William P. Shurick’s military story is provided below. After my father’s death I rummaged around his home office and found numerous small notes mentioning various things but many about his experiences in the Marines. I found references and such along the way and added commentary/facts to his story.

William Shurick enlisted as a Private in the United States Marine Corps and arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California on January 3rd, 1942. He graduated sometime in April 1942 with the 30th Platoon. Sergeant J.D. Tate, Corporal W.H. Morris and Corporal E.J. Kupenski were his Drill Instructors.

"I voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for a four-year hitch, or for the duration of the war, whichever came first. My enlistment started on the third day of January in the year of 1942. My serial number was 346164." "My goal was to become a China Marine. Mother and Dad had reservations - wanted me to put it on hold. Betty and I had special plans." (William Perry Shurick).

Note: "China Marine" was reference to a U.S. Marine that was stationed in China.

During recruit training William had trouble on the rifle range. "Experienced difficulty on the rifle range. Kept shooting on the target next to me. Eye examination verified I had vision problem on the right eye. Treatment provided by Navy Doctors." (William Perry Shurick)

After recruit training I attended Radio Operator's School. "Great experience. Doubt if I would ever forget the Morse Code. My dexterity not as good as others, but passable." (William Perry Shurick)

After his training he received orders with the 22nd Marine Regiment. This was a Regimental Combat Team (RCT), or one third of a division. According to the U.S. Marine Corps history the 22nd Marines was activated with the organization of Headquarters and Service Company and the 1st Battalion on June 1st, 1942 at the Fleet Marine Force Training Center, Camp Elliot, California. Weapons Company was organized on June 8th, 1942 and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions on June 15th, 1942 at Camp Elliott.

Within the 22nd Marine Regiment was the 2nd Separate Tank Company, the company that William was attached to.

The Regiment set sail on the SS LURLINE, an 18,000-ton cruise ship that was taken over by the military for the war effort. Private First Class William E. Pepper of Pickens, Mississippi was aboard the day they shipped out and wrote in his diary:

"On July 19, 1942, the 18,000-ton SS LURLINE, "pride of the Matson line," carrying the 22nd Marines Regiment, weighed anchor at San Diego, California, and set sail for Tutuila." LURLINE's "cabins and mess hall are luxurious. It reminds me of a hotel. The men are pretty crowded, but not as bad as they are on some troop transports.

Private Edwin C. Bearss described the ship's departure: "About 4 o'clock the gangways were taken up. A tug came alongside, lines were cast off, and LURLINE's screws began to turn. Slowly but surely, she moved out into the harbor. The troops crowded the decks to watch. Those on the starboard side saw first the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation slip by, then the Marine Corps Base, and finally the Naval Training Station; those on the port beam watched as they passed North Island. Soon the ship preceded by a destroyer, was abreast Point Loma, the majestic guardian of San Diego Harbor. Dusk soon closed in, and the California coast became a dim blur on the eastern horizon, which ahead and to the southwest were seen the Islas Coronado’s, destined to be the last Western Hemisphere landfall some of the Marines would ever see." (Bearss 1978-1981: 45-46)

On July 29, 1942, a Japanese submarine 24 miles northeast of Tutuila attached the SS LURLINE. Marine Private Edwin C. Bearss (now retired Chief Historian of the National Park service and noted authority on the American Civil War) recorded the incident for posterity, writing that "Fortunately, the submarine commander had set his "Long Lances" (torpedoes) to run too deep, and one passed under the LURLINE's bow, and the other hard astern." (Bearss 1978-1981: 50)

On July 29, 1942, SS LURLINE dropped anchor in Pago Pago Harbor at 8:06 am. Private First Class Will Pepper wrote this entry in his journal: "This island is very beautiful. The vegetation-covered mountains extend almost to the water. It is different from the kind of vegetation back home (in central Mississippi). There are a lot of palm trees, and dense vines covering the mountains." After unloading "hundreds of bags of mail," LURLINE weighed anchor at 11:30 am, en route to Apia, arriving there at 4:30 pm (Bearss 1978-1981: 51)

According to U.S. Marine Corps history the Regiment began movement to Samoa on June 18th, 1942, the 1st Battalion arriving June 29th. For the next 17 months the regiment formed part of the Defense Force, Samoan Group and carried out intensive training in jungle warfare.

"The Officer-in-Charge, Malaria Control, South Pacific sent a "Secret Letter" to the Force Medical Officer, South Pacific, which stated that "filariasis was as high as 50 to 70 percent in some of the units on Tutuila. The lowest rates were 6 percent. The Naval Station had none at all. The Navy had been on the island since 1900 and none of the personnel at the Naval Station had ever contracted the disease. Up until the time of World War II it was thought that Caucasians were practically immune to Filariasis. This theory was revised shortly after the arrival of troops to the island." (Burke 1945b: 119 n. 68)

Work parties from the 22nd Marines began unloading SS LURLINE in Apia Harbor on July 31, 1942. Private Ed Bearss wrote: "This was a time-consuming operation, because the gear and supplies had to be first off-loaded into landing craft and barges. These craft then made the run into shore, tying up at either the jetty or the Burns & Philip (sic) dock. The equipment was then handled again, as other fatigue parties shifted it up out of the craft and onto trucks that hauled it to various depots. The sun beat down, and we lamented, "It will take us a long time to get used to the heat." (Bearss 1978-1981: 54)

The U.S. Navy's Mobile Hospital No. 3 (MOB 3) had 40 buildings (in Mapusaga, where the American Samoa Community College is now located) by August 1st, 1942, including an X-ray facility and a second operating room. There were 51 patients in the hospital, and many more beds were soon needed to accommodate the wounded from the Guadalcanal campaign, which began on August 7, 1942. (Parsons 1945: 97)

William spent 20 days confined in a field hospital on Apia 15 days of which were spent with a high fever and he eventually fell into unconsciousness. This was attributable to "Cat Fever" which is like Pneumonia. This type of infection attacks the central nervous system and will, in its extreme forms, cause headaches, seizures, combative behavior and coma. Even though no known deaths have occurred from cat fever it can have lasting symptoms to include a loss of visual acuity with a macular star. Later in life, William suffered from visual acuity and macular star.

After this setback he left the field hospital and returned to his unit. "Spent my time learning how to operate the radio equipment in the tank that I was assigned to. Corporal Hicks was the Tank Commander." "Here the main thrust was to develop good crews. Each person had to develop his own expertise but, had to be called upon to assume the skills of his other team members. The rainy season was on, the mud was knee deep; the track would come off, and if you were the one who was responsible for this, it became your task to pull a team together and get the track over the bogey. On occasion it might go easy but most often you would be covered with mud. Tempers would fly and the individual most likely the cause of the problem would have to buy the beer. I was physically in excellent shape." "Yours truly helped change tank tracks and in one instance let my foot get in the way smashing my big toe." (William P. Shurick).

On October 31, 1943, the 22nd Marines (Reinforced) was detached from the Samoan Defense Force and assigned to duty with V Amphibious Corps. Movement from Samoa to Maui, T.H., began November 11,1943 and was completed on 26 November. On Maui the regiment underwent further training and preparation for the forthcoming Marshalls operation. (Brief History of the 22d Marines)

On January 23, 1944, the 22nd Marines (Reinforced) departed Pearl Harbor for the Marshalls area. As part of Tactical Group One, VAC, the regiment was assigned to the Eniwetok operation. (Brief History of the 22d Marines).

Under Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, newly designated as commander of the Fast Carrier Task Forces, carrier strikes at Japanese ships and planes in the region virtually wiped out the possibility of interference with the American invasion. On February 1, 1944, less than three months after Tarawa, Admiral Nimitz' fleet, rearmed, reequipped and prepared with new tactics, attacked Kwajalein Atoll in the central Marshalls. At the northern tip of the atoll the newly formed 4th Marine Division took the causeway-connected islands of Roi and Namur, the main Japanese air base in the Marshalls. At the atoll's southern tip, the Army's 7th Division - all its troops landing from amtracs - took Kwajalein Island, site of an almost completed bomber strip. Some 300 miles to the southeast of Kwajalein Atoll, undefended Majuro Atoll was occupied in a few hours; its lagoon, 26 miles long and six miles wide, quickly became an advance base for Mitscher's fast carriers. (Island Fighting WWII, Time Life Books

Further, in January 1944 there was a service record entry stating that Dad was transferred to the V Amphibious Corps, which essentially was Flag-Officer staff, operations and planning etc. Dad’s unit was a relatively new idea, or an idea that was perfected by the Marine Raiders, a recon group gaining much success in the far east. At first, Dad’s unit answered directly to the V Amphibious Corps (VAC) operations and planning staffs. They were titled as Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps. I think we might all remember that Dad raised his hand when asked who, was a good swimmer. Dad packed up all his gear and off to the VAC he went.

