16-324 Garand Pciture of the Day - Kwajalein

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U.S. Marines of V Amphibious Corps (VAC) pull an injured enemy Japanese soldiers from a bunker during the Battle of Kwajalein. The battle took place over four days on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. U.S. forces launched a successful twin assault on the main islands of Kwajalein in the south and Roi-Namur in the north on 31 January 1944. The Japanese defenders put up stiff resistance, although outnumbered and under prepared. The determined defense of Roi-Namur left only 51 Japanese survivors of an original garrison of 3,500 soldiers. Kwajalein Atoll, Nanyo Japanese Mandated Territory (now, Republic of the Marshall Islands). February 1944.

what are the markings on the backs of the shirts of the two guys holding the prisoner?

The “Unit Numerical Identification System” was used to hide unit identities. The 4th Marine Division used this system to a far greater extend than any other Division during WW2. Each Marine Division was identified by a geometrical shape, in case of the 4th Marine Division this was a semi circle. Enclosed within the shape was a 3-digit code. An additional number stenciled above the semi circle denoted the rank.

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1 private First Class, 2 Corporal, 3 Sergeant, 4 Lieutenant, 5 captain, 6 Major, 7 Lieutenant Colonel, 8 Colonel, 9 General

Here is an example of an original UNIS marked 4th Marine Division P41 Utility Jacket: