Kwajalein
February 1, 1944
PFC. Don Griffin
These two islands of Kwajalein and Roi Namur were seeing very hard fighting, but with the beaches secure, we now just had to work on taking the rest of the island... Shouldn't take too long, or be too difficult either.
The Marines had settled into a strong defensive line here on the island, not too far from the landing beach. A firm trench line was in place, with a great amount of Marine riflemen lining the trench all aiming their guns at the fields and trees before them, while a few machine gun positions lay behind us to give cover.
While the trench line filled with Marines still aiming their guns at the grounds, though some were taking a break to relax or talk with others, I stood by Gunny as he spoke to me smoking one of his typical cigars.
"Well, I gotta say," Gunny said, "That's quite a feat you accomplished... I know that your brother would be proud of you, though I'm sure he'd be happy just knowing you're still alive."
However, before I could ask where my brother was, suddenly, a Marine warned, "Japanese troops, incoming! Everyone, get to your positions and hold 'em off!"
"We'll have to discuss this later, boy," Gunny spoke, "Get into the trench."
As all the Marines positioned themselves along the trench and aimed their guns, Gunny and I jumped in with them, and once we were at our posts, I aimed my BAR at the grass and trees, while Gunny aimed his Thompson.
We waited as the machine gun positions blazed rounds at the trees before us, but eventually, with the sounds of war cries, Japanese troops started coming at our trench in full force.
"There they are, boys," Gunny noted, "Open up and lay into those sons of bitches!"
A vicious battle erupted as the line of Marines riflemen fired hails of intense gunfire at the incoming Japanese infantry, shooting numerous enemies as I fired and shot four Japanese as well, then the Marines all kept firing immense, fiery rifle fire that riddled multiple Japanese in the fierce fighting. As the Marines all kept firing rifle shots that furiously raked and pinned incoming Japanese soldiers before us, I fired BAR fire that nailed eight Japanese as Gunny shot several other soldiers coming at the trench, then the Marines fired intense gunfire that shot up numerous enemies in the vicious fighting. I gunned two soldiers down, then shot four other enemies as Gunny aimed and gunned a few other Japanese down as well, then I shot two more soldiers while Gunny fired and nailed a few more enemies. More Japanese troops came at our trench, charging and blazing gunshots our way, but the Marines bravely held on, firing rifle fire that raked and pinned Japanese troops, then as I shot four more enemies, the Marines fired intense gunfire that shot up multiple enemies while I fired and nailed four other Japanese as well. Gunny then gunned a couple other soldiers down as I shot two other soldiers, and while the Marines fired immense rifle shots that riddled multiple enemies while raking and pinning others, I gunned two more soldiers down as well.
While we Marines kept holding this trench line in fierce fighting, more Japanese troops kept coming at us, firing gunshots at our positions. However, while enemy bullets rained over us, the line of Marines all fired immense gunfire back that fiercely raked and pinned Japanese troops. I kept firing BAR fire that shot up eight more enemies coming at the trench, then as Gunny shot several Japanese with his Thompson, I fired and nailed four more Japanese soldiers as well. Enemy gunshots rained over our trench, but the Marines all fired hails of fiery rifle fire and shot numerous Japanese soldiers, then the Marines kept firing gunshots that raked and pinned more enemies. The friendly machine guns blazed flurries of rounds that riddled some enemies and held them back, but Japanese forces managed to fire off shots that gunned multiple friendlies down. In retaliation, I shot four enemies as the line of Marines fired hails of furious rifle fire that shot up numerous Japanese in the fierce battle, then I kept firing BAR fire that nailed eight more Japanese soldiers as well. I shot two enemies at the right, then gunned two more soldiers down at the left, then the Marines fired gunfire that shot multiple incoming Japanese. I then shot four more enemies, the Marines kept firing rifle shots that nailed multiple other enemies in the fierce battle.
More Japanese troops kept coming at us, blazing gunshots that rained over us, but with the friendly machine guns blazing cover rounds to fend off the attackers, the line of Marines kept fighting hard and fierce to hold off the Japanese assault. I gunned two soldiers down at the right, then fired to shoot four more Japanese straight ahead as Gunny aimed and gunned a couple other soldiers down. While the Marines fired cover shots that raked the Japanese troops, I then fired and shot four more enemies before aiming and gunning two other soldiers down at the right. While the Marines kept firing gunshots that furiously raked and pinned Japanese soldiers, some enemies blazed rounds that took out several friendlies, so I fired fired shots that raked enemy soldiers, thus letting the line of Marines fire immense hails of fiery rifle fire that shot numerous Japanese in the fierce fighting. I fired BAR shots that riddled eight Japanese, then Gunny shot a few other soldiers as I fired and nailed four more enemies as well. Japanese soldiers kept coming at us, with some enemies firing gunshots that nailed multiple Marines, but the Marines all kept defending the trench line and firing gunfire that shot up different enemies. I then fired and shot four other Japanese soldiers as the Marines kept firing hails of gunshots that riddled multiple Japanese.
We Marines all kept defending this trench in a vicious battle, firing hails of intense gunfire that shot up numerous enemies and raked and pinned others. While the line of Marines all kept firing fiery rifle fire that shot multiple Japanese, I fired BAR fire that nailed eight enemies as well. Gunny shot a few more soldiers, then I fired and nailed four more enemies, and while the line of Marines fired intense gunshots that fiercely raked and pinned Japanese troops, I shot four other enemies with BAR fire. As we kept fighting, the Japanese assault became further diminished, but they kept pressing. The friendly machine guns kept blazing rounds at enemy troops, and I then gunned two soldiers down to the left as Gunny fired and nailed a few other enemies, then I shot four more enemies as well. With more Japanese incoming and blazing gunshots, the line of Marines fired intense hails of fiery gunfire that shot up multiple enemies. Gunny aimed and gunned a couple other soldiers down as I shot two other soldiers, then as the Marines fired cover shots at enemy troops, I fired and nailed four more enemies as well. With the Marines fiercely defending the trench line and firing shots that raked and pinned enemies, I fired BAR fire that shot eight Japanese, then the line of Marines fired immense gunfire that shot numerous Japanese in the fierce battle.
"Keep it up, Marines," Gunny spoke, "We almost have 'em!"
We all kept fighting fiercely and defending this trench line, firing shots that held off the incoming Japanese infantry... and soon enough, as the fighting raged, our efforts paid off, for the Japanese forces started pulling back.
...Now, we had our opportunity to advance...
"That's it, push into the jungle," Gunny ordered, "Move it, double time!"
From there, Gunny and I jumped out of the trench, with all the Marines climbing out and then we rushed forward into the jungles before us. Some Marines fired their guns and shot some enemies in the trees, then we entered the jungle itself, moving past the trees until we encountered more Japanese troops within the jungle itself.
While in the jungle, I fired intense hails of BAR fire that riddled multiple Japanese, and while the Marines fired fiery gunfire that shot numerous Japanese soldiers in the jungles, I kept firing BAR fire that raked and pinned different Japanese positions and soldiers.
I still fired immense, fiery BAR fire that shot up numerous Japanese in the trees of this jungle, then as the Marines fired gunshots that raked enemy soldiers, I took out my Thompson and fired shots that nailed four more Japanese soldiers. Gunny fired cover that took out a couple soldiers, and while several Marines fired gunfire that shot up multiple Japanese, I fired Thompson shots that riddled four more enemies.
Japanese soldiers blazed flurries of gunshots back with Arisaka rifles or Type 100 guns, but we all kept pushing through the jungle, with Marines firing intense rifle fire back and shooting numerous Japanese here in the trees and dense plants of the jungles. AS Gunny aimed and gunned a couple soldiers down, I shot two soldiers at the right, then kept firing Thompson fire that nailed four more enemies, and while Gunny shot a few other soldiers, I gunned two more enemies down at the left.
Several Marines kept firing intense rifle shots that nailed multiple Japanese soldiers in the jungles, and while all the Marines kept firing hails of fiery gunfire that furiously raked and pinned Japanese soldiers and positions in the jungles, several Marines rushed and knocked down some Japanese soldiers with their rifle stocks or stabbed them with their bayonets.
I kept firing Thompson fire that shot four enemies at the right, then I fired and gunned four more Japanese down at the left, while the Marines all kept firing gunshots that riddled Japanese positions. Several Marines were gunned down by enemy fire, but I shot two soldiers at the right, then gunned two more enemies down at the left, and while Gunny fired shots that nailed a few other soldiers, I shot two other soldiers at the right.
We Marines all kept defending our positions here in the jungles, with Marines firing intense rifle fire that shot numerous Japanese in the jungle. While the Marines fired cover shots, I fired immense Thompson fire that nailed eight Japanese soldiers. Gunny then gunned a couple soldiers down while I fired shots that nailed four more Japanese, and while the Marines all kept firing gunshots that raked and pinned enemy troops, I shot two soldiers at the right, then gunned two other enemies down to the left.
Several Marines charged and stabbed and sliced enemies with their bayonets, or struck them down hard with their rifle stocks, while other Marines all kept firing intense gunfire that shot up multiple Japanese here in the jungle.
The fierce fighting in the jungle raged as I fired and shot four Japanese at the right, then as Gunny and the Marines fired cover shots that raked Japanese positions, I kept firing and shooting four more soldiers, letting us move on.
In the vicious battle, the Marines all fired intense gunfire that shot multiple Japanese, but enemy soldiers fired gunshots back and gunned several friendlies down in return. In response, I gunned two soldiers down at the right, then as several Marines fired cover shots at enemy positions, I kept firing Thompson fire that shot eight Japanese here in the jungle. Though enemy gunshots kept raining over us, the Marines kept firing rifle fire that shot up multiple Japanese, then I fired my Thompson and shot four soldiers as well.
We all kept pushing further up through the jungle, ultimately coming across a few fallen palm trees, which seemed to form a line that would make good cover. Some Marines took cover behind the fallen trees, forming a line, and while Gunny and I joined them, the line of Marines fired rifle shots from and fiercely raked Japanese positions. I shot two soldiers at the right, then took cover to reload. As Gunny shot a couple enemies, I fired Thompson shots that nailed four Japanese, then as the Marines fired immense gunfire that shot up numerous Japanese, I fired and shot four more enemies as well.
The Marines kept firing gunshots that furiously raked and pinned Japanese soldiers and positions, with me gunning two soldiers down at the left, and while Gunny and the Marines fired cover shots, I then shot two other soldiers to the right. In the fierce fighting, the Marines all fired hails of fiery rifle fire that shot numerous Japanese in the jungle, then I fired Thompson fire that shot four Japanese as well, letting us advance.
As we moved up, a Marine with a flamethrower came in and sprayed fire that incinerated several Japanese soldiers. The Marines kept firing cover shots that fiercely raked Japanese positions, then I wielded my BAR rifle again and fired intense BAR shots that riddled multiple enemies. Gunny shot a few other soldiers while the Marines kept firing immense gunfire that shot up numerous Japanese, then I fired fiery BAR fire that shot multiple enemies and shot up their positions.
However, as we Marines move up and fired rifle shots that raked Japanese positions and soldiers, with me firing BAR fire that shot numerous Japanese, some enemy gunfire rained over us and shot multiple friendlies. In response, the Marines fired intense rifle shots that fiercely raked Japanese positions, then as I fired BAR fire that riddled numerous Japanese soldiers, the Marines all kept firing gunfire that shot up numerous Japanese in return.
"Keep pushing!" Gunny shouted.
We Marines kept fighting in the jungle, shooting any enemies in our way, and soon enough, as we came out of the jungle and found ourselves staring at a couple of hills, where we found ourselves staring down Japanese machine gun bunkers, spotting three of them in total, and each of them containing two machine guns.
"Get after those bunkers, Donnie!" Gunny ordered.
Moving onto the hills, the three different machine gun bunkers prayed hails of machine gun fire that rained over us, shooting numerous Marines and forcing many others to cover. While enemy machine gun shots blazed our way, the Marines fired cover shots at the bunkers, but Japanese troops also appeared on the hills and in the grass.
Enemy soldiers fired gunshots from Arisaka rifle and Type 100 guns, but I fired my BAR and shot four Japanese, then as the Marines all fired immense rifle fire that shot up numerous Japanese, I kept firing BAR fire that nailed four more enemies as well. As I fired cover shots at enemy bunker windows, some Marines moved up and fired gunshots that furiously raked Japanese soldiers and positions. After dodging some machine gun rounds, I shot two soldiers at the right, then fired BAR fire that riddled four enemies in the grass, and as Gunny blazed rounds at the bunkers, I then gunned two soldiers down to the left while the Marines kept firing gunshots that raked Japanese positions.
