Sgt Grit's World War II BS Page (Vol III)

John Deere Meets Marine One

Sgt Grit:

Arlington National Cemetery can be a very lonesome place after a huge Washington, DC snowstorm. My friend Michael Bailey and I decided we would pay a visit to Arlington on Feb. 19th to visit four special gravesite's; unfortunately, due to the heavy snow blanketing the ground, we could not find the graves of two of the four. Of the two we found, one was my brother George's Memorial Site; he was a WWII LST-577 Navy Signalman killed on 11Feb45 when his ship was sunk by a Japanese submarine (see: http://www.grunt.com/scuttlebutt/marine-corps-bs/others9.asp).

The other gravesite was that of one of our Marine Corps Heroes, "Dark Horse Six," the "call sign" of Navy Cross and TWO Silver Star Medals recipient Colonel Robert D. Taplett, USMC (Ret.). Bob Taplett, former Commanding Officer of The Basic School at Quantico, during the Korean War's winter months of 1950 (with temperatures falling to 40 degrees below zero at night), led his 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in the grueling strategic retreat at the Chosin Reservoir. (For details on Col. Taplett, his Marine Corps career, subsequent civilian employment, and his book "Dark Horse Six" (published shortly before he died at age 86 in December 2004), see: http://www.stagnesalumni.org/pdfs/TaplettTributeByGFM.pdf). It should be noted that Bob's dear wife, Patricia Kingston Taplett, died less than three years after he did and is reunited with him in the "Home of Heroes."

I'd like to "headline" the below pictures we took on Feb. 19th at Arlington National Cemetery, "John Deere Meets Marine One." That's because as the pictures show, without the "help" of the capable Arlington Cemetery staff and their "snow plows," my "Marine1" VA licensed Buick would not have made it to any grave site. While searching all four gravesite areas Mike and I "sloshed" through snow almost waist high, since although the main roads were fairly clear, the gravesites of course were not, and snow drifts made headstone identification difficult if not impossible.

I hope your readers will enjoy these photos:

Gerald F. Merna
1stLt USMC (Ret.)
Mustang

In memory of Sgt Laudell Raper

Friends, Family and Fellow Marines say goodbye to Sgt Laudell Raper.
Lived here in OKC.
2/26 Easy Co.
89 years old.
Awards included PH,PUC and WWII victory.
Served in Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian

Reminiscing

Larry Pate's letter and his picture of Platoon 315 (PI Sept. 54) brought back plenty of memories. So much so that I retreated to my picture album and came up with this family collage. From left to right, me at PI as I graduated on October 13th, 1954 with Platoon 383, my father John graduating PI in October 1943, and my brother Bob who graduated PI in 1951 (date of picture unknown).

When people talk about the Old Corps, I think of those that went before me. Who amongst you ever saw a boot with a mustache? Look close, my father had one when he graduated. Who amongst you dared to grow your hair as long as my brother did in that undated picture.

Another proud recollection, in 1943, at the height of WWII my father went to join the Army, he wouldn't think of trying for the Marine Corps. You see, the Corps turned him down seventeen years before, when he was eighteen, "too short". While Pop was standing there preparing to undergo some kind of examination when a Marine Sergeant came in and starting counting off every third man in a line of guys and told them they were going to be Marines. Well, Pop looked at the poor lot the Sergeant was getting and asked how come these poor specimens were getting to go in the Marine Corps when he was turned down as a young man in much better shape these guys. Well, said the sergeant "these are draftees, we don't get a choice". Then he asked Pop, do you want to become a Marine. Naturally, Pop said "yeah". With that the Sergeant said "Okay, you are now a draftee in the Marine Corps". A day later, as Pop's personell record shows, he was discharged as a "draftee" and re-instated the same day as an "enlistee". By the way, he had four kids, a wife and defense job that guaranteed his being able to sit the war out. Instead, he participated in the invasion and occupation of Okinawa, was discharged as a Corporal and lead his two oldest sons to the Marine recruiting office before he'd let the Army draft us. He said, he wouldn't trust anyone but another Marine with his son's lives.

Semper Fi
Richard Young
Sergeant (1954-1957)

PFC Albert W. Adams

Dear Sgt Grit,
Your magazine arrived yesterday.
I am writing to let you know my husband PFC Albert W. Adams passed away on may 29th. So there is no need to send the magazine any more.

He did enjoy looking through it and I know it brought back a lot of memories to him. Some were good memories, but there were also bad ones when he would think of the horrors of the war that he through.

Sincerely,
Shirley Adams

P.S. I enjoyed the story of how the magazine got its' name. I enjoyed the part when you mentioned John Wayne. Thought you would like this picture (1944) that was taken of my husband with John Wayne.

Tientsin pics

Sarge: Just read "A History Lesson By Ed Fulwider" regarding the 1st Marines in Tientsin. My dad was not in the service but had a buddy who was evidently in the 1st, and sent him some pics from Tientsin. They include a couple pics of the Marine (I do not know his name), and of the Jap surrender.

Mike McClain

Intel Support BN Marines with WWII Vet

Dear Sgt Grit,

This photo was taken at the Pee Dee Patriotic Parade in Florence SC on 12 September 2009. A few of us Marines from Intel Support BN, Charlie Co, All Source Fusion Platoon made the trip down from Quanitco VA to participate in the parade and were honored to meet WWII Veteran Tech Sgt Bob Mills (center). He told us his stories from Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima. It was an extremely great pleasure to get to meet and listen to his stories! The camaraderie shared between him and us, despite all the years between his years of service and ours was something Ill never forget! It was truly an honor to meet such a Marine!

Semper Fi!
Sgt Jeffcoat

Marines in the picture from left to right: LCpl Chris Mondloch, Sgt David Jeffcoat, Tech Sgt Bob Mills, Sgt Kelly Duncan, LCpl Trevor Moore.

