On this day, in 1942 Lt. Col. Chesty Puller was assigned the task of setting up a defensive perimeter around Henderson Field in Guadalcanal. Charley Co., 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, had dug in and was flanked by Baker Co. on the left and Animal Co. on the right. In the distance, a mass of Japanese soldiers waited to strike.
At about 10 p.m., 3 Japanese regiments and a portion of a brigade breached their perimeter. The Marines of Charley Co. received the brunt of the attack but held their ground despite a terrible loss of their own.
The next day the defensive line was still intact while the Japanese licked their wounds. After the onslaught, a flag made of a white, silk parachute flew over Charley Co.’s area bearing a skull and crossbones with the words “Suicide Charley” written underneath.
The guidon was not seen again until the battle for Peleliu in 1944. During one particular phase of the battle, a replica flag of the original skull and crossbones appeared to inspire the Marines. From that day on, the flag was used as a motivational tool for war torn Marines.
The tradition of the hard fighting men of the Canal, is carried on to this day.
Suicide Charley is the only Company in the Marine Corps to hold two guidon. Happy birthday Devils. #marines #usmc #gruntlife #stayzero #zerofoxtrot