I spent 14 years in the Marine Corps from 1965 to 1979. Now, as the Sr. Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League (MCL), MGySgt John W. Zaengle Detachment in Glenside, Pa, I wanted my Vette to be "A Tribute To Our Marine Corps Veterans." Also to use the car at our local car shows to draw attention to the MCL and what we do Marines,
their families and veterans.
Category: Events and Memorials
George Batten – re: Newsletter 16 Oct 2014
George's grave marker was highlighted in the Sgt Grit Newsletter – 16 OCT 2014
George B. Batten enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 16, 1914. He was accepted into the service at Philadelphia, and went through recruit training as a member of Company D, Recruit Depot, Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Norfolk, Virginia. After recruit training, he served with the Marine Detachment aboard the U.S.S. New Jersey. While aboard the New Jersey, he visited ports along the East Coast and Carribean, including Navy Yard Boston; Hampton Roads, Virginia; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Guacanayabo Bay, Cuba; Culebra, Puerto Rico; Navy Yard, Philadelphia; Newport, Rhode Island; Provincetown, Massachusetts; Charleston, South Carolina; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. In August 1916, Private Battan joined the 45th Company in the Dominican Republic, serving in La Cumbre and Canada Bonita. On November 8, 1916 George was promoted to Corporal. On June 8, 1917 the 45th Company became part of the 3rd Battallion, 5th Marines, and were assigned to the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). The company sailed the Atlantic for duty in France in June, 1917. On April 5, 1918 George was sent to the Army Candidates School in France. On July 31, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutentant, and assigned to Marine Corps Reserve Class 4. He then was assigned to the 1st Corps Artillery Brigade in Hosieres, France, where he participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. On November 16, 1918, he assumed command of 1st Platoon, 45th Company (Company "L") and participated in the march of the allied armies towards the Rhine River via Belgium and Luxembourg, following the evacuation of the German Army. He then marched to Waldbreitbach, Germany. On April 7, 1919 he took the oath of office as a 1st Lietentant, with a date of rank of August 18, 1918. He served in 20th Company (Company "K") as part of the Army of the Occupation at Stopperich, Germany. On June 6, 1919, he returned to the 45th Company (Company "L") as a Platoon Commander. On July 25, 1919, they embarked on the U.S.S George Washington at Brest, France for the return trip home. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines were deactivated on August 13, 1919.
1st. Lt. George B. Batten
While visiting a friends grave at the Wenonah, New Jersey cemetery recently, I happened upon this most amazing life size memorial statue on the grave of a long forgotten Marine of WWI. 1st. Lt. George B. Batten. Born in 1898, died 1926. He was a young man when he died. Was his death caused by his war experiences? Gassing or other wounds? Did he fight at Belleau Wood or The Somme? However or whatever the circumstances, his likeness on this memorial shows his pride in the Corps. He got my salute and will again next time I visit New Jersey. All of you South Jersey Marines, please visit Lt. Batten on the birthday, give him a proper salute, and lay a flower on his grave.
Vision 2 Victory
Sgt Grit and Staff were recently honored with a visit by Marine Veteran Derek Hendershot. Derek is on the Board of Directors for the Vision 2 Victory program. This program is led and operated by military veterans. Following the completion of the Wall of Remembrance by Marine Veteran David Brown, which bares the names of all servicemen and women that have been KIA since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, Derek was tasked with touring the 2nd generation Wall all over the country.
Is My Team Alright
This year just like last year you were gracious enough to forward us a large box of merchandise for our raffle at our annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic! Everything went well and the items you sent us were snatched up almost immediately.
Wanting To Become Marines
Sgt Grit,
Sgt Giles sent this photo to me. He is busy working with young folks who are wanting to become Marines when they grow up.
Semper Fi,
Teresa Bolhuis
Yountville “All Marine Day” BBQ and Picnic
On Sunday, 21 September 2014, the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Northern California holds its annual YOUNTVILLE "ALL MARINE DAY" BBQ AND PICNIC. It is a free event to all Marines, Marine Veterans, FMF Corpsmen, their Families and Guests in camaraderie and brotherhood.
Treasure The Legacy
Navajo Code Talkers Day
The Navajo Code Talkers whose ranks exceeded 400 during the course of World War II in the Pacific Theater took part in every assault the United States Marines conducted from 1942 to 1945. They served in all six Marine divisions, Marine Raider battalions and Marine parachute units, transmitting messages by telephone and radio in their native language — a code that the Japanese never broke. The Navajo Code Talkers served in the United States Marine Corps for America and for the world with integrity.
A Btry 3D LAAM BN Reunion
Pic L-R: (Sgt) Pat McKenna, (Sgt) Charles "Buddy" Calhoun, (Sgt) Frank "Gunner Grabin Jr" Thompson.
This is a pic taken after our unit reunion. We had a reunion 27-29 Jun 2014 in Nashville, Tn. Great time and Great People.
10,000 Marines Out For A Run
Brigadier Gen. James W. Lukeman, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, and Sgt. Maj. Bryan K. Zickefoose, the Sergeant Major of 2nd Marine Division, lead the Division in a run to build unit camaraderie aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 22, 2014.