My grandfather, whom I never knew, fought in both World Wars wearing the uniform of the United States Marine Corps. In World War I, he drove a tank under Patton. During World War II, he was a part of the atomic tests at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. After the war, he returned to D.C where he was assigned to the Bureau of Ships. Eventually, he would retire from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Major.
My father was a Gunnery Sergeant long before I was born. I know he spent time at Camp Lejeune, NC and eventually served in Korea but, ultimately, my father never wanted to talk about his time in Korea. During my life, he spent most of his free time working with the Marine Corps League and did various fund raising drives, community outreach and even helped coordinate Toys for Tots in our local area.
I've had a respect and affinity for the United States Marine Corps my entire life--and that respect is a direct result of the Marines I've known in my lifetime.
First and also "First to Fight." Happy Birthday, Marines!
SEMPER FI!
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