Here is something that I've never seen before. I was talking with this woman who was giving haircuts and she said her dad served in the Marines in the WWII. She then brought out his ribbons and medals. Wow, it was something to see something that I've never seen before. I took a few pictures so I could pass it along. Enjoy!
Category: World War II
69 Year Coma And A Wake Up
San Diego
An American Marine injured during the Second World War and stuck in a deep coma ever since, has finally regained consciousness this Monday at the Naval Medical Center (NMCSD). James Hill, a 95-year old former Sergeant who is decorated with two purple heart medals and a Navy Cross, was severely injured by the explosion of an artillery shell during the battle of Iwo Jima, on the 27th of February 1945. Doctors had been able to miraculously save his life, but the shock was so violent and the brain damage was so severe, that they thought he was condemned to remain inert for the rest of his life.
​Lasting Art Treasure
I thought that you, the crew, and our members might enjoy the attached picture. The work of art was presented to me by the sister of a young man prior to his leaving for PISC to begin his journey in our illustrious Corps. While making the presentation, she indicated that a special addition might be seen right away, but if not it would eventually be identified. Please let me know if you see the overall impact that it can have once seen. Once framed, it was in my office in Levittown, Pa., and has been with me for close to 50 years.
Battle For Okinawa
During the Battle for Okinawa most Marines are aware that the Japanese used Suicide (Hari Kari) planes against us. But there was more, they used Suicide Boats against us also. Inclosed is a picture of the suicide boats. Some boats had Ford and Chevrolet engines in them. They were not effective for lots of reasons, we had PT Boats and other types of patrol craft that kept them from being very effective, as soon as they began their run the PT boats were on them. There were problems with this idea on stopping the Hari Kari Boats also, some were armed with two depth charges, which went off at shallow depths which could cause damage to nearby ships and serious injury and death to American and Allied Personel.
Iwo Jima Marines
This year at Cookies Tavern in South Philadelphia, PA, there were two Iwo Jima Marines that joined with other brother and sister Marines to celebrate our 239th Birthday!
Semper Fi
Navajo Code Talker
What a wonderful 239th Marine Corps birthday event:
This morning I met and conversed with an ultimate WWII Marine Corps Pacific War veteran, Navajo Code Talker SAMUEL HOLIDAY!
This Marine was at the American Legion Post in Wickenburg, AZ, promoting his book, "Under The Eagle". My wife Shirley and I spoke for some time with 90 year old Samuel and his daughter, Lupita. Lord, he seemed to be wearing as many ribbons as Col. Puller!
WWII, Med School, Nam
Capt. D Krause on Lt, Capt. Jim Lea, middle and yours truly on left. Capt. Lea was a Navy Pharm. mate with the Marines in WWII, got out, went to Med school and went back in serving in Nam. That is a total of 33 ribbons on his shirt!
Cheers, Chuck.
Capt. Lea is 93!
Sands of Iwo Jima Cast
I bought a fixer upper 7 years ago and was in the market to buy a front door. I ran into the proprietor Arthur who I noticed was wearing a USMC ring proudly. We shared sea stories. He not only gave me a great deal on a door, he gave me a copy this photo… to boot! He was proud and I made him mark where he was in the photo and sign the back of it. Stated that soon afterwards his unit was sent to Korea… I currently have it on top of my mantel at home.
WWII Cover Returned To Marine
(Article by Patrick Whitehurst of The Daily Courier)
There are those who believe everything happens for a reason. If true, U.S. Marine Corps veterans Lee Paul, 88, and Lee Dortsch, 91, were destined to meet. But, while both served in World War II, both landed on Iwo Jima on the same day, and both had the same commanding officer, they never met at the time. That changed last week, however, when the two met at the Prescott campus of Northern Arizona Veterans Affairs.
Our Annual Picnic
Thanks to all of you at SGT Grit our picnic last weekend was a huge success! As with every year the SGT Grit raffle and auction items were the highlight and had people drooling over them (even the younger people for which drooling really isn't an age related issue). Next year maybe we should order some bibs for the guests as protection at the prize tables!