WW II Honor Flight to DC

Hi Sgt. Grit,

Here are some pictures Taken on an Honor Flight of WWI I Veterns. I was a Guardian for the WWI I Vet. in the first picture. I had to be at the County building at 0230 Saturday morning and we got back to the County building ar 2215 that night, very tireing but loots of good feeling in the chest.

SSgt William R. Moore
USMC Retired

Heroes Everywhere

Sgt. Grit,

My name is Glenn Russ. I'm a former active duty Marine. My wife and I visited the National Musuem of the Marine Corps September 11th. First, I must say the museum was outstanding! It is a must go and see for all Marines! We went to Washington, D.C. the following morning and approached the World War II memorial.

Apparently there had been a reunion of WWII veterans and they were all around and inside the memorial. I walked up to a few of them and shook their hand and thanked them for their service and sacrifice. One in particular was in a wheel chair. After thanking him the gentleman pushing his chair told me the veteran was 100-years-old! I asked him where he served and he said he was dropped into Normandy.

I gave him a hug and thanked him again. This time I noticed his eyes were welling with tears. The man pushing his chair told me thanks and that it meant so much to the vet for approaching him. I began to feel myself get a little misty eyed and needed to egress from the immediate area.

I have to say being surrounded by heroes everywhere was euphoric! We cannnot thank these brave men enough and sadly they are leaving us at a cyclic rate these days. I encourage everyone that meets a vet, from any engagement, to give them a handshake and a thanks. Judging by the look in their eyes it truly means the world to them.

Semper Fi,
Sergeant Glenn Russ
USMC 94-98

Marine, 91, receives Purple Heart

Hello Sgt Grit,

Yesterday, September 9, 2009, my father, First Sergeant Casey T. Bazewick, USMC (retired), 91, was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received as a prisoner of war in World War II.

He enlisted before WWII in 1938, after two years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He served with the 4th Marines in Shanghai and on Corregidor in its defense until it fell on May 6, 1942. He became a prisoner of Japan for 39 months -- 92 Garage (Corregidor), Bilibid Prison (Manila), Cabanatuan (Luzon, where 42% died in the first year), Hell Ship Tottori Maru (on deck he watched it nearly sunk by two American torpedoes), and Mukden, Manchuria at a large Mitsubishi factory (three winters, 40–50 below).

The dining room of his nursing home was packed for the impressive ceremony with Marines of all ranks and stripes, active duty and retired, young and old. Four generations of our family were present. Some 50 people attended, including Life Care Center residents.

In the attached photo, Captain Mike Rosen, Fort Lewis, WA, pins the Purple Heart Medal on my dad, as I watch. The Purple Heart Certificate was read by Sergeant Major Jenks. A full honor guard from Fort Lewis assisted. In addressing the assembly, Capt. Rosen spoke of how impressed he was when he got my dad's record. "This man has been there, done that, and has the T-shirt." Capt. Rosen and his company's professionalism was impeccable.

In the photo, my dad is wearing a cap made by Sgt Grit with the patch: "Second Battalion, 4th Marines - Second to None - The Magnificent Bastards." He was in E/2/4.

Afterward, as my dad was thanked individually by the many Marines, he remarked, "Look at all that fruit salad!" in reference to the award ribbons they wore.

The event was covered by the Skagit Valley Herald.

Don't miss the video!

My dad was also presented with a handwritten letter of thanks and appreciation from Senator Patty Murray (who unfortunately could not attend because Congress was back in session). See attached. A debt of gratitude is owed to Mr. Kim Brown of the Senator's office, who persevered in breaking down bureaucratic barriers in making this award possible.

And my dad was made an honorary member of the Marine Corps League and presented with a certificate.

I prepared considerable material on his military service and the history of the time, which was beautifully displayed by the nursing home. Included were display cases of his medals, ribbons, and service patches. The enthusiasm, generosity, and hard work of the nursing home's staff were outstanding.

Note to Korea vets: In Korea, my dad was Company Gunnery Sergeant of C/1/1 for the Inchon Landing and the retaking of Seoul. He was hospitalized in October 1950, narrowly missing out on Chosin. As a POW in WWII, he had endured three Manchurian winters, north of Korea. I was one and a half; my sister had just been born in July.

Red Dog Outing

Hey Grit; Just thought I’d send this along. WWII Veteran Bernie Ruchin holds a get together each year at his home in Bedford NH for the Marines in the area. Marines from WWII up to Desert Storm and all ranks from Cpl to Col. Swap Sea Stories and shoot rifle and pistol competition. Bernie’s wife and daughter hosts the event, making sure the food never runs low.

As they say; Once a Marine Always a Marine

J.L. Shea
“53-‘61

Colonel Kenneth L. Reusser

It is my sad duty to report that Colonel Kenneth L. Reusser, USMC (Ret.) made his last takeoff on 20 June 2009. He is survived by his wife Trudy, sons, Richard and Ken II and sister Betty Vuylsteke. Funeral services will be held at the New Hope Community Church in Portland OR on Friday June 26th, 2009 at 11:00 AM, followed by graveside services at Willamette National Cemetery. Detailed instructions were sent under separate cover.

Ken Reusser enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a seaman recruit on August 23, 1941, and entered flight training. In April 1942, he completed flight training, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and in May 1942 left for the Southwest Pacific. Upon arrival at Guadalcanal, was assigned to VMF-122, flying the F4F-3. On his first combat mission, he was credited with a probable kill of a Mitsubishi "Betty." In October of that year, he was injured during a ditching and spent 6 months in a hospital.

Ken returned to the Pacific in 1944 flying F4U's from USS Hollandia, (CVE 97) off Okinawa. He led a flight of Corsairs intending to shoot down a Japanese KI-45 "Nick" high-altitude photo reconnaissance airplane gathering information for the day's Kamikaze flights. With altitude frozen guns, the only weapon left was the Corsair itself. Ken and his wingman severely damaged the tail of the KI-45 with their propellers. It entered a graveyard spiral, breaking up before hitting the water. Ken and his wingman shared the kill. Each was awarded the Navy Cross.

In 1950, Ken found himself again in combat, flying F4U's from USS Sicily, (CVE 118). He was awarded a second Navy Cross for making two very low-level passes down a street to identify, through a building's windows, what was hidden inside. He then led a flight back, destroying the target. Exiting the area, with only 20mm guns remaining, he made a firing pass on a ship moored to a camouflaged pier. Loaded with fuel, the ship exploded, flipping the Corsair inverted. After righting the airplane, Ken returned to USS Sicily where the severely crippled F4U was pushed over the side for being too damaged to repair.

In combat for the third time, Ken was shot down and severely wounded while directing a rescue mission in Viet Nam. He retired from the Marine Corps in July 1968 due to his combat wounds.

Colonel Ken Reusser's distinguished combat record includes 363 combat missions, earning 2 Navy Crosses, 4 Purple Hearts, 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 19 Air Medals.

We have lost another three-war hero. He will be missed. Sadly, Harry Blot - Pilot

WWII Veterans Honored

Flag Day June 14, 2009

WWII Veterans Honored

I am on our Legion Honor Guard, one of our past commanders Bill Kaufman had noticed that we had lost a lot of our WWII Veterans last year. So he said we should find a day and get them all together for a picture. Well it took some time to get the right day for the picture. We finally picked "Flag Day" because all of our snow birds would be back for the summer. Also it was a date close to the "D-Day Anniversary". The Flag Day program is always put on by the Grand Haven Elk's Lodge with support from the American Legion and the VFW. I asked the chairman Mike Lankes from the Elk's Fag Day Committee if we could be part of their program that day. He said YES.

I had told the VFW Commander Darrell Thornley about what I had planed. He was very pleased because he is a WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veteran. So we worked together to get American Legion and VFW members to spread the word to the community so we could get as many WWII Veterans. Our local newspaper ran an article for us.

When I told members from our Legion Riders about what we wanted to do. They came up with the idea to escort our WWII Veterans from the Waterfront Stadium where the Flag Day program was and to also cook a dinner for the WWII Veterans and their guests.

We had a great day, 68 WWII veterans came to the Flag Day program and had a wonderful dinner. Lots of the veterans stayed late and just talked to old friends and made some new friends that day.

The wonderful people from Sgt. Grit helped me get them all the special WWII Veterans Pin (15908). You made their day. Lots of them wondered where I found a Great pin like that. I told them about Sgt. Grit. I want to thank all of you at Sgt. Grit for helping me get the pins so I could have them for Flag Day when I found out I needed more pins with only 3 days to go.

Grand Haven, Mi.
American Legion Post #28
2nd Vice Commander
David L. MacKellar "Mack"

ex-marine, Sgt. Mack 1970-74 Semper Fi

IWO

Dear Sgt. Grit.

The attached photo (the B&W) was taken by an official Marine photographer About March 6, 1945. My brother (on the right) was with Headquarters 5th Amphibious Corps and for the Iwo operation was attached to the Fourth MarDiv as a communication liaison between Division and Corps Headquarters. I (on the left)was in Signal Company, Headquarters Bn. Fifth Marine Division. That's a radio jeep we are standing next to on Iwo Jima. Obviously, we were both on Iwo, and we both survived.

We met again on Occupation duty in Sasebo, Japan. The restored and colorized version was done by my nephew, Rich Setterberg, son of (then) Captain Ed Setterberg , who was headed for Okinawa. He too met my brother and I in Japan on occupation duty. All three of us came back to the states on the same ship, arriving in San Diego on Christmas Eve, 1945. Not only did my brother Al survive the operation, he also survived being swept out to sea in an undertow. I was standing outside our communications tent and saw an Army Dukw heading out off shore, not knowing that they were going out to pick up my brother. He said the last thing he could see was Mt. Suribachi. But, thankfully, they saved him and the rest is the history above.

Thanks for the opportunity to bring back memories.

Bill Daw
Cpl. 5th Signal Company. WWII

The 5 - Honolula

Memorial Day -2009

My Father and his Marine Corps buddies, a 60+ year timeline, and never forgotten encounters are what follows in a little written capsule I would like to share on this Memorial Day 2009. My father Robert E. Vogel served in WWII as part of the 4th Marine Division, 20th Marines (Engineers), 23rd Marine Regiment, Company “A” with the tour through the Pacific including Roinamur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. My Father passed away in 1960 at 36 years of age when I was 10 months old. Though my mother retained many of my father’s records, letters, and photos from the war, there was a time to seek insight from those who may have served with my Dad. On Veteran’s Day 1998 I started the search on the internet for information regarding my Dad’s service. About 5 months later on April 1st, 1999, an amazing thing happened. An email was sitting in my inbox with the subject line “Your Dad – My Buddy” with the message beginning with words “It’s a small world….” Wow! A message from one of my Dad’s buddies was waiting for me. His name was Roy Strickland and to this day I still have the email in a scrapbook. I soon realized this was definitely no April’s fool and our family is forever grateful of making contact with Roy.

Throughout that summer we exchanged emails and phone calls that all led up to me, my wife and our two young children attending the 52nd 4th Marine Division in Detroit Michigan. We will always remember, walking into the social gathering room and being greeted by Roy and several of his buddies. What a wonderful group of gentlemen!

We would continue on to meet at the 53rd reunion held in Washington DC and since then I have made it a point to send a thank you each Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day to Roy with appreciation for the friendship he and his buddies brought to our family and the honor to our country.

We shared stories, photos, and realities of the moment. I learned in the heat of the moment when my Dad was wounded on Iwo Jima how, first hand from the perspective of those who bring the stretcher bearer, our wounded got help. I learned that my father was always whistling “Far Above Cayugas Waters”, the alma mater song for Cornell University. I learned how these men lived through the phases of life with family, friendships, and careers. I had the honor of several actually signing by Dad’s original red book. There are many more simple and memorable events. Roy even introduced my wife and I to the Marine Corps Commandant P.X. Kelley who at the time experienced the tragic event of the 1983 bombing of our Marine Corps barracks in Lebanon.

