I've been asked what this WW2 sleeve patch represents. It would seem to designate a Parachute Rigger. There were other such patches worn on the lower sleeve until about 12/31/47 (same time we lost Division Patches). For example, crossed Signal Flags for telephone wireman and 'Lightning' sparks for radioman. Can anyone confirm?
Category: World War II
Johnson M1941
I have heard that the USMC attempted to adopt an automatic rifle during WWII called the Johnson M1941 and also a machine gun, but got no support.
I also heard that Germany may have used this weapon as a prototype for its German Sturmgewehr and the Russian AK 47. I've read the reviews online, but do we have anyone left out there who handled one of these weapons.
Iwo Jima Medal of Honor Recipient
Here is a picture of myself and the last surviving Battle of Iwo Jima Medal of Honor recipient, Cpl. Hershel W. Williams. I had the great honor of meeting Mr. Williams at the Tulsa Medal of Honor Day ceremony, Saturday, April 27th 2013. He is 89 years young and still sharp as a tack. As I was standing next to him some guy had said he had spent 13 years in the Army. Mr. Williams said, "you know what the Army stands for?" "It means Ain't Ready for the Marines Yet!" We all chuckled and the Army guy even said he had never heard that one before. It was really a great day.
Lost and Found Newsletter 02 May 2013
Sgt Grit,
This photo was probably taken in 1943. My uncle, John McQuade (with the salty seabend) had just returned from Guadalcanal. That's me (180xxxx) at age seven with my Mother.
Uncle John's gone now. He would never speak about Guadalcanal. As I got older, I sort of kept an eye on him, as he had a serious drinking problem. When drinking, he would tell me that he didn't deserve to be alive with so many "good friends" dead…
Paying Tribute With A Salute
Sgt. Grit,
When I went on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC. out of Jacksonville, Florida (All in one day), I could not resist having my picture taken at our USMC Memorial Statue (since I am an IWO JIMA survivor) and paying tribute with a salute. I also have a miniature of said statue on a shelf above my desk at home. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Flight To Remember
In early November of 1976, I was on a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, by way of Rio on my way to countries farther to the North in Africa. It was supposed to have been a 747, but the passengers found themselves shoe-horned into a 707. At Rio, many of our passengers deplaned, so instead of every seat being filled, more than 1/3rd were empty. We took off on the long flight across the South Atlantic. I was on the aisle seat… a gentleman in his late 60s had the window seat. I suddenly realized that he was looking at me… more to the point, at the small Eagle, Globe, and anchor pin on the collar of my suit jacket. I was going to say something when I noticed his lapel pin. It was small, round, and had tiny white stars on a field of sky blue. I blurted out, "Excuse me sir, but is your lapel pin for the Medal of Honor?"
Guadalcanal Heroes
I read with interest Gunny Rousseau's letter on "Guadalcanal Heroes". Not everyone has forgotten about Guadalcanal. Not many of them (all heroes in my opinion) are left. Had the Marines failed there, the results of WWII would have been significantly different. Guadalcanal does not get the attention of campaigns like Iwo, but it was a victory of greater historical significance.
Upper Berth
Sgt. Grunt,
When I went on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC, out of Jacksonville, Florida. (All in one day). I could not resist having my picture taken at our USMC Memorial Statue (since I am an IWO JIMA survivor) and paying tribute with a salute. I also have a miniature of said statue on a shelf above my desk at home. Once a Marine, always a Marine. On another subject which has taken up space in your newsletter lately is my being sent to USMCRD San Diego, despite the fact that I enlisted in New York City which of course is definitely east of the Mississippi.
Iwo Jima
Hello,
First off, I want to thank you for all you do for all of us Marines. I appreciate every newsletter and catalog I get from you. Even my wife enjoys them!
I received an email from my co-worker whose uncle was at Iwo Jima and took a picture of the famous moment when the flag was raised with his own camera. He attached a copy of the photo and supplied some details to go with it. I attached his email (below) and the photo. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Youngest Marine Medal Of Honor Winner
Together We Served.Com had a gathering of Marines at PISC in April 2008. Jack Lucas, the guest of honor, happened to be in the room next to mine. He graciously talked with me for a while and autographed his book, "Indestrucible", (which should be a movie), I was blessed to be seated at his table for the main dinner. Even though he was quite ill, he had still had a good sense of humor and one hell of a memory. He had come to the reunion against everyones advice, but he told them that nothing would stop him from being with his Marines.