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Originally published September 1, 2016 by MarineParents.com, Inc. Written by Collin Hoeferlin.

The Marine Corps, more so than any other branch of America’s military, values and embraces its history. Beginning in boot camp, every Marine is educated on the Corps’ proud and storied past as they learn what it means to be part of such a prestigious organization. In the spirit of the value the Marine Corps places on its history, we wanted to give you, Marine families and supporters, an opportunity to embrace and learn about this part of Marine Corps legacy as well.

Marines are known for being hard-chargers; for never giving up; for adapting and overcoming whatever obstacles they may face. Perhaps no Marine exemplified this willingness to take on, and prevail against, overwhelming odds better than Guy Gabaldon–”The Pied Piper of Saipan.”

Early Life and Enlistment

Guy Louis Gabaldon was born in Los Angeles, California on March 22, 1926, one of seven children in a Mexican-American family. At the age of 12, Gabaldon moved in with the Nakano family, a Japanese-American family that he considered to behis extended family. While living with the Nakano family, Gabaldon attended Japanese language and culture classes with the family’s children, eventually learning to speak “backstreet” Japanese.

After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harboron December 7, 1941, the Nakano family, like most Japanese-American families living on the West Coast at the time, was sent to an internment camp. “I wanted to go to the internment camp with them, but they wouldn’t let me,” Gabaldon would later say. Instead, he moved to Alaska to work in a cannery. On March 22, 1943, Gabaldon’s 17th birthday, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was sent to Camp Pendleton for basic training. Gabaldon then attended the Enlisted Marine Japanese Language School at Camp Elliot in San Diego, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, as a scout and observer.

Invasion of Saipan

As the Marine Corps island-hopped across the Pacific and closed in on Japan, military officials were faced with the dilema of whether or not to launch a land invasion of the Japanese home islands. Eventually, Amerian military officials decided against invading Japan, as it would cost an estimated one million American and countless more Japanese lives. Instead, the island of Saipan, located in the Northern Mariana Islands, was chosen as a base of operations on which airfields could be built to launch B-29 Superfortress bombers against the Japanese mainland.

On June 15, 1944, an American armada consisting of more than 500 ships carrying almost 130,000 American troops, including Marines from the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions, began the invasion of Saipan against a force of more than 30,000 entrenched Japanese soldiers. To further complicate matters, Japanese soldiers, under the impression that they would be immediately executed by the Americans, rarely surrendered. Even as it became apparent that the Americans would eventually take the island, the Japanese soldiers were ordered by their commanding officers on Saipan to kill seven Americans for every Japanese soldier lost or to commit suicide rather than be captured or surrender.

The Pied Piper of Saipan

After arriving on Saipan, Gabaldon defied orders and left camp his first night on the island to try to capture Japanese soldiers. “The first night I was on Saipan, I went out on my own,” Gabaldon would later say, “I always worked on my own, and [I] brought back two prisoners using my backstreet Japanese.” For leaving his post without permission, Gabaldon was reprimanded by his superior officers and threatened with a court-martial. Despite the threat of disciplinary action, Gabaldon left his post again the following night for the same reason. This time, he approached a cave, shot two guards, and yelled in Japanese to the soldiers inside, “You’re surrounded and have no choice but to surrender. Come out, and you will not be killed! I assure you will be well-treated. We do not want to kill you!” The soldiers exited the cave and the next morning Gabaldon returned to camp with 50 prisoners. As a result of his effectiveness, Gabaldon received permission from his commanding officer to act as a “lone wolf” operator.

On July 8, 1944, Gabaldon captured two more Japanese soldiers and was able to convince one of them to return to the cave they had been hiding in with an offer of surrender. A short time later, a Japanese officer arrived and, after speaking with Gabaldon, accepted his (Gabaldon’s) terms, resulting in the surrender of more than 800 Japanese soldiers and civilians. For his actions, Gabaldon became known as “The Pied Piper of Saipan.”

Tinian

After his time on Saipan, Gabaldon was then stationed on Tinian, also in the Mariana Islands, where he continued to capture Japanese soldiers and civilians. In total, Gabaldon claimed to have been responsible for the capture more than 1,500 individuals and his commanding officer, Captain John Schwabe, recommended him for the Medal of Honor, noting that Gabaldon single-handedly captured more than ten times as many prisoners as were captured by World War I Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Alvin C. York. Despite Schwabe’s recommendation, Gabaldon was awarded a Silver Star Medal.

Post-War Life and Legacy

After his time on Tinian, Gabaldon returned to Saipan, where he was seriously wounded in a machine gun ambush while fighting Japanese guerillas. As a result, Gabaldon received an Honorable Discharge from the Corps. After leaving the Corps, Gabaldon moved to Mexico and engaged in a number of business ventures before eventually returning to the United States. In 1957, Gabaldon’s claim of capturing more than 1,500 individuals was verified on a national television program by Marines Corps intelligence officers Colonel Walter Layer, John Schwabe (who was a Colonel by that time), Major James High, and several enlisted men from military intelligence and in 1960, his Silver Star was upgraded to a Navy Cross. Also in 1960, a friend of Gabaldon’s with connections in Hollywood convinced a studio, Allied Artists, to make “Hell to Eternity,” a biopic about Gabaldon’s time on Saipan. Gabaldon served as an adviser during the filming.

Over the course of his life, Gabaldon received numerous awards and recognitions, including resolutions honoring him from the City of Los Angeles, the City of Chicago, and the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas. In 2000, Gabaldon’s rank was upgraded from private first class to corporal by then-General James L. Jones. In November of 2005, Gabaldon was the recipient of the Chesty Puller Award from the World War II Veterans Committee, an organization that showcases World War II veterans and their histories.

On August 31, 2006, Gabaldon died of heart disease in Old Town, Florida. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery and was survived by his second wife, Ohana, and nine of his eleven children.

Originally published August 15, 2013 by MarineParents.com, Inc. Written by Collin Hoeferlin.

The Marine Corps, more so than any other branch of America’s military, values and embraces its history. Beginning in boot camp, every Marine is educated on the Corps’ proud and storied past as they learn what it means to be part of such a prestigious organization. In the spirit of the value the Marine Corps places on its history, we wanted to give you, Marine families and supporters, an opportunity to embrace and learn about this part of Marine Corps legacy as well.

Background

August 21 marks an important day in Marine Corps history—the awarding of the first Medal of Honor to an African-American Marine, Private First Class James Anderson Jr. 

PFC Anderson was born in 1947 in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from high school, PFC Anderson spent a year and a half at a Los Angeles-area junior college before enlisting in the Marines in early 1966.

After completing recruit training at MCRD San Diego, PFC Anderson was assigned to Camp Pendleton for further training before arriving in Viet Nam in December of 1966 to serve as a rifleman with the 2nd Platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division.

Medal of Honor Action

On February 28, 1967, while on patrol outside of the village of Cam Lo, Quang Tri Province, PFC Anderson’s platoon came under heavy enemy fire. During the ensuing firefight, an enemy grenade landed near PFC Anderson and a number of other Marines. PFC Anderson pulled the grenade to his chest, curled around it, and absorbed the majority of the blast with his body, heroically saving the lives of the Marines around him at the cost of his own.

Legacy

On August 21, 1968, Secretary of the Navy Paul R. Ignatius posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to PFC James Anderson Jr. for heroism in Vietnam, the first time an African-American Marine received this medal (and one of only five African-American Marines to ever be awarded this medal). The award was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Anderson, Sr., at Marine Barracks 8th & I, in Washington D.C. This event was also notable in that it indicated the Marine Corps was evolving and that some of the long-standing prejudices within the Corps (namely those against minority Marines) were being eroded. 

In 1983, the United States Navy acquired the Danish merchant ship Emma Maersk under a long-term charter. The ship was placed in service under the direction of the Military Sealift Command and renamed USNS PFC James Anderson Jr in honor of PFC Anderson. USNS PFC James Anderson Jr. was subsequently based at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and carried equipment to support a Marine expeditionary brigade until 2009, when it was sold for scrapping.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, PFC Anderson’s medals and decorations include: the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, the Vietnamese Military Merit Medal, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Originally published November 4, 2014 by MarineParents.com, Inc. Written by Collin Hoeferlin.

The Marine Corps, more so than any other branch of America’s military, values and embraces its history. Beginning in boot camp, every Marine is educated on the Corps’ proud and storied past as they learn what it means to be part of such a prestigious organization. In the spirit of the value the Marine Corps places on its history, we wanted to give you, Marine families and supporters, an opportunity to embrace and learn about this part of Marine Corps legacy as well.

Marine are known for being always faithful; for never giving up; for being hard-chargers. Perhaps no Marine better exemplified these traits than Sergeant “Manila John” Basilone, the only enlisted Marine in World War II (WWII) to be awarded both the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross and a true Marine Corps legend.

Early Life and Joining the Marines

John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York, the sixth of Salvatore and Dora Basilone’s ten children. The family eventually settled in Raritan, New Jersey, where John grew up. At the age of 15, John dropped out of school and worked as a caddy at a local golf club for a couple years until deciding to enroll in the US Army in 1934, at the age of 17. Basilone was initially assigned to the 16th infantry at Fort Jay, New York, and after his initial discharge, he reenlisted the next day and was assigned to the 31st Infantry and stationed in Manila, Philippines.

After leaving the Army in 1939, Basilone worked as a truck driver for a few months before deciding to enlist in the Marine Corps. Basilone was initially stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and America’s introduction to WWII in December of 1941, he headed to the Pacific Campaign as a member of the 1st Battalion 7th Marines.

A Legend is Born at Guadalcanal

In August of 1942, US Marines landed on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and captured an airfield that would be called Henderson Field. For the next two months, American and Japanese forces engaged in a series of air battles over the island while Japanese forces on the island regrouped in the jungle and planned a counter-attack to retake the airfield.

In late October, a force of roughly 20,000 Japanese soldiers launched an attack on a comparably-sized force of American Marines and soldiers defending the airfield. During the battle, John Basilone’s unit came under attack by a regiment comprised of roughly 3,000 Japanese soldiers. For the next three days, without food or sleep, Basilone and his comrades fought off the Japanese forces until reinforcements arrived, with only two men other than Basilone surviving. At one point, Basilone had to single-handedly fight his way 150 yards through Japanese lines to get more ammunition and continue the fight, and by the time the engagement was over, he had killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. For his actions on Guadalcanal, Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor.

War Bonds Tour and Marriage

In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States to participate in the war bond tours to raise money for the war effort. During the tour, Basilone requested to return to the front but his request was denied as the Marine Corps felt that he was needed on the home front. Basilone was then offered a commission, followed by an instructor’s role, both of which he turned down, before requesting to return to the front again, a request that was approved this time. Toward the end of 1943, Basilone went to Camp Pendleton, California, where he met Lena Mae Riggi, a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, who he would go on to marry in July of 1944.

Return to the Pacific

Following his marriage, Basilone requested to return to fighting in the Pacific Theater, a request that was approved. He was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division for the invasion of Iwo Jima. During the invasion, Basilone was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. As his unit came under heavy fire from fortified blockhouses, Basilone maneuvered himself onto the top on one of the blockhouses, before destroying it with grenades and demolitions. He then fought his way to aid a disabled American tank that was trapped in a Japanese minefield under intense mortar and artillery fire. Basilone guided the tank to safety before being killed by shrapnel from a Japanese mortar. For these actions, Sergeant John Basilone was awarded the Navy Cross.

Legacy

Sergeant John Basilone’s legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. The USS Basilone, a Gearing-class destroyer sponsored by Basilone’s wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. On Camp Pendleton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called “Basilone Road.” Additionally, part of Interstate 5 running through the base is called “Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway,” and a parachute landing zone on the base is named “Basilone Drop Zone.”

In his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, the high school football field is named after Sergeant Basilone, as are the local Knights of Columbus Council, a bridge over the Raritan River, and an overpass at Somerville Circle in Somerville, New Jersey. Additionally, there is a statue of Basilone holding a machine gun in Raritan, a plaque at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., a bust in San Diego’s Little Italy (in an area called Basilone Plaza). Since 1981, Raritan, New Jersey, has hosted an annual parade in Basilone’s honor, and in 2005, the U.S. Postal Service issued the “Distinguished Marines” stamps honoring four Marine Corps heroes including Sergeant Basilone.

Medal of Honor Citation:

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines’ defensive positions, Sgt. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. BASILONE’S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. BASILONE, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Navy Cross Citation:

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company’s advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Originally published June 29, 2016 by MarineParents.com, Inc. Written by Collin Hoeferlin.

The Marine Corps, more so than any other branch of America’s military, values and embraces its history. Beginning in boot camp, every Marine is educated on the Corps’ proud and storied past as they learn what it means to be part of such a prestigious organization. In the spirit of the value the Marine Corps places on its history, we wanted to give you, Marine families and supporters, an opportunity to embrace and learn about this part of Marine Corps legacy as well.

Marines are known for being always faithful; for never giving up; for being hard-chargers. Perhaps no Marine better exemplified these traits than Lewis “Chesty” Puller, the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps and the only American serviceman to have been awarded the nation’s second-highest military awards for valor six times.

