This summer I was selling some raffle tickets for my local American Legion Post when I met this gentleman that had joined our beloved Marine Corps on 9 December 1941. I remembered seeing him in a Veterans Day parade in 2012, but did not get the chance to chat with him at that time.
His name is Robert Dowdy. He said he had joined the Corps on 9 December 1941. He served with Col. Puller and Sgt. Basilone on Guadalcanal in 1942. At the time I met him I was reading the book, 'Guadalcanal Diary' by Robert Tregaskis. I asked Mr. Dowdy if he would autograph my book for me. He said that he didn't write it. I said I know that Sir, but you were there and I'd be honored if you'd sign my book for me. He did this and I have attached a photo of that here. It is a first edition copy of the book I had just recently purchased from my local library.
On 9 November 2013 he came to be in our Veterans Day Parade. He planned to ride his scooter in it. However, he couldn't get it to work right at first. Finally, he got it going and he became, "his own one man parade" and completed the route. He is 90 years young and he met some more Marines at the end of the parade who had served in the Corps during Vietnam War. He said he felt so much like he was at home with his buddies then. Day before yesterday evening the 12th of November I took him to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 991 in Palestine, Texas. He was warmly welcomed by everyone there. I'm attaching some pictures of him with myself, the Marines and the president of the VVA. He told me on the way home that he would like to go again. He really enjoyed himself very much.
First picture – Autograph.
Second picture – Myself and Mr. Robert Dowdy.
Third picture – Myself, Mr. Dowdy, Steve Severn, Dan Alley.
Fourth picture – Allen Ayo Chapter President VVA991, Mr. Dowdy,
Dan Alley, Bear Bryant.
Carl Conkling
Sgt Of Marines
1968 – 1975