I was on New Caladonia late '43 at Camp St.Louis,
and had a friend with the 1st Raider Bn. at Camp Bailey, we use to watch the movies and drink beer at
night in Bailey until we were sent up to the'canal,
where they were forming the First Marine Provisional
Brigade, and I was sent to 1st Marine Amphb. Corps
and later to the 3rd Mar.Amphb. Corps. My friends
name was Cpl. Tom Reilly he was in Co.1st Raider Bn.
when the 4th Marines were formed he was C Co/1sBn.
4th Marines. We saw each other on GUAM he was coming
down of Mt. Alifan and I was going up to set up FO
post for the 155mm Howitzers that were set up in AGAT.
The next time I saw him we were coming back from a scouting job and he was coming of OROTE Pen.where we had lost a good friend,named HUTCH. I did'nt see him
again until Aug.15th we were on patrol on UROANO Pt.
and we were ambushed by about 60 Nips we lost 3men and
had about six wounded and he came to see at the Med.
station. I wish to hear from anyone who knew REILLY
and could tell me what happened to him after GUAM.
We had a friend in H&S 6th Div.HQ Frank McBride he
was a cook I only got to see him once on the 'canal.
And never did get to see either of them on Okinawa
but I am sure they were there. In Oct.'45 with enough
points I was sent back to Camp Pendelton to await dishcharge. Would appreciate any word from anyone who
knew REILLY or McBRIDE on GUAM or OKINAWA. I was on GUAM for the 60th anniversary of our landing there and
am sorry to say the turnout for the 4th was sad most
of the 4th I talked to at home went to the 50th
Anniversary of our landing but could not seem to go last year for the 60th, I guess old age is creeping up on us.

Semper Fidelis
John Hylan hylow7563@netscape.net

Semper Fidelis
John Hylan