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Former Korea Marine Finally Gets Dress Blues

Former Korea Marine Finally Gets Dress Blues

By: Mark N.

This was in one of the local papers today. I have known Mr. Lancing for years. Steadfast servant to the community, and just an all around nice guy who will take care of you the best that he knows how. And the new breed of Marines stepped up and took care of him.

LEOMINSTER — James Lancing thought he may never get the uniform.

The at-large city councilor served in the Marines during the Korean War, but he was never issued the Corps’ dress-blue uniform after his tour.

Lanciani said he considered approaching U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern to ask if he could help him get the formal outfit of the Marines.

But he never did.

“If it wasn’t meant to be, it wasn’t meant to be,” Lanciani said.

However, once the Leominster Fire Department got word that the councilor did not have the uniform and that it was something he felt was missing, the folks in the department made sure it was meant to be that Lanciani had the dress blues.

Deputy Chief Jeff Davis said that on a recent summer day, firefighters were gathered on the front bench outside the station when one of them mentioned that Lanciani did not have formal Marine wear and had an interest in getting it.

“The idea was born and the plan was set forward,” Davis said, adding that it took some work, “between researching what type of uniform, the medals Jimmy had on, where to buy it, what size he is and, most importantly, how to display it and how to present it.”

The Fire Department checked all the boxes off the idea Monday when they presented Lanciani with a framed uniform, bearing his Marine medals, in front of family, friends and local officials at the fire station.

As Lanciani was introduced and given the uniform, he fought back tears.

“I always prided myself, and still pride myself, as a proud Marine,” Lanciani said. “I can tell you I feel complimented and proud to be a United States Marine.”

Lt. Jonathan Campagna, a fellow Marine, presented Lanciani with the uniform. He said the councilor embodies the traits of a Marine: honor, courage and commitment.

“He served his community honorably, the same community that fostered the love of this country,” Campagna said. “We have been blessed to have him serve the city of Leominster as a council member for years. He has brought that first-to-fight mentality to the council’s chambers.”

Lanciani will step down from the City Council after his current term is up.

“It’s true that every Marine is proud to be a Marine,” Campagna said to Lanciani. “But Jim Lanciani, you are one of the few Marines that makes other Marines proud.”

Lanciani was given a standing ovation as he accepted the gift.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you and God bless you,” he said.

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_30432789/leominsters-lanciani-proud-marine-and-now-he-can

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Comments

Ken Meier, Cpl. - June 22, 2020

Like Marine B. Gordon I hit MCRD Oct. 1950 and never saw a Marine in Dress Blues. Went to Korea F-2-1 and then 4 deuce 8th Marines and still no Blues. Think it’s great that Lancing received his in this manner. Very similar story as Grodons except we unload and left our seabags at Pusan and never saw them again. Semper Fi

B. Gordon Cpl Korean Era - June 22, 2020

Enlisted in late 1950. Went to Korea in early 1951. We were never issued Blues. We were proud to be Marines even though no Blues. Wore our Greens. Left our Sea Bags at Kobe Japan on our way to Korea. We were told that after we got Korea secured, we would go back by Kobe and pickup our Sea Bags, if the rats and mice hadn’t ruined them. Never got back to Kobe, because of spending a lot of time on Hospital Ship USS Repose in Pusan Harbor. Then eventually evacuated back to main land. Was issued a second set of Uniforms, but still no Blues. Always wondered what happened to that warehouse full of Sea Bags. Guess all the varmints had a nice cozy home in them, We were very proud of our Tropical Greens and to be a Marine!!!!! It’s a great thing that Mr. Lancing got his Blues after all this time. Enjoy them and Semper Fi to you!!

Ray Walker - June 22, 2020

I enlisted 10/04/48. We were issued Blues in Boot Camp, MCRD San Diego.I pulled duty at Kaneohe & Pearl Harbor. C/O was Col. L.B.Puller. In July ’50 we formed up as 1st Replacement draft, landing in Masan, S.K on 08/20/50. A/1/5 from Pusan, Inchon & Chosin. by the time i got out of the hospital at Santa Margarita aboard Pendleton i was issued all new uniforms. My Blues were never found. I have not a clue where all my gear went.

Carl carlberg - June 22, 2020

I I listed in 1942 and did not get any Dress Blues only sea going got them . I went to the 2nd Marine Div.nson. 8 Reg 1first batt. Hq. Company. as a wire man. Like they say once a Marine always a Marine.Semper Fi

Thomas M Loch - June 22, 2020

I joined the Marine Corps 2/11/58. Still had 4 months of high school. Left for active duty on 6/9/58. Served at Camp Pendleton till 11/59 Then transferred to Hdq and Mike Battery 4th Bn 12th Marines for the rest of my 3 years. Always think those were the best days of my life. Never issued dress blues. We were issued the Gray Overcoat, Gray Blouse , and Gray Battle Jacket plus the tropicals and fatigues. Never wore the Grays out. Now they don’t fit any more!!! I wonder why Ha Ha Discharged a Corporal E4. Never been prouder!!!! Semper Fi to all!!!!!!

Jim Connor - June 22, 2020

In from June 1955 until June 1959 and never had “Dress Blues”. I think in 55 they cost $37 and I never had the extra money to spare. Don’t think I ever would have worn them any way. Maybe Marine Corps Birthday. I think we had about five guys wearing at Final Inspection. I was just as proud of our tropical and greens. Looked just as nice if worn right.

Vic Eizenga - June 22, 2020

a lot of us FMF type’s were never issued Dress Blues we did not need them. I am sure they will be issued when we guard the gates.

Bob Morris - June 22, 2020

Good for those firefighters…….I joined in ’53 and had several duty assignments where my blues were needed. Got married in them and all the jarheads in the wedding party were in blues. Have kept mine in good shape and plan to be buried in them. Can’t guard them old gates in greens can I, needs to be the best for that assignment. Semper Fi brothers…………can’t be prouder than I am of being a Marine.

WRNicoll - June 22, 2020

My brother was a Korean Veteran,Was at the Chosin. I was in from 55 to 59, him or me were never issued Dress Blues. I was in the FMF my whole tour and never gave it a thought because we always wore our greens on liberty and our tropics and kacki’s for base events. Wore utilities most of the time.

Lawrence Birch - June 22, 2020

I was one of the lucky ones. Musicians were issued dress blues. I was a Field Music MOS # 5591. I always preferred being in an infantry company, including in the Korean War. The T/O weapon was a .45 Automatic, which I qualified with. Some years later, as a San Francisco Police Officer, it became necessary to shoot a man, with a large knife, about to attack some Fire Fighters. Due to the large crowd, I had to be precise, and was. The suspect survived. I credit my ability to do this to my Marine Corps training. Semper Fi!

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