Early Life & Joining the Marines

Lewis “Chesty” Puller was born in West Point, Virginia, on June 26, 1898 to Matthew and Martha Puller. Puller grew up listening to Civil War veterans telling stories of their time in the war, and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was young Lewis’ idol. In 1916, he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army to fight in the Border War with Mexico, but he was too young to enlist and his mother did not give her consent to allow him to join the Army. In 1917, Puller began attending the Virginia Military Institute, but left the school in 1918 to enlist in the Marine Corps, hoping, but not achieving, his goal of seeing action in World War I.

Interwar Years and First Two Navy Crosses

Following the conclusion of World War I, then-Corporal Puller received orders to serve in Haiti as a lieutenant training the newly formed Gendarmerie d’Haiti, a constabulary force that consisted of Haitian enlisted personnel and Marine officers. Puller served in this capacity from 1919-1924, at which time he returned to the United States and received his commission as a second lieutenant. After completing assignments at the Marine Barracks in Norfolk, Virginia, The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, and with the 10th Marine Artillery Regiment in Quantico, Virginia, Puller was assigned to the Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1926, where he served for two years before being assigned to San Diego, California, in 1928.

In December of 1928, Puller was sent to Nicaragua to serve with the Nicaraguan National Guard detachment fighting rebels led by Augusto Sandino. During his time in Nicaragua, Puller would earn the first of his five Navy Crosses for his actions from February 16 to August 19, 1930, when he led “five successive engagements against superior numbers of armed bandit forces.”

Puller returned to the United States in 1931 and completed the year-long Company Officers Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completing the course, Puller returned to Nicaragua in late 1932, where he earned a second Navy Cross for leading American Marines and Nicaraguan National Guardsmen into battle against Sandinista rebels in the last major battle of the Sandino Rebellion near El Sauce on December 26, 1932.

Following his time in Nicaragua, Puller was assigned to the Marine detachment in Beijing, China, where he commanded a unit of “China Marines” (U.S. Marines stationed in China). After serving in China, Puller served aboard USS Augusta, a cruiser in the Asiatic Fleet that was commanded at the time by then-Captain Chester W. Nimitz. Puller returned to the States in June 1936 to serve as an instructor at the Basic School in Philadelphia before returning to the Augusta in 1939 as commander of the on-board Marine detachment. Puller and his Marines on the Augusta sailed to China, disembarking in Shanghai in May of 1940. While in China for the second time, Puller served as the executive officer and commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) until August 1941. Then-Major Puller returned to the United States later that month and, after a short leave, he was given command of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) of the 1st Marine Division, stationed at New River, North Carolina (later Camp Lejeune).

World War II

During the early days of World War II in the Pacific Theater, Puller’s 7th Marines formed the core of the newly-created 3rd Marine Brigade and the battalion arrived in Samoa to defend the island from Japanese forces in early May of 1942. Later that summer, the 7th Marines were redeployed from the brigade and in early September, they left Samoa, rejoining the 1st Division at Guadalcanal later that month.

Shortly after arriving on Guadalcanal, Puller led his battalion in fierce fighting along the Matanikau River. During the engagement, three of Puller’s companies were surrounded and cut off from American forces by Japanese troops. Puller ran to the shore, signaled a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Monssen, and directed the ship to provide covering fire while landing craft rescued the surrounded Marines. During the rescue, U.S. Coast Guard Signalman First Class Douglas Albert Munro, Officer-in-Charge of the group of landing craft, was killed while providing covering fire for the Marines and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions, making him the first, and to date the only, Coast Guardsman to receive the decoration. Puller’s quick thinking in organizing the rescue saved the three companies and earned Puller the Bronze Star with Combat “V”.

Later on Guadalcanal, Puller earned his third Navy Cross in what was later known as the “Battle for Henderson Field”. During the engagement, Puller commanded 1st Battalion 7th (1/7) Marines who, alongside the 3rd Battalion of the U.S. Army’s 164th Infantry Regiment (3/164), defended Henderson airfield against a regiment-strength Japanese force. In a firefight that lasted more than three hours on the night of October 24-25, 1942, the 1/7 and 3/164 sustained 70 casualties while the Japanese suffered more than 1,400 troops killed in action and the Americans held the airfield. For their actions during the battle, Puller nominated two of his men (one of whom was Sergeant John Basilone), for Medals of Honor. Just over two weeks later, on November 9, Puller was wounded himself.

Following his time on Guadalcanal, Puller was made the executive officer of the 7th Marine Regiment. While serving in this capacity at Cape Gloucester, New Guinea, Puller was awarded his fourth Navy Cross for overall performance of duty between late December 1943, and mid-January 1944. Puller was then promoted to colonel effective February 1, 1944 and by the end of the month, he had been named commander of the 1st Marine Regiment. In September and October of 1944, Puller led the 1st Marine Regiment in the battle of Peleliu, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history, and received the first of his two Legion of Merit awards. In November of 1944, Puller returned to the United States and was named executive officer of the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and, less than a month later, was named Commanding Officer. After the conclusion of WWII, Puller was made Director of the 8th Reserve District at New Orleans, Louisiana and later commanded the Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Korean War & Later Marine Corps Career

When the Korean War broke out, Puller was once again assigned as the commander of the First Marine Regiment. On September 15, 1950, Puller and his Marines took part in the landing at Inchon, for which Puller was awarded the Silver Star. For his overall leadership from September 15-November 2, 1950, Puller was awarded his second Legion of Merit award. Puller was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the U.S. Army for heroism in action from November 29 to December 4, and he received his fifth Navy Cross for heroism for his actions during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir from December 5-10, 1950. It was during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir that Puller uttered the famous quote, “We’ve been looking for the enemy for some time now. We’ve finally found him. We’re surrounded. That simplifies things.”

In January of 1951, Puller was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and was assigned to serve as the assistant division commander (ADC) of the 1st Marine Division. In late February of that year, Puller’s immediate supervisor, Major General O.P. Smith, was transferred to command IX Corps when its commander, Army Major General Bryant Moore, died, leaving Puller in temporary command of the 1st Marine Division until March. Puller completed his tour of duty as assistant commander and left Korea to return to the United States in late May. Upon his return from Korea, Puller took command of the 3rd Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California until January of 1952, and he then served as the assistant commander of the division until June 1952. Puller then took over Troop Training Unit Pacific at Coronado, California. In September 1953, he was promoted to major general.

In July of 1954, Puller assumed command of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina until February 1955 when he became Deputy Camp Commander. In 1955, Puller suffered a stroke and was retired by the Marine Corps on November 1, 1955. Following his death in 1971, Puller was posthumously promoted to lieutenant general.

Post-Korean War & Legacy

Through his decades of service and fearless leadership, Lewis “Chesty” Puller cemented his status as a Marine Corps icon. In addition to his many awards, Puller received numerous additional honors, including having the frigate Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23), the headquarters building for 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team on Yorktown Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, Virginia, and Route 33 in Middlesex County, Virginia, named after him. In November of 2005, the United States Postal Service issued its Distinguished Marines stamps in which Puller was honored along with Daniel J. Daly, John Basilone, and John A. Lejeune. In 2012, Military Sealift Command announced that a Mobile Landing Platform was to be named after Puller, being designated as USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-MLP-3/T-AFSB-1). The former Marine Barracks Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Officers’ Quarters, includes a historic home affectionately known as the “Chesty Puller House,” in honor of Puller who lived there from 1948 to 1950.

Additionally, the Marine Corps’ mascot is perpetually named “Chesty Pullerton.” (e.g. Chesty XIII). He is always a purebred English Bulldog. Common sayings during Marine Corps boot camp include ending one’s by saying, “Good night, Chesty Puller, wherever you are!” Another common encouragement is “Chesty Puller never quit!” In both boot camp and Officer Candidates School cadences, Marines chant “It was good for Chesty Puller/And it’s good enough for me,” as well as “Tell Chesty Puller I did my best.” Recruits also sing “Chesty Puller was a good Marine and a good Marine was he.” While doing pull-ups, Marines sometimes encourage each other to “do one for Chesty!” Each year, Marine Corps Detachment from Fort Lee, Virginia, runs 66 miles from Fort Lee to Pullers grave at Christ Church cemetery in Saluda, Virginia in Puller’s honor.

Originally published June 26, 2013 by MarineParents.com, Inc. Written by Collin Hoeferlin.

The Marine Corps, more so than any other branch of America’s military, values and embraces its history. Beginning in boot camp, every Marine is educated on the Corps’ proud and storied past as they learn what it means to be part of such a prestigious organization. In the spirit of the value the Marine Corps places on its history, we wanted to give you, Marine families and supporters, an opportunity to embrace and learn about this part of Marine Corps legacy as well.

Belleau Wood

June 26 marks the anniversary of the end of one of the most important and legendary battles in Marine Corps history–The Battle of Bois de Belleau, or Belleau Wood. This was a battle that exemplified the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage, and commitment. It was a battle that catapulted the Marine Corps to worldwide prominence. And it was a battle that helped turn the tide of “The Great War” (as WWI was then known) in favor of the Allies.

Background

In June of 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria set in motion a series of events that would lead to the outbreak of World War I in August of that year. On one side were Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire (commonly referred to as the Central Powers). On the other were Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, and Japan (commonly referred to as the Allied Powers). After three years of neutrality, the United States entered the war on the side of the Allies in April of 1917.

Roughly a year after entering the war, the first major battle involving American troops took place in June of 1918 at Belleau Wood– a 200-acre forest near the commune of Chateau-Thierry, France, approximately 53 miles northeast of Paris.

Battle Summary

The Battle of Belleau Wood began on June 6, 1918, and would prove to be one of the most ferocious battles fought by American troops during the war. The 5th and 6th Marine Regiments, under the command of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Division, were tasked with capturing Belleau Wood and clearing it of German soldiers.

To launch their assault on the forest, the Marines first had to cross a wheat field into oncoming German machine gun fire. Trying to cross the field proved to be an incredibly dangerous undertaking and over 1,000 Marines died on the first day of battle, more than the Corps had lost in it’s entire 143 year history up to that point.

After three weeks of brutal tree-to-tree fighting, including multiple charges on German machine gun nests with fixed bayonets and hand-to-hand combat, and after trading possession of the forest with the Germans six times, the Marines cleared Belleau Wood of the German Army entirely on June 26, at the cost of almost 2,000 Marines dead and almost 8,000 injured. The battle proved to be the end to the last major German offensive of the war, and less than six months later the war came to an end.

Legacy

The Battle of Belleau Wood was a landmark event in Marine Corps history. Prior to the battle, the United States Marine Corps was a little known, unproven commodity. After three weeks of displaying the courage, determination, and win-at-all-costs attitude that has become synonymous with the Marine Corps in the years since, that all changed, and the Marines have since been known as–arguably–the most formidable fighting force in the world.

It was also here that the Marine Corps’ “Devil Dog” nickname was supposedly born. As the story goes, German officers, in their battle reports, referred to the Marines as “Teufel Hunden” (German for “Devil Dogs”) as a result of the ferocity with which the Marines fought, and the name stuck.

After the battle, the French Army renamed Belleau Wood in honor of the Marines, changing the name to “Bois de la Brigade de Marine”–“The Wood of the Marine Brigade.” Furthermore, the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments received the Croix de Guerre, an award for distinction and heroism in combat with the enemy, three times during the First World War–the only regiments in the American Expeditionary Force to do so. As a result, The 5th and 6th Marine Regiments are authorized to wear the French fourragere,a military award that distinguishes military units as a whole and that is shaped like a braided cord, on their dress uniforms.

Belleau Wood was also the setting for two of the most famous quotes in Marine Corps history. On June 2, 1918, as the Marines were arriving at Belleau Wood to support the French Army, they found the French retreating. A French officer ordered the Marines to do the same. Captain Lloyd Williams, of the 5th Marine Regiment, refused to do so, replying, “Retreat, Hell! We just got here.” Four days later, on June 6, First Sergeant Dan Daly is said to have rallied his men by yelling, “Come on you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever!” as they charged into battle.

Uncommon Valor

While it would be another quarter century before Admiral Chester Nimitz would famously say “Uncommon valor was a common virtue,” about the sacrifices made by Marines on Iwo Jima in WWII, it could just as easily have been said about the Marines at Belleau Wood. Exhausted, outnumbered, and outgunned, the Marines refused to yield. Against all odds and expectations, they absorbed everything the Germans could throw at them and, in true Marine fashion, persevered. Perhaps the character and courage displayed by the Marines at Belleau Wood is best reflected in the battle account of U.S. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniel’s, who wrote:

“In all the history of the Marine Corps there is no such battle as that one in Belleau Wood. Fighting day and night without relief, without sleep, often without water, and for days without hot rations, the Marines met and defeated the best divisions that Germany could throw into the line.

The heroism and doggedness of that battle are unparalleled. Time after time officers seeing their lines cut to pieces, seeing their men so dog tired that they even fell asleep under shellfire, hearing their wounded calling for the water they were unable to supply, seeing men fight on after they had been wounded and until they dropped unconscious; time after time officers seeing these things, believing that the very limit of human endurance had been reached, would send back messages to their post command that their men were exhausted.

But in answer to this would come the word that the line must hold, and, if possible, those lines must attack. And the lines obeyed. Without water, without food, without rest, they went forward – and forward every time to victory.”

Originally published February 23, 2015 by MarineParents.com, Inc. Written by Collin Hoeferlin.