Moving up the hill and dodging machine gun shots coming my way, I got behind a mound for cover. With that, as the Marines fired cover shots at Japanese positions, I fired BAR fire that shot up eight Japanese soldiers, then the Marines all kept firing intense rifle fire that nailed multiple Japanese on the hill and in the grass. Gunny then covered me as I made my way over to a Marine carrying satchel charges, then once I got a couple charges, I went out to face the three bunkers themselves.
The bunkers kept blazing flurries of rounds that struck several friendlies down, but while the Marines fired shots at the bunkers, I rushed up closer, then took cover. Aiming my BAR, I shot four enemies on the hill, then fired and raked a couple bunker windows, riddling a few machine gunners. I then shot two soldiers to the right before aiming and gunning two other soldiers down at the left. I then fired shots back at the bunkers and riddled a couple gunners, then got to cover as enemy return fire blazed back. However, with Marines firing cover shots that raked Japanese soldiers and nests, I fired shots that nailed four enemies, and while the Marines all kept firing immense hails of fiery rifle fire that shot up multiple Japanese soldiers, I fired and shot up four more enemies on the hill.
With Gunny firing cover, I then rushed up to the first bunker, aiming and shooting a couple gunners, then I lit one of my satchel charges and threw it inside the first bunker, blasting it to bits. However, the other two bunkers on the hills remained, blazing gunshots that took down several friendlies.
Getting to a closer position where several Marines were nestled and firing cover shots that raked the two remaining enemy bunkers, I fired immense BAR fire and shot eight Japanese on the hill and in the grass.
Rushing to a new position, I gunned two soldiers down at the right, then fired and shot four enemies on the hill. As enemy fire still rained over us, the Marines all fired gunfire that shot multiple Japanese on the hill and in the grass, then I shot four enemies on the hill before aiming and gunning two soldiers down to the right.
Once I got closer to the second bunker, I fired and shot a couple gunners, then lit another satchel charge and threw it in, the charge blowing up the second bunker, and leaving just one fortification left.
The last bunker sprayed a desperate volley my way, but I dodged it and then fired shots back at the bunker windows. As the Marines fired cover shots, I then gunned two soldiers down to the left before aiming and shooting two more enemies at the right, then made my way to the bunker itself.
Gunny fired cover at the bunker as I fired shots that gunned four enemies down. After dodging a volley, I kept firing BAR shots that riddled a few gunners in the bunker windows, and as quickly as I could, I rushed to the bunker, lit a satchel and threw it in through the window, and the resulting explosion finished up our objective.
"That's it, you boys did good," Gunny spoke, "Keep movin' on up through the island!"
Gunny and I lead the Marines past the hills, entering into a new area of jungle, where we encountered more Japanese forces. As the Marines all fired rifle shots that raked Japanese soldiers in the trees, I fired BAR fire that shot up multiple enemies. Enemy gunshots blazed our way, but with the Marines firing cover shots back, I kept firing BAR fire that riddled numerous Japanese in the jungle.
Taking out my Thompson, Gunny shot a few enemies, then the Marines all fired immense rifle fire that shot up multiple Japanese in the jungle, and while the Marines kept firing shots that riddled enemy soldiers and positions, I fired my Thompson and shot four Japanese. While several Marines fired shots that raked Japanese nests, I gunned two soldiers down at the right, then while Gunny aimed and shot a couple soldiers, I fired and nailed four more Japanese in the trees as well.
A number of Banzai chargers came at us, but some Marines all fired rifle fire that shot most of them down. I gunned a couple chargers down, then struck another down with the stock of my Thompson. This was followed with a Marine tackling a Japanese soldier and beating him furiously while another Marine rushed and pinned a Banzai charger before beating him with a rock and then stabbing him to death with his knife.
Moving further through the jungle, I gunned two soldiers down to the right, then as Gunny and the Marines fired cover shots, I fired Thompson fire that nailed four more enemies. Enemy bullets blazed toward us, but with me still firing Thompson fire that fiercely raked Japanese positions in the trees, the Marines all fired intense gunfire that shot up numerous Japanese soldiers here in this jungle.