"When we moved into the Marshall Islands the Commanding Officer of our Tank Company traded off the light tanks for some new medium tanks and we spent a great deal of our time learning changing them over so we would have more protection." (William P. Shurick)

His fellow Marines in that unit traded off light tanks for medium tanks right before Operation CATCHPOLE in the Marshall Islands.

During one of the early assaults "I picked up some shrapnel and along with it the Purple Heart." (William P. Shurick)

Early on “Reconnaissance Company retorted the islands had been secured and were ready for the landing of the artillery.” (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

They most certainly were the first Americans onto the islands, and they were to be the ones to develop intel. As the main report reveals there were pockets of resistance on most of the islands, some more than others. Dad’s unit would suppress those pockets.

"My position changed, and I became Top Machine Gunner which led to becoming the Reconnaissance Non-Commissioned Officer." In another writing he said, "Achieved the Top Gunner competition. My award, besides a promotion was to get involved in reconnoitering the enemy territory. My knowledge about the tanks and how they operate was very valuable, especially in view of the mess we had on Tarawa. My new duties included being exposed to underwater operations. Tasks required a great deal of swimming time, good lung capacity, and strong nerves, especially in dealing with tide changes. My dive range was often around 35 feet below surface or until blood would show up. Your objective was to chart the beaches, held by the enemy, so that the tank ladders could get close to the shore and the tanks could avoid sinking into the water. Once on land the team would melt into the Battle C.P. Headquarters. The major task force then would begin the full-scale landing operation from the sea in the Marshall Island Atoll." "Advanced reconnaissance task force used explosive charges etc. 2nd Separate Tank Company, Captain Harry Calcutt - Commanding - 22nd Marines - 4th Marine Division." (William P. Shurick)

Captain Harry Calcutt went on to become a Major and was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during the battle on the island of Guam. His Bronze Star came as a result of often leaving his tank and personally directing the attack against the Japanese. He came back from the war and lived out his life in his hometown of Traverse City, Grand Traverse, Michigan. He was born June 5th, 1918 and died December 21st, 1996.

Aerial intelligence techniques were refined to provide accurate data about water depths and tide levels. Underwater demolition teams were trained to destroy natural and man-made impediments before any landing took place. (Island Fighting, WWII, Time Life Books)

"The Marshall Islands was my first action under fire. We came onto several islands in advance of the landing party to lay out the best beach approach. We mapped them out and referred to them as Beach Red, Green, or Blue. We ascertained the approximate size of the enemy force. We marked up the maps, returned to destination area and then to the command ship. The objective, basically, was to determine the capability to bring our medium tanks. We were not authorized to engage anyone." (William P. Shurick)

“This Company was attached to TG-1 for the operations on DOWNSIDE ATOLL from 7 February 1944 to 25 February 1944.” (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

With the relative ease of the Kwajalein campaign, Nimitz decided not to have the fleet return to Hawaii to regroup. Instead, he sent it on to invade Eniwetok Atoll, 380 miles from Kwajalein in the western Marshalls. Charts captured at Kwajalein had provided valuable information about Eniwetok's defenses and about water depths in its lagoon. To cover the landings, scheduled for February 17, nine of Mitscher's fast carriers hit at Truk, the powerful Japanese air and naval base 770 miles to the west of Eniwetok in the Caroline Islands. In two days and one night of raids, Mitscher's planes destroyed some 200 Japanese planes on the ground and sank 41 ships; the total tonnage sunk - more than 200,000 tons - was to remain a record for a single action throughout the War. Truk, which the Japanese had been secretly building up for years, was such a vital linchpin in their entire Pacific strategy that after the raids were over Admiral Koga ordered his remaining planes from Rabaul to protect it, thereby abandoning the Japanese forces in and around New Guinea to the mercy of MacArthur's air arm. (Island Fighting WWII, Time Life Books)

The Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps was as busy as any other Marine unit during this campaign.

“The original mission assigned the company was: “On Dog-Day at How-Hour land on and seize Camellia, Canna, Carnation, Columbine, and Buttercup Islands and cover the landings of second Separate Pack Howitzer Bn, and 104th Field Artillery Bn. (Special Action Report of the Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps). More on those seizures as we continue.

