Thank you for this. My grandfather was in the 164th in Guadalcanal. He never spoke of it. He received a Purple Heart but never spoke of the way of how he was awarded it. He passed before I was old enough to have a real conversation about his time in the Army.
I'm an infantryman in 41st Infantry brigade combat team (formerly infantry division). It amazes me when people don't know the contributions the Army made in the Pacific during WW2. Great vid
This is amazing. I recently went through my grandfathers photos from Guadalcanal. He was in company F 164th. There was some really brutal stuff that went down, and these guys carried that around the rest of their lives.
Yes both sides went through horiffic experients in the Pacific Theater during WW2. My uncle, Private John Rivers USMCR was in Company H. He was KIA during the Battle of the Tenaru/Alligator Creek. He and his team mates Corporal Lee Diamond and Pvt. Al Schimd were credited with inflicting 200 plus Japanese casualties. I was fortunate enough to speak with Corporal Diamond via telephone. During our conversation you could hear the amazement in Diamond's voice as he recounted how the Japanese Infantary charged headlong into the fire of their M1917 Browning machine gun.
Thank you so much for researching this unit. I'm a SFC in the ND Army National Guard and each year I speak to high school students about the 164th in the Pacific Theater.
Thanks again for a wonderful video! Your book recommendations are excellent ! Your keeping the memories alive for present and future generations! BZ to you....Alex
Born in Langdon ND, my father joined the 164th in 1939. A small farm with 3 brothers served. All came home. My father's stories of Guadalcanal, New Guinea and the Philippines fascinated me as a child, horrifying real as an adult
HIS ISNT MY STORY TO TELL.His family can share names and dates,I won’t. I worked for the toughest man I ever knew. He was a farmer in the red river valley of ND. I rode the school bus by his house for years and never understood why an interstate mile marker was on this gravel road. The marker was #164. His son repositioned this to their driveway in honor of his Dad and no one, and I mean no one would touch it. The only stories I heard from him addressed a PBY that crashed after losing and engine. He hated the PBYs. He contracted malaria and was flown his beloved c47 to New Caledonia. His son relayed the trails his dad face in the battle field. Needless to say he saw and endured immense strife. His humor, humility and strength are traits that must’ve been common in his generation. God Bless you Elmer.
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 I don't recall him ever mentioning a specific unit. He died in 2005. Your suggestion of the 182nd will help me research more. Thank you.
Always an interesting and informative video, good work. Having seen every video by you about Guadalcanal it's always interesting how intertwined the stories and locations are throughout. You tie it together very well and were very correct in mentioning how the Point Cruz line is mentioned so little historically. Always good to see a video come up by you, hope you're doing well and all the best to you.
My grandfather was a Lineman in one of the Field Artillery Battalions in the Americal Division. We know he was on Guadalcanal and got injured when he was stringing up communications lines. He fell out of a tree and landed on a coconut breaking his back.
I’d love to see you talk about the 182nd Regiment as well! The National Guardsmen from my town almost all went to the 182nd! I’m working on a book about the people from my town that served and I also have some information you might be happy to have!
Hi, yes I plan on discussing them and others in the future. If you go to my Facebook page with the same title as this site just send me a PM. Wouk’s love to see what you have.
You mentioned "Pistol Pete" coming over and dropping 1 or 2 bombs, I remember my dad, who was in the 132th, called him "Wash Machine Charlie", he use to tell me they wished they could get a hold of that guy because he was a pain in the ass. One of the few things he talked about on that island.
This is such an amazing and informative video. I'm writing a book on the Americal Division and the very much unknown battle of Point Cruz, characters such as COL Moore and LTC Hall. You gave such an amazing commentary on it- would it be possible to talk to you privately for references and research? Thanks!