We kept fighting through the jungle up until we found ourselves looking upon an area with two separate Japanese ammunition and supply holds, ripe for the taking... Immediately, we got to work attempting to destroy them.
"Get in there and blow those suckers to bits!" Gunny demanded.
Taking out my BAR, I fired and shot four Japanese, then as Gunny fired cover shots, I gunned two soldiers down to the left, then shot two more enemies at the right. Enemy soldiers fired gunshots towards us, but with the Marines firing cover shots at Japanese positions, I fired and shot four Japanese, then as Gunny aimed and gunned a couple soldiers down, I shot four more enemies with BAR fire.
I kept firing BAR shots that riddled several Japanese positions and nests to pieces, then I gunned two soldiers down at the left. The Marines all fired fiery rifle fire that shot up multiple Japanese soldiers, then I fired and nailed four enemies while Gunny shot up a position. After that, I gunned two soldiers down to the right, then shot up a few other positions, letting me get closer to the supply and ammunition storage.
Getting to the first storage of ammunition and supplies, I took out a charge and placed it in the storage, then got right to cover as the charge went off and blew the hold to pieces, leaving just one supply hold left to deal with.
Enemy rounds blazed my way, but I dodged them and took cover. Marines all fired gunshots that raked and pinned Japanese soldiers, letting me emerge from my cover and fire BAR fire that nailed four Japanese. As several Marines shot up some enemies in the nearby trees, I fired shots that riddled several Japanese positions and nests to bits, then I fired and shot four more Japanese in the skirmish.
With remaining resistance out of the way, I got to the second supply and ammunition storage, setting a charge inside and then getting to safety as the storage was blown up, finishing this current objective.
"All right, Griffin," Gunny said as he came up to me, "The Japs got a damn fortress to the North, and that means we're gonna go take it out... Whenever you're ready, Private."
Moving past the supply stores, Gunny and I lead the Marines through the rest of the jungle, heading over toward the fortress to the North, but on the way, we encountered some light Japanese defenses.
"Take out those Japanese!" Gunny shouted.
Japanese soldiers blazed flurries of gunshots our way, but we took cover behind trees and plants, though several Marines were gunned down. In response, I took out my Thompson and shot two soldiers, then as the Marines fired rifle shots that fiercely raked Japanese positions, I kept firing Thompson fire that nailed four more enemies, while Gunny blazed rounds that took a couple soldiers down. I then shot up a few Japanese positions as well
The fierce skirmish raged with Marines all firing intense gunfire that shot up numerous Japanese soldiers. I gunned two soldiers down to the right as Gunny then shot a few enemies, then I fired and nailed four more soldiers in the trees as the Marines all kept firing gunshots that raked and pinned enemies. As I then shot two more soldiers at the right, Gunny fired cover shots at enemy positions, letting me fire Thompson shots that riddled several Japanese positions to pieces, then the Marines kept firing gunfire that shot up remaining Japanese resisters.
"Get to the fortress," Gunny ordered, "On the double, hurry up!"
We continued to lead the Marines in fighting through the jungle, and once we cleared away the Japanese resistance, we made our way down a couple paths until we found ourselves at the objective. A Japanese fortress lay before us, guarded by machine guns and mortars.
"Attack!" Gunny shouted, leaving us Marines to rush at the fortress.
Moving towards the fortress, machine guns in the windows sprayed hails of gunshots that rained all over us, shooting some of the Marines down and forcing the rest of us to cover. Once behind the cover of plants, trees and rocks, the Marines all fired gunshots that raked the fortress machine gun windows and shot up different Japanese soldiers surrounding the fortress as well.
Hiding in some grass, I fired Thompson shots that raked the machine guns on the fortress, but they fired shots back and forced me to cover. While Gunny blazed rounds at the fortress, I then fired shots at the machine guns before they fired back. Once I dodged the powerful bullets, Gunny blazed cover at the windows, then I fired shots that raked the machine guns windows, likely gunning a few enemy gunners down.
The fortress gunners kept raining gunshots that riddled some friendlies, while Marines fired shots back at the fortress, as well as shooting up Japanese soldiers and positions near the fortress. While dodging some bullets, I kept firing shots at the fortress windows, seemingly shooting several other gunners in the windows.