The Marine Corps, more so than any other branch of America’s military, values and embraces its history. Beginning in boot camp, every Marine is educated on the Corps’ proud and storied past as they learn what it means to be part of such a prestigious organization. In the spirit of the value the Marine Corps places on its history, we wanted to give you, Marine families and supporters, an opportunity to embrace and learn about this part of Marine Corps legacy as well. In this piece, we take a further look at one of the defining chapters in Marine Corps history – The Battle of Iwo Jima.

Iwo Jima

February 23 marks the anniversary of one of the most iconic moments in Marine Corps history and in all of World War 2–the American flag being raised over Mt. Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Background

By February of 1945, the United States Marine Corps had been fighting Imperial Japanese forces across the Pacific for three years. As the Marines slowly but surely worked their way across the Pacific in their island-hopping campaign and closed in on the Japanese homeland, the already fanatical Japanese resistance intensified, leading to some of the of the most brutally intense fighting in a campaign known for it ferocity.

Battle Summary and Flag Raising

The Battle of Iwo Jima began on February 19,1945, as more than 70,000 US military personnel, including approximately 60,000 Marines, attempted to capture the island of Iwo Jima from just over 22,000 Japanese troops. The operation was initially supposed to take 10 days, but a system of caves, tunnels, and bunkers on the island had shielded the Japanese defenders from the American artillery bombardment prior to American forces landing on the beaches. The Marines did not come under fire while landing on the beaches as they typically did, leading some to speculate that the artillery bombardment had been a success. It was only after the Marines had landed with their equipment and started patrolling into the interior of the island that the Japanese opened fire. It quickly became apparent that the bombardment had not been as successful as hoped and that operation was going to take longer than expected.

After four days of brutal fighting, the Marines had effectively cut off Mt. Suribachi (“Sulfur Mountain” in Japanese and the island’s highest point) from the rest of the island. Despite being isolated above ground, American forces knew that the mountain was connected to Japanese defenders through the island’s tunnel system, and thus had some strategic value. Two four-man Marine patrols were sent out to scout potential routes up the mountain, which they successfully accomplished after coming under far less enemy fire than anticipated. After the scout patrols descended the mountain and reported on the lack of enemy contact, USMC Colonel Chandler Johnson called for a platoon of Marines to climb back up the mountain and capture the summit. With the platoon, Johnson sent a small American flag to fly if and when they took the summit. The Marines again reached the top of Mount Suribachi without incident and, using a length of pipe they found among the wreckage atop the mountain, raised the flag, making it the first foreign flag to fly over Japanese soil.

Aftermath

Seeing the flag go up on Mt. Suribachi was a great morale boost, not only for Marines on the island, but also for Americans back home who saw Joe Rosenthal’s iconic image of the flag being raised in news publications across the country. However, despite raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi after four days of fighting, the island wouldn’t officially be declared “secure” until March 26, more than a month later, as the Japanese desperately did everything in their power to avoid surrendering, with less than 2% of Japanese defenders peacefully surrendering to American forces.

Legacy

Along with places like Belleau Wood, the Chosin Reservoir, and Hue City, the Battle of Iwo Jima is one of the iconic, defining events in Marine Corps history, as the Marines once again showed that they can fight, and persevere, no matter who or what stands in their way. Iwo Jima was also an anomaly in that it was the only battle in the Pacific Campaign in WW2 in which American casualties (more than 26,000) outnumbered Japanese casualties (18,844 killed, 216 captured). However, the Japanese suffered almost three times as many combat deaths as the Americans (almost 19,000 Japanese compared to 6,800 American).

When all was said and done, 27 Medals of Honor were awarded for actions on Iwo Jima, 14 posthumously. Of those 27, 22 were awarded to Marines and four were awarded to Navy Corpsmen attached to Marine infantry units. The 22 Medals of Honor earned by Marines on Iwo Jima represents more than 25% of the total number (82) of Medals of Honor earned by Marines in the entire Pacific campaign.

In the decades since 1945, Iwo Jima, and the summit of Mt. Suribachi in particular, has been a place of pilgrimage for Marines, many of whom leave dog tags, rank insignia, or other tokens in homage to the sacrifices made over those 36 days. Additionally, several ships have been commissioned USS Iwo Jima. Currently, USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship that was commissioned in June of 2001.

Originally published September, 2013, by “Leatherneck.” Written by Collin Hoeferlin.

“There are many great organizations that selflessly give their time, money and other resources. So many of our wonderful families and friends like those that answer to MarineParents.com, who support all wounded, ill or injured who wear the cloth of this Nation and their families. We are blessed to have such … caring, giving people like Joyce Orrell (Purple Heart Hero Support–West [Coast] manager). Nothing brings a tear to my eye quicker than watching people like Joyce [and her many MarineParents.com volunteers] give of their time and efforts—people who serve and care for others. It’s humbling, and I am privileged to know them.” 

