US Marine Corps - The Black Vault

CHAPTER XV
Tough Toenails Paring
30 JUNE 1943 TO 15 JULY 1943
PROSPECTS
There were many in the TOENAILS Operation, who, having been told
to be ready to commence the assault on Munda airfield on D plus four,
hoped, like General Grant before Vicksburg to make a glorious announce-
ment on the 4th of July. Their announcement would be that Munda airfield
had been taken on that historic day. These optimists had not read carefully
the operation orders nor heeded Commander Third Fleet dispatches. The
plans of the Landing Force Commander, Major General Hester, did not
even contemplate an attack on Munda airfield until 8 July, when the sup-
porting waterborne assault over Munda Bar was scheduled.’
Rear Admiral Turner carefully refrained from putting any such hope or
prediction into print. His “Concept of Operation” in Op Plan 8-43 merely
echoed Vice Admiral Halsey’s directive which called for the initial movement
of Marines and Army troops onto New Georgia Island “at the first favorable
opportunity.”
Forces should be ready to initiate the movement against Munda by D plus
Four Day, to take advantage of especially favorable opportunities. The date
of the movement will depend upon circumstances. z
At a pre-invasion press conference, Rear Admiral Turner reputedly opined:
. . . [Munda] is a most magnificent defensive area from the sea. There
is a dense jungle behind. In front is the Munda Bar. . . . The water is
chock full of reefs. . . .
*****
Some people think Munda’s not going to be tough. I think it’s a very
tough nut to crack. I know we can do it.3
‘ COMGEN New Georgia Occupation Force, Field Order 3–43, 28 Jun. 19.43, para. 1 (b).
2CTF 31 Op Plan 8–43, Annex A, para. 5e.
3Quoted in Driscoll, Pacific Vic~ory, pp. 66,67.
533