However, the heavy flurry of machine gun shots still rained on us, but I managed to spot a Marine with a radio attempting to call in a strike on the fortress, but he was ultimately gunned down first.
Immediately, I rushed over to the radio, dodging a powerful volley as I made my way over, then I picked up the radio and sent the coordinates. Once received, nearby warships fixed their guns on the coordinates and fired, blazing powerful shells that slammed down right on the fortress, blasting pieces off and setting it aflame.
After the furious barrage rained and pounded the fortress, the enemy fortification became momentarily disabled, leaving us time to advance before they could recover. Gunny and I lead the Marines to the ground near the fortress, where we found many Japanese troops coming near the outside of the fortress.
Seeing this, I fired my Thompson and shot four enemies, while the Marines all fired immense rifle fire that shot up numerous Japanese, then I kept firing Thompson fire that nailed four more Japanese soldiers. As we Marines kept firing our guns, we shot up the last of the Japanese troops in the way, clearing my way to the fortress.
"Get in there, Griffin!" Gunny spoke to me.
Fighting through the jungle and shooting remaining Japanese in the trees with my Thompson, I proceeded to enter the damaged fortress, reloading and moving into the corridors of the fortification. Moving through the different rooms and corridors, I encountered some Japanese soldiers in the way.
Dodging some bullets that flew my way, I fired and gunned a few enemies down, then I took cover. A Kiska grenade was thrown at me, but I kicked it back, the resulting explosion taking out a couple enemies. Using the distraction, I made my way to another room. I rushed a Japanese soldier and knocked him down with my gun stock, then I made my way to a corridor.
There, I shot a few enemies, then rushed to another post. After evading a volley, I gunned a couple soldiers down as well, then I ran to another corridor, where I knocked down another enemy.
Coming to a room, I found some Japanese soldiers who fired on me, but I took cover, reloaded my Thompson and fired shots that raked them back, ultimately shooting them down, clearing my way to the top of the fortress.
Eventually I came to a room that contained a radio, and from the look of it, it seemed undamaged. However, I noticed a window in the room and looked out, spotting the nearby coastline... And in the waters further out, I saw an even more important site of two Japanese transport ships, leaving the island.
Taking this opportunity, I got on the radio and, once I found the frequency, sent the coordinates of the transport ships to the friendly warships. With this done, I went back to the window, waiting a moment until I saw shells raining down on the two enemy ships, blasting them to fiery pieces... Then I watched them sink.
I prepared to take my leave and made my way out of the fortress on the other side, but suddenly, I noticed a pathway leading away from the fortress and into towards the coast, and once I listened in, I actually could hear cries for help... Though knowing well of what dangers I could find, I went down there.
Moving past the jungles, the shouting for help became louder, and ultimately, I neared the coast. Here, I found the source of the cries, a couple of Marines, who were trying to crawl away, looking wounded and tired. I then lay down my weapon and rushed over to try and help them back up... But as soon as I knelt down, I found myself surrounded by several Japanese soldiers.
With nowhere to go, I sat there in annoyance as the Japanese soldiers aimed at me. A Marine tried to crawl away, but two of the Japanese went over to try and stab him with their bayonets. Luckily, however, the other Marine, as he lay on the ground with an angry yell, raised his Garand rifle and furiously shot the Japanese soldier while seriously wounding the other... Though he was immediately shot down as a result.
...And soon after, that was when he walked up, standing with a towering presence as he made his appearance, and revealing himself to be the man from Bataan, the naval commander... Masataka Shima.
Seeing the other Marine attempting to crawl away, Shima unsheathed his Katana and knelt down behind the Marine, bringing his blade to the man's throat... Then Shima executed the man, leaving me furious.
Shima stood up and walked over towards me, kneeling down to my level. He looked over my face, looking like he actually recognized me or something, as Shima said to me, "...There is something very familiar about you."
Standing back up, Shima then ordered to his soldiers, "Kare o watashi no hikÅki ni tsurete ikimasu (Take him to my plane)." just before he walked off.
...Last I remember, I was struck in the back of the head, likely with the stock of an Arisaka, and before my daze dissolved into sleep, last I remember, I was being dragged by my arms to Shima's seaplane.