First Battalion, 24th Marines

AUSTIN ROGER BRUNELLI
Commissioned 1931, retired 1962 as brigadier general
Battalion Commander, 1/24th Marines, on Saipan and Iwo Jima.

The photographs shown here are from the Austin Brunelli Collection (COLL/19) at the Marine Corps Archives and Special Collections, Quantico, Virginia.

1942: The Commandant’s Tour

In October of 1942, Commandant Thomas Holcomb embarked on an ambitious journey to visit the battlefield of Guadalcanal. It was more than curiosity or a morale building exercise, as David Ulbrich notes: “I am counting on reaching you,” wrote Holcomb to Vandegrift, “if we can’t, the trip will be a bit pointless. If we can possibly get through to you, we ought to come back better able to organize, train, equip, supply and otherwise serve the forces in the field.” Clearly then, Holcomb was cognizant of the logistical problems and wanted to get as many reinforcements and as much equipment as possible to Guadalcanal.(1) Brunelli, as Holcomb’s aide, made the month-long, 25,000-mile round trip that departed on 8 October 1942. They visited Guadalcanal from 21-23 October, during which time Holcomb informed Vandegrift of his selection to assume the role of Commandant when Holcomb retired.

Commandant Holcomb and staff made their way across the Pacific in a PB2Y Coronado flying boat.

The conditions inside were comfortable enough…

…especially as Holcomb’s aggressive schedule necessitated napping on the plane.

Holcomb and staff stopped off at numerous small outposts on their way across the Pacific.

An unknown island base was a stop on the tour.

An American runway, somewhere in the Pacific.

A major stops to play with the local wildlife.

Holcomb arrived on Guadalcanal in October of 1942, while fighting still raged.

He toured famous battlefields with staff in tow, guided by General Vandegrift and Colonel Merritt “Red Mike” Edson of the Raiders.

“Bloody Ridge,” one of the most infamous battlefields of Guadalcanal, seen about a month after the action that gave it its name.

Another view of Bloody Ridge.

Earthworks atop Bloody Ridge.

The staff and notable Guadalcanal commanders gather for a photograph in 1942.

1944: The Marshalls And Marianas

After graduating from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Quantico, Brunelli was sent to Camp Pendleton to take command of the Third Battalion, 24th Marines. As a lieutenant colonel, he would lead this unit into their first battle – Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands – on 1 February 1944. Brunelli quickly earned a reputation as a hands-on leader, organizing his scattered units and repeatedly attacking and defending against the Japanese garrison despite a leg wound. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” and the Purple Heart for his actions in the Marshalls.

Brunelli was then advanced to the role of executive officer of the 24th Marines, serving directly under the commanding officer, Colonel Franklin Hart. On Saipan, he stepped in to the role of battalion commander once more, this time leading the First Battalion, 24th Marines after the death of Lt. Col. Maynard C. Schultz on 18 June 1944. Brunelli would command 1/24 through the balance of the battle, ceding his role to Lt. Col. Otto Lessing on the fourth of July. He again distinguished himself as a front-line commander, especially when handling disorganized troops or conducting reconnaissance. Brunelli would receive the Silver Star for Saipan, and temporarily commanded the regiment for a time once they returned to Maui.

Scenes of devastation on Roi-Namur, following the battle of 1-2 February 1944.

Scenes of devastation on Roi-Namur, following the battle of 1-2 February 1944.

Scenes of devastation on Roi-Namur, following the battle of 1-2 February 1944.

A little humor outside headquarters, Namur. Note the pile of discarded gas masks and helmets.

A wrecked Japanese building became a Marine headquarters.

Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli enjoys a cup of coffee on Namur.

Brunelli receives his Legion of Merit from Admiral Nimitz.

In the field on Saipan. Colonel Franklin Hart – commanding the 24th Marines – has appropriated a proper desk for his field headquarters

Colonel Hart writes out an order for Brunelli. Saipan.

Members of the 24th Marines command staff on Saipan.

1945: Iwo Jima

After passing command of the 24th Marines to Colonel Walter I. Jordan, Brunelli resumed his role as executive officer. He would fight in this capacity on Iwo Jima – where he was wounded in the face by shrapnel – until once again called to the front lines. On 9 March 1945, Brunelli relieved Major Paul Treitel as commander of 1/24, and led the remnants of the battalion through their final days of the battle. It was under his direction that the battalion reorganized into two under-strength companies, and made “substantial gains… against the fanatical resistance of their general advance in the face of intense hostile fire until the resistance of the enemy was completely overcome.” Iwo Jima would net Austin Brunelli his highest award – the Navy Cross – specifically for his job in command of 1/24.

Mass aboard ship, heading for Iwo Jima. January or February 1945.

Austin Brunelli. He is clean shaven; this photo was likely taken on his way to Iwo Jima.

Looking down on Iwo’s “boat basin.” First Battalion, 24th Marines faced hard fighting here in the early part of the campaign.

Iwo terrain. Note caves and Japanese emplacements on hills in distance.

A burned and shattered American plane on Iwo Jima.

Field mass on Iwo.

Field mass on Iwo.

Marines on Iwo. Major Arthur Hanson, the intelligence officer, is standing at left; this is probably the R-2 section.

Unknown group of Marines, Iwo Jima.

Cemetery at Iwo Jima. All hands are saluting the flag. Note wrecked aircaft piled in background.

Staff officers of the 24th Marines immediately after Iwo Jima. Note Brunelli’s growth of battle beard.

1944 – 1945: Camp Maui Interludes

Between campaigns, the 24th Marines (along with the rest of the 4th Marine Division) was encamped on the island of Maui. Life in “rest camp” ranged from mundane exercises to elaborate ceremonies. As a highly-decorated officer, Austin Brunelli took part in his fair share of parades and presentations.

This Roll of Honor hung in the 24th Marines officers’ mess at Camp Maui prior to Iwo Jima.

Colonel Walter I. Jordan cuts the cake for the Marine Corps Birthday, 10 November 1944. Looking on is Major Paul Treitel, commanding 1/24.

Colonel Jordan in his office, June 1945.

General Franklin Hart inspects an 81mm mortar.

Officers of First Battalion, 24th Marines in 1945. They are seated in front of the regiment’s Roll of Honor.

Command staff of the 24th Marines at Camp Maui.

Major Arthur Hanson, the regimental intelligence officer, at Camp Maui.

Unnamed officers gathering for an event at Camp Maui.

Brunelli, with a jeep named BEBE, prepares for a medal ceremony.

Brigadier General Hart reads some remarks. Originally the CO of the 24th Marines, Hart became the assistant division commander in 1945.

Brunelli after receiving his Navy Cross. He was authorized to wear four campaign stars, presumably because he was briefly present on Guadalcanal during the battle.

Veteran officers receive new decorations for Iwo Jima. From left, a Legion of Merit and two Silver Stars.

Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli with the Navy Cross awarded for Iwo Jima.

Marines on parade, 1945.

Marines on parade, 1945.

Marines on parade, 1945.

The 4th Marine Division colors receive a fourth campaign streamer for Iwo Jima…

…and a second Presidential Unit Citation streamer.

Presenting the colors.

Flags of the 4th Marine Division and its infantry regiments.

Marines on parade, 1945.

(1) David Ulbrich, Preparing For Victory: Thomas Holcomb and the Making of the Modern Marine Corps, 1936-1943 (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2011), 121. Ulbrich accurately characterizes Holcomb’s trip as “groundbreaking.”