To name a few who we met were Harry “Cricket” Crickmer, Bob Sosbe, Harry Edwards, John “Gunner” Link (Platoon Leader), Warren Boo, and Bob McDaniels. Together, they filled a gap in my life with stories and information only they could provide about my Dad. Together, they even took a pretty good photo shoot (see photo, L to R, Rogers, Strickland, Vogel, Crickmer, Phillips) on leave in Honolulu. Some have since passed on since meeting them, but have not passed on from our family’s memory.

Its been 10 years since that April 1st, 1999 email from Roy and it’s just an amazing reflection to think that 40 years on the other side of my Dad’s death, our family united with such a terrific group of men and Americans. Thank you Roy and buddies for the memories, your names are forever an extension to our family’s memoirs of my Dad.

Semper Fi
Bob Vogel, son
Cato, NY

Tallahassee Highland Games honors WWII Marine

Marine Jack Rosenau, who will be 90 in November, was the honored guest at the Tallahassee Highland Games on May 16, 2009. He later served in the Army, the Air force & the Coast Guard Aux. but remains a proud Marine. His late wife, Jean, was also a WWII Marine. He’s wearing a kilt in the Leatherneck Tartan Jean made for him. In the group shot, I’m to Jack’s right, and Joe Lindsay Haley is on the left.

Robert A. Hall
Former SSgt, USMC

Marshall Island photos

Marines on Eniwetok from the Marine Corps archives.

LT. Commander Peter S. Marra

Sgt Grit, I know this is a Marine forum, hopefully you can include this about a Seabee.

It is with great sorrow that I have to announce the passing of LT. Commander Peter S. Marra (133rd NCB) 4th Marine Division (Iwo-Jima) at age 90. Peter was the Heart and Soul of the Presidential Unit Citation issue for the 133rd N.C.B. at Iwo Jima - He singlehandedly pursued this for years in deteriorating health, and deserves a medal alone for his 'Herculean' efforts. He will be sorely missed. Peter S. Marra 6/15/18 - 4/27/09

Peter was in charge of the Security unit and was hit by shrapnel in the shin but never seeked out any aid. Headquarters Company of the 133rd NCB was assigned to provide a perimeter defense against a counterattack from the sea. The security unit consisted of two 30-man infantry platoons and two 4-man light machine gun sections. The Japanese did not attempt any counterattacks either from the sea or on the front lines in our area. Credit for the fact that security unit had only one man killed in action goes to the special training provided by a Gunnery Sergeant named Hickman of the 23rd Marines. When I realized that we were going to be involved in serious combat and that any advice from a combat veteran would be helpful, I asked my company commander to secure the services of a Marine to help train my security units. Sergeant Hickman held forth every afternoon from 13:00 to 16:00 for three weeks. After we landed, he emphasized, we should get away from the water's edge as quickly as possible and avoid seeking shelter in any shell holes or depressions because enemy gunners would no doubt be zeroed in on them already. It would be safer to lie on the open ground, he told us. This meant going beyond the first two terraces, inland about 250 yards from the beach. Unfortunately, one of my men in the machine-gun crew jumped into a 16-inch shell hole with other men, and all were killed by a mortar shell. I will always appreciate the help we received from Sergeant Hickman, the pride of Mississippi. (Peter Marra).

April 5 - 2009 Honor Quilt presentation for USMC WWII pilot Del Carlton

On April 5th, Marine Corps Lt. Colonel Edward Hall (ret.) graciously presented the Honor Quilt I made for USMC WWII pilot Del Carlton of Emily, MN.

Sandy Tuzinski
Bloomington, MN

Iwo Reunion

Reference Candas Konop's FIL in the Wing during WWII

Roy O. Hawthorne, Navajo Code Talker visits Sgt Grit

Reference Candas Konop's FIL in the Wing during WWII

Candas,

My Father AND Mother both served in the Air Wing during WWII, both stationed with Air Base Group -2 out of NAS North Island and MCAS El Toro. Both graduated from Boot Camp in 1944, Father from MCRD San Diego and Mother from Camp Lejeune. Yes, during WWII, WMs trained at Camp Lejeune and not Parris Island. My Mother is still active in the Women Marine Association and attends Squadron reunions annually. If you would like, you can contact me at jhowards [at] yahoo.com and I can provide contact information for her to you. Me, yep, another old Marine.

Semper Fi,
Jeff Howards
Sgt 73-77

A Guadalcanal Marine

This is my Senior Drill Instructor, S/Sgt (in 1962) William Way and his two Marine brothers. He is on the right, the shorter of the three. He retired as a GySgt in 1968. The picture was taken on the Marine Corps Birthday in 1989.

On the left is his older brother, Ernest Way. Ernest served in the Corps in WWII and received a purple heart.

In the middle is his youngest brother, SgtMaj Robert Way. Gunny Way told me SgtMaj Way was selected to be SgtMaj of the Marine Corps but declined to save his marriage.

On the right is GySgt William Way. Gunny Way was a three war Marine and went to Eniwetok, Guam and China during WWII.

Gunny Way is 82 years old and retired, of course. He lives in Oceanside California.

The second picture, taken in 1998, is one of my Junior Drill Instructors, Sgt (in 1962) Jesse Pacheco. He retired as a SgtMaj in 1979 with a total of 32 years active duty. After boot camp, he went to the 4th Raider Bn which was commanded by Lt. Col. James Roosevelt. SgtMaj Pacheco was also a three war Marine. He was on Emirau Island in 1944, then Guam and Okinawa. SgtMaj Pacheco said he next went to the 6th Marine Division and landed on the Island of Japan on 30Aug1945. He went to Korea in 1950, was at the Chosin Reservoir and returned to CONUS in June of 1951. He did three years on the drill field and three tours in Viet Nam,

SgtMaj Pacheco is 84 years old and lives in Lawrence Kansas.

I didn't find all this out until recently, when I managed to find them after more than 40 years. While in boot camp, they never talked about their service. The just went about the job of turning a bunch of "maggots" into Marines. What amazes me is they were, respectively, 36 and 38 years old at the time and ran circles around our 17, 18 and 19 year old azzes. What fine Marines. I feel fortunate to have served with them.

The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

A Guadalcanal Marine

John,

As I told you Ted Hetland and I, from Rhode Island were in Boot Camp in 1957 together.We were also honorary members of the WWII, DI's. Our friend Mike Portella, is one of the few members left. His old uniform is on display at the DI school, as you can see in this picture. Mike is a veteran of Guadalcanal, and wanted Ted to take him back to PI one more time to visit what he calls, "his room." So Ted volunteered to take him back. They were there last week.

Also, in two of the pictures you will see Mike, and Ted, with former S/Sgt. Chuck Taliano, who is famous as the DI in the Marine Poster, "I didn't Promise You A Rose Garden."

How many Marines from Guadalcanal, do you think are still around? Very few I would guess.

S/F...Jimmy

I Don't Remember

In Apr07 I visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps and on the wall of the WWII area was the sign bearing the quote. I've attached a pix. In mid Jun45 I was rotated to CONUSA, along w/ other Marines from, what was known as MAGS ZAMBOANGA, based at Moret Airstrip on Mindinao, PI We arrived at Camp Miramar, San Diego on 24Jul45 and left on 28Jul45 for our 30 day leaves. before boarding the train. we painted the windows, w/ Bon Ami (anyone remember Bon Ami?), w/ a quote, "With the help of God and these few Marines MacArthur retook the Philippines". I don't remember who came up w/ this version, which I like better, but we were cheered mightily at every stop we made between San Diego and Chicago where we split up and went our separate ways. Last month I had the pleasure to revisit the Museum and the sign is still there, of course. After my visit in '07 I called the Museum and was connected with the Curator of Uniforms and Heraldry and questioned the accuracy of the quote and he advised me that the history of the Corps has the quote as it is on the sign. Below the sign is a Jeep with MAG-24 markings. I was in MAG-32 the other Group in MAGSZAM.

Former Sgt. Dan Anslinger, Jr., WW II & Korean Conflict Woodbridge CA

Navy at Tarawa

I am attaching a picture which is a piece of history. Most Marines (me included) do not know that the Navy Seabee Frogmen hit the beach before we made our landing. This is a picture of my cousins (also a Marine) father-n-law (Navy) who was on the beach at Tarawa (Gilbert Islands) before we landed. This was the beginning of what the Navy calls the Seals.

Cpl. of Marines 81-85
David Wells
Marine Barracks 8th & I

Once a Marine

Sgt. Grit:

Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Here is a picture of ret. S/Sgt Mike Portella, 303040, taken July 2008. Mike became a Drill Instructor in 1946, after serving on Guadalcanal, in 1941. Mike was a member of the WWII DI’s, until it disbanded several years ago. Mike’s old DI uniform is on display at the DI school on Parris Island, which didn’t even exist when Mike was a DI. Mike wants’ all Marines everywhere to know our young Marines are as good, and up to the task as Marines have always been His message is we can all be proud of the DI’s and officers training these young men and woman. And that we should not forget the job being done by our Marine recruiters, who do such a great job finding young men and woman who will carry on the great tradition of our Marine Corps Honor and Values, and great fighting spirit I was honored to tour the base, with this WWII Marine.

Cpl. T. E. Hetland USMC 1661545, Plt. 23 1957

Wounded on the fifth day

Sgt Grit,

I've been reading the various articles concerning families of Marines and Marines that served on Iwo Jima. They have inspired me to write to you and share with you some stories of my father, Bill Leverence, who was the flamethrower for the Assault Squad, Co. F, 2nd Bn, 27th Marines, 5th MarDiv.
He was drafted in 1942 and went through boot camp at MCRD San Diego. He then went to Raider school and was with Carlson's Raiders in the 2nd Raider Bn. When the Raiders disbanded he went to the newly forming 5th Marine Division. He spent some time at Pendleton and then to Hawaii and Camp Tarawa for training. He was their assault squad's sole flamethrower. When the time came, they left for this mysterious secret island and he landed in the first wave on February 19th.

My father would rarely tell me stories of his time in the Marine Corps, until 50 years later when we attended the Iwo Jima 50th Reunion in Washington DC in 1995. At the reunion he was re- united with a number of his company and a few of the people from his squad. I finally began to learn more about the amazing things these men did. I found out he was in the assault squad for F-2-27 and was in the first wave to land. The members of his squad that were still remaining were the bazooka man, a rifle man and himself. They talked about their time and activities like it was yesterday, and what they did as though it was a day at the office. Adm. Halsey was exactly right when he spoke of the men in this battle, 'uncommon valor was a common virtue'. The stories they told and the things that happened were amazing. At this reunion my father also found out that his buddy during training didn't make it. He was killed in the battle. The emotions that were shown ranged from raw strength and honor that they did a job that had to be done to the tears of coming to grips with the job they had to do.

While we were in Washington, the attention and honor that were given to these men was very heart wrenching. At one occasion all of the attendees loaded buses to head to another part of the city. While we were traveling, they shut down the streets on our route. Instead of upsetting the populace of DC, the people got out of their cars, lined the roads - some cheered, others stood at attention and saluted. It was very difficult not to have tears come to our eyes.

On another occasion, we were going to the National Cathedral for the memorial service. We were walking in with Jack Lucas and a small boy saw the medal around his neck and asked his mother what that was. She said she didn't know and Jack answered that it was the Medal of Honor and said little else about it. The mother knew it was an important medal but wasn't sure what it meant. I stopped and knelt down to the boy and told him Jack's story and what he did and the importance of this honor. The boy looked at him with such awe and in perfect child like manner asked if it hurt and the mother began to cry. Jack thanked me for telling his story, shook my hand and we hugged.

