A New Breed Of The Old Breed
For Practitioners, By Practitioners
Strategy Central - September 20, 2024
The "40 Thieves" 6th Marines Scout Sniper Company In Hawaii before the Battle of Saipan.
Introduction
The Marine Corps scout sniper platoons emerged out of necessity during World War II, evolving into elite units responsible for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and precision shooting. Their journey began in the thick jungles of Guadalcanal and carried through to pivotal battles such as Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, where their contributions were invaluable to the success of U.S. forces in the Pacific Theater. The bravery and heroism displayed by Marine Corps scout snipers set a precedent for modern military reconnaissance and sniper tactics.
It is hard to imagine now, but in August of 1942 when it attacked Guadalcanal, the Marine Corps had not yet cemented or tested its amphibious doctrine. That would come in 1943 with the Battle of Tarawa. In 1942, there was much to learn about jungle and island fighting against the formidable Japanese. The idea of having scout snipers as a separate unit from the regular infantry formations was novel for Marines. Scout snipers became a necessity as combat bore out. But these scouts were not Marine Raiders, that was another outfit built for a different purpose. This article is a brief examination of the early days of WWII as the Marine Corps was working out how best to fight its way to victory in the Pacific.
What About The Raiders?
The Marine Raiders were established in early 1942 as an elite unit of the U.S. Marine Corps, designed to execute special operations and amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Their creation was heavily influenced by the success of British commandos and the need for specialized forces that could conduct raids, reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare. Led by notable figures such as Colonel Evans Carlson and Colonel Merritt Edson, the Raiders were trained to operate independently behind enemy lines, employing guerrilla tactics and close combat skills. Their first major operation, the Makin Island raid in August 1942, demonstrated their ability to strike deep into enemy territory, although it came with mixed results in terms of strategic impact.
Despite their initial successes, the Marine Raiders faced challenges in maintaining their distinct role as the war progressed. By 1944, the need for specialized raiding units diminished as the Marine Corps began to favor larger, more conventional amphibious assaults, which involved coordinated efforts with traditional infantry units. Additionally, the Raider battalions' size and resources were viewed as redundant within the broader structure of Marine divisions. Consequently, the Marine Raiders were disbanded in early 1944, and their personnel were absorbed into conventional Marine units, contributing to the overall war effort in the Pacific. Their legacy, however, lived on, influencing modern special operations forces and solidifying their place in Marine Corps history.
The Birth of Marine Scout Snipers on Guadalcanal
The origins of the Marine Corps scout snipers trace back to Lieutenant Colonel William "Wild Bill" Whaling, executive officer of the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. In 1941, Whaling recognized the need for specialized reconnaissance units at the division level, beyond the standard infantry battalions. He proposed the creation of a "Scout and Sniper" unit to General Alexander Vandegrift, which would operate as an elite platoon in each regiment. Vandegrift approved. By February 1943, Whaling’s vision became a reality, with the 1st Marine Division forming scout-sniper platoons to participate in the Guadalcanal campaign.
These platoons consisted of highly skilled marksmen, often hunters or outdoorsmen before the war, who underwent rigorous training in fieldcraft, marksmanship, navigation, camouflage, and survival. Those who excelled became members of the "Whaling Group," a reconnaissance unit that operated independently behind enemy lines, gathering intelligence on Japanese troop movements and engaging in precision sniping. Initially, scout snipers were tasked with guiding infantry units through the treacherous jungle terrain, where visibility was limited, and ambushes were common.
As the campaign progressed, the scout snipers began conducting independent patrols to map enemy positions and identify key targets, providing crucial intelligence to Marine commanders. Their role in precision shooting also disrupted Japanese command structures by targeting officers, machine gunners, and artillery spotters. The psychological impact of these hidden marksmen was immense, instilling fear and uncertainty among Japanese troops. Their success on Guadalcanal set the foundation for the development of Marine Scout Sniper units that would continue to evolve throughout the war.
Operations on Tarawa: Heroism Beyond Reckoning
The Battle of Tarawa (Nov 1943) was the first American offensive in the critical Central Pacific region. It was also the first time in the Pacific War that the United States faced serious Japanese opposition to an amphibious landing. Previous landings had met little to no initial resistance, but on Tarawa the 4,500 Japanese defenders were well supplied and well prepared, and they fought almost to the last man, exacting a heavy toll on the invading Marines and Sailors.
