Sixth Marine Division

Stories by Sixth Division Marines

Featured Story: On the Point of the Spear by James S. White (29th Mar-3-G)

James S. White, 2015

On the Point of the Spear: Experiences of a Marine Rifleman During the Battle for the Island of Okinawa April – June 1945 brings to vivid life the experiences of a Marine rifleman on the front lines of the battle. From the food they ate to the weapons they employed. From the bottom of a foxhole to a rack on a hospital ship. It's all here. Have you ever wondered how to throw a grenade? Or what a bullet sounds like as it whizzes past your ear? White captures every detail of what it's like on the front lines and what it means to be a Marine.

More Stories

The Red Books	Four volumes containing personal recollections about the Battle for Okinawa and their time in the Marine Corps by Marines of the Sixth Marine Division. The books also contain photos, maps, and other information about Okinawa.
My Time as a Marine by Watson A. Crumbie Jr. (29th Mar-1-C)	Watson Crumbie's time in the Marine Corps included the battles of Saipan and Okinawa in World War II and Chosin Reservoir in Korea, three battles with casualties that topped 80%. You don't have to be a statistician to realize the odds of him surviving all three were slim.
The General I Knew by Jack Hoag (6th Jasco)	Jack Hoag shares his memories of Sixth Marine Division Commanding General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. We thank his son, Wyatt Hoag, for sending this article to Watson Crumbie (29th Mar-1-C) who shared it with us.
At the End of His Life, a Marine Shares His Story by Jack Lawson (6th Eng Bn)	Jack Lawson rarely spoke of his wartime experiences until he was nearly 90 years old when he shared his story with his great niece, Katie Mae (Kay) Taylor. We thank Kay and his son, Andrew Lawson, who sent us this story.
A Special Christmas Gift by John McCulloch (22nd Mar-2-HQ)	A Chinese man's reaction to a stolen tree in Tsingtao makes a special Christmas memory.
The 29th Marines Take a Beating but Prevail by Harry McKnight (29th Mar-3-H)	Casualties were high for the 29th Marines in the Battle of Okinawa.
Ben Prophitt Earns the Bronze Star by Harry McKnight (29th Mar-3-H)	Harry McKnight shares his memory of the day Ben Prophitt earned the Bronze Star.
Every Picture Tells a Story by Harry McKnight (29th Mar-3-H)	Sixth Marine Division Chaplain Harry McKnight shares a poignant tale of photos taken and pictures drawn on Okinawa.
Gourmet Rations by Harry McKnight (29th Mar-3-H)	Harry McKnight finds a good use for his least favorite meal.
A Voice in the Night by Harry McKnight (29th Mar-3-H)	His mother's voice wakes Harry McKnight from a deep sleep on Okinawa at just the right time.
Low Hills of Death: The Sixth Marine Division Turns South by Bill Pierce (29th Mar-Wpns)	The Marines are hoping for a rest, but that's not what they get. Once again they are called in to do what the Army could not -- this time in the southern hills of Okinawa.
Wheels On.....or…..Wheels Off?? by Bill Pierce (29th Mar-Wpns)	A story that proves Marines are superhuman. And have a sense of humor.
Letter from Okinawa by Robert Purcell (29th Mar-3-H)	35-Year-Old Robert Purcell Writes to Family Friends from Okinawa, 30 June 1945
The Battle for Sugar Loaf Hill by Michael H. Senko (29th Mar-2-F)	At age 92, Michael Senko recalls the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill
Marines Return to Tsingtao with Charlie Two Shoes by W. Don Sexton (4th Mar-3-L)	Don Sexton talks about the trip he took to Tsingtao, China in 2012 with fellow Marines and Charlie Two Shoes, a young Chinese boy the Marines adopted in 1946. He also reminisces about his time in Tsingtao.
Letter from Okinawa by General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Commanding General, Sixth Marine Division	General Shepherd writes to Adele A. Mante to thank her for the crucifix she sent him. We thank General Shepherd's granddaughter Sallie Shepherd for sharing this letter with us.
A Cloud of Dust on Flat Top Hill by Jim White (29th Mar-3-G)	Fifty years later, Jim White finds out what happened when he and Gunny Quattrone were shooting at Japanese soldiers on Flat Top Hill in 1945.
Nambu Wounds by Jim White (29th Mar-3-G)	Nambu bullet wounds closed quickly for some Sixth Division Marines. Jim White was not that lucky.

Do you enjoy poetry? Poems by Sixth Division Marines and others