SPOTLIGHT ON MARINE HEROES #11

Sixth Marine Division Presidential Unit Citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the SIXTH MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED)

consisting of the Sixth Marine Division; First Marine War Dog Platoon; Fifth Provisional Rocket Detachment; Third Platoon, First Bomb Disposal Company; Marine Observation Squadron Six; Sixth Joint Assault Signal Company; First Armored Amphibian Battalion; Fourth Amphibian Tractor Battalion; Ninth Amphibian Tractor Battalion; First Section, Second Platoon, First Bomb Disposal Company, 708th Amphibian Tank Battalion, U. S. Army; Third Armored Amphibian Battalion (less four platoons); 91st Chemical Mortar Company (Separate), U. S. Army; First Platoon, Company B, 713th Armored Flamethrower Battalion, U. S. Army,

for service as set forth in the following citation:

"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Okinawa, April 1 to June 21 1945. Seizing Yontan Airfield in its initial operation, the Sixth Marine Division (Reinforced) smashed through organized resistance to capture Ishikawa Isthmus, the town of Nago and the heavily fortified Motobu Peninsula in 13 days. Later committed to the southern front, units of the Division withstood overwhelming artillery and mortar barrages, repulsed furious counterattacks, and staunchly pushed over the rocky terrain to reduce almost impregnable defenses and capture Sugar Loaf Hill. Turning southeast, they took the capital city of Naha and executed a surprise shore-to-shore landing on the Oroku Peninsula, securing the area with its prized Naha Airfield and harbor after nine days of fierce fighting. Re-entering the lines in the south, Sixth Division Marines sought out enemy forces entrenched in a series of rocky ridges extending to the southern tip of the island, advancing relentlessly and rendering decisive support until the last remnants of enemy opposition were exterminated and the island secured. By their valor and tenacity, the officers and men of the Sixth Marine Division (Reinforced) contributed materially to the conquest of Okinawa, and their gallantry in overcoming a fanatic enemy in the face of extraordinary danger and difficulty adds new luster to Marine Corps history, and to the traditions of the Naval Service.

For the President. James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy

 

 

 

Photo information: Marines of G 2/22 raise the American flag over Ara Saki on the extreme southern tip of Okinawa, 21 June 1945. USMC Photo

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