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There was nothing “foolhardy” about the Guadalcanal operations. It was imperative that the United States begin the island hoping campaign that would eventually bring the Japanese Empire to its knees. As a serious student of the operation, (and having had the honor of visiting the island chain twice), the only “foolhardy” aspect of the operation was Col Goettege’s ill-fated patrol.
Can one seriously consider Marines like John Basilone “foolhardy”? Manning a liquid cooled .30cal all night, by himself, against numerous counter attacks, firing until he suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his hand and arms, sneaking back through the lines five or six times to bring back ammo, he managed to kill at least 75 of the enemy. Why did he do this? Because he was told that his section of the FLOT must not collapse.
I think if a situation is forced upon you by military necessity, it cannot be considered “foolhardy”, especially if you benefit in any small way from it. Did “Pip” Prillers’ comrades consider him foolhardy when he made his strafing run during the Normandy invasion? Did the Legionnaires at Dien Bien Phu consider their comrades who jumped in to help them knowing they were going to be over run consider them foolhardy? Were the Israelites who killed themselves at Masada, rather than be captured “foolhardy”?
Unfortunately there were and will be again certain military operations were the word “foolhardy” is an understatement. However brave and noble the idea, what good did Pickets Charge do for the Army Of Northern Virginia, or the Charge of the Light Brigade or the certain aspects of General Clarks campaign in Italy. Did the push toward Antwerp in 1944 accomplish anything for the Wermacht except temporarily capturing St. Vith (and forever staining the reputation of a certain U.S. Infantry Division while at the same time writing a glorious page in the history of 101st Air Borne Division?)? What good came of the campaign of the British (Indian) Army’s attempt to capture Baghdad early in W.W. I.?
I think like beauty, “fool heartedness” is in the eyes of the beholder, or the Monday morning Quarterback. I must agree with Billy H’s closing remarks:
“There is no word in the dictionary such as “foolcowardly” because cowards would never be so foolish as to do something foolhardy”
Watch you six.
Semper Fi
Nick Vitale
Gunnery Sergeant Of Infantry
USMC
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