Corporal Rothman USMC
Cpl Rothman USMC evidently was a crack shot, he also took photographs from the personal items of the men he killed in battle. A Special thanks to Mr. Rex Knight who owns historical photographs of this topic and shares the details of Cpl Rothmann's expolits.
Rob, I am not in direct contact with any family members of the Marine sniper. I will tell you what I know of him, however. His name and rank was Corporal Morris Rothmann. He was from Nassau County, NY. He first served in the 2nd Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division. He was attached to the 1st Division at Guadalcanal then later served with the 4th Marines at Okinawa.
Originally, there were six photos, 2 from Guadalcanal and 4 from Okinawa. I managed to get 2, 1 from each campaign.
I will begin with the photo captured by Corporal Rothmann, both front and back. I will first describe the back. On the back are three Kanji characters of which I have not yet translated, but suspect they are the pictured soldier's name. This is followed by Rothmann's notes: "T-H Guadalcanal killed 16 August 42 5:55 A.M. Manitonkeau River." I do not know the significance of "T-H", only "The Hawaiian's" comes to mind, but I doubt if this was his intent. Perhaps it was "To Hell." I just don't know. The rest is clearly the place, day and time of his killing this soldier. "Manitonkeau" is his misspelling of "Matanikau" River, as there was considerable action around this river during the date given. Now for the front of the photo; of greatest interest to me
is the date at the bottom, given in the Japanese system of dating, when the photo was taken. This is given at "17.8.10." "17" is the year; the 17th year of Showa which is 1942. "8" is the month; August. "10" is the day;10th. This photo was taken only six days before this poor Japanese soldier had his encounter with Corporal Rothmann. A very telling piece of WWII history, don't you think? - Rex Knight
Used with the permission of Rex A. Knight Copyright protections do apply | Used with the permission of Rex A. Knight Copyright protections do apply |
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No copies of above photographs permitted without consent of the owner.