—SgtMaj Micheal P. Barrett 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps 

Among the many programs admini­stered by MarineParents.com, one of the most visible is Purple Heart Hero Support. Run entirely by volunteers, PHHS “sup­ ports and provides services to wounded and ill troops and their families through every phase of recovery, from hospital to home.” Initially catering exclusively to wounded Marines and Navy Fleet Marine Force corpsmen, PHHS has since ex­panded its reach to all branches of the military (including allied soldiers). 

In 2006, PHHS was born at the Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Md. (now the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center), “in response to a situation at the old Bethesda Naval Hospital where nutritional food was unavailable for patients’ families on Sundays,” said PHHS–East (Coast) manager Susan Kristol, whose son is a Marine first lieutenant. “We addressed the situation by making it possible for families to eat good food on Sundays and still re­ main with their wounded heroes.” The “food on Sundays” idea was implemented in early 2007 and caught on like wildfire; Marines, parents and other loved ones were, and are, exceedingly grateful. 

In 2008, PHHS volunteers be­gan working at the Naval Medi­cal Center in San Diego. Last year, PHHS expanded to the naval hospital at Marine Corps Air ­Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. 

“What started as three meals a week quickly snowballed as word got out. We had to start cooking meals at our home as the [available] kitchen was too small. Now we serve around 150 meals each week,” Joyce Orrell said with pride. “We have truly been blessed being able to serve our Wounded Heroes … to know them all personally, to just listen quietly, to laugh, to cry with them, to love them unconditionally,” she added. “They know they can trust us, that we are there for them, they have all become our sons and daughters.” 

Something About Dinners 

To date, PHHS has served more than 27,000 meals to thousands of wounded, injured and ill military personnel and their families at a cost of more than $165,000 (individual and corporate donations and sponsorships provide the money). An important aspect of those dinners is not the food being served, but the sense of normalcy and camaraderie that the din­ners facilitate. For some, the group dinners “help them forget where they are by having other similarly situated comrades around … it provides a healthy, positive and welcome atmosphere,” said Babs Blackmon, MarineParents.com outreach program coordinator. 

“The dinners give them a chance to have a warm meal, good conversation and share some laughs,” she added. In addition to the dinners, PHHS volunteers help wounded mili­tary personnel transition back to civilian life, a transition made even more challenging due to the physical and/or psychological injuries many of the program’s participants are facing. By con­necting people, “the Purple Heart Hero Support program and volunteers give our wounded heroes a chance to interact with civilians as they prepare to reintegrate into civilian society,” said Blackmon. 

Other PHHS Outreach Services 

Purple Heart Hero Support volunteers give the families of the wounded, injured and ill “The Wounded Warrior Handbook: A Resource Guide for Returning Veter­ans.” The guide helps them navigate the military medical system and imparts in­ formation on benefits, claims and legal issues. Patients receive a journal to keep track of medical information, while family members are given snacks, water and Pur­ple Heart pins and magnets to honor their loved ones. 

An irreplaceable part of PHHS outreach is the adapted clothing program in which volunteers modify clothing to meet the specific needs of each patient. For example, modified and adapted shorts utilizing Vel­cro allow easier access and let recovering patients regain some of their independence and dignity. Those items help severely wounded troops become more self­-suf­ficient, which raises their morale and in turn helps speed their recovery. Adapted camouflage blouses and a complete set of chevrons and grade insignias are available for each patient to more easily dress for Purple Heart award ceremonies. 

Moving Forward 

As Purple Heart Hero Support moves forward, Tracy Della Vecchia, Marine Parents.com founder and executive director, said that although the future remains un­ clear, she feels positive about the direction in which the PHHS program is heading and hopes to be able to host more dinners at more locations and to expand support functions to more individuals. “Down the road,” she said, “we’re looking at possibly having a presence at the burn unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.” PHHS planners also are exploring the feasibility of partially shifting the focus of the program to assist in long-­term care as well as helping in the struggle with post­traumatic stress. 

“Whatever needs come up are the needs that we’ll tackle,” Della Vecchia concluded. 

For more information, go to http:/ purpleheartheroes.com. 

Editor’s note: Collin Hoeferlin, a 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, is the communications specialist/news­ letter writer and editor at MarineParents.com. His father, Mike Hoeferlin, is a fre­quent contributor to Leatherneck, and his mother is a retired Navy Medical Serv­ice Corps captain who often served with Marines.