November 1942

Guadalcanal

With artillery, naval gunfire and air support, the 1st Marine Division launches an attack toward the Poha River. The 5th Marines, followed by the 2nd Marines, less the 3rd Battalion in reserve, crosses footbridges over the Matanikau River and drives west about 1,000 yards in 2 columns to positions short of Point Cruz. The 1st Battalion, in the right flank column, meets considerable delaying opposition along the coast. The Whaling Group, the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marines and the scout-sniper detachment, crosses the river upstream and advances west on an island route to protect the left flank of the 5th Marines. To forestall expected enemy landings in Koli Point area, east of the Lunga perimeter, the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Marines starts east toward the Metapona River.

During the next 12 days the Japanese destroyer force bringing supplies to the island is especially active. Nearly 70 missions are run by it various ships. The force is known to the Americans as the 'Tokyo Express'. Adm Tanaka takes command of these operations on November 5th.

The US November offensive begins. The objectives are the same as those in previous offensive of October 7. First, secure the trail junction and landing beaches at Kokumbona, over 8,000 yards west of the Matanikau; Second, advance to the Poha River, about 2,600 yds beyond Kokumbona. Once to the Poha, the Lunga airfields would be safe from enemy artillery fire. Forces selected for the attack include the 5th Marines, the 2nd Marines, less the 3rd Battalion, and the Whaling Group which now consists of the Scout-Sniper Detachment and the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. In support is the 11th Marines and attached Army artillery battalions, aircraft, engineers and a boat detachment from the Kukum naval base.

The Infantry forces are to attack in column of regiments on a 1,500-yd front from the Matanikau River, the line of departure. The 5th Marines, closely followed by the 2nd Marines in reserve, would make the assault. The Whaling Group is to move along the high grassy ridges on the left (south) to protect the left flank of the assaulting forces. Col Edson is commanding the attacking force.

In preparation for the attack, the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 2nd Marines, are brought from Tulagi. The 3rd Battalion, which has served as division mobile reserve for 6 weeks is sent to Tulagi to rest. The 5th Marines moves forward to relieve the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. The responsibility for the 5th Marines' old sector in the perimeter defense is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines. Detachments for heavy weapons companies of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, remain in position along the Matanikau to cover the attacking forces. The 2nd Marines, less the 3rd Battalion, moves into bivouac east of Matanikau.

Between 0100 and 0600 engineers construct 3 footbridges across the river. At daybreak the 11th Marines, along with the 3rd Defense Battalion's 5-inch guns, fire a preliminary bombardment. Naval gunfire from the cruisers San Francisco and Helena and the destroyer Sterrett shell areas west of Point Cruz while aircraft from Henderson Field strike Japanese artillery positions. B-17s from Espiritu Santo drop 335 100-pound bombs on Kokumbona.

After the bombardment, the 3 battalions of the 5th Marines start crossing the bridges. At 0700 the 1st and 2nd Battalions, on the right and left respectively, deploy to the attack. The 1st Battalion meets the heaviest opposition as the Japanese yield ground slowly fighting delaying actions. The 2nd Battalion, moving over higher ground, pushes ahead rapidly and loses contact with the 1st around 1230. The advancing force halts for the night short of Point Cruz, but having advanced about 1,000 yards.