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Unit commanders returned to the USS Pickaway to put into action the
debarkation and to prepare the troops to go ashore on Eniwetok.
After
four hours of waiting for the LCMs, the Troop CO requested assistance from
@ passing LCT and moved the main body of the 532d EB & SR ashore while the
few Dukws operated by the advance detachment of the Port Company debarded
the 854th Port Company and the 46lst AMPHIBIAN Truck Company.
Upon beaching the troops marched to their respective areas where the
evening meal was served, prepared by advance details who debarked earlier
for this purpose.
Little or no rest was enjoyed by the Engineer units
this first night, being taxed heavily in providing labor details to move,
store and sort equipment for transhipment.
The first groups to depart for
construction sites were selected and readied for an early start in the
morning.
Here was the first instance where the individual first displayed
his enthusiasm and determination, a gratifying reward for the unit commander
and his officers,
After providing reliefs of unloading gangs on the ships and on the
beach, the 854th Port Company deserved praise for taking over the unloading duties with no lost motion.
No one suspected, except the few that
knew, that this unit was handicapped by young, inexperienced men, yet
the cargo was rapidly unloaded and easily handled.
Operators from the 461st Amphibious Truck Company took over from
the substitute drivers of the advanced detachment of the 854th Port
Company, without interruption of activities on 28 December.
“~ orews worked around the clock to complete the unloading
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