Ever since that reunion I have been learning of many many other stories of the men that served at Iwo, what they did and how they felt. They are and were definitely a breed of people not to be matched anywhere. They set the bar for those of us that followed.

But, let me tell you a little more about my father and the photo I attached. I'm sure you've seen this photo before. As I indicated, he landed in the first wave. They landed on Red1 and went across the narrow portion of the island and across the airfields. That's a photo of my father. He was running across one of the airstrips and the way he told me about it was that their corpsman was this little guy that was always running back and forth taking care of wounded Marines. He always had a camera around his neck and shooting pictures whenever he could. This was one of his pictures. My dad didn't know the corpsman's name. He further related that the corpsman didn't make it; he was killed in the battle while helping a wounded Marine. Apparently, the defense department (or whatever it was called back then) got the camera and film and this picture is now a Department of Defense photo. This photo is also hanging in the national museum.

My father was wounded on the fifth day; he took shrapnel while trying to take a pill box. He was evac'd to Guam, then to Hawaii, then San Francisco, then to Bainbridge, Maryland and when he was healthy enough he was discharged in July of 1946. He promptly married his girlfriend and started making me.

My father went back to Iwo 59 years later and became part of the production for the History Channel of the program "Going Back" that was aired for the 60th anniversary of the battle. He lived his life mostly in silence with the pain of the memory. These recent activities helped him be more comfortable with what happened. He died recently. He always had this inner understanding and strength. Every one of the men I read about in your articles are heroes. What I've written to you is part of what makes my father my hero.

Thanks,
Bill Leverence USMC, Sgt,
1970-1973 T-Square

Iwo Jima

Sgt Grit,
In February of 2004 myself and 15 of my fellow Marines were selected, from 2/6 Wpns Co. 81's Plt. currently on deployment in Okinawa, to go on a six week training opp in the Philippines, we were joined by Fox Co. and all there to help the "new" helicopter pilots with live fire operations. All went well and we were sent back to Okinawa.

Being the only fully equipped Marine Co. with my Weapons Co. attachment close by we were asked to stop in at Iwo Jima and escort the Veterans around the island for the anniversary. That was the most powerful experience in my young life and will no doubt never be forgotten. I can't explain the feeling of being on the troop transport slowly climbing wave after wave inching towards the island. It would be unimaginable to do that under fire, the ramp slowly dropped and one truck drove off.... dropped strait to the axels in "the sands of Iwo Jima." Walking around the beach waiting to get the truck out I would sink up to my ankles in the sand... mind you I have no gear on, just cammies and a weapon. And to hear the stories of all the men who returned to the island that tried to take their lives... a very sobering experience, the details they remembered the colors and expressions on the faces of their opponents. every detail as if it were yesterday.

I was very lucky to get to meet so many heroes in one spot, there are fewer and fewer survivors able to make trips like that and I will never forget it. Today I have a small amount of the "Sand" in a bottle on my shelf, just to remind myself of the sacrifices made before me. Thank you one and all.

Michael A Weiss
Cpl USMC 2000-2004

The wonderful patch y'all made

Hi again, Sgt. Grit!,

I just got this back from the frame shop and thought you might like to see what your beautiful handiwork will look like in the Peleliu World War II Museum. The Historian in Peleliu, Tangie Jesus, is going to be out of his mind! This is going to be a huge addition to their museum and he is so grateful for the "artifacts" from our men who fought there.

Didn't the patch frame up beautifully with his autographed picture?!?!? Is this just fabulous or what?!?!?! I haven't given Leete his patches yet as I'm saving them for his birthday (his 87th on Dec. 6th). I've had one of them framed for him and will give him the others for his sweater (he wears it to the air show every year...it has a Marine Aviation patch on it) and I hope he'll send one to his tail gunner. They talk every Marine Corps birthday without fail. He's going to be thrilled!

I just wanted to thank you again...

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Most warmly yours,
Cynthia St. Clair

Raymond Pursell

Sgt. Grit,
My dad, Raymond Pursell, was in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. His service time was 1943 to 1946. The group picture of his platoon says 380th Platoon, San Diego, 1943 (Boot Camp). From there he went to radio school and then on to Camp Pendleton where he joined the 2nd Separate Engineer's Battalion, and via the VAC- 5th Amphibious Corps, went to Iwo Jima in February of 1945. I am including a picture of him.

Proud daughter of a WWII vet

Okinawa 1945

080 Okinawa 1945, We always defused and then removed. Think those big cumbersome suits they use today would have helped if we had made a mistake. I'm not in the picture because I'm taking it.

079 Okinawa 1945, the one with the goggles is my classmate from Bomb Disposal School. 14" Naval shell.

078 Ie Shima (off Okinawa) 1945, Nothing changes, these are from a few days work. The bombsand mines were uses as IED's, the wooden boxes are suicide bombs. 60 odd years ago.

Charlie Bauman

Japanese General

A Japanese General's letter to his men toward the end of the Saipan campaign.

This is an original copy of the translation.

Semper Fi!
Lou Lowrie

Honoring a Marine Raider

Hello!

My name is Sandy Tuzinski and I just wanted to share a quilt I was able to make to honor a WWII USMC Marine Raider in our church congregation.
His name is Edmund Lawrence and he served in the Pacific Theater in WWII.
This presentation was a TOTAL surprise for Ed as he had no idea I was making this quilt for him and I was able to locate three Semper Fidelis US Marines to take time out of their busy lives to help present this flag quilt to Ed during the church service.

We all honored a great living American that day to thank him for his service to our country.
It was a BLESSED day!

Sandy Tuzinski
Bloomington, MN

Sands of Iwo Jima

To whom it may concern,

I went to Iwo Jima on a historical tour in March of 2005 and collected a bit of sand myself.

Ron Montgomery
Sgt/USMC 85-97

Sands of Iwo Jima

Sgt. Grit,

Just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to own a little bit of the sacred sand of Iwo Jima. It took me a little while to find how I wanted to present this peace of Marine Corps history but I finally figured it out. I have attached a picture and hope all will enjoy.

It will always be displayed proudly..........Semper Fi

Rick Anthony
CWO-4, USMC, Retired

I Am Looking

Sgt Grit:
I am looking at 2 small bottles of Iwo sand. I received these from my friend and Iwo veteran Alvin Dunlap. The first one is very coarse and very black. He said he had brought it home when he left Iwo in 1945, and he said that's the way I remember it. The second bottle was given to him from some friends Who made a visit to Iwo in 1996 and from Red Beach. It is much more of a brownish color. Perhaps that is what they mean when they say "time heals everything". I will attach a picture of Alvin as it appeared in the March 1945 issue of Yank Magazine. The same photo was used in the Marines "Guidebook for Marines" about 194,7 as the face sheet for chapter 3. He also has appeared in several videos.

I am also saddened by the recent loss of another Iwo Jima veteran Chuck Lindberg the last living survivor of the first flag raisers. I will miss my many phone visits with Chuck. For those who will say there are other living survivors of that event I could once again explain the difference between "Flag Raisers" and Flag Raising Participants". But I don't want to get involved in that controversy again.

Who I am--Vernon (Tom) Mc Nulty
Waterloo IA (home of the 5 Sullivan Brothers US Army 1945-1946 US Marine Corps 1947-1952 Still a Marine

There are not enough words to express my thanks for your dedication to my beloved Corps. When my budget allows I will continue to buy only items that Chesty would approve of.

Iwo Jima Sand

Sgt: Grit:

The attached photo is of one of my treasures on my "I Like Me Wall" and was given to me by my Supply Section as a going away present. It is front and center and right below the Marine Corps Seal, the place of honor. As this is most likely the most revered photo of the Marine Corps it is only fitting that it be so placed - between my Retirement Certificate and my Awards display. This has the Photo, the .03 cent stamp of the same picture, and a small bag of sand from Iwo Jima (retrieved by a friend on the visit to the island and matted by his wife in the frame).
v Every Marine who has seen this has wanted one but unfortunately there are no more like this one. I can't provide more but can share the photo.

Semper Fidelis,
Jim McDonald
CWO4 USMCR RETIRED
1958 - 1966 & 1975 - 1998
Newark, CA

Iwo Jima Sand

Sgt Grit,

I just wanted to show you what I did with the Iwo Jima sand I recieved. My husband won the sand from your contest, then gave it to me for my birthday, he's such a romantic *big smile*. So being a proud Marine and diehard scrapbooker I did this with the sand. Naturally the sand is in the container with a picture of the flag raising behind it.

Semper Fi,
Anna Grabill

Iwo Jima Sand

Sgt Grit,

Thanks so much for the little piece of real estate so many gave their lives securing. That little bag is pinned to the photo of the Rosenthal picture in my office. I now have a conflict. After reading the letters of some of the 399 other recipients, I feel unworthy of owning this little bit of sacred soil. I served from 84 to 97 and was in three hot spots during my career. None of which compares to the fight for Iwo Jima. I am the Commandant of the Lehigh Valley Det in Allentown, PA. I’ve gone through the roster of members and none served on IWO. So my dilemma is whom to do I present this artifact too? The letter that struck me was of the Marine who will spread some on the grave of his uncle. What a fitting tribute. I feel lucky to be one of the 400 and am grateful. I hope to find a deserving Marine in the future. Thanks again and Semper Fi!

Howard Cooper
Commandant Lehigh Valley Detachment #296
Department of PA, Marine Corps League

Old Meets New

I have attached a picture from our Armed Forces/Memorial Day Parade. The Grand Marshall was Les Brown, a WWII Pacific Guadalcanal Combat vet. The Marine Corps Recruiters picked him up and drove him in the Parade in the new Hummer. PFC Brown is wearing his uniform from 1944. He is one of the few that could still fit in his uniform. The Marines from the Albany Detachment were impressed and the CO and Sgt. Major came to greet him.

We take care of our own and we don't forget them either. Notice in WWII, We only had Chevrons on one side of the uniform

Greg Bourlotos
--
ADJUTANT American Legion Fred L. Stilson Post 57

WWII USMC Hero

My Grandfather just recently passed away, he was "My-Hero", and I miss him so much. Thought maybe you'd care to share this with other Marines.

Kathi Salinas
Proud-Granddaughter of a USMC-HERO"
Semper-Fi

Pelelui Revisited

I have had the privilege and honor of visiting many of our WW2 Marine battlefields over the years and this past January, I visited Peleliu for the second time. With almost a full week of exploration, I was able to traverse much of the battlefield and get a feel for the terrain that our Marines dealt with in 1944. While the jungle has taken over much of the battlefield, one can still readily see how impossible the terrain was......craggy, sharp coral dominates the battlefield, whether it be low-lying coral ridges or the Umobrogal Mountains. I can't imagine fighting there, especially considering that in September 1944, there was very little foliage and the temperatures hovered around 100+ degrees. We explored Bloody Nose Ridge, Pope's Ridge, the Point, and the coral Badlands, just to name a few. Signs of a desperate, horrific fight were everywhere. A Japanese tank still sits on the airfield where it was taken out by the 5th Marines...LTV's can be found.......shrapnel and battlefield debris are everywhere. We climbed and crawled through Bloody Nose Ridge, stopping at each fighting position, marveling at how the 1st Division Marines conquered a dug in enemy. While Iwo Jima and Tarawa hold much of our attention in Marine Corps history, Peleliu is arguably the toughest battle our Marines fought in WW2, when you consider the ferocity of the enemy, the climate, and the terrain.

