Second Battle for the Matanikau River

In early October, intelligence indicates the Japanese are massing west of the Matanikau for another offensive. The division pre-empts this by launching a multi-pronged assault to seize the river crossings. Two battalions of the 5^th Marines advance down the coast road to engage the enemy on the near bank, while three battalions cross the river upstream to sweep northwards and garrison Kokumbona. Unlike the Matanikau River operation, this time division assigns adequate fire support.

October 7th, 1943

The 5^th Marines encounter a Japanese company dug in near the sandbar. Edson’s 2^nd Battalion, 5^th Marines secures most of its objective upriver, but the 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marines is halted by a strong defensive position. Company L is committed, and division sends Company A, 1^st Raider Battalion, to reinforce.

October 8th, 1943

During the night, the Japanese probe the lines and inflict casualties. When light sets in, Major Lewis W. Walt leads Company A, 1^st Raider Battalion in an assault, but they make little progress. Heavy rain delays the river crossing, and Vandegrift modifies the plan to a brief envelopment and withdrawal.

Edson, observing the situation, halts the attack and orders Company A to dig in on the right flank of the 3^rd Battalion. Their position forms a horseshoe, protected by barbed wire at the sandbar. That evening, the Japanese launch a desperate breakout attempt. They surprise Company A’s left flank and attack the centre from the rear, only to be caught in the wire and cut down by Marine fire.

October 9th, 1943

By morning, a few Japanese remain hidden in foxholes, but are eliminated by Company C. The final casualty of the 1^st Raider Battalion is Corporal Walter J. Burak, Red Mike’s runner. He is killed by machine-gun fire while carrying a message. The Marines count 59 Japanese dead; the battalion loses 12 killed and 22 wounded.

Aftermath

On October 13^th, 1943, the 164^th Infantry Regiment arrives, and the 1^st Raider Battalion departs for New Caledonia. Only 200 of the original battalion remain, barely a quarter of their starting strength.