MTFCA Forum

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all U.S. Marines,....from me,... H.R. Schwendeman, USMCR 1963 to 1969.

Today is the 245th birthday of the United States Marine Corps,....."SEMPER FI"

Thank you. Semper Fi.

Jim Patrick
Sgt. USMC (veteran)
1972-1977

Semper Fi, 82-86 ooohRAH!

My father-in-law was a Marine. He enlisted in 1946 at the age of 16. He made it to boot camp, but they figured out he had lied about his age and sent him home telling him, "Come back next year with a note from your parents". One year later he went back with the note.

He was awarded a Bronze Star for, "Action under enemy fire" at the battle of the Naktong River bulge, August 3 - September 12, 1950. Then on the night of November 28-29, 1950 while part of a truck infantry relief column from Koto-ri to Hagaru-ri he, "...crawled on top of the embankment to an exposed position from which he could bring heavy fire to bear upon the enemy." This got him a gold star in lieu of a second Bronze star and a Purple Heart for the loss of an eye and most of his teeth when a grenade went off in his face. He was 19 years old at the time. This second medal was awarded while he served in the Chosin Reservoir action, trying to get back to Hungnam.

I married his daughter almost 25 years later. He was a truly fine man and I am lucky to have known him. Semper fi!!!

My 45th Marine Corps birthday.

Andy Clary
Sergeant, USMC
1975-1982

Our next door neighbor, Judy Portz, served in the Marine Corps during WWII. I first met Judy and Henry while their house was under construction 25 years ago. I immediately noticed the Marine Corps bumper sticker on their car and remarked on it to Henry. Henry replied, "Oh, that's not me. I was Army Air Force. Judy is the Marine."

And proud she was to be a Marine. Soon after completing the house, their flag pole went up; highest pole in the neighborhood. The Marine Corps flag flew on every anniversary.

Henry and Judy are both gone now. Our two families grew to be great friends. Henry was a car guy with a lifelong involvement in the 810/812 Cords. He restored a number of Cords in his lifetime. The photo below shows his last restoration at its first outing. You can spot Henry; he's the center of the action, pointing out details to the admirers.

Dick

Happy Birthday Marines! Thank you for your service to our country.

OOH-RAH
85-89 2nd FSSG, 3rd MarDiv
90-91 4th MarDiv

1984-2014 What a ride!