I thought this was very well presented both narration and illustrations. I knew the 164th was there but I didn't know the details. I liked the 'add a soldier to each bunker with the marines' comment as that was a good start and a little personal coaching from guys who have been in the fight would have paid huge dividends that night and the next. Sounds like the 182 could have used that support. And I have read that the marines loved the garand and 'adopted it 'when ever they could. To upgrade from a bolt action to a semi-automatic that was quick to reload would have been a blessing in that kind of fighting. I never will understand how a) brave men charge machine guns knowing the risk and b) leaders order men to do this over and over again leading to many unnecessary casualties. It sounds like the push to poha needed to be rethought, like bring up tanks along the coastal track, isolating a weak area and concentrating force there, etc.
my grandfather was there Albert j Luther he was awarded a bronze star . he was from Minnesota he passed away in 96. he never talked about it and only heard very limited stories and so wanna find out more about his time over seas. he earned the nickname beans cuz he had a can a beans knock him out diving into a foxhole . I was told he was a sniper . was in fuji Guadalcanal and the Philippines.
If you ever happen to find him anywhere please let me know. Been thinking about my grandfather lately . Another thing is he got violently sea sick. And volunteered as a waist gunner on a bomber and plane hopped over . That's what I was told. .
@@jamesa2961 have you seen my accompanying Facebook page? Same title as this channel. Go there and send me a PM. I will see what I can do with assisting you.
Honorary Marines, I think the 164th(Americal) was the only US Army Unit to be given this informal distinction. These troopers, unlike the Marines, were issued the Garand battle rifle. Marines would often obtain a Garand through the "midnight requisition" process or so I was told by several 'Canal vets.
Great video, That was the shortest 50 minutes on utube very interesting. I believe my uncle had the pleasure of enjoying the summer fun there he was in the army the Marines got all the glory enjoyed the video. Is it true that China is attempting to make a presence in Guadalcanal?
General Patch is one of My Favorite Generals in ww2.. He commanded the 7th Army.. If u look and compare his stats to more famous Generals. (Patton, Bradley Etc) He actually took more land killed and captured more Germans and destroyed more vehicles with less casualties to his force, then any American commander in the ETO.
LOL Before Guadacanal the Marines had never been in combat either. They were all green.... Seldom mentioned, the Americal Division saved the 1st Marine Division in the early days on Guadalcanal. They were inserted one regiment at a time when there were no other reinforcements available.
Probably not saved but helped out right they were needed. Thanks to US Army MG Harmon efforts to get them there. He is never mentioned which is a shame. The 1st MarDiv had probably 10% that had seen extensive combat in WW1 and the Banana Wars
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 in WWI, the Marines, 1 Regiment, was, attached, and under command of the US Army,2 ID. And, very few were on Guadalcanal, 23 years later. They were green. Just as green as the men on Wake.
@@unitedwestand5100 the 4th Marine Brigade consisting of the 5th and 6th Marines fought in the 2nd Div. The 5th Brigade of Marines were on the coast of France and were preparing for combat. The 1st Marine Div on Guadalcanal only had a small amount of officers and NCO’s who were combat trained. The Banana Wars were beneficial to the USMC as it gave a larger core of trained combat members greater than the US Army prior to the war.
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 I lived on the end of the last north facing finger of West Kola ridge for two years overlooking Chinatown and the Mataniko River - obviously a strategic position as I found US cartridges, expended bullets (presumable Japanese) and an empty morphine amphlett in the yard in the dirt (I still have them). I'm presuming this area was on line held by the US in October 1942. If I give you an exact location, are you able to tell me which company or platoon/s held that area at that time?
@@captmulch1 it would be hard to pin down the exact unit as that particular area was fought over from Aug 42 till Jan 43. If you give a particular date I could probably tell you the unit.
Always a little unique to hear about soldiers from my area of the U.S. I.E North Dakota, Montana. It's still comparatively sparsely populated and way more so back in the 1940s. Very much farm and ranch communities in those days. Got a laugh out of your rookie water comment connected to your last video. Heh heh.. I truly always enjoy your videos, Keep up the good work and thank you for the work you put in!
The Marines gave them lots of credit. Called them the 164th Marines. They received a Navy/Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation. Lt Col Hall, 3/164, received the Navy Cross. Puller publicity said, those farm boys can fight.
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 when the Marines give you the honor of being called the 164th Marines you know damn well you earned that title! I don't think there's a higher honor the Marine corps can give a non Marine corps unit!
❤ your dedication Dave. It's a real job doing the research and getting these videos together. I came across you at 'theunautorizedhistory' with Seth and Capt Todi. I'm am so glad I did. My dad was out there on a tin can. 44-45. - & thank you for YOUR service also.🌎🪖
Thank you for this. My grandfather was in the 164th in Guadalcanal. He never spoke of it. He received a Purple Heart but never spoke of the way of how he was awarded it. He passed before I was old enough to have a real conversation about his time in the Army.
I'm an infantryman in 41st Infantry brigade combat team (formerly infantry division). It amazes me when people don't know the contributions the Army made in the Pacific during WW2. Great vid
AMEN! I have nothing but respect for the USMC. As an Army veteran, I love reading and learning about their contribution to the PTO.
This is amazing. I recently went through my grandfathers photos from Guadalcanal. He was in company F 164th. There was some really brutal stuff that went down, and these guys carried that around the rest of their lives.
Indeed. My Dad was in company G, had some PTSD his entire life.
Yes both sides went through horiffic experients in the Pacific Theater during WW2.
My uncle, Private John Rivers USMCR was in Company H. He was KIA during the Battle of the Tenaru/Alligator Creek. He and his team mates Corporal Lee Diamond and Pvt. Al Schimd were credited with inflicting 200 plus Japanese casualties. I was fortunate enough to speak with Corporal Diamond via telephone. During our conversation you could hear the amazement in Diamond's voice as he recounted how the Japanese Infantary charged headlong into the fire of their M1917 Browning machine gun.
My Dad was in Company G....didn't talk about it too much...
Thank you so much for researching this unit. I'm a SFC in the ND Army National Guard and each year I speak to high school students about the 164th in the Pacific Theater.
Your welcome. Mid next year I will have a book published that the 164th features heavily in. Their fights around the Matanikau
Thank you for your work preserving the history of these veterans. My grandfather was there. He was in the Americal Division.
The Americal Division also fought on Bougainville and then the Philippines.
Thanks again for a wonderful video! Your book recommendations are excellent ! Your keeping the memories alive for present and future generations! BZ to you....Alex
Born in Langdon ND, my father joined the 164th in 1939. A small farm with 3 brothers served. All came home. My father's stories of Guadalcanal, New Guinea and the Philippines fascinated me as a child, horrifying real as an adult
great video thank you!
HIS ISNT MY STORY TO TELL.His family can share names and dates,I won’t. I worked for the toughest man I ever knew. He was a farmer in the red river valley of ND. I rode the school bus by his house for years and never understood why an interstate mile marker was on this gravel road. The marker was #164. His son repositioned this to their driveway in honor of his Dad and no one, and I mean no one would touch it. The only stories I heard from him addressed a PBY that crashed after losing and engine. He hated the PBYs. He contracted malaria and was flown his beloved c47 to New Caledonia.
His son relayed the trails his dad face in the battle field. Needless to say he saw and endured immense strife. His humor, humility and strength are traits that must’ve been common in his generation. God Bless you Elmer.
Always a well done, educational and valuable presentation. Thank you for your work
Great video Dave. The maps are stupendous. If you haven’t walked any ground, the topographical markings really give you a sense of what it is like.
Great historical information!
A friend of mine served with the Vermont National Guard and said he fought on Guadalcanal.
Semper Fidelis!
Thanks. If from Vermont most likely with the 182nd?
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 I don't recall him ever mentioning a specific unit. He died in 2005. Your suggestion of the 182nd will help me research more. Thank you.
Always an interesting and informative video, good work. Having seen every video by you about Guadalcanal it's always interesting how intertwined the stories and locations are throughout. You tie it together very well and were very correct in mentioning how the Point Cruz line is mentioned so little historically. Always good to see a video come up by you, hope you're doing well and all the best to you.
My grandfather was a Lineman in one of the Field Artillery Battalions in the Americal Division. We know he was on Guadalcanal and got injured when he was stringing up communications lines. He fell out of a tree and landed on a coconut breaking his back.
