The average age of a United States Marine Corps recruit is 21 years old. When Paul Douglas enlisted in 1942, he left behind his wife, child, and career and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island at the ripe age of 50.
After completing boot camp, Douglas proudly wrote “I found myself able to take the strenuous boot camp training without asking for a moment’s time out and without visiting the sick bay.”
Following a recommendation from his commanding officer (and a strong recommendation from his old friend Frank Knox,) Douglas was commissioned as a captain in the Marine Corps, after seven months as an enlisted Marine.
Douglas went on to serve in the battle of Okinawa, often being remembered by Marines for running around the battlefield with the vigor of a much younger Marine. He was promoted to major during the battle of Okinawa.
Douglas had been hit by a machine gun in his left forearm and was evacuated by the men that he had dedicated his life to serving. After being hit, he proceeded to use his uninjured hand to take off his major rank insignia so that he wouldn’t receive special attention.
Douglas expressed passionate interest in returning early to his men to continue serving on the front lines. He was hospitalized in San Francisco and subsequently moved to Bethesda, Maryland where it took more than 14 months to be dismissed from the hospital and was medically retired from the Marine Corps, only regaining partial use of his left hand.
Because of his brave actions under fire and unselfish service he was promoted to lieutenant colonel a year after he retired in January of 1947. After returning to Chicago as a war hero, Douglas won his spot as Illinois state senator in 1949. Even in public office Douglas continued to advocate for the Marine Corps, and proudly kept the Marine Corps standard displayed in office.
Semper Fi, Sir!
Oohrah, l was taken back by this article. That was the tradition of the corps, Semper Fi
A GREAT BIG SALUTE TO PAUL DOUGLAS for his HEROISM in the face of battle & for protecting his comrades plus being the oldest RECRUIT in the MARINES.
A VERY AWSOME MAN!
SEMPER FI!
Great article! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. He is the reason we, as Marines, are The Few, The Proud!!
USMC 70-72
RVN 72′
Nothing better than Marine who is dedicated to his men no matter his rank SemperFi
Lt. Col. Douglas’s courage and spirit is typical of Marines! I served as a woman during a challenging time when women were not truly welcome among the ranks. I am proud of my service, as I am sure those reading are too. Semper Fi!
Amazing story it tells you what dedication he had. Semper Fi. Joe Darinsig 1961-1965. MOS 8531 Marksman Instructor
His dedication to the Marine Corps, his men in battle and to his country upon retiring is what all Marines stand for, one for all and all for one. Semper-Fi Douglas.
1956-1959 Kaneohe Crash & Rescue
W ho was the oldest person to enlist in the Marines and go through boot camp.
semper fi, great story
Absolutely amazing!! What else can one say?
This is far and away one of the best stories about the Marine Corps I’ve ever read.
What an absolute Warrior and Patriot, his unbelievable desire and drive to serve and protect his Country both during Wartime and afterwards as a U.S. Senator shows that age is really just a number. What an inspiring story.
Semper Fi
USMC 7222
1979 – 1986
Yep….Great story. Even more impressive when you consider that Douglas won and became a U S Senator
in 1949; not an Illinois state senator.
OOORAH.
I began circulating this as soon as I received. Thanks for making this known.
Very interesting and historical story. In the famous words of Rudyard Kippling, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” Seems like the only time we think about a Marine’s age is for the Birthday Cake cutting ceremony. I can just imagine that LtCol Douglas was awarded more than his share of cake first. While on recruiting duty I was surprised to realize the number of former Marines who return to active duty as either Marines or in other service branches. Even though we were taught in recruiter’s school that the maximum age for enlistment was 29, in reality, with sufficient justification almost anything could be waived. As an Officer Selection Recruiter, I spoke with many Marine veterans who were attending college and considering reentering active duty. LtCol Douglas must have been one helluva a Maine to have performed as he did at his age. Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
Outstanding bio. On in years and eyesight is not as good, it looks like four Marines down the line have no covers.
I’m 50 right now, and if I was asked to, I would gladly go back in to fight for America, my brothers…I’d need a few sizes bigger in my cammies though until I knocked it off with some elbow grease:)
THIS is what our Marine Corps is all about!
LET US OLD JARHEADS BACK IN!!!
Cpl Gregory Romeu, 0351
Bravo 1/7 Weapons Plt
1975-1979
Great story age is just a number and incredible courage under fire which is how marines in combat , courageous and brave no question!!
Chris Gorman USMC 83’ to 87’
0311 1/5
I first saw the story of U.S. senator Douglas in the boot camp museum at P.I. I am glad to have it reappear in this day and age. Our youth should be more aware of our history and tradition. Semper Fi.