By: Major Gary Gozzens, USMCR (Retired)

The 1st Marine Division (1st MarDiv) landed on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942, and during the next four months, the division participated in an ongoing fight to prevent the Japanese from recapturing the island and Henderson Field. Yet, the official historian of the 1st MarDiv
wrote, “There are two Guadalcanals: the battle and the legend.”

One of those legends was born on the night of 24 October when the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, occupied defensive positions south of Henderson Field in a sector normally held by two infantry battalions. The under strength Company C anchored the center of the line and bore the brunt of at least six separate attacks by the Japanese that night.

Although the fighting was desperate, Company C Marines held the line. Later, on the morning of 25 October, a handmade flag appeared over the Company C line that had been made from white Japanese parachute material and showed a skull-and-crossbones crudely inscribed with “Suicide Charley, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.

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Col. Kyle B. Ellison, commanding officer, 7th Marine Regiment, said how professional and exceptional Clark had been during his time as commanding officer of 1/7. 

“I will tell you, Erick’s a pro,” Ellison said. “I’ve learned a lot from him, I appreciate what he’s done for this battalion and it’s quite impressive.”

During the ceremony, Marines and sailors with the unit performed drill, colors were exchanged and the ceremony concluded with a pass in review. The exchange of colors, from an outgoing commander to an incoming one, is the crowning moment of the ceremony and ensures that the unit and its Marines are never without official leadership and also promotes a continuation of trust. 

Clark first enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1991 and commissioned into the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program in December of 1998 after reaching the rank of sergeant. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V,” Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with one gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “B” (with two gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. 

“Once you’ve served with 1/7, everything is secondary,” Clark said.

Before passing the microphone to Barnhart, Clark stated his trust in Barnhart to carry out the billet of commanding officer.

In Barnhart’s first speech to his new battalion, he expressed his respect and dedication to serving alongside the Marines of 1/7.

“To the Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines,” Barnhart said, “I love the term ‘prepare to march,’ I think that captures what I’m about to do, shoulder-to-shoulder with you every day.”

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