Preface Hold High the Torch, the first of a series of regimental and squadron histories in preparation by the Historical Branch, G–3 Division, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, is designed primarily to acquaint the members of the 4th Marines, past and present, with the history of their regiment. In addition, it is hoped this volume will enlarge public understanding of the Marine Corps' worth both in limited war and as a force in readiness. During most of its existence the 4th Marines was not engaged in active military operations, but service of the regiment in China, the Dominican Republic, and off the west coast of Mexico, was typical of the Marine Corps' support of national policy. In many of its combat operations, the 4th Marines was only one element of a much larger force. In other instances, as in the Dominican Republic and China, the regiment was a subordinate unit in situations which were essentially political and diplomatic. Only so much of these higher echelon activities as are essential to an understanding of the 4th Marines story have been told. Admittedly, some loss of perspective results, but this is a regimental history and the focus is therefore on the 4th Marines. Colonel Charles W. Harrison, Head of the Historical Branch, conceived the regimental history program and edited the final manuscript. Many veterans of the 4th Marines contributed to this book by commenting on preliminary drafts or through interviews with the Historical Branch. To them grateful acknowledgment is made. Mr. John Marley and Mr. Stephen Podlusky, the Historical Branch archivists, Mrs. Nickey McLain the librarian, and Mrs. Laura Delahanty of the Central Files of Marine Corps Headquarters were most helpful to the authors in locating source material. Captain D'Wayne Gray and Miss Kay P. Sue, his assistant in the Administrative and Production Section of the Historical Branch, processed the volume from first drafts through final printed form. Mrs. Miriam Smallwood typed the many preliminary versions and the final manuscript. The maps were prepared by the Training Aids Group, Marine Corps Educational Center, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia. Acting Sergeant Henry K. Phillips did most of the actual drawing. W. J. Van Agzin W. J. VAN RYZIN BRIGADIER GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS |