Cut Down Japanese Modified Klewang

[stihl88]

This was my grandfathers, MstrSgt Frank L. Few 1st Marine Division, 5th Regiment.

Not sure when he picked this up, i'm thinking while stationed on Guadalcanal or Peleliu but as i lack knowledge of the history of these i can't be too certain the Japanese used them at the Canal...

He was last survivor of the ill fated Goettge Patrol. I believe it was somewhat special to him as he carried it on his waist at times when back home (as seen in family photos), it may have been picked up in the days following the Goettge patrol perhaps when he returned to the area to the following day Aug 14th with fellow Marines, he may have found and taken it as a relic then. The story was not passed to me unfortunately.

He inscribed his surname on the blade near the handle.

[iron bender]

At your word incredible! True veteran piece of iron you've got. Put some kind of oil on the blade to prevent further decay. Don't scrub it. Oil and rag. 

[doyler]

THats a very special theatre used and carried cut down.Thanks for posting

 

 

[Backtheattack]

Great weapon with a big history!

[manayunkman]

Amazing family history and outstanding blade.

 

Do you have anything else of his?

[stihl88]

@manayunkman

 

Yes I've got Uniforms, Medals, Dog Tags, Patch's, Footlockers, Cameras, Photo's and lot's of other items. Here's a recent post on his helmet identification and also some pic's of his "Scout-Sniper" Stiletto here (pics attached below also)

 

He first joined the US Army at the age of 14 (just shy of 15) did 2 years service then enlisted with the Marines completing 19.4 years of Active service then a further 10 years FMCR after settling in Australia. He was a combat photographer and 1st saw action at Guadalcanal, Peleliu with the 1st Marines Intelligence Division and then Korea. I have over 500 negatives from Korea but unfortunately only a couple from Guadalcanal where he was on the lead boat during the 1st landings, he's fairly certain he was the 1st one ashore as he was instructed to film the landings. He shot over 8000' of B&W film during this campaign, most of which was lost in a plane crash at Henderson field.

 

Prior to coming to Australia he was stationed in Washington D.C as Staff Photographer with Leatherneck magazine (66 picture stories published) and then in a non-commissioned officer role at recruiting and many more official photographer roles (USMC birthday, sports events, training etc) which i have all the negatives of...

 

Here's a History Channel doco they did on my grandfather Frank Few in the the Goettge Patrol, the 1st 10min is where it's all at Shootout Guadalcanal - Goettge Patrol

 

[Kurt Barickman]

Wow, that patrol is legendary and one that has so much history within it that specific battle. Would like to see more if you can.

 

Kurt

[copper252]

I'd love to see the uniforms of his too!

[stihl88]

Thanks Copper. I'm putting together a display at our local RSL, once completed i'll be sure to post the results.

[268th C.A.]

That's Great! I've seen the shoot out a few times before that was a great series. Amazing history with your grandfather ! 

[Jedwin]

Man if only that knife could tell the story of its travels!