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USMC Marine Museum -
Artillery
"Rumors that reinforcements were on the way…spread rapidly…"
Lt. Woodrow M. Kessler, USMC, Wake Island |
The death of my
autistic Uncle Buddy in November 2013 due to a
significant nursing home error weighed heavily on us. As
Christmas Eve approached, the emotional toll from that
arduous year lingered, but after ringing in the New
Year, my wife suggested a trip to Washington D.C. to
help uplift our spirits. A few weeks later, we found
ourselves at The Marine Museum, hoping to find some
solace and inspiration amidst the poignant memories of
the past. |
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The following
narratives highlight America's un-preparedness following Japan's
surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
America would
overcome the deficit and go on to victory in the Pacific and shared
victory in Europe. America would also add a unique
perspective to human history when she assisted in the
rebuilding of two conquered countries. |
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| WWll |
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America entered
the Second World War when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Territory of
Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. An
attack that
shocked complacently isolationist
America. |
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A Date That Will Live In Infamy |
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President Roosevelt aptly called
December 7 1941 as
"a date that will live in
infamy".
So devastating had been Japan’s surprise
strike against Pearl Harbor that even six months later the
U.S Pacific Fleet was still unable to mount a credible
relief expedition to the Philippines to rescue the besieged
garrison at Corregidor. |
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Guam & So On |
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The relentless Japanese assault in
World War II overwhelmed Marine outposts west of Midway,
affecting regions like China, Guam, Wake Island, and
northern Luzon. Although the courageous stands taken by the
Marines created a powerful legacy and rallied the American
spirit, their sacrifices often resulted in a bittersweet
immortality, marked by the grim aftermath of prolonged and
harsh captivity for numerous servicemen.
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Roosevelt |
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The Marines’ wartime mission endured high-level tinkering as
the
Roosevelt
administration struggled to fight a global war.
Roosevelt
wanted the Corps to form commando units. Other officials
sought to deploy small units of Marines to the
Azores,
North Africa,
or the
Caribbean.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff ended the debate by committing the
Corps to the Pacific as amphibious assault troops. The
Marines welcomed the mission but worried about attaining the
means to accomplish it. |
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Change |
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The Pacific War changed dramatically on
20 November 1943
when an enormous
U.S.
fleet appeared unexpectedly in the heart of the
Japanese-occupied
Gilbert Islands
and launched concurrent amphibious assaults against
Tarawa
and Makin Atolls. |
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The South Pacific |
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At this juncture, the United States had
been fighting valiantly with constrained resources in the South
Pacific, eagerly anticipating the ramp-up of industrial production
for the war effort, which had finally arrived.
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Nimitz |
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With access to a historically unmatched fleet, Admiral
Chester Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet,
gained a significant tactical edge in the war effort. This
newfound military power not only encompassed a formidable
array of ships and aircraft but also featured a strong
contingent of Marines, along with essential amphibious
vessels and landing craft, enabling the Leathernecks to
spearhead a crucial campaign across the Central Pacific
towards Japan's very doorstep. |
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Amphibious Assault |
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To establish the effectiveness of their still untested
doctrine for offensive amphibious assaults on heavily
fortified coastlines, the Marines needed a real-world
proving ground. Betio Island, located in Tarawa Atoll,
became the initial target of this new campaign, offering a
critical opportunity for the Marines to demonstrate their
capabilities in what would be a significant trial by fire. |
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Women Marines |
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By the end of the war, almost 19,000 Women Marines had
become the backbone of permanent personnel across major
Marine bases in the United States, taking on roles in 225
different military specialties, from truck mechanics to
parachute riggers.
Their invaluable contributions enabled the Commandant to
deploy an impressive 90% of all male Marines overseas,
representing the highest deployment rate of any armed force,
and underscoring the critical role women played in
supporting the war effort.
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Next:
USMS
AIR |
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