Tarawa was one of the bloodiest and most intense amphibious assaults of the Pacific campaign, it showcased the valor and effectiveness of Marine scout snipers. Among the heroes was First Lieutenant William Hawkins, the commanding officer of a Scout Sniper Platoon attached to the 2nd Marine Division. On November 20, 1943, Hawkins became the first Marine to disembark during the assault on Betio Island, moving forward under intense enemy fire. He neutralized Japanese emplacements that were hindering the main assault and, over the course of two days, led multiple attacks on fortified positions using grenades and demolitions.
Hawkins' relentless bravery in the face of overwhelming odds was evident when, after being severely wounded, he continued to fight. He personally destroyed five enemy machine gun positions, ultimately succumbing to his injuries after being caught in a burst of shellfire. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor posthumously, reflecting the highest standards of Marine Corps leadership and sacrifice. Hawkins’ leadership and bravery during Tarawa became a symbol of the scout snipers’ role in the Pacific—fearless, resourceful, and critical to the success of the overall mission.
First Lieutenant Francis J. Tachovsky, a future Marine scout sniper leader, also displayed immense courage during the battle of Tarawa. On November 23, 1943, Tachovsky’s platoon came under heavy machine gun and rifle fire from a Japanese concrete emplacement. He bravely crossed an open, fire-swept area alone to observe the enemy, then signaled his men to attack. While exposing himself to draw enemy fire, Tachovsky directed a well-executed assault that eliminated the Japanese position. His heroism earned him the Silver Star, and his actions were instrumental in securing key objectives on the heavily fortified island.
A notable scout mission was assigned to the Reconnaissance Company, 5th Amphibious Assault Corps as the battle for Betio was drawing to a close. Transported by the submarine “Nautilus,” the scouts reached Apamama Atoll, about 75 miles southeast
of Betio, and landed in rubber boats on the morning of November 21. They quickly neutralized a three-man Japanese patrol upon arrival. As the small scout party moved inland, it encountered the remaining Japanese defenders who resisted with rifles and machine guns before committing suicide. Luckily for the small group of Marines, the island lacked a larger garrison. In the operation to seize Apamama and the surrounding small islands, only one Marine was killed and another wounded. This mission marked the first successful insertion of Marine scouts by submarine, which led to securing an island without the support of regular infantry.
The 40 Thieves on Saipan: 6th Marine Regiment
The Battle of Saipan took place from June 15 to July 9, 1944. With success in the Solomon and Gilbert Island chains, it was time to attack Saipan which is part of the broader Mariana and Palau Islands campaign in the Pacific Theater. The strategic objective: capture the island of Saipan from the Japanese. Once secured, the island would allow the Allies to establish airfields within range of Japan's home islands, enabling strategic bombing operations and create safer passage of maritime support vessles. The battle was fierce, with heavy casualties on both sides, but its outcome provided a pivotal foothold for the U.S. in the Pacific and directly contributed to the eventual defeat of Japan.
On veteran unit that participated in this battle of utmost savagery was the 6th Marine Regiment. The Scout Sniper Platoon was formed after directly after the battle of Tarawa and was led by First Lieutenant Francis J. Tachovsky, or “Ski” as he was known. Ski handpicked forty veteran Marines from the brig and those with a reputation as hell raisers or good shots. In Tachovsky’s estimation, the best Marines were those who liked to fight, the dirtier the better. He trained them relentlessly in preparation for the next battle they knew would come. Wearing sneakers and the tattered cammies they had worn on Tarawa, Sky drilled his men in shooting, running (30-mile runs were routine), building on close combat skills, and jungle scouting and patrolling capabilities in silence. Tachovsky’s platoon quickly earned the name “40 Thieves” because they made the habit of stealing vehicles, booze, food, and materials from local Army and Navy units.
