William Arthur Price

PFC Billy Price arrived at Guadalcanal on 4 November 1942; his unit – K/3/8th Marines – spent a few days acclimatizing to the island. Unfortunately, they received “inadequate indoctrination in combat methods” specific to the Solomons, and as a result “many of the lessons [were] learned the hard way.” Their first operation – a general attack west of the Matanikau River, part of the offensive to take the village of Kokumbona – started on 10 November, and the recently-arrived Marines struggled with heavy packs, little water, and intense heat.

The attack continued at 0800 on 11 November (Armistice Day), and was met by “heavy mortar, sniper, and machine gun fire from their front and left flank.”  By noon, 3/8th Marines had gained only 400 yards – and within hours were ordered to withdraw back to the Matanikau River.

Six Marines from 3/8 were killed or reported missing on 11 November – including PFC Price, who was fatally wounded by machine gun fire at 0700 hours. He may have been participating in a combat or reconnaissance patrol in advance of the main attack.