On Eniwetok Island some 800 Japanese were in underground bunkers with connecting tunnels and trenches, or in holes concealed by palm fronds; others were hidden in the underbrush that covered much of the island. The attackers - soldiers of the 106th Infantry, 27th Division, and Marines of the 22nd Regiment - had to scrutinize every yard of their advance. At one point an Army squad tossed grenades down a hole, then heard voices singing a Christian hymn: out came a local village chief and six companions, none hurt. After cigarettes and expressions of good will had been exchanged, the battle with the Japanese resumed. Eniwetok Island fell in two and a half days and yielded still another important document, showing the defensive plans for Parry Island, just across the channel. Three days of bombardment and one day of sharp ground fighting won Parry and completed the conquest of Eniwetok Atoll. (Island Fighting WWII, Time Life Books).

“…At 1450 hours the entire island had been secured except for isolated snipers and pill boxes, and Japanese who were in underground shelters. These positions were methodically reduced. ((Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

"The cruiser USS IOWA caught a broadside from a Japanese shore battery. This exchange of shells left the Japanese shore battery inoperative. They were very frustrated trapped in their quarters. The individual in my team carried and used his flame thrower whenever he was needed." (William P. Shurick)

"At the time I was performing my duties I was exposed to underwater explosions using dynamite, hand grenades, nitro caps, and other explosives (many times the potency of dynamite). The gear I was using at that time in World War II was limited to my ability to swim underwater at varying depths and to hold my breath for sustained periods of time without the supportive gear used by divers with air tanks, weights and swim feet. With limited ability to determine your exact depth you frequently get exposed to the bends and often develop ruptures in your colon." (William P. Shurick). The mention of the ruptures of his colon would again be a problem when William turned about 50 years of age.

"Going into the landing ahead of the tanks and being in charge of a group of men who depended on your ability to judge critical situations and implement defensive measures hit hard. We basically became "foot soldiers" and at times it was extremely difficult to determine who was the enemy. I had an excellent team of men; we pushed hard and got the missions accomplished. The pressure fell hard on my shoulders, and I was not as responsive as I could have been perhaps. My predecessor failed to make it and I was given the task of becoming one to go into the landings well in advance. Combat fatigue entered the situation and after surviving multiple landings my health got the best of me." (William P. Shurick).

Note: My Dad told me years ago that the "predecessor" he speaks of was a Lieutenant who was killed in action as they were coming onto a beach.

"I continued to make other landings in the Marshals, but none were as challenging as Eniwetok." (William P. Shurick)

“Having secured CAMELLIA and CANNA Islands, the Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps at 1809 secured BUTTERCUP, BLUEBONNET and BITTERROOT Islands which lie to the northwest of CAMELLIA Island.” Dad had mentioned there were many islands his unit came onto the clear and this report backs that up. (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

“At 1745 the Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps was ordered to continue to occupy ARBUTUS Island during the night of 18-19 February and at 0800, 19 February to commence to seize islands from CLOVER to IRIS inclusive approaching HAWTHORN cautiously as a Japanese ships crew was believed to be ashore.” (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

“Landed on ARBUTUS at 0900. As soon as we hit the beach, we came under heavy grazing fire from the west. One casualty occurred immediately. Set up company CP on east tip of Island and sent out reconnaissance platoons. The platoon leaders reported the fire very heavy over the entire island. Because of the heavy cover it was difficult to determine whether the fire was coming from the Island itself or if it was coming from the fire fight on Fragile Island. During the morning the fire continued. A total of three casualties were suffered. One man was killed and two were wounded. As evidence as to how low the fire was, all three of these men were wounded while flat on the ground.” (AAR Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps)

“Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps was commencing seizure of islands from CLOVER to IRIS inclusive.” (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

“Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps and Company D (Scout) 4th Tank Battalion available on 3 hours notice.” (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

“At 1453 the Reconnaissance Company commenced movement from IRIS Island to LADYSLIPPER Island.” (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

“Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps, was still on LADYSLIPPER Island waiting arrival of 2nd Separate Pack Howitzer Battalion. (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

“Detachment, Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps, occupied LILAC Island on the afternoon of 21 February 1944, withdrawing later that day.” (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

Then Dad’s unit and the Tank Company’s Scout Platoon were temporarily assigned to Regimental Combat Team 22.

