4 Replies Latest reply on Jun 24, 2021 1:53 PM by Francisco Abril

    USMC 2nd Division correspondence information - 1944

    Francisco Abril Wayfarer
    Francisco Abril Jun 23, 2021 10:26 AM

      While reading a book regarding the planning of the Saipan operation for June 1944, there's a section that speaks about how 2nd Marine Division requested a change in the plan for how armored LVTs were to be employed.  The text reads as follows "On several occasions, General Watson had expressed his opinion on this subject to General Holland Smith"   Further down in the text, it reads "General Watson finally secured General Smith's permission to change the concept within the 2d Division's zone to the extent that the armored LVTs would clear the immediate beach areas and cover the landing by fire".  This is taken from a note in the book Saipan: The Beginning of the End by Major Carl W. Hoffman.  The note does not have any references as to where the information came from, but there must have been some meeting minutes, or correspondence between the two generals regarding an important matter such as a change of the original plans for the employment  of armored LVTs.

       

      Does anyone know if such correspondence would exists, and how to get it?  And if not, how could one find more information regarding this?

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        • Re: USMC 2nd Division correspondence information - 1944
          Rachael Salyer Ranger
          Rachael Salyer Expert Jun 23, 2021 12:45 PM (in response to Francisco Abril)

          Dear Mr. Abril,

           

          Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

           

          We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the series Correspondence of Marine Divisions, 1941-1946, the series Correspondence, 1942-1/1950, and the series Records Relating to World War II Organizations, Plans, and Military Operations in the Records of the U.S. Marine Corps (Record Group 127) that may contain some information related to your research. These records have not been digitized. For access to and information about these and similar records, please contact the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RDT2) at archives2reference@nara.gov.

           

          If the author of the book included citations, you might also be able to use that information to locate the correspondence they referenced.

           

          Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDT2. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

           

          We hope this information is helpful, and best of luck with your research!

           

          1 person found this helpful
            • Re: USMC 2nd Division correspondence information - 1944
              Francisco Abril Wayfarer
              Francisco Abril Jun 24, 2021 10:36 AM (in response to Rachael Salyer)

              Thank you Rachael!  Quick question, how does the ELLS-DRAN system work?  Looking at this comparison, it seems like the correspondence records for the 2nd Marine Division are a different pattern...

               

              Box 1: 1st Marine Division: 1020 Absence, Furlough, Leave THRU 1365 Communication

              Box 2: 1st Marine Division: 1515-35-10 Duty, Duties THRU 1975-50-5 Operations, Maneuver, Training

              Box 3: 1st Marine Division: 1990 Orders THRU 2nd Marine Division: 105-25

              Box 4: 2nd Marine Division: 105-30- THRU 155-5

              Box 5: 2nd Marine Division: 155-10 THRU 175

              Box 6: 2nd Marine Division: 180 THRU 205-20-10

              Box 7: 2nd Marine Division: 205-20-15 THRU 230

              Box 8: 2nd Marine Division: 235 THRU 3rd Marine Division: 1410 Crime, Misdemeanor

              Box 9: 3rd Marine Division: 1435 Death, Casualty THRU 1435 Death, Casualty

              Box 10: 3rd Marine Division: 1500 Discharge THRU 1975 Operations, Maneuver, Training

              Box 11: 3rd Marine Division: 1975 Operations, Maneuver, Training THRU 1990 Orders

              Box 12: 3rd Marine Division: 1990 Orders THRU 1990 Orders

              Box 13: 3rd Marine Division: 1990 Orders THRU 1990 Orders

              Box 14: 3rd Marine Division: 1990 Orders THRU 1990 Orders

              Box 15: 3rd Marine Division: 1990-75-10 Orders THRU 2295 Report (Not Blank Form)

              Box 16: 3rd Marine Division: 2295 Report (Not Blank Form) THRU 2295 Report (Not Blank Form)

              Box 17: 3rd Marine Division: 2295 Report (Not Blank Form) THRU 2295 Report (Not Blank Form)

              Box 18: 3rd Marine Division: 2295 Report (Not Blank Form) THRU 2390 Strength, Distribution

              Box 19: 3rd Marine Division: 2400 Target, Target Practice THRU 4th Marine Division: 1365 Communication