Reference: (a) ComTransronTwelve ltr to CG, 6th Mar Div.
serial #318, dated 15 April 1945.
1. Reference (a) is quoted below for the information of all members of
this command:
“1. During the period from 1 to 10 April 1945 inclusive the Shore
Party of the SIXTH Marine Division worked in closest cooperation and
harmony with Transport Squadron TWELVE (Transport Group ABLE), ships
under its operational control, and with all elements of the Navy
beach and control parties of the squadron. During this period some
51,920 tons of cargo were landed on and handled over the reef and
sent to dumps and dispersal areas in the rear. At no time were the
beaches allowed to become congested with cargo to the detriment of
progress in general cargo unloading. At the end of the unloading
period all cargo was clear of the beach areas, beaches were clean
and free of wreckage, cargo nets and life preservers had been
salvaged and returned to ships, and Garrison Shore and Beach Parties
were completely stationed, well instructed in their duties and fully
functioning.
“2. At no time, night or day, did unloading operations completely
cease on RED and GREEN Beaches. Upon ‘all clear’ after RED alert,
work was resumed promptly. At all times men were made available over
and beyond the normal demands whenever an emergency of one type or
another arose. At no time was there any complaint that the men were
too tired to work:—that they were tired goes without question, but
that they carried on is a tribute to their physical stamina, the
morale of the individual marine, and to the quality of their
leadership.
“3. Commander Transport Squadron TWELVE (Commander Transport Group
ABLE) strongly urges that the Commanding General, SIXTH Marine
Division publish this appreciation of the superb work done by his
Shore Party to all hands in his division so that all may know that
their Shore Party contributed very materially to their recent
success. It can be said in all truth that the SIXTH Marine Division
Shore Party is the best in every respect so far seen in this war,
and its organization, equipment and functioning deserve close study
as a model for future operations.
“4. ——
“5. ——
“6. In conclusion may we in Transport Squadron TWELVE express the
hope that at some future date we may be so fortunate as to serve
with the SIXTH Marine Division again. Everywhere we found splendid
cooperation, a thorough knowledge of what you wanted to do and a
keen appreciation of our own problems which enabled us to solve
often vexing details in a highly satisfactory manner. We know that
we have seen the best examples of the ship-to-shore movement to
date, and we leave you with highest regards and best wishes for your
continued success.