Goddard--laughed myself sick.

September 21 Had guard duty from 6:30 P.M. to ll--shot bull with Lt. Hofer who is a damn good officer and a regular fellow. Berjeron burned his leg while pulling a pot of Jo Out of the fire.

September 22 100 man working party from Baker Co. I missed it because of guard duty last night. Zavatchen, Courtney and I put up a new tent and squared away our gear--my squad is composed of Polacks--Napiwoski, Jablonicky, Szczypinski and a dutchman, Straup. We haven't received the other replacements as yet--we are to have eight men squads. Received three letters, two from home and one from Courtney.

September 27 - November 27 Our platoon has been losing many men either on stateside lists or sickness. Paskvalich went home with Moo-Moo. Hassel accidentally shot himself. Berjeron will go stateside having burned his leg so badly. Zavatchen, Strand and D'Angelantonio and Mobley have now left all having 24 or more months overseas. Chick, Courtney, Copeland and I live in the tent. Thanksgiving Day we had turkey, potatoes, corn, tomato juice, dates, fruit cake, cookies, candy. Stage show, et al--we have been playing a lot of football and basketball.

November 27 Slept all day. packages. Have been receiving Christmas

November 27, 1944 - January 21, 1945 Christmas dinner consisted of turkey and trimmings. Plenty of beer. Cooper and I divided a quart of Schenleys Black Label. Neither of us received much of a jag. Received many swell gifts from the folks at home. Ate canned fried chicken which was really delicious. We used a blow torch and a home made contraption for a skillet. New Years eve I had a fever and regurgitated. Was in bed during the hilarious time which began at 11:55 for Courtney started things off five minutes early by blowing a whistle. Next day felt weak, but managed to eat another turkey dinner.

We recommenced training after the New Year began and have been working out quite hard--putting on demonstrations for Brass Hat Generals.

January 18-21, 1945 The Division put on a problem. The second Division problem in the history of the Marine Corps. The first one tried was in Cuba. The problem was the most rugged one we have had overseas. The second night it rained all night and everyone rolled up in a poncho and tried to keep at least one leg dry while the rest of the body was under water. No one slept more than a wink at the most. We went up one hill and down another until we were damn near exhausted. There is a vine in this island called a wait-a-minute vine because it literally holds one up for a few minutes and scratches the living daylights out of one. We returned to Camp Sunday at 12:30 A.M. via the L.S.T. and everyone rushed to the river. It was heaven. Received three letters, one from Klosterboer who is now in the States; one from Dolores and one from Jean who received the flowers and appreciated them very much.

January 21-February 23~ 1945 Received an album from home and nearly have it finished.

I now have a full squad minus one who went to ship to shore. Roster now stands: Heckt, Napiwoski, Hassell, Szczypinski, Straup, Lamberson, Jennings and Hauser, the lad from Tennessee who hunts parrots with a sling shot and is an expert horseshoe pitcher, but couldn’t learn the machine gun in two years. Was sent ship to shore. We've been receiving a hell of a lot of beer and coke. The last time we bought one case of coke and one and one-half cases of beer. The beer is now ice cold and we receive two to four to six per night--tempus fugit.

We will soon be off for action. The 4th and 5th Divisions and 3rd in Reserve hit Iwo Jima. Where we will hit only God and the Intelligence Section know. We are drawing new clothes and equipment. Squaring away for the ensuing campaign. The doctor gave us lectures telling us there was practically every disease known to man--scrubtyphus--types of dysentery--poisonous snakes, etc. We impregnated our clothes in mosquito and soap solution.

Sat., March 10 Squared away our gear for tomorrow’s embarkation. Saw movie "Rhapsody In Blue-, the life story of George Gershwin. It rained pitch forks and hammer handles throughout show. Our tent was flooded upon our return.

Sun., March 11 Board LST 451 approximately 08:30 during downpour of rain. Nap, Jennings and I found a location and after I gunghoed a tent and tarp we began building our boudoir. We finally finished our construction and had a hut which should withstand wind and rain. Hit sack early and had a good night’s sleep.

Mon., March 12 Exinqer, Courtney and I are in charge of the chow line and in that way we eat first and plenty. Played hearts with McDonald, Courtney and Exinger and Chick. I won two out of three. Took fresh water shower after eve chow. Felt like a million dollars. Learned our destination is Okinawa Jima in the Nancei Shoto - 360 miles from Japan. Nap, Jennings, Coop and Banker and I shot the bull and hit sack.

March 13 Had hot cakes for morn chow. Lt. Fribourq gave us information on Okinawa. Learned about terrain--defense, etc. Ate noon chow. Played two games of hearts and am now writing in diary.

March 14 Exinger, Courtney and I are supervising chow line. Quite a racket indeed. I am reading the Story of America by VanLoon. Nap, Jennings, Donvito and I enjoyed the evening by looking out over the vast horizon--smoking --reminiscing and in general relaxing as we can in these last 18 days before the storm. We had our nightly cup of Jo and hit the sack.

March 15 Began "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" and believe it will rate second only to "The Robe". Nap, Gallatin, Jones and I played Pinochle till dark and then sang songs till we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer.

March 16 Had flap jacks for morn chow. Read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" all morn and most of afternoon. It is super. Took a wh***’s bath this eve.

Sat., March 17-March 20 Finished Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Really is a good story. Sunday sacked out most of day. The Baker aboard this ship has been on the ball with pies and cakes. Chow has been damn good. Jo isn't up to Navy's standard. Chick and I won five of nine games over Waite and Hassell to win the day's championship. Tues. night a big storm came up. One truck and jeep were lost over side of one of the LST's.

March 21 Wow! What a storm! It is really hard to keep one's footing. Rained all morn and let up just before noon chow. Wrote three v-mails to folks, Jean and Dolores. Tonight is the deadline for outgoing mail. We evidently will reach the staging area tomorrow.

March 22 This morn we had oranges for chow. The first ones we have had for a long time. This aft Exinger and I won at Pinochle. Four straight. We received mail this aft and lots of it. Received four from folks and from Jean - what a girl! Are now at the staging area. Ulithi. Finished reading "The Apostle" by Sholem Asch. The story is about the life of the Apostle Paul and is a very well written novel.

March 23 Played one game of Pinochle. Then 1st and 3rd Plts. boarded our LST. 125 more men were added to the already overcrowded LST 451. I found a sack for my boy Dunham and shot the bull for the remainder of the morn. At 1300 the Chaplain held communion services in the officer's recreation room. It is the last service we will receive before hitting the beach. It was a very impressive service. Received more mail, one from folks, Klosterboer, Dolores, and Mrs. Hawn. Spent aft writing one letter to the folks. That eve a tanker refueled the LST and we saw a Sherlock Holmes movie and so to bed.

March 24 Rain poured and drizzled all night and morn. Our little boudoir has been holding up damn well, however. Aft morn chow, hit the sack and I woke at 10:00 and am now writing in Diary. We will leave tomorrow night from Ulithi to Okinawa..

March 25 Fresh chicken and peach pie. Went to church. The minister was a member of the crew who voluntarily lead devotions in place of an ordained minister or chaplain. Hit sack early. Didn't sleep well. Rock and roll of this tub was main cause.

March 26 After chow line secured, I read all morn: This aft Chick gave me a haircut. Then we had a drill preparatory to the real thing on Love Day.

March 27 Sea is rough. Men are tossing their cookies. Some on windward, some on leeward, those who regurgitated on the windward are to be pitied. I have been o.k. so far. Felt a little sick, but not for long. Last night the crane broke loose and Naps, Jennings, and my sack went sprawling. Our boudoir came down. Jenning’s pack is still caught under the crane's track and inside the pack he had a .45 pistol. The navy men went to work and within an hour the convoy, halted because of this mishap, continued on its journey. We rebuilt our boudoir just before dark. We were all in but our show strings. Took a Wh***’s bath and felt some better. Hit the sack tired but with the assurance that a roof was over our heads. Tonight we sang songs and then turned in.

March 28 Arose at 06:10. Ate chow--cereal--navy beans--prunes and coffee cake. Shot the bull with Dunham, Barbour and Berry. Received our occupational money--yen, sen, etc. 20 yen equal 2 dollars. 50 sen equals 5 cents. It takes a bushel basket full of money to make $100.00, if filled with sen.

March 29, 1945 Sun came out for first time in ages. Ail those who had been seasick are eating again. This morn Nap and I played Banker and Hassell and won two games. This aft I cleaned M1 and spare parts and squared away pack.

March 30, 1945 It is cold as an Iowa winter--brr! Nap and I played Pinochle in morn and lost three games to McDonald and Barbour. In aft we won three from Banker and Coop. Sang last night and had one delicious beer. Hit the sack and wished I had about ten blankets.

Sat., March 31 The day before the storm has come. Tomorrow is Love Day and we are to hit the beach bright and early. May the Lord bless every man who falls in the ensuing struggle. All machine gunners sang till 10:30. Hit the sack for the last time for a long time to come.

OKINAWA

Sunday, Easter Morn, April 1, 1945

Hit beach 08:30 with very little opposition. Two men were hit, not serious. We took Yontan Airfield, Chinatown, and went to L + 3 line. That Night Buleza was hit in head and will be o.k. Hofer’s platoon now has four casualties, one dead. What a hectic night.

April 2 Pushed out again and hiked for a hell of a long way that aft. Hofer, Powers, McMinn and Carney were wounded. I helped carry Powers to first aid station. He was hit in head, shoulder and hip. He never once complained. Dreiswerd and Vana killed eight Nips while protecting our stretcher party while we carried Powers back. Dreiswerd really used his B.A.R. to good advantage. After returning to our Company, Dunham, Copeland, Cooper, Acuna, Canfield and I cleaned out a cave which had pinned down Father Redmond. At first we didn't know who was pinned down and the person was swearing for us to hurry. I swore back at this person and later learned it was my first and only time that I swore at a priest. Cope thru one grenade, the Nip fired, I threw two grenades and a flame thrower and demolition man cleaned out the cave.

When we first advanced up the ridge where Hofer and the others were wounded, I shot my first Nip of the campaign. I just followed in the single column up the ridge and when I reached the top, there was a yellow b----rd with camouflaged helmet staring me in the face. I fired one shot with the M1 and he fell. I ran up to him and fired two more rounds to make sure. That night contact was bad. We had part of one squad giving our gun protection on the right flank. A booby trap went off and four men of Powers' squad were hit, one a broken ear drum, one blinded temporarily or permanently, I don't know which, one burned, one victim of shock. We just learned unbelievable news. Lt. Dodds, our Company C.O., was killed by a sniper. I planned a withdrawal in case the Japs attacked our weak right flank. I collected all the spare grenades and passed them around. We dug in knowing the Japs were all around us. How many, we didn't know. Everything went well till 3:30 A.M. when two of my men were killed in their foxhole, which was only two yards from Dutch Flamisch,s and mine. Straup and Szczypinski, two of the youngest and best lads, were cuddled up in their foxhole when the grenade or mortar landed right between them and killed them instantly. I started heaving grenades down the ridge and believe I got one of the b-----ds. I thought I heard them crawling up the ridge and fired a few rounds about 10 yards in front of our foxhole. We spotted some people moving on the road and Nap opened up with the M.G. The next morn we found dead civilians and a couple of Japs. It is hard to believe that Straup and Ski are gone.

April 3 Took care qf Straup’s and Ski's bodies. Father Redmond delivered Last Rites. We pushed on all day up and down hills. It was really hard on M.G.’s. Most of us threw away our helmets. Too heavy and not effective against bullets anyway. Tonight we are all out of water and are really tired. I have slept 20 minutes in the last two and one-half days.

April 4 Had the first night's sleep in three nights. Washed my face for first time. Had first cup of hot bouillon. Pulled stakes at 0800. Hiked up and down mountains till 2:30 P.M. We are near to the L + 15 line. Took some pictures of scenery and of squad and section. Allen had to drink a cup of Jo on the run as we pulled out from top of beach to right on beach. We have the gun sitting in the entrance to one of the numerous tombs on the island. Inside tombs are large jars containing the remains of the civilians.

April 5 Last night we damn near froze. This morn everyone shaved and cleaned weapons. We have been sitting around the fire all morning. Went to church services and came back to find a can of juice and chocolate bar. So far the 4th Regiment has received most of casualties in the Division. 1st Bn was by far the hardest hit in the Regiment. Received three letters--one from folks; one from grandfolks and one from Mrs. H. H. Scott.

April 6 Left Beach at 0830 and walked 15 miles and have beautiful blisters. Last night slept good even though I was so damn tired.

April 7 Started off at 0900 and started on down the island. We walked up and down hills and ran into all kinds of civilians--blind, crippled, etc. We are now set up on beach--our patrol found a woman having a baby. The corpsman assisted. Both woman and baby are in good condition. Tonight had hot Jo and "C" ration. Flash! Just learned Hitler surrendered unconditionally. I hope the news is true. Perhaps this will hasten the war's end. Amen. Tomorrow--we hike some more.

April 8, Sunday Slept damn well last night. This morn cleaned weapons and dug garbage pit while rifle platoons went on patrol. Went swimming in ice cold salt water. Went to church this aft. Heard Germany did not surrender. Damn it. Tonight lower half of packs came, so we will have a change of dungarees and combat jackets to keep us warm.

April 9 Blue Monday. This morn the Plt. went to river to wash clothes and bodies. It was the first fresh water bath in nine days. It was wonderful. Allen and I put up a pup tent. Cooked our 10-I ration and shot the bull the rest of the day.

April 10, Tuesday. Had bacon and hot cereal for morn chow. Hm! Hm! Cleaned weapons and area and are now loafing. Saw Courtney and the boys of the 2nd and 3rd Platoons. Ate chow and sacked in while it rained most- of the day. Got up to eat chow and then hit the sack for the night. This cold weather really gives the kidneys a work out. I used a peach can four times last night.

April 11 Had bacon and eggs for morn chow. Really gave "Penny" (the machine gun named after Nap's girl friend) a good cleaning. policed the area. Went down to the Red Cross and picked up a corn cob pipe--razor--tooth paste, etc. Took some pictures of the boudoir and men. Had a good hot chow this eve--English stew and two cans of green beans --Jo-crackers and grape jam--a cup of pears. We may have to go on patrol tomorrow. I hope its only for a day. Heard Russia gave Germany two weeks to get out of the war. I hope they quit in a week.

April 12 Took more pictures. Basked in sun all day.

April 13 Pulled stakes and are off to help the 29th Regiment. Hiked eight miles and set up on ridge for night. Then orders came to move out. We rode in ducks to 22nd Marine Regiment and camped where a Banzai took place last night. Nips came through to our artillery. Tonight we expect plenty.

April 14 Had a quiet cold night. 50% watch. This morn 2nd Plt. went on patrol up Valley. Met snipers and nambu M.G.'s. Result they were pinned down. Giglio and Stevens were killed. Five -seven were wounded. We gave support fire with our M.G.’s so 2nd Plt. could evacuate wounded. 9 A.M. we move out. What we will meet God only knows.

April 15, Sunday Moved out at 7:30 up steep valley. Mountains were on each side. Around noon we ran into sniper and nambu fire and at the day's end we had lost 30 men--Lt. Quirk was killed--Tuttle, Kaercher, Arrowsmith, Godwin and one communication man were killed. Banker and Bohman hit out of M.G. section. Not serious. I never had so many close shaves in all my life and I only have God to thank for being alive. Maffesoli was hit in buttocks crossing in front of me; when Banker was hit I went to him and we sat there in a fire lane looking at his wound. We finally realized we were sitting in a fire lane after a nambu burst just missed my arm and chest. We took off as if we were running the 100 yard dash. Another time I got up to run and a Nip fired at me, but hit Red McDonald who was sitting along the trail. He cussed me at first and then realized he was only hit in the finger and could get the hell out of this Hell and thanked me as he was being evacuated. Yes, today was hell. Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Mon., April 16 Today Baker Co. is in reserve after being pretty well shot up yesterday. Buried Lt. Quirk, Godwin, Arrowsmith and Dreiswerd. "L" Company and rest of 3rd Bn passed through our lines. I happened to see a fellow named Brown from Cedar Falls against whom I played football and basketball. Peculiar the places one will meet an acquaintance. This aft "A" Co. and "C" Co. caught hell from Nip mortars and grenades and Banzai charges while advancing up mountain. Jud Conant was killed yesterday. Today Ed Lawson was hit in head by enemy mortar fragment and died later in the day. Poor Dunham has a four man squad--Boniello dropped out with heat exhaustion. M.G.'s now have a 10 man section. The company and whole battalion are hit badly. We have very little water left and are out of chow. Hope tomorrow we can get chow and water. This aft I said the 23rd Psalm quite a few times and I know many others were saying their prayers for it has been only by God's will that my comrades and I are still alive.

A nambu opened up on us while we crossed an open area. None of our boys were hit. A few of "K" Co. were hit. Tonight we are in heavy bush which reminds me of second night on Guam.

Tues., April 17 This morn we awoke safe and sound. A few mortar shells landed nearby. No casualties. Went down for chow and water. What a trip! Way down the mountain. We carried a couple stretcher cases and came back up with water and chow--what a hike! I receive five letters--one from Jean and four from folks. March 14, 1941 was quite a date, I'll always remember. Folks knew three days in advance where we hit. 1st Bn is in reserve today. Roy Chick was hit by a sniper--was still living when I saw him at Battalion Aid Station. Doubt if he will live. According to intelligence reports there are 500 newly landed Nips and trained Okinawans left on this Motobu Peninsula. "C" Company repelled a Banzai this morn. Perhaps our company and battalion will have better going for a while. Morale is better after receiving all this mail. My only prayer for today is for mother--may she be well and strong and recover from all this terrible illness. We began hiking about 12 noon and went up and down these damnable hills. All thatched huts were set afire. We ran into Nip Bivouac areas, demolition gear and knee mortars. Ezell was hit and killed by a log and shrapnel when a hut exploded. There are all kinds of mines and booby traps along the trail. Saw Lt. Hensley and 3rd BN--Also 29th Marines are nearby. We are now in a beautiful valley in which the 29th had been ambushed. Set in on ridge and Hassel, Nap and I slept in a hole hardly big enough for two let alone three.