I am including a picture I took from the Point area on White Beach. This shows the view that the Japanese had as they took aim at our Marines landing. It is easy to see how they could inflict such heavy casualties and why taking that position and the heavy machine gun positions behind it were so key to victory. I am looking to talk to any Peleliu veterans so please contact me at my email address below if interested.

Semper fi,

Bruce Carter
4th Division, 14th Marines
USMCR '72-'77
bcarter436@aol.com

Peleliu Pictures

302nd Seabees Peleliu Photo

Submitted by John Ratomski
Photograph caption reads: "Veteran 1st Marine Division men leave island with Jap garrison flag."
Peleliu was invaded on September 15, 1944. Pontoons were under the direction of Lieut.-Comdr. Littlejohn. Peleliu had been Jap-held for twenty years and it was the nearest strike, at the time, to the Philippines, some six hundred miles to the west. The reef was five hundred yards off-shore and entailed the longest causeway construction from ship to shore up to that time in the Pacific. The reef was in perfect Jap mortar range and they kept it well covered. Barges stood in close to refuel small craft and LVT's as the Marines kept driving further inland to stop the mortar fire. Surf delayed unloading operations as heavy seas broke over the causeways. A few days later, a new landing was made on the other side of the island. Tanks and guns came ashore and the Marines were fighting steadily on against the stubborn defender who was doomed.

Okinawa Paradrop Run

Marine R4Q Packet (Flying Boxcar) on way to dropzone on Okinawa in Nov., 1958

Peleliu Island

Dear Sgt. Grit,

My stepson Graduated from MCRD San Diego in May of this year, and from S.O.I. last month. He is now in VA training for FAST.

Returning to San Diego brought back a lot of memories for me since the last time I was there, I WAS THERE! I can't even describe how I felt when they called for anyone who had served in the Marines to stand and everyone clapped. I felt honored just to be standing among them and to be counted as one of them.

Recently, my wife and I celebrated our anniversary at a music festival. She made a trip out to car for a jacket and came back with a piece of paper in her hand. On one side, there was printed instructions and rules for use of the parking lot during the festival, no alchohol, no overnight parking, etc. On the other side was a handwritten note. It said, "Thank you and your son for your service, from another Marine mom."

Obviously, we have no idea who left the note but I just wanted to share it with you and your readers and the MOM who wrote it is one of your readers, Thank You!

I'm also including a picture that I took when I was in Echo 2/3. The ship in the background is the USS Peleliu taken from Peleliu Island.

Thanks,
Kevin P. Walsh (0311)

Mary Graham Knapp

Mary Graham Knapp, born 15 December 1918, gone to guard heaven's gates 29 march 2006. Mary served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII and was a past president of the Women marines Association. Mary was buried on Davis Memorial Gardens in Las Vegas, Nevada, with two former active duty female Marines and four active duty male Marines acting as her pallbearers. Rest in peace, dear sister.

Plt. 1110, 1942

Sgt. Grit.

I was dragged along with my wife to the antiques fair (junk sale) at the old Alameda Naval Air Station in SF Bay. Bored out of my gourd, I took leave of my wife and started wandering around. Lo and Behold at one stand was this picture of Platoon 1110 from 1942 sitttin' among a bunch of junk.

Having served in the Marine Reserves for six years, two of those at Alameda NAS, I couldn't let that old Marine photo go. I offered the guy five bucks and he took it.

As I left with a piece of history I took a closer look at the cover that it came in. On the back were 22 names of the guys from the photos. Looking at the photo, the names, and the year of their graduation, I couldn't help but wonder how many of them survived the next three years and how many heros were made from that platoon.

I'd be interested if any of the Marines are still around from this photo. If anyone knows anybody in the photo I can be contacted through my email: matthew_mcdonell@hotmail.com.

Thanks and Semper Fi
Matt McDonell
Comm Plt., MWSS-472 (Det. Bravo),MAG 42 and MAG 46. 1990-92 Comm Plt., Hq Co., 23rd Marines. 1992-1996

Here's the list of the names from the back:
Eldrige Bailey, Don Dotson, Harley Fiacue, William Gomes, Bunn Slator, Chuck Barr, Eugene Blome, ,Ralph Hauser, Tracie Bell Jr., Carl Watts, Roland Renaud, Robert Zane, Palmer Mundahl, Jesse Bradley, Jose Aguilar, Jim Dunleavey, G. Bullard, James Baldwin, Jerry Wenger, M. Spiers, Wallace Sibley, Gary DeHoet

Marine Corps League

I echo the comments of James "Chino" Meade in your last letter about the Marine Corps League. The League carries on the traditions and values of the Corps. For example members of our local Detachment participated in nearly 190 funeral honor guards and over 50 civic events this last year. Its not about the numbers but rather the opportunity to display the colors, traditions and values that have been handed down to us.

On a cold, windy Saturday here in the Northeast our honor guard formed once again to administer honors to a fellow veteran who passed away. Afterward we were invited to join the family, friends and parishioners of the deceased. After a prayer the officiating priest made it a point to introduce and thank the "Marines" of the honor guard. That's what it is about...the most recognizable uniform, the most envied esprit de corps, and traditions and values that everyone should aspire to. They have been passed on to us for care and to pass on to those who succeed us.

With that said I would like to introduce two active members of that honor guard who were recently honored for prior active duty service. John Conklin (left), left high school at sixteen and enlisted in the Navy and served in a Seabee battalion in the Pacific during WWII. In late 1949 John joined the Marine Corps and eventually ended up in Korea north of the 38th parallel. On July 2, 1952, and while serving with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines John was wounded while defending a position known as Bunker Hill. He was eventually evacuated to the hospital ship USS New Haven. John was recently awarded a long overdue Purple Heart. Al Rood (right) refused a deferment to finish high school and entered the Marine Corps in December, 1943. Al was part of the 3rd Battalion, 8th wave which landed on Iwo Jima. Al spent 36 days on Iwo and personally witnessed the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi. Al was part of assault force heading for the invasion of Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped. Al was recently presented with his long overdue combat action ribbon.

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