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.
“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.
H. B. KNOWLES”
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