Invictus: The Long Patrol and the Indomitable 2nd Marine Raider Battalion

Abstract

Between November 4th and December 4th, 1942, the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion embarked on a mission called the Long Patrol. The purpose of this mission was to use unconventional tactics to attack the Imperial Japanese forces. Unfortunately, the battalion suffered greatly from disease, injuries, and death during the mission, which made them combat ineffective for a long time. It is important to analyze this event to better prepare for similar critical decisions in the future. First Lieutenant Cleland E. Early, part of Company E, complained that the living conditions were even worse than the combat. Even those who survived the combat unscathed could not escape the diseases. While the Long Patrol did contribute to the overall success of the Guadalcanal campaign, the high cost of force readiness and health raises questions about whether such a heavy toll could have been avoided while still achieving success. This thesis aims to examine the creation of the 2nd Raider Battalion and the conduct of the Long Patrol, then explore the impact of nutrition, hygiene, and disease on the battalion as they recovered and prepared for their next combat engagement.