[Illustration: _Chaplain Joseph A. Rabun of the 9th Marines delivers
his sermon with a “Merry Christmas” sign overhead and a sand-bagged
dugout close at hand._
Department of Defense Photo (USMC) 74819
]
Reconnaissance found 14-18 Japanese on that hill, down by the Torokina
River. A combat patrol from the 21st Marines moved to drive the
Japanese off the knob. It wasn’t hard, but it cost the life of one
Marine and one was wounded. But IMAC wanted a permanent outpost on the
hill, and the 3d Battalion, 21st, drew the assignment. It began with
one rifle platoon and a platoon of heavy machine guns on 22 December.
Hill 600A was a repeat of past enemy tactics. The Japanese had come
back to occupy it. They held against all efforts, even against a
two-pronged attack. A full company came up and made three assaults.
That didn’t help either. Late on the 23d, the Marines held for the
night, preparing to mount another attack in the morning. That morning
was Christmas Eve, 1943. Scouts went up to look. The Japanese had gone.
Christmas wasn’t merry, but it was better. For the 3d Marine Division,
the war was over on Bougainville.
[Illustration: