"The first machine-gun platoon, attached to I Company in the fourth wave, disembarked from a transport on D-Day, forming a four-boat group. We joined the Eighth Regiment's third battalion, who were to rendezvous and act as a reserve battalion.
We circled about, awaiting further orders, and finally proceeded to make a four abreast landing on the northeast side of the pier. We approached under intense enemy fire opposition from Red Beach Three. The enemy's gunfire consisted mostly of 20 and 40 millimeters, light and heavy machine guns, and scattered mortar fire.
The LCVP4 [landing boat] was hit, forcing Sergeant Kenneth W. Seymour [Fredericksburg, Virginia] and his men to abandon the boat and work their way along the burning and sniper-infested pier. During their trek towards the beach, the men knocked out several sniper nests on the pier.
Upon gaining a foothold on land, Private First Class Wilbur C. Mattern [Oelwein, Iowa] was killed by machine-gun fire. Corporal Robert F. Clement [Marshfield, Wisconsin] and Private First Class William W. Erwin [Alexandria, Indiana] were wounded. This left Sargeant Seymour and five men to join the Marines pressing inland."
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Created 17 October 2003
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