Joseph Norman Roger Dionne

PFC Normand Dionne served in Item Company, 3/5 during the Guadalcanal campaign. From August to September 1942, he participated in heavy combat along the island’s north coast; most objectives centered around control of the Matanikau River.

On 7 October, 3/5 set out to support another operation aimed at crossing the river. Item Company led the way, intending to establish defensive positions along the eastern bank. Instead, they ran into an entrenched Japanese force about 500 yards from their objective. It took the Marines most of the day to reach the river, but Item Company had a dangerous gap on their right flank that could not be closed by nightfall. The Japanese broke through their lines after dark, inflicting heavy casualties on Item Company in a confusing melee. “It was mayhem first class,” said Ore Marion of L/3/5, “with bayoneting, screaming, shouting, and the constant crackle of small-arms fire in that black night.” An Item Company machine gun crew was overrun, and their weapon captured by the rampaging Japanese troops.