“At 1500, 21 February, the Commanding Officer RCT 22 presented his plan of attack which was approved. Search was being made of all ships for demolitions. Offensive hand grenade shortage was acute…” This mission would have been right out of the Reconnaissance Company’s and Scout Platoons playbook.

Then all hell broke loose and a main assault onto the islands had begun. Dad’s unit, Scout Platoon and 4th Tank Battalion were ordered to land on Beach Green 2.

All toll, RCT 22 took part in two assault landings and three major attacks. (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

“In accomplishment the above missions the company incurred casualties consisting of seven killed and eight wounded. Names, serial numbers, and disposition are listed in Annex “C””. (Special Action Report – CATCHPOLE Operation dated 10 March 1944.)

The Annex C mentioned a list of personnel but owing to FOIA, names must not be subject to release for public consumption. I could not find a name, other than Officers in the reports. This is important to us. I know our Dad was in the Reconnaissance Company but I cannot verify what platoon within that Company he was. In his service record there were no detailed evaluations (just score marks), and scant other information that would lead me to dial in on the exact platoon of men.

"When I saw their (Japanese) faces, I realized they were humans like us not just "Japs", but we had our jobs to do when it came to war and you just want to remain alive yourself, so you do what you were trained to do." (William P. Shurick)

My father did talk about a Life Magazine Photographer that accompanied his unit on an operation onto an island. The Photographer's name was George Strock.

Dad mentioned the snipers and how one was targeting him, and he was told to lay flat and did, just in time. “…flushing numerous snipers on the right flank suffering one casualty.” (AAR Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, V Amphibious Corps)

During his time on the islands, he encountered both Malaria and Filariasis. Filariasis is the name for a group of tropical diseases caused by various thread-like parasitic round worms and their larvae. The larvae transmit’s the disease to humans through a mosquito bite. Filariasis is characterized by fevers, chills, headaches and skin lesions in the early stages and, if untreated, can progress to include gross enlargement of the limbs and genitalia in a condition called elephantiasis. In all fairness the medical officers were figuring out that the Filariasis probably started in Somoa as it is the type of medical condition that takes a while to get ahold.

Regarding Malaria the symptoms of all types of malaria is the "malaria ague" (chills and fever), which corresponds to the "birth" of the new generation of the parasite. In most cases, the fever has three stages, beginning with uncontrollable shivering for an hour or two, followed by a rapid spike in temperature (as high as 106 degrees F, which lasts three to six hours. Then, just as suddenly, the patient begins to sweat profusely, which will quickly bring down the fever. Other symptoms may include fatigue, severe headache, or nausea and vomiting. As the seating subsides, the patient typically feels exhausted and falls asleep. In many cases, this cycle of chills, fever, and seating occurs every other day, or every third day, and may last for between a week and a month. Those with the chronic form of malaria may have a relapse as long as 50 years after the initial infection. As those of us that knew my father, every time he was hospitalized, he exhibited combative behavior and delirium.

Sometime around June 1944, Corporal Shurick was admitted into a field hospital. His bout with Malaria coupled with his combat fatigue earned him a return to the United States. He was admitted into Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, Oakland, California. Combat fatigue was the label used during World War II that is equal to that the term PTSD used for military personnel today.

"While in the isolation area I was determined to have malnutrition type conditions and was placed on the extensive recovery diet. When our progress warranted it, we were moved to a U.S. Marine Recuperation Center in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Here those who could were prepared to return to duty." (William P. Shurick)

"My condition required special treatment and I requested a transfer closer to the mid-west. I was transferred to the U.S. Marine Detachment at the new Great Lakes Naval Prison. I requested assistance from a Doctor Dozer who provided me with reconstruction analysis. Memory loss was extensive and required his professional intervention. He suggested that there was the possibility that I might become sterile because of my location to one of the largest Radar Transmitters in the South Pacific. My marriage scheduled for March 31, 1945 was pending and he advised us to look carefully into that possibility. With the war coming to an end, I decided to request an early out which was approved. I was discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps on the 4th day of September 1945 with a 50% disability rating. This was based on the following facts of the board: Combat Fatigue, which included Weariness from labor or exertion, nervous exhaustion, Malaria and Filariasis." (William P. Shurick)

"I realize how precious freedom is. The war has taken a toll on me physically, but I would do it all over again for this great country." (William P. Shurick)

William Perry Shurick (1923)