Al "Duke" Dellaera

I was a scout sniper, so I was forward, point man. I figured, if I was forward I was safer, as they would go for the patrol. Of course, if this ever did happen they would get me later I guess. Once, we were on a patrol near the Matanikau, we lost a few Marines. We walked right on them, they were in spider holes. We had to beat a hasty withdrawal! Marines never retreat - it was a strategic withdrawal - in other words, you get your ass outta there! But, we lost a few people.

I had a couple nicknames "Duke" was used sparingly, on Guadalcanal. Most times I was called by my last name. Bob Mangan hung "Nipper" on me, and some in the company picked it up. But, as time wore on, Duke became popular. Bob Mangan preferred Nipper, although he slipped, now and then, and called me "Duke".