The Mars Task Force

It was in the early morn when they started on their task
Each thought within their hearts how long the day would last
They passed before the cemetery where comrades lay at rest
Those that died at Myitkyina, those who gave their best.

And on every face was bitterness toward the ones that brought them grief.
But they hoped that on the morrow this coward they would meet.
So ever onward they did go with sore and aching feet
On shoulders rode a heavy pack with straps that cut so deep.
But the day was nearing end for the sun was setting fast.
For their tired and weary bodies it was time to rest at last.

That night was ever long for they tossed in restless sleep.
With hopes that the morrow forever would keep
But day light found them on their way with a spirit high and strong
Over mountain trails and jungle swamps they moved to right the wrong
On December 2nd at Tonkwa they found the foe they sought
and made them eat the very lead; it was only death they got.
But Mars felt a little bad for the battle had a cost
For on the following morn a comrade they had lost.

But suffer as they may they knew they must not fail.
So started on their way and braved the mountain trail
and before them lay a village where some of them did die
The battle field of Tonkwa and there their comrades lie.
It was in the early dawn when they stabbed us in the back
For an artillery barrage began the first attack.

The sky was filled with shells of death, and how they whistled by.
The ones that carrying not a name, were those that whistled high.
The Japs withdrew from battle, but there were some left.
Those shall never fight again, for they lie in silent death.

Though disgraced and defeated the dawn found them back
Assembled in two companies they fought their last attack.
The machine guns fired, a hail of death, they were given every belt.
The Men of Mars gave all they had; another blow was dealt.
The four point twos, eighty ones, and sixties, gave them hell.
The sky was filled with mortar more than I can tell.
When the smoke of battle cleared, the day was almost done
and the Japs withdrew from Tonkwa, another victory won.

The Men of Mars were granted rest for they had earned a break.
For 200 miles they fought and died all hardships they did take
On Jan. 1st they moved and mountains they could see.
Ones that reached into the clouds o'er a mile above the sea.
They slipped and slid and swore like hell, and nursed their aching feet.
And mountainsides were dug in steps so men and mules could climb
They defied the very devil, moved on in rain or shine.

Courageous men were these, strong in heart and soul
They suffered many miles; now before them lay their goal.
For the Burma Road was ever near - but barriers lay between
The gateway was a valley that here an enemy unseen
So they moved across the valley floor for on the mountains side they fought
Again the cost was death for the Japs could not be bought.
The enemy gave everything, but that was not enough.
These artillery and singing lead still made it pretty tough.
But their challenge was accepted the Men of Mars fought on
The cry of victory everywhere, their goal just lay beyond.

They prayed to God for strength, courage day and night
Strength to endure the shelling and courage to win the fight.
At last the hills were won, the Road to China lay below.
The enemy was moving south, a weak defeated foe.
For the Men of Mars had done their task, relief to China's woe.
An tomorrow it's another road, that leads to Tokyo.


Written and composed by
P.F.C. Wade D. Hall
Co. F  2nd Bn.  475th Inf.


Shared by Kathryn Thomason Cleveland


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