Photo Gallery

1943-1949

Click on the thumbnail photo to see larger view.

  Parris Island, 1943, human pyramid (Pvt. Finelli  at top)

  Parris Island, 1943, Platoon 172, 4th BN. Insignia created by P. L. Finelli with coal and sand.

  In uniform, 1943.  

  Cpl. P. L. Finelli, Santa Barbara, 1944

  Hq. Sq. 42 Entering San Marcos Pass (elevation 5,196 feet), Santa Barbara, 1944
Note: The landmarks reveal this is now the intersection of State highway 154, (San Marcos Pass) and Painted Cave Road.

Demolition squad using various munitions to battle Japanese holed up in fortified caves on Peleliu.  These are combat Marines in action. Sgt. P.L. Finelli is standing (left center, third from left) with an open shirt, a bandage on his right hand, holding a stick of dynamite in his left hand, directing and targeting positions for "cocktails" and flaming torches.  Michael Duclos has identified the Marine standing third from the right.   His name is Shadow Britt.  He was from Albany, NY and Michael told me his father used to say Shadow was a great ballplayer.  He fell on Peleliu.   Michael's father, Joseph F. Duclos, was also from Albany, New York. He served with the 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion, "K" Company.   (Department of Defense Photo (USMC) #95375 reproduced in Bloody Beaches: The Marines at Peleliu, 50th anniversary commemorative edition by Brigadier General Gordon D. Gayle, page 30)

  Sgt. P.L. Finelli at the Aiea Heights Naval Hospital in Hawaii just before returning to active duty, 1944.

  Photo of Ulithi Atoll taken by P.L. Finelli, 1945.

  Falalop Island, Ulithi Runway: 3514 feet
(Photo credit: History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II by Robert Sherrod)

  Carrier replacement planes on left; MAG-45 on right
(Photo credit: History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II by Robert Sherrod)

  Japanese "pilot" boat coming alongside the U.S.S. Tillman to guide us through the reef
into Yap.  We are there to sanitize the island for the Military Government, 1945.

  Disarming the Japanese artillery; note the downed communication tower and the pile of shells. Yap, 1945

  In uniform while on leave from Chelsea Naval Hospital, 1945.

  S/Sgt Finelli in full dress uniform for a Memorial Day parade. Marine Corps Reserves, 1949.  

© Copyright 2002-2004. All rights reserved. These pages are protected by United States and international copyright laws. Copying or distribution by any means is strictly prohibited.