No matter whether you call it the Battle of Ilu River, the Battle of Tenaru, or the Battle of Alligator Creek, it was one of the most lopsided fights in the Twentieth Century: Marine losses numbered 41, the Japanese said sayōnara to 800 men – and their regimental commander killed himself when he got the news. This article tells the story of Private Albert Schmid of the 1st Marine Division, who earned the Navy Cross for the way he handled his 30-caliber machinegun. Schmid, much to his credit, maintained his fighting spirit even after he was blinded by a grenade. Three years later Hollywood would honor that young man with a film about him titled Pride of the Marines, he was portrayed by actor John Garfield.
pfc Albert Schmid USMC Navy Cross 1942pfc Albert Schmid USMC at the Battle of Allegator CreekBattle of Ilu RiverBattle of TenaruBattle of Gualdalcanal 1942
pfc Albert Schmid USMC Navy Cross 1942pfc Albert Schmid USMC at the Battle of Allegator CreekBattle of Ilu RiverBattle of TenaruBattle of Gualdalcanal 1942