Marine Corps Turns 246: Role in World War II

And still as mean as ever.

Happy birthday USMC!!

During World War II, Marines performed a central role in the Battle of the Pacific, along with the U.S. Army.  

The Battles of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa, Guam,  Tinian, Cape Gloucester, Saipan, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, Okinawa saw fierce fighting between the Marines and  the Imperial Japanese Army.

Some 600,000 Americans served in the Marines during the war.

The Battle of Iwo Jima, which began on February  19, 1945, was arguably the most famous Marine engagement of the war.  The Japanese had learned lessons from their defeats during the Marianas Campaign and prepared many fortified  positions on the island, including pillboxes and a huge network of tunnels.

They put up a fierce resistance, but American forces reached the top of  Mount Suribachi on 23 February 1945.  The mission was accomplished with high losses of 26,000 Americans and 22,000 Japanese.

--GreGen

Marine Corps 239th Birthday Breakfast: Part 7: The Commandant's Message

Finishing up with General James F. Amos' annual birthday message: "Sergeant Major Michael Burrett joins me in congratulating each of you. Because of you, your selfless service, and your many sacrifices, our Corps remains strong and ready to respond to any crisis.

Throughout history, Marines have faced tough times and there will be tough times ahead, but there is no challenge we cannot overcome if we remain honorable and always faithful to our Nation, our Constituition and each other. Happy birthday, Marine!

Semper Fidelis

James F. Amos
General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Congratulations USMC!! --GreGen

Marine Corps 238th Birthday Breakfast-- Part 6

We had a 20-25 member unit of Young Marines present who were ages 8 to probably 16. They were being trained by two active-duty sergeants and were impressive kids. At one point, a middle school Young Marine accidentally bumped into me and said, "Excuse me, sir." I was impressed.

There was also a Marine at my table with a Survivor Tet Offensive patch. Altogether, we had six World War II veterans and 8 Korean War veterans. Each one was escorted to the breakfast table by the Young Marines.

I was sitting near the oldest Marine, Corporal Madeline Weiner who served from 1943-1945 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She had a great sense of humor and referred to herself as a BAM. I'll get to that later.

Every breakfast, they walk around with microphones and everyone gets a chance to say something about their Marine service. When they came by me, I mentioned about the Doolittle Raiders Final Toast later today.

Ooh Rah!! --GreGen

Marine Corps 238th Birthday Breakfast-- Part 5: Cake Cutting Ceremony

After the messages were read, the tradional cake cutting ceremony took place and, as in years past, the good folks at Lovin Ovens in Round Lake donated a magnificent cake with the Marine Corps emblem done in icing. This is where the oldest Marine present gives a piece to the youngest active duty Marine, signifying the passing on of tradition and knowledge.

This tradition was begun in 1925 in Philadelphia as a coming together of the old with the new.

Oldest Marine in attendance was a woman, Madeline Weiner, born in 1922. She received the first piece, then presented the second piece to Corporal Largent, who was born in 1990. This brought chuckles from the other, much-older, Marines in the room even though Corporal Largent was 23. Signifying warriors, the cake was cut with a sword.

After that, we had the retiring of the colors and introduction of guests.

Marines Are All About Tradition. --GreGen

Marine Corps 238th Birthday Breakfast-- Part 4: The Commandant's Message

"This year, we celebrate the anniversary of several epic battles in our celebrated history: the 70th anniversary of the 2nd Marine Division landing on Tarawa, the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Hue City, and the 10th anniversary of the 'March Up' to Baghdad. Marines who fought in these legendary battles each made their mark upon the history of our Corps.

"They have passed a rich and illustrious legacy on to us, a much heralded reputation. It is ours to jealously guard and it is up to us to make our own marks and thus proudly pass it on to the generations of Marines who will follow."

Words to Be Proud Of and Continue. --GreGen

Marine Corps 238th Birthday Breakfast-- Part 3: The Commandant's Message

Marines of generations past built our reputation as the most disciplined and honorable warriors to ever set foot on a battlefield, and we have triumphed in every battle because our Corps has always focused on iron discipline and combat excellence.

This is who we are, this is what we do! It matters not whether you carried an M-1, M-14, or an M-16. It matters not whether you fought on a lonely island in the Pacific, assaulted a citadel in the jungle, or marched up to Baghdad. It matters not whether you are a grunt, pilot or a loggie (logistics). What matters most is that when the chips were down and things got down your fellow Marines could count on you to stand and fight...and fight we did!"

--Cooter

Marine Corps 238th Birthday Breakfast-- Part 2: The Commandant's Message

From James F. Amos, General USMC, Commandant:

"For 238 years, The United States Marine Corps has proudly served our great Nation with unfailing valor--bolstered by the enduring fortitude of our fellow Marines, our families, and our friends. This is why each year on November 10th, Marines from all generations gather together, in groups large and small, to celebrate the birthday of our Corps and to reflect on the proud legacy and warrior ethos we share. This is what unites us as Marines.

From our first battle at New Providence to today in Afghanistan, Marines have always shown that they were made of tougher stuff-- that when the enemy's fire poured in from all angles, and the situation was grim, Marines unequivocally knew that their fellow Marines would stay behind their guns, fight courageously, and drive the enemy from the battlefield.

We have always known hardship, fatigue and pain...but we have never known what it is to lose a battle."

The Few, the Proud....

Marine Corps 238th Birthday Breakfast-- Part 1

This past Saturday morning I attended the Tom Grosvenor Memorial Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast& Toys for Tots at the Fox Lake, Illinois, American Legion, Lakes Region Post 708. I've been doing this for at least the last 6-7 years and wouldn't want to miss it.

This event had its origin in 1970 when brothers Ken and Tom Grosvenor, both former Marines, would call each other on November 10th to wish each other a happy Marine Corps birthday. In 1982, Tom suggested they get together with other Marine friends and on November 10, 1983, they all met together at Hoff's Kitchen in Grayslake, Illinois, and it has been going on ever since, now in its 30th year.

That day, the Original Thirteen met: Jim Bissing, Tom Farm, Ben Floyd, Mike Gray, Ken and Tom Grosvenor, Ernie McClannahan, Jeff Ryham, Don Senger, Pete Tekampe, Jim Turnbull, Ernie Van Es and Steve Watkins.

Libby Collins of Milwaukee's WTMJ radio served as master of ceremonies. The Marine Corps League Color Guard posted the colors and then the birthday message of the Marine Corps Commandant and General Lejeune's message were read.

The Few....  --GreGen

Final Toast for the Doolittle Raiders Today

As I prepare to leave to go to the Tom Grovsner Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast (marking the 238th) and Toys for Tots Kickoff at the Fox Lake, Il., American Legion in a few minutes, I went to the National Museum of the USAF site and found a tag for the Doolittle Raider Final Toast at the upper left-hand corner and a short video reading "One Aircraft Carrier...16 Bombers....80 Men....One Incredible Mission."

That pretty-well sums it up.

I'll be watching the live feed at the site this afternoon at 5 P.M. CST. The Mission Officially Ends Today. --GreGen

Getting Ready to Meet Some WWII Marines

Happy Birthday to the Corps, as in USMC.

In a few minutes I will be leaving for the Fox Lake American Legion for the annual Birthday Breakfast featuring that Corps staple, SOS and scrambled eggs.

Always a real treat, there is a table for the World War II and one for the Korean War veterans. 

Along with the birthday, there is all the tradition and raising money for the Toys for Tots.

It is one fine thing.

Talk About History.  --GreGen