World War II Photos:
Austin Roger Brunelli

Over the course of his thirty-year career, Austin Roger Brunelli served on capital ships at sea, at training schools, and as an aide to General Thomas Holcomb, 17th Commandant of the Marine Corps. He saw combat in the Pacific, in Korea, and retired as a highly-decorated brigadier general.

The majority of Brunelli’s World War II combat service was spent with the 24th Marines. On two separate occasions, he took command of the First Battalion in combat. His leadership was widely praised by his subordinates, and earned Brunelli a Silver Star and a Navy Cross.

These photographs are from the Austin Brunelli Collection (COLL/19) at the Marine Corps Archives and Special Collections, Quantico, Virginia.

We do not know what a stranger first notices in the character of this gay caballero from New Mexico; but to us, his roommates, he is distinguished as the possessor of an acute, logical mind that never admits the superiority of a textbook or problem.

He is by no means above enjoying humor and pleasantries, and beneath this outer veneer lies a seriousness and dignified sternness that is only too evident when occasion demands.

Annapolis "Lucky Bag" yearbook, 1931.

The Commandant's Tour
Pacific Combat
Camp Maui

The Commandant's Tour

On 8 October 1942, General Thomas Holcomb – 17th Commandant of the Marine Corps – embarked on a month-long journey to visit the battlefield of Guadalcanal. It was more than curiosity or a morale building exercise, as historian David Ulbrich notes:

“I am counting on reaching you,” wrote Holcomb to Vandegrift, “if we can’t, the trip will be a bit pointless. If we can possibly get through to you, we ought to come back better able to organize, train, equip, supply and otherwise serve the forces in the field.” Clearly then, Holcomb was cognizant of the logistical problems and wanted to get as many reinforcements and as much equipment as possible to Guadalcanal.

Holcomb traveled with his staff, including his aide Major Austin Roger Brunelli. The 25,000-mile round trip required many stops along the way, and Brunelli took a few photographs of the military bases on their route. The voyage culminated in a two-day visit on Guadalcanal from 21-23 October, and included tours of “Bloody Ridge” and conferences with senior Marine leaders. It was during this trip that Holcomb informed General Alexander A. Vandegrift of his selection to assume the role of Commandant.

A Consolidated PB2Y Coronado flying boat transported Holcomb and his staff across the Pacific.

Getting comfy aboard the Coronado.

A general catches some sleep aboard the Coronado.

Stopover at an unidentified military base en route to Guadalcanal.

Feeding the birds en route to Guadalcanal.

Touring the battlefield. Brunelli and Commandant Holcomb are led by General Vandegrift and Colonel Merritt Edson of the 1st Raider Battalion.

Defensive positions on "Bloody Ridge."

Bloody Ridge about five weeks after the famous battle.

Bloody Ridge, October 1942.

Staff officers tour one of Guadalcanal's waterways by boat.

A gathering of notable Marine commanders during the Guadalcanal campaign.

The Commandant's Tour
Pacific Combat
Camp Maui

Pacific Combat

After touring the South Pacific with Commandant Holcomb, Brunelli attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Quantico. From there, he was sent to Camp Pendleton to take command of the Third Battalion, 24th Marines. As a lieutenant colonel, he would lead this unit into their first battle – Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands – on 1 February 1944. Brunelli quickly earned a reputation as a hands-on leader, organizing his scattered units and repeatedly attacking and defending against the Japanese garrison despite a leg wound. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” and the Purple Heart for his actions in the Marshalls.

Brunelli was then advanced to the role of executive officer of the 24th Marines, serving directly under the commanding officer, Colonel Franklin Hart. On Saipan, he stepped into the role of battalion commander once more, this time leading the First Battalion, 24th Marines after the death of Lt. Col. Maynard C. Schultz on 18 June 1944. Brunelli would command 1/24 through the balance of the battle, ceding his role to Lt. Col. Otto Lessing on the fourth of July. He again distinguished himself as a front-line commander, especially when handling disorganized troops or conducting reconnaissance. Brunelli would receive the Silver Star for Saipan, and temporarily commanded the regiment for a time once they returned to Maui.

After passing command of the 24th Marines to Colonel Walter I. Jordan, Brunelli resumed his role as executive officer. He would fight in this capacity on Iwo Jima – where he was wounded in the face by shrapnel – until once again called to the front lines. On 9 March 1945, Brunelli relieved Major Paul Treitel as commander of 1/24, and led the remnants of the battalion through their final days of the battle. It was under his direction that the battalion reorganized into two under-strength companies, and made “substantial gains… against the fanatical resistance of their general advance in the face of intense hostile fire until the resistance of the enemy was completely overcome.” Iwo Jima would net Austin Brunelli his highest award – the Navy Cross – specifically for his role as skipper of 1/24.

Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli relaxes with a cup of coffee after the battle for Roi-Namur.

Destroyed Japanese administration building, Namur.

Marine humor on Namur.