Wed., April 18 Arose--ate chow. Platoon went down hill and showered and washed a few clothes. Returned and took pictures--this aft received five letters--one from Jean (I think she cares) from Dolores and four from folks. Mail call is really a morale builder. Had delicious chow this eve. Fresh bread, pineapples, peaches, hot meat and spaghetti. Tonight we learned to our chagrin that two regiments are going over the next ridge. More mountains, damn it. Dutch and I are going to eat our can of peaches before retiring for the evening.

Wed., April 19 05:00 a Tommy Gun opened up and killed a civilian. Everyone thought it was a nambu as several slugs went over our heads, one creasing Copeland’s hair. We received replacements this morn. McGee came into my squad and McKenna went to Cope's squad. 2 P.M. we left our bivouac area'. Hiked about a mile and set our lines below a ridge. It rained like cats and dogs and everyone was drenched. The poor gooks will suffer severe shock when they return to their boudoirs and find them rebuilt on the hill by the Marines. Everyone dried out. Some secured flea infested mats and the fleas are jumping from one to another.

April 20, 1945 Arose 5:45. Cooked chow. Buns from Division Bakery, apricots and tomato juice were brought up. 09:30 pulled stakes and began journey up mountains. Found a Jap 8 inch gun. Half way up, word was passed down line that this was the last hill to climb. Everyone gave out with a yell. On the way down one could observe that the Nip had prepared defenses against our landing on the Peninsula, pill boxes, fortified caves are all over the place. Some marines took a civilian and his boy and girl to an interpreter and I imagine the poor Okinawan thought he was to be killed for after the Marines had given him "C" rations and turned him loose, both children and the old man began to cry. Strange but simple people. Some of their farms are beautiful.

We ate some raw carrots yesterday. Camped on beach and are tied in with Regimental Weapons. Sea bags came so now have a pup tent and blankets. Tomorrow I am a man.

April 21, 1945 This morn Dutch and Hassell woke me from my slumber, pulling my ear and beating me to the tune of Happy Birthday. Quite a surprise. (Yesterday I received four letters--two from folks--one from Dake--and card from Brodericks.) Visited the 2nd Bn and found out Sparks was hit in the chest by shrapnel, the wound piercing the lung. He was evacuated and is alright Summers was killed. Sweet is o.k. This noon Christein gave me a shot of whiskey to celebrate my birthday. Joe Waite, Lillig and I are celebrating today. I wrote two letters. Received a hair cut from Maczko. Courtney gave me a shot of brandy and we listened to a Nip record player, mostly Nip records, The Rosary, Annie Laurie, Home Sweet Home. Last night Tex Hassell bulldozzed a steer on the beach. A regular rodeo took place so I'm told. Condition Red. No planes. The corpsman who hails from Kentucky’s highest hill played the guitar and we sang till late (8:30 P.M.).

April 22 This morn prepared for inspection. Dug new head. Made signs--replacements came--Congdon and Simons, both from Connecticut--to my surprise, Lamberson and Jennings had a verbal fight. Lamberson wants to go to Cope's squad. It may or may not be my fault or Jennings' fault. I don't give a damn. If a man is so temperamental that he has to be handled only with kid gloves, let him go. This morn learned that Buleza died the 17th and Lawson the 18th of April. Both had been believed to be o.k.

April 23 Arose at 5:30 A.M. Boarded trucks with 1st Platoon who are to represent the 4th Marine Regiment in the official flag raising upon the securing of the northern and central part of the island. I took Calhoun’s and Barbour’s cameras and took four shots before a Capt. threatened to take away the cameras. He told me three times so I thought I had better secure. Gen. A. A Vandegrift, Commandant of U.S.M.C. was introduced by Gen. Shepherd. The flag was raised; the Marine Corps Hymn was played; and the Island was officially dedicated. Gen. Vandegrift looked very handsome in his fleece lined jacked and his khaki pants and S.S. cap. I don't believe I saw a 2nd Lt. at the whole ceremony.

April 25 We broke camp 7:30. Boarded trucks for our new destination. It commenced to rain. Dunham, Barbour and I sang all the way. I saw Ben Trickey and we had a short chat. He came thru without a scratch. He looks good and promises to secure some whiskey, if he can. He is a real egg. Dunham says there is a chance we might receive field commissions. I hope. so.

April 26 Policed area. Built steps. Sea bags arrived so now have blankets and clothes. Today we learned we definitely have

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