1. The Commanding General wishes to commend the Twenty-second Marines
for their outstanding performance of duty during the period from 8 May
1945 to the present date.
2. On 8 May 1945, the Twenty-second Marines was assigned the extreme
right flank of the Third Amphibious Corps zone of action. At that time
the forward line in this sector ran from the west coast inland just
south of Machinato airfield. The enemy positions facing them were
recognized to be of an extremely formidable nature and had withstood
attack for many days.
Undeterred by the grim prospects confronting them the Twenty-second
Marines upon receiving the order to attack, immediately began a
determined skillful advance to the south.
The regiment rapidly forced its way to the Asa-Kwan estuary and upon
reaching that formidable natural barrier, unhesitatingly forded the fire
swept water course and established a firm bridgehead on the southern
side.
The following day, the attack was resumed, this time against the enemy
main line of resistance lodged on commanding ground honeycombed with
tunnels, caves, and pillboxes. In the face of devastating artillery,
mortar and machine gun fire, the regiment unhesitatingly hammered its
way up the fanatically defended slopes and by its persistent, dogged
determination breached the enemy defenses and seized the tactically
important high ground overlooking Naha.
Since the seizure of this important area, the regiment has demonstrated
its tenacity in holding ground gained against repeated enemy
counter-attacks and counter-landings.
3. The Sixth Marine Division looks with pride on the accomplishments of
the Twenty-second Marines. The esprit de corps, courageous
determination, and outstanding fighting ability of this regiment is
worthy of the greatest praise.
4. Let us not forget that these achievements have not been without cost.
The glory gained belongs equally to those who so unsparingly gave their
lives in the performance of their duty. The battle is not yet won, and
hard fighting lies ahead, but it behooves those who remain to resolve to
maintain the inspired standards established by the recent
accomplishments of this regiment.
/S/ LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.
Major General, U. S. Marine Corps,
Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.
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1990-10-10
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HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD