Operations, U.S. Marine Raider Battalions - Special Forces in World War 2

Operations

Pacific

August 7^th, 1942 – August 8^th, 1942

Operation Watchtower, Capture of the Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo Islands

1^st Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine 1^st Parachute Battalion

1^st Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine 1^st Parachute Battalion and support troops from the U.S. Marines. Initially, the plan focuses on Tulagi and the Santa Cruz Islands, but the discovery of Japanese airfield construction on Guadalcanal leads to its inclusion, replacing the Santa Cruz operation. Japanese signals intelligence detects the Allied movements but misinterprets their destination.

The Watchtower force, including 75 warships and transports, assembles near Fiji on July 26^th, 1942, and departs for Guadalcanal on July 31^st, 1942. U.S. Vice Admiral Frank Fletcher commands the expeditionary force, with Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner leading the amphibious forces and Vandegrift commanding the 16,000-strong landing forces, mainly U.S. Marines.

On August 7^th, 1942, poor weather allows the Allied force to approach undetected. The landing force divides, with one group targeting Guadalcanal and the other Tulagi, Florida, and Gavutu-Tanambogo. Aircraft from the U.S.S. Wasp bomb Japanese installations and destroy seaplanes. U.S. Marines land on Florida Island at 07:40 and on Tulagi at 08:00, facing minimal initial resistance.

Japanese defenders on Tulagi, Gavutu, and Tanambogo prepare for a last stand. The Marines secure positions on Tulagi and advance against increasing resistance. Overnight, the Japanese launch five attacks, but the Marines hold firm.
On August 8^th, 1942, reinforcements help secure Tulagi. Marines assault Gavutu at noon, facing heavy resistance but eventually clearing Japanese positions. Tanambogo is attacked later, with Marines overcoming strong defenses and destroying caves.

By August 9^th, 1942, resistance on Tanambogo ceases. The battles result in significant casualties: 307 Japanese and 45 U.S. troops die on Tulagi, while 476 Japanese and 70 U.S. personnel die on Gavutu-Tanambogo. Several Japanese and Korean laborers are captured.

August 17^th, 1942 – August 18^th, 1942

Raid on Makin Island

2^nd Raider Battalion

The raid on Makin Island aims to divert Japanese attention from Guadalcanal, disrupt reinforcements, gather intelligence, and destroy enemy facilities. Makin Island, particularly Butaritari, offers strategic advantages due to its dense vegetation and narrow land strip. The raiding force, Task Unit 7.15.3, consists of 13 officers and 208 enlisted men from Company A and B, led by Lieutenant Merwyn C. Plumley and Captain Ralph H. Coyte of the 2^nd Raider Battalion.

They depart from Pearl Harbor aboard the U.S.S. Nautilus and U.S.S. Argonaut, reaching Makin on August 16^th, 1942. Early on August 17^th, 1942, the submarines arrive at the debarkation point. Difficulties during unloading lead to a change in plan, with all boats directed to a single landing site, Beach Z. Despite some boats landing off-course, the troops manage to regroup and begin the operation unopposed until a rifle discharge alerts the Japanese.

Company A secures Government Wharf and House by 06:00 but encounters heavy resistance along the lagoon road. Reinforced by Company B, they overcome Japanese defenses. The arrival of Japanese ships in the lagoon is neutralised by the submarines’ deck guns. The battle intensifies with aerial attacks. Carlson, the commanding officer, attempts to lure snipers but faces continued resistance. Despite a final intense bombing at 16:30, the raiders can’t capture prisoners or destroy key facilities. Withdrawing at 19:30, they aim to preserve their forces.

19 Raider Marines were killed in action during the raid.

September 2^nd, 1942 – September 5^th, 1942

Patrol on Savo Island

1^st Raider Battalion

On September 2^nd, 1942, two raider companies depart on high-speed transports for a patrol on Savo Island. The initial action takes place on September 4^th, 1942, when the two-company patrol is dispatched to Savo Island based on intelligence suggesting the presence of an enemy observation post. Griffith takes command of this operation, while Edson simultaneously begins planning a reconnaissance-in-force targeting Cape Esperance for the following day. Late in the afternoon, the patrol returns aboard the U.S.S. Little (APD 4) and the U.S.S. Gregory (APD 3). As the troops start disembarking, they are quickly instructed to remain aboard to prepare for the upcoming mission. Once Edson becomes aware of the mix-up, he allows the offloading process to proceed to completion. That night, Japanese destroyers from the Tokyo Express sink the two APD’s, U.S.S. Little and U.S.S. Gregory.

September 7^th, 1942 – September 14^th, 1942

Battle of Edson’s “Bloody” Ridge

1^st Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine 1^st Parachute Battalion

In August 1942, Japanese forces begin nightly reinforcement runs to Guadalcanal, known as the “Tokyo Express.” On August 21^st, 1942, the Marines, under Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift, repel the first Japanese attack at the Tenaru River. Recognizing the need for more strength, Vandegrift prepares for further defenses around the airfield.

Major General Kiyotaki Kawaguchi, leading 6,200 soldiers, plans a three-pronged assault on Henderson Field, underestimating the Marine forces. In late August, Vandegrift positions the 1st Raider Battalion and the 1st Parachute Battalion near Lunga Point. Colonel Edson, commander of the raiders, prepares for offensive operations.

On September 7^th, 1942, intelligence reports Japanese forces in Tasimboko. Colonel Merritt A. Edson secures approval for a raid on September 8^th, 1943. Vandegrift deploys 849 Marines, including raiders and parachutists, to engage the enemy. Due to recent transport losses, the raiders embark on U.S.S. McKean, U.S.S. Manley, and converted tuna boats. Scouts report significant Japanese forces in the area, but Edson trusts intelligence suggesting defences face west.

Landing at Taivu Point before dawn, the Marines advance inland, discovering evidence of Japanese presence, including foxholes, life preservers, and anti-tank guns. A rear guard of 300 men defends the village, while the main force has moved inland. The Marines encounter heavy resistance, prompting Edson to request reinforcements. Division command orders a withdrawal, but Edson disregards this and continues the assault, securing the village by midday with the 1^st Marine Parachute Battalion. The raiders destroy stockpiles of supplies, artillery, and communications equipment, gathering valuable intelligence documents.

The raid significantly disrupts Japanese logistics and reveals plans for an upcoming offensive. Marine casualties remain low, while Japanese losses amount to around 50. The operation bolsters Marine morale and plays a crucial role in the ongoing Guadalcanal campaign.

From September 9-11, 1942, Vandegrift orders the combined forces into defensive positions near the Lunga River. They face continuous Japanese bombardments and skirmishes. On September 12, Japanese aircraft severely damage Henderson Field. By nightfall, Kawaguchi’s battalions attack but face strong Marine resistance.

From September 12-13, 1942, intense battles occur on Bloody Ridge. Despite numerous assaults, the Japanese fail to break the Marine defenses. Artillery and Marine reinforcements play crucial roles. By September 14^th, 1942, the Japanese are significantly weakened, with heavy casualties and a failed final assault.

On September 15^th, 1942, the Japanese launch minimal attacks and begin retreating. The battle results in significant casualties: 111 Marines killed, 283 wounded, and approximately 1,200 Japanese soldiers killed or missing. The Marines continue to strengthen defenses and prepare for future actions, marking Bloody Ridge as a key defensive victory.

September 20^th, 1942 – September 27^th, 1942

Battle for the Matanikau River

1^st Raider Battalion

On September 20^th, 1942, General Vandegrift tasks the Raiders with clearing out Japanese stragglers south of the ridge. The operation results in 19 Japanese killed, a captured howitzer, and three Raiders wounded. During their return, friendly fire from the newly arrived 7^th Marines almost causes casualties. That same day, Vandegrift reorganises senior command: Colonel Edson is given the 5^th Marines, and Lieutenant Colonel Griffith takes over the 1^st Raider Battalion.

On September 23^rd. 1944, Lieutenant Colonel “Chesty” Puller’s 1^st Battalion, 7^th Marines, begins clearing operations near the Matanikau River. The plan is to later position the Raiders west of the perimeter to block Japanese artillery. On September 24^th, 1942, Puller routs a Japanese force but suffers heavy losses, prompting the 2^nd Battalion, 5^th Marines, to assist.

By September 26^th, 1944, the combined force reaches the Matanikau. Their attempt to cross at the sandbar is repelled, while another Japanese force blocks the bridge upstream. Vandegrift places Edson in command and reinforces with the Raiders. A three-pronged assault plan is formed for September 27^th, 1942: flank attack by the Raiders, direct assault by the 2^nd Battalion, and an amphibious landing by the 1^st Battalion, 7^th Marines.

Heavy rain hampers the operation. The Raiders are pinned down, Major Bailey is killed, and Griffith is wounded. Miscommunication leads Edson to order another failed assault. The 1^st Battalion, 7^thMarines, is surrounded after landing behind enemy lines but eventually escapes with naval gunfire support. Edson calls off further attacks.

The operation ends in withdrawal. Marine losses total 67 killed and 125 wounded, marking the campaign’s only Marine tactical defeat. The Raiders lose two dead and 11 wounded, including both senior officers. Captain Ira J. Irwin takes command. The battalion, now ravaged by combat and disease, is severely depleted and approaching exhaustion.

October 7^th, 1943 – October 9^th, 1943

Second Battle for the Matanikau River

1^st Raider Battalion

In early October 1942, U.S. intelligence reports a Japanese build-up west of the Matanikau River. To pre-empt a new offensive, the 1^st Marine Division launches a coordinated attack to seize key river crossings. Two battalions of the 5^th Marines advance along the coast, while three more cross the river upstream to push north toward Kokumbona. This time, the assault includes substantial fire support.
On October 7^th, 1942, the 5^th Marines encounter stiff resistance near the sandbar. Edson’s 2^nd Battalion secures its objectives upriver, but the 3^rd Battalion is stalled. Reinforcements arrive in the form of Company A, 1^st Raider Battalion.

On October 8^th, 1942, the Japanese probe Marine lines overnight. At first light, Major Lewis W. Walt leads Company A in an assault, which gains little ground. Rain delays further movement, prompting Vandegrift to scale down the operation to a limited envelopment. Edson halts the attack and has Company A entrench on the right flank of the 3rd Battalion. That evening, the Japanese attempt a breakout, striking Company A’s left and centre but are halted by barbed wire and concentrated fire. By morning, 59 Japanese lie dead. Marine losses stand at 12 killed and 22 wounded.