In a box of books and old Field Manuals from WWll I found a small book put out by the US War Office. Titled: Restricted. Fighting on Guadalcanal.

The book was approved by Chief of Staff Marshall and the Generals of the US Army and the Marine Corp.

It appears that the book was done after many interviews of some of the soldiers, Marines, NCOs, and commanding officers. The idea was not to redo mistakes made and improve the fighting men.

Some of the solutions put forth were to have a knee mortar like the Japs since their mortar could be set up quickly, produce high volumes of accurate fire, and the shell could be used like a hand grenade. We had cumbersome mortars and the shell could not be used like a grenade. We needed one like that.

Another request was to take the yellow band off the US grenade as when it was thrown, the Japs could see the grenade laying on the ground and toss it back!

The M1icon was mentioned as being a fine rifle but the gas tube was bright and shiny and a dead giveaway for the Japs.

What I found most interesting was a statement from Colonel Amor Le R. Sims. Commanding officer, Seventh Marines, 1st Marine Division.
He said, "I wish we had the M1 rifle, and when we get relieved from Guadalcanal, I am going to make every effort to get it." End of Quote....
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