Love all your content I learn a ton from you....
Great video! Love all the details! Thanks so much!
my dad served in this regiment in the Army, was one of the first sent to Japan when they surrendered.
I’d love to see you talk about the 182nd Regiment as well! The National Guardsmen from my town almost all went to the 182nd! I’m working on a book about the people from my town that served and I also have some information you might be happy to have!
Hi, yes I plan on discussing them and others in the future. If you go to my Facebook page with the same title as this site just send me a PM. Wouk’s love to see what you have.
Great presentation thanks
Thank you.
You mentioned "Pistol Pete" coming over and dropping 1 or 2 bombs, I remember my dad, who was in the 132th, called him "Wash Machine Charlie", he use to tell me they wished they could get a hold of that guy because he was a pain in the ass. One of the few things he talked about on that island.
Pistol Pete was the artillery pieces. Yes washing machine Charlie was a seaplane that was a pain!
Good work!
This is such an amazing and informative video. I'm writing a book on the Americal Division and the very much unknown battle of Point Cruz, characters such as COL Moore and LTC Hall. You gave such an amazing commentary on it- would it be possible to talk to you privately for references and research? Thanks!
Yes I have a Facebook page by the same name as here. Just send me a PM.
I thought this was very well presented both narration and illustrations. I knew the 164th was there but I didn't know the details. I liked the 'add a soldier to each bunker with the marines' comment as that was a good start and a little personal coaching from guys who have been in the fight would have paid huge dividends that night and the next. Sounds like the 182 could have used that support.
And I have read that the marines loved the garand and 'adopted it 'when ever they could. To upgrade from a bolt action to a semi-automatic that was quick to reload would have been a blessing in that kind of fighting.
I never will understand how a) brave men charge machine guns knowing the risk and b) leaders order men to do this over and over again leading to many unnecessary casualties. It sounds like the push to poha needed to be rethought, like bring up tanks along the coastal track, isolating a weak area and concentrating force there, etc.
Interesting story about the formation of the Americal Division. Never knew that. Always great videos and info thank you for your ongoing great work.
my grandfather was there Albert j Luther he was awarded a bronze star . he was from Minnesota
he passed away in 96. he never talked about it and only heard very limited stories and so wanna find out more about his time over seas. he earned the nickname beans cuz he had a can a beans knock him out diving into a foxhole .
I was told he was a sniper . was in fuji Guadalcanal and the Philippines.
Great info thanks for sharing. Was he in the 164th?
He was in the 164th infantry
If you ever happen to find him anywhere please let me know. Been thinking about my grandfather lately . Another thing is he got violently sea sick. And volunteered as a waist gunner on a bomber and plane hopped over . That's what I was told. .
@@jamesa2961 have you seen my accompanying Facebook page? Same title as this channel. Go there and send me a PM. I will see what I can do with assisting you.
I haven't I will look it up
Great video. Never knew the National guard played such a big role. When I first watched videos on ww2 I always assumed they were regular army units.
Also "citizen soldiers" were the Marines. As most of them were reservists
Excellent - Thank you!
The 164th RCT blew me away on the pages of history a long time ago.
Honorary Marines, I think the 164th(Americal) was the only US Army Unit to be given this informal distinction. These troopers, unlike the Marines, were issued the Garand battle rifle. Marines would often obtain a Garand through the "midnight requisition" process or so I was told by several 'Canal vets.
Chesty puller even said "Damn them farm boys can fight"!
That's high praise coming from the most decorated man in the history of the USMC, Lewis "Chesty" Burwell Puller@@johnkertzman3223
I heard the 77th Infantry Division was too during the Battle of Guam (1944).
Great video, That was the shortest 50 minutes on utube very interesting. I believe my uncle had the pleasure of enjoying the summer fun there he was in the army the Marines got all the glory enjoyed the video. Is it true that China is attempting to make a presence in Guadalcanal?
Yes unfortunately
Great video!
General Patch is one of My Favorite Generals in ww2.. He commanded the 7th Army.. If u look and compare his stats to more famous Generals. (Patton, Bradley Etc) He actually took more land killed and captured more Germans and destroyed more vehicles with less casualties to his force,
then any American commander in the ETO.
LOL
Before Guadacanal the Marines had never been in combat either.
They were all green....
Seldom mentioned, the Americal Division saved the 1st Marine Division in the early days on Guadalcanal.
They were inserted one regiment at a time when there were no other reinforcements available.
Probably not saved but helped out right they were needed. Thanks to US Army MG Harmon efforts to get them there. He is never mentioned which is a shame. The 1st MarDiv had probably 10% that had seen extensive combat in WW1 and the Banana Wars
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 ,. The 25 ID relieved the Marine 1st Division, the Americal Div stayed
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 in WWI, the Marines, 1 Regiment, was, attached, and under command of the US Army,2 ID.
And, very few were on Guadalcanal, 23 years later. They were green. Just as green as the men on Wake.
@@unitedwestand5100 the 4th Marine Brigade consisting of the 5th and 6th Marines fought in the 2nd Div. The 5th Brigade of Marines were on the coast of France and were preparing for combat. The 1st Marine Div on Guadalcanal only had a small amount of officers and NCO’s who were combat trained. The Banana Wars were beneficial to the USMC as it gave a larger core of trained combat members greater than the US Army prior to the war.
@@unitedwestand5100 yes and the rest of the 2nd Marine Division came in.
Very informative and interesting
My uncles were among them. Rarely spoke of their experiences. Duty bound.
The 164th were issued the new M-1 Garands…so they brought a lot of fire power to the perimeter defenses…🔫🔫
More Dave More!!
Jesuit Pret on 164th patch?
Was the cemetery just back from the beach to the east of Guadalcanal Beach Resort (GBR)?
Yes and on the grounds of GBR where the helo pad was.
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 I lived on the end of the last north facing finger of West Kola ridge for two years overlooking Chinatown and the Mataniko River - obviously a strategic position as I found US cartridges, expended bullets (presumable Japanese) and an empty morphine amphlett in the yard in the dirt (I still have them). I'm presuming this area was on line held by the US in October 1942. If I give you an exact location, are you able to tell me which company or platoon/s held that area at that time?
@@captmulch1 it would be hard to pin down the exact unit as that particular area was fought over from Aug 42 till Jan 43. If you give a particular date I could probably tell you the unit.
Ballad of Private Rodger Young.
Great presentation. I'm saddened to hear that China may be establishing a huge presence on Guadalcanal in the near future.
what is the name of the ship on the bombardment slide at 4:30.....?
The Haruna. The Kongo was the second battleship involved that evening
Great presentation….thanks🔫🔫🔫
www.digitalhorizonsonline.org/digital/collection/p16921coll1/id/4333/?fbclid=IwAR3z_HtFQJFa8RC1ARTgjCDlqU9CSpJjmD--u9EiH1tv-ns5idJ4jtcYyAw
Always a little unique to hear about soldiers from my area of the U.S. I.E North Dakota, Montana. It's still comparatively sparsely populated and way more so back in the 1940s. Very much farm and ranch communities in those days. Got a laugh out of your rookie water comment connected to your last video. Heh heh.. I truly always enjoy your videos, Keep up the good work and thank you for the work you put in!
Yes the 164th Inf Rest fought very well along side the Marines, but the Marines never gave them much credit... but that's the Marines for us lol..
The Marines gave them lots of credit. Called them the 164th Marines. They received a Navy/Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation. Lt Col Hall, 3/164, received the Navy Cross. Puller publicity said, those farm boys can fight.
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 when the Marines give you the honor of being called the 164th Marines you know damn well you earned that title! I don't think there's a higher honor the Marine corps can give a non Marine corps unit!
@@johnkertzman3223 exactly!
❤ your dedication Dave. It's a real job doing the research and getting these videos together. I came across you at 'theunautorizedhistory' with Seth and Capt Todi. I'm am so glad I did. My dad was out there on a tin can. 44-45. - & thank you for YOUR service also.🌎🪖