ATTACK ON HILL 600A
22–23 DEC 1943
ADVANCE TO THE EAST
NOV-DEC 1943
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.
National Archives Photo 80-G-250368