When the word came down, the platoon loaded on transports and found out along the way that Saipan would be their next fight. Almost every “thief” was a veteran of Guadalcanal and Tarawa. Much like Tarawa, scout snipers would play a vital role during the invasion of Saipan in June 1944. Saipan held great strategic importance, as its capture would place Japan’s home islands within range of American bombers. The scout snipers provided crucial reconnaissance ahead of major advances, identifying Japanese positions and enemy strengths.
Tachovsky’s leadership proved critical in the early stages of the battle when he took personal action to prevent a Japanese tank from devastating the 6th Marine Regiment’s lines and primary command post. Armed with a bazooka he had stolen from a bazooka team, Tachovsky moved through the battle zone under heavy machine gun fire to engage the tank. Ski moved within range of the tank, fully exposing himself to murderous fire from Japanese infantry and the tanks guns. Ski fired a round directly into the turret, stopping it in its tracks about fifty yards in front of the command post and preventing further casualties. His actions demonstrated the versatility and fearlessness of the scout snipers, who often found themselves in direct combat in addition to their reconnaissance duties.
The “40 thieves” of the 6th Marine Regiment brought unique abilities to the battlefield. Their precision shooting helped suppress enemy positions, call in fire, and mark enemy positions, allowing the main Marine forces to advance with fewer casualties and exploit hidden enemy weak points. The platoon was instrumental in providing accurate intelligence and engaging enemy officers and machine gunners, and disrupting Japanese defenses throughout the battle for Saipan. During one "bonzai" attack, a squad of theives fought hand to hand with Japanese attackers for over two hours, killing more than a dozen with bare hands, knives, and clubs. Often alone, deep behind enemy lines, the “thieves” dedication to their fellow Marines made them both famous and feared. The Marine scout sniper’s ability to adapt to various combat scenarios—from sniper overwatch to direct assault—made them indispensable to the Marine Corps' success.
Advanced Scout Sniper Duties: Iwo Jima and Okinawa
The success of Marine scout snipers in Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Saipan solidified their role in future operations. During the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, scout snipers continued to provide critical reconnaissance and precision shooting. Their ability to operate independently in harsh environments, such as the volcanic terrain of Iwo Jima and the dense jungles of Okinawa, allowed them to gather vital intelligence for the larger Marine Corps operations.
On Iwo Jima, scout snipers were instrumental in clearing Japanese defenders from elevated positions and bunkers, providing cover for the advancing Marines. Their precision shooting minimized casualties during the initial amphibious landings and subsequent advances inland. On Okinawa, scout snipers continued to play a critical role in identifying and neutralizing key enemy positions, often operating in tandem with mechanized reconnaissance units to disrupt Japanese forces before they could launch counterattacks.
Throughout the Pacific campaign, Marine scout snipers proved to be a force multiplier, their contributions going beyond traditional sniper roles. By combining precision marksmanship, fieldcraft, and reconnaissance, they shaped the outcomes of key battles and paved the way for future sniper and reconnaissance units in modern military operations.
Conclusion
The Marine Corps scout snipers, from their inception on Guadalcanal to their heroic actions on Tarawa and Saipan, displayed unparalleled bravery, skill, and adaptability. Leaders like First Lieutenant Hawkins and First Lieutenant Tachovsky exemplified the courage and tactical prowess that became the hallmark of scout sniper units. Their contributions were instrumental in the success of the Marine Corps in the Pacific, as they provided vital intelligence and neutralized key enemy positions. The legacy of these scout snipers continued through the final campaigns of World War II and into modern military doctrine, cementing their place in Marine Corps history.
Endnotes
1. Medal of Honor citation for First Lieutenant William Hawkins, November 1943, accessed from [Medal of Honor records].
2. Silver Star citation for First Lieutenant Francis J. Tachovsky, November 1943, accessed from [Silver Star records].
3. "The Evolution of Marine Scout Snipers in WWII," Marine Corps History Division.
4. Battle records from the 6th Marine Regiment, Saipan Campaign, June 1944.
5. Tachovsky, Joseph. 40 Thieves on Saipan: The Elite Marine Scout-Snipers in One of WWII's Bloodiest Battles. Regnery History, 2020.
6. Alexander, Joseph H. Utmost Savagery: The Three Days of Tarawa. Naval Institute Press, 1995.
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