This letter was sent to Adelaide Genaust by William Genaust's friend, Donald Dickson. It provides additional information about Bill's death.

"My dear Mrs. Genaust:

Your letter of 7 May has been forwarded to me here at my new station.

Please let me begin by telling you a little of how I feel about your husband, Sgt. Bill Genaust was one of the finest men it has ever been my privilege to serve with. He was quiet, industrious and very courageous. I know how devoted he was to you and the children because he told me about you several times. Bill was the kind of man who represents the very best in the Marine corps. When I first heard he had become a casualty, it hit me harder personally than any of the other fine men I had lost. I had great confidence in Bill and I think he felt that. He never once let me down or did anything to lessen my feeling of his competence.

When we first hit Saipan in the Marianas, Bill was on the beach early. It was rough because the Japs were throwing shells on that beach from every mortar within range. Several of these mortar shells landed near Bill and the concussion shocked him a bit. We told him to remain at the "Press Club" in Charan Kanoa until I could arrange transportation for him back to Pearl Harbor.

However, in a day or two Bill announced that he was completely recovered, took his camera and rejoined his outfit. My opinion of him went up even higher.

I imagine he has told you about how he was wounded on Saipan. Let me give you the story as I have pieced it together from witnesses.

Bill, a photographer named Howard McClue and a scout from the 4th Division were returning from Marpi Point on Saipan, a day or so before the island was announced "secure". They had completed their mission and were returning to deliver their negatives and secure fresh film.

While still in the forward area. and very late in the afternoon, they were attacked by about twenty Japs. Bill told me that at first he thought it was our own men who were charging them thinking Bill's party were Japs. They called out to stop shooting, that they were Marines but then they discovered the attackers were Japs.

The three Marines took up positions behind a sugar cane railway embankment and opened fire on the charging Japs. By the time the Japs had come within a hundred yards of the three Marines the attacked was broken up and the remaining Japs took cover behind rocks, where they began a sniping duel.

Unknown to Bill or McClue, the scout withdrew to get help from a nearby Marine unit. McClue also withdrew, gathered about twenty marines and returned to the scene about an hour later. In the meantime, Bill remained and continued the fight. We counted nine Jap bodies later. When I asked Bill why he remained there fighting and if escape were possible for him he answered in true marine spirit. He said "Yes, I could have retreated through the canefield behind me,"

From the William Genaust Collection (COLL/5364), Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections