(Marker- right side of entrance): The 6th MARINE DIVISION was formed on Guadalcanal in September 1944 and was composed of three infantry regiments: 4th Marines; 22nd Marines; 29th Marines; an artillery regiment, 15th Marines and several support units.
The 4th MARINES dates back to 1911. It fought in the Phillipines in 1942; was reactivated in 1944 from battalions of the famous Raiders; fought with the 2nd Marines as the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade in the Invasion of Guam; became part of the ?Striking Sixth.'
The 22nd MARINES was formed in June 1942. It did garrison duty on Samoa; assaulted Engebi Island in the Kwajelein Atoll in February 1944; fought in the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade at Guam; became part of the ?Striking Sixth.'
The 29th MARINES was formed in May 1944. The 1st Battalion participated in the assault on Saipan, then became part of the ?Striking Sixth.'
The 15th MARINES consisted of the artillery units formerly with the 4th, 22nd and 29th Regiments.
The 6th MARINE DIVISION was only in existence for 19 months. It left a record of distinguished service second to none. It was awarded the coveted PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION as a result of its superior performance during the Battle of Okinawa.
(Marker - left side of entrance): Monuments and Memories (for those who never came home)
Some people say I should not waste the hours of my life
on monuments and memories recalling times of strife
They seem to think it only is a name upon a stone
while I reflect that easily that name could be my own
Should I forget those men I knew who stood and fell by me?
Should I forget those torrid isles upon that sultry sea?
Should I forget that smiling lad from Arizona's plain?
Who fought alongside me though wounded and in pain?
Or should I just forget about that Corpsman standing fast
Who put his body over mine and took that mortar blast?
Should I forget those countless men who waded into shore
And gave their lives defending my Country and my Corps?
I can't forget one single name. Those men are with me still
If I don't remember them, I ask you then who will?
Robert A. Gannon
Near the entrance are individual campaign markers for China, Japan Saipan, Guam, Marshalls, Bouganville, Solomons, and Makin. At the far end is a campaign marker for Okinawa.
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