General scenes of devastation on Roi-Namur.

The Marines have set up shop on Namur. February, 1944.

Aircraft engines and parts, intended for the Japanese airbase on Roi, lie in ruins after the battle.

Brunelli and his boss, Colonel Franklin Hart, on Saipan in 1944.

Colonel Hart, commanding the 24th Marines, works at a field desk on Saipan.

Colonel Hart with staff officers on Saipan.

Marines celebrate Mass aboard a ship bound for Iwo Jima.

Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli, en route to Iwo Jima in January 1945.

Looking out over the Boat Basin near Blue Beach, Iwo Jima.

Desolate terrain of Iwo Jima.

Wreckage of an American airplane lies abandoned in the Iwo Jima wilderness.

Field mass on Iwo Jima. Brunelli is in the front row at far right.

Field mass, with Brunelli at front right.

Members of the Fourth Marine Division after Iwo Jima.

Staff officers of the 24th Marines after Iwo Jima.

LTCDR Charles H. Conley, Jr. (left), with his medical staff after the battle for Iwo Jima.

Fourth Marine Division Cemetery, Iwo Jima.

Roi-Namur

On the morning of 1 February, there were available only about sixty percent of the landing craft required for his assault units; this necessitated major changes in the plans and organization for the landing. Absorbing a company sent to support his landing force, he quickly and skillfully reorganized his unit on the line of departure. Upon landing he quickly gained control of the landing units and under his vigorous leadership the landing team reached its first objective promptly. Later that afternoon the landing team participated in a coordinated attack; overrunning fortified and entrenched positions. At dawn next morning a strong counter attack by fanatical Japanese was repulsed and, later, his unit played an important part in the final assault to wipe out the last enemy resistance. Under his inspiring leadership, his landing team distinguished itself in its first engagement by its vigorous action and will to close with the enemy. His skillful and inspiring leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Saipan-Tinian

Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli boldly led his men against heavily fortified hostile positions and, engaging the enemy in furious combat, succeeded in gaining bitterly contested terrain. When two of his companies were reduced in strength by heavy Marine casualties and were forced to withdraw a short distance from the assigned objective after a day of continuous assault over almost impassable ground, he promptly made a personal reconnaissance in the face of savage fire and, skillfully reestablishing his lines, resumed contact with the adjacent units, thereby insuring the success of the day’s operations. Later on 28 and 29 June, when his battalion was ordered to fill a dangerous gap between two units, he again reconnoitered under enemy fire and, effectively directing his forces into position, launched a daring and successful attack. By his fearless leadership, cool courage and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of strong Japanese resistance, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli contributed to the success of our forces on Saipan, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Iwo Jima

When he returned to duty after being wounded and evacuated, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli assumed command of the Battalion which had suffered heavy casualties and, making a personal reconnaissance of his entire front lines, reorganized his badly depleted units into two rifle companies. Restoring the fighting spirit of his men and resuming the attack in coordination with units on his flanks, he contributed materially to the substantial gains of his Battalion against the fanatical resistance of their general advance in the face of intense hostile fire until the resistance of the enemy was completely overcome. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Commandant's Tour
Pacific Combat
Camp Maui

Camp Maui

Between campaigns, the 24th Marines (along with the rest of the 4th Marine Division) was encamped on the island of Maui.

Life in “rest camp” ranged from mundane exercises to elaborate ceremonies. As a staff officer, Austin Brunelli participated in his share of parades, inspections, and formal events. Several times, he was the center of attention as he received the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star, and the Navy Cross – as well as two Purple Hearts.

The photographs below were taken in 1944 and 1945 at various parades and ceremonies staged by the Fourth Marine Division. Of particular interest is a group photo taken at the very end of the war, depicting all the officers of First Battalion, 24th Marines, with veterans in the front row. Brunelli must have treasured this photograph for the memories it evoked.

Camp Maui, spring of 1944. Brunelli receives the Legion of Merit from Admiral Chester Nimitz.

This plaque bearing the names of fallen comrades hung in the officer's mess at Camp Maui.

Maui, fall of 1944. Major General Harry Schmidt affixes new streamers to the Fourth Marine Division colors following the Saipan-Tinian campaig ns.

Major General Clifton Cates affixes a Presidential Unit Citation streamer to a 4th Marine Division flag.

Major Generals Schmidt and Cates salute the colors of the Fourth Marine Division.

Colors of the Fourth Marine Division.

The Marine Corps Birthday, 10 November 1944. Colonel Walter Jordan cuts the cake. Standing at right is Major Paul Treitel, whom Brunelli later relived as commander of 1/24.

Colonel Walter Jordan, commanding the 24th Marines, at his desk. June 1945.

A Fourth Marine Division staff officer at Camp Maui.

General Hart and staff at a formal event. Camp Maui, 1944.

General Hart addresses the 4th Marine Division.

Parade time at Camp Maui. General Franklin A. Hart inspects an 81mm mortar belonging to 2/24th Marines.