The regiment became part of the Americal (contraction of American and New Caledonia) Division, landing at Guadalcanal reinforcing the Marines in October 1942. Members of the 164th became known as "jungle fighters" in U.S. media, named for the terrain in which they fought. The infantry was also given the nickname "The 164th Marines" for their bitter fight against the Japanese in the Battle for Henderson Field and the Battle of the Matanikau on the island, and became the first U.S. Army unit to take offensive action during World War II.
The Army went into battle with two new items of equipment. The M1 helmet was issued to the troops just before the landings.
The new M1 rifle was invented by Garand. One soldier adds, "He never patented it nor got a cent from selling them to the Army. The Marines opted for the Johnson Semi Automatic, which, they claimed was more accurate at a thousand yards or so. When they got involved in Guadalcanal, and fought an enemy only feet away with their Springfield '03's, cranking a bolt for each of 5 shots, and saw our infantry pumping 8 rounds as fast as the trigger could be pulled, they turned green.Our guys had to sleep with their arms and legs wrapped around the M-1's to keep them from being stolen." |
