It is with a heavy heart that I must advise all of the passing of L/Cpl James Fuller. He was a proud member of the 11th Marine Regiment serving in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. He has left behind two grieving families, The Fuller family and our Marine Corps Family.
I would like to address the Marine Corps Family and our brothers, Our Corpsmen.
To those Marines of the past, know that their legacy was always remembered by L/Cpl Fuller. Names like Santo Domingo, Belleau Wood, Verdun, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Bougainville, Saipan, Peleliu, Chosin Reservoir, and so many more were studied and honored by L/Cpl Fuller. He would always stop and say hello to older Marines that preceded him in the Corps. Their legacy was secure.
To the Marines of the Vietnam era, L/Cpl Fuller would always stop and chat. Welcome home was said daily to a vet and always with sincerity and a smile. Although he did not hear it often enough, he would always add "great job". Places like Hue and Khe Sanh were always spoken of with reverence. Operations named Oklahoma Hills, Taylor Common, Arizona were always remembered with a prayer. His service in that conflict was a source of pride that lasted to the last breath. Three of his fellow 11th Marines were honored to see L/Cpl Fuller shortly before his passing. Cpl Gugliotta, Sgt Whitton, and S/Sgt Huntsinger reminisced about at the end of every conversation he would always say: "I love you Buddy". At the time of his passing, His watch partner at 11th Marines, and also his best friend, Cpl John Gugliotta was at his side.
To the Marines serving in this era under the names Operation Desert Shield, Somalia, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Enduring Freedom, and so many others that tested the resolve of our Corps; know that each and every day you were prayed for and supported without hesitation or reservation by L/Cpl Fuller.
Finally, to those young men and women who have not earned the title United States Marine, know that the words Semper Fidelis are not a motto or a catch phrase. Those words are a lifestyle. The words Honor, Courage, and Commitment are not goals. Those words are what defines a Marine. If you want to have the privilege of wearing the uniform and earning the title, look at the life of L/Cpl Fuller. He is your guide. He is a Marine.
(Pictured from L-R: Cpl Gugliotta, SSgt Huntsinger, Sgt Whitton (Sgt Grit), and L/Cpl Fuller)
Semper Fi!
S/Sgt Huntsinger
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