James R. Garrett

Who was James R. Garrett?

James Rube Garrett, Jr. is the author of A Marine Diary: My Experiences on Guadalcanal, An Eyewitness Account of the Battle of Guadalcanal. He was a Corporal, the Ammo Chief for I Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Regiment and a charter member of the 1st Marine Division, formed in Cuba in 1940.

Garrett penned diary entries during his four months of action at the Battle of Guadalcanal. They detail the war in the Solomons as he lived it...one day at a time. This is a true eyewitness account of the Battle of Guadalcanal captured by a young 20 year old Marine just as it was written many years ago.

His diary is cited and recognized by historians, universities, libraries, students, and people across the globe aiding in understanding not only the critical political elements of this battle, but the everyday life of a young Marine intent on his duty.

November 12, 1942

"Was given word to pack up and move at 3 o'clock. In rear echelon. Saw the most unusual sight yet. 16 torpedo planes shot down by 28 ships that were in the harbor. Big planes being shot down by Grummans and anti-aircraft fire. Really beautiful.

They flew in low, about 50 feet over the water.