6th Marine Division (6th MARDIV)
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)

Background
On September 6, 1944 the 6th Marine Division (6th MARDIV) was activated on Guadalcanal as part of the U.S Marine Corps (USMC). The was formed was formed from the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade including the 4th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Regiment. The 6th Division includes the 4th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Regiment and 29th Marine Regiment plus supporting units including the 53rd Naval Construction Battalion (53rd NCB) "Seabees" and later the 58th Naval Construction Battalion (58th NCB) "Seabees".

Wartime History
Between October 1944 until January 1945, 6th Marine Division underwent training on Guadalcanal. Assigned to the III Amphibious Corps for the invasion of Okinawa. On April 1, 1945 the 6th Marine Division landed on Okinawa and their first objective was to capture Yontan Airfield and protect the norther (left) flank and met only light resistance. On April 3, 1945 approaching Iskhikawa and were ahead of schedule. By April 14, 1945 they cleared the Ishikawa Isthmus until encountering resistance at Yae-Take. Next, ordered to the south to replace the U.S. Army 27th Infantry Division (27th ID) on the western flank and were ordered to capture the Sugar Loaf Hill Complex at the western end of of the Shuri Line then advanced to Naha and captured the Oroku peninsula. During the Battle of Okinawa the 6th Marine Division suffered 8,222 casualties including 1,622 were killed.

Commanding Officers
Major General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. (September 7, 1944–December 24, 1945)
Major General Archie F. Howard (December 24, 1945–April 1, 1946)

Awards
Presidential Unit Citation (Okinawa)

References
Sixth Marine Division Official Website
History of the Sixth Marine Division (1948)

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