Gordon Roy McCulloch

Second Lieutenant Gordon McCulloch led the weapons platoon of Easy Company, 2nd Marines during the Guadalcanal campaign.

On the morning of 10 November 1942 – the Marine Corps birthday – the 2nd Marines launched an attack against Japanese positions to the west of Point Cruz. Despite a heavy mortar and artillery preparation, the Marines faced “stubborn resistance from Japanese MG and mortar fire all along the front.” Casualties were heavy in the First and Second Battalions, especially in E/2/2.

Private Daniel McCarthy described the day’s events:

“We were on a patrol in enemy territory. Suddenly a Jap machine gun let loose about 30 yards away. One of the bullets caught me in the hand. It was an explosive bullet that explodes when it hits. I consider myself pretty lucky – only seven of the boys escaped being wounded, and several of them were killed.”

McCulloch’s mortar section supported the attack, and the lieutenant himself went up to the front lines to direct their fire. When Marines started to fall, McCulloch and PFC Maurice J. Manuel braved heavy Japanese fire to rescue wounded buddies – saving several lives at the cost of their own. Manuel was shot down after carrying a friend to safety; McCulloch never returned.

The Marines reached their objective by evening and set about accounting for their casualties. Easy Company suffered four killed and four missing during the day’s attack – including PFC Manuel and Lieutenant McCulloch. Both Marines were awarded posthumous Silver Star Medals for gallantry in action.

Gordon McCulloch was never seen again. He was officially declared dead on 11 November 1943.