Several months ago you ran a picture of my dad in Sasebo Japan and one of myself in Desert Storm in Sgt. Grit. I have attached that picture again.
My dad Gene S. Richards passed away Sunday May 9th in Salt Lake City Utah. He was an Iwo Jima Marine and watched the second flag go up, participated in the occupation of Japan and was a drill instructor after the war at MCRD San Diego. In Nov. 1940 half of his bootcamp platoon would later go to Wake Island.
I would like to have a copy of that issue if possible. If not, please run his picture one more time in honor of his service to this nation.
At the graveside service, Marines from the Salt Lake City Marine Reserve Unit provided full military honors to include a U.S. Navy Sailor playing taps. Being a Marine also I was deeply touched by their presence. They were there to honor an old Marine they had never met or knew. They were there simply because he was a fellow Marine.
His tour of duty is now over. He is properly relieved. He will now report for duty at the Pearly Gates.
Semper Fidelis.