Marine Corps League Detachment 853

05/31/2021

Never Forget!

Never Forget!

05/28/2021

The rifle is affixed with a bayonet and inverted, signifying that the Marine went down fighting. The boots signify the Marine’s last march onto the battlefield. Dog tags are imprinted with the Marine’s name and hung from the rifle so their identity will never be forgotten. The helmet is placed atop the rifle representing what the Marine stood for and signifying that their battle is now over.

The rifle is affixed with a bayonet and inverted, signifying that the Marine went down fighting. The boots signify the Marine’s last march onto the battlefield. Dog tags are imprinted with the Marine’s name and hung from the rifle so their identity will never be forgotten. The helmet is placed atop the rifle representing what the Marine stood for and signifying that their battle is now over.

05/27/2021

We have a meeting tonight at 1900. Joe Hoadley and myself will not be there.

05/18/2021

We have a meeting next Thursday at 1900. Everyone is invited.

05/02/2021

As of yesterday I was elected commandant of the Department of Virginia Marine Corps League. Those of you that are in this department I expect your total support.

04/25/2021

Next Meeting for the League is 05/27/2021 at 1900

04/15/2021

#WednesdayWisdom

“Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after you get there.” ~LtGen Victor H. Krulak, USMC | April 1965

📸LtGen Victor H. Krulak inspects #Marines from First Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company in Hawaii April 1965. Courtesy of LIFE Magazine/Bill Ray.

04/11/2021

Photos from National Museum of the Marine Corps's post

04/09/2021

9 April 2003 - Operation Iraqi Freedom

#OTD Iraqi resistance in Baghdad collapsed and U.S forces occupied the remainder of the capital. Marines assisted Iraqi civilians in toppling a large statue of Saddam Hussein in downtown Firdos Square.

Read more about Operation Iraqi Freedom here: 🔗 http://bit.ly/2oP5sui

04/07/2021

What is Marine Infantry Training course in San Diego! (Week 1-2)

Get some!

LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more videos from the U.S. Military!Show your support in the comment section.What is Marine Infantry Training course in San Diego! (Wee...

04/06/2021

Photos from 1st Marine Division's post

04/04/2021

03/24/2021

I had the honor to serve in this battle! You are not forgotten Marines!

03/21/2021

20 March 2003-Operation Iraqi Freedom begins

On this day in 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) began with the launching of approximately 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles at 5:34 a.m. The missiles, which were launched from six U.S. Navy ships, were aimed at three designated military targets around Baghdad, Iraq, in an attempt to kill or maim Saddam Hussein. U.S. Air Force F117 stealth fighters were also involved in the opening strike. Marines from I MEF crossed the Kuwait border into southern Iraq in the first push to Baghdad. A firefight between American and Iraqi ground forces occurred when a patrol of light armored vehicles from the 1st Marine Division encountered two Iraqi armored personnel carriers. The Marines destroyed the enemy and moved forward quickly, capturing key facilities in Rumelia, Iraq’s southern oil fields. Marines saved all but nine of nearly 500 oil wells from sabotage before continuing toward the Iraqi capital.
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📸: Marine M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks with Company C, 1st Tank Battalion, line up and prepare to meet the enemy near Safwan Hill, Iraq, during the opening moves of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

http://bit.ly/2n6bepn

03/07/2021

Get some Marine!

When his MARSOC team came under fire from an enemy compound, Sergeant William Burch headed toward the building to mount an assault. An RPG exploded feet from him, showering his leg with shrapnel. He dressed his own wounds, got up, and kept fighting. The resulting battle extended 10 hours. When a friendly machine gun on a nearby hillside took casualties and went silent, Burch volunteered to man the exposed position. Ignoring his shredded legs, he sprinted up the hill and poured fire onto the enemy. When a soldier next to him was hit, Burch treated his wound, took him to safety, then returned up the hill to the gun. He suppressed the enemy until all friendly forces had withdrawn from the area. For his bold initiative and dedication to his team, Burch was awarded the Silver Star.
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"...serving with Marine Special Operations Company G, Special Operations Task Force 81, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 6 April 2010. During a combat reconnaissance patrol, Sgt Burch's element came under heavy enemy contact from an insurgent-held compound. While assaulting the building, Sgt Burch was wounded when an enemy RPG exploded within feet of him, lodging shrapnel into his left leg. He continued to engage the enemy and direct Afghan National Army Commandos. Sgt Burch continued to clear compound with the Commandos while several engagements were taking place in close quarters. Later in the fight, Sgt Burch volunteered to reinforce a support by fire position on an exposed hillside that had taken several casualties. He sprinted up the hill with enemy fire impacting around him. He manned a machine gun position and provided effective fire on the enemy. When given the word to withdraw, Sgt Burch continued to suppress the enemy until all friendly forces were off the hill. His actions throughout the 10-hour firefight facilitated the destruction of dozens of enemy fighters and saved the lives of his fellow Teammates."
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#battlesightzero #bzo #history #military #militaryhistory #veteran #veterans #america #usmc #marinecorps #marines #semperfi #semperfidelis #raider #marineraiders #marsoc #oef #operationenduringfreedom #silverstar #spiritusinvictus

02/25/2021

We have a meeting tomorrow 1900

02/22/2021

Landing on Iwo Jima -- Frank Matthews

Landing on Iwo Jima -- Frank Matthews

02/22/2021

We have a meeting Thursday at 1900

02/16/2021

Montford Point Marines Define Honor, Courage Commitment

Montford Point Marines Define Honor, Courage Commitment

02/08/2021

Photos from National Museum of the Marine Corps's post

02/08/2021

By the time he was killed at Belleau Wood, Gunnery Sergeant Fred Stockham had an extensive Marine Corps career. He enlisted in 1903, deploying twice to the Philippines and once to China, before leaving the military to become a firefighter in his home state of New Jersey. He returned to the Marines, however, and saw combat in Nicaragua in 1915 before heading to France during WWI.
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On the night of June 13, 1918, the Germans bombarded Stockham’s unit with mustard gas. Stockham donned his gas mask and went about tending the wounded. He came across a Marine named Barak Mattingly, whose mask had been shot off. Stockham removed his mask and put it on Mattingly, knowing full well his actions would be fatal. He continued tending the wounded until the effects of the gas overcame him. He passed away a few days later.
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Stockham’s sacrifice went unnoticed for many years, except by those who witnessed it. Mattingly worked with Clifton Cates, Stockham’s former Lt and a future Commandant of the Marine Corps, to recognize Stockham’s heroism. In 1939, more than 20 years later, Stockham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
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#battlesightzero #bzo #history #military #militaryhistory #veteran #veterans #america #usmc #marinecorps #marines #semperfi #semperfidelis #wwi #belleauwood #moh #medalofhonor

02/08/2021

RIP Marine

01/30/2021

Photos from Battlesight Zero's post

01/27/2021

Timeline Photos

On Aug 19, 1967, while on an escort mission, Maj. Stephen Pless (MAG-36, 1MAW) received a distress call from 4 Americans who were trapped and surrounded on a beach near Quang Nai, Vietnam.

Maj. Pless flew his UH-1 Huey Gunship to the scene and found 30 to 50 enemy soldiers in the open. Some of the enemy were bayoneting and beating the downed Americans. Maj. Pless displayed exceptional airmanship as he launched a devastating attack against the enemy force, killing and wounding many of the enemy and driving the remainder back into a treeline.

His rocket and machinegun attacks were made at such low levels that the aircraft flew through debris created by explosions from its rockets. Seeing 1 of the wounded soldiers gesture for assistance, he maneuvered his helicopter into a position between the wounded men and the enemy, providing a shield which permitted his crew to retrieve the wounded.

During the rescue the enemy fired at the helicopter and rushed the aircraft again and again, closing to within a few feet before being beaten back. When the wounded men were aboard, Pless maneuvered the helicopter out to sea. Before it became safely airborne, the overloaded aircraft settled 4 times into the water. Displaying superb airmanship, he finally got the helicopter aloft.

For his actions, he would receive the Medal of Honor while his crew would receive the Navy Cross; making Pless the only Marine Aviator to receive the Medal during the war and the combined crew, the most highly decorated Helicopter crew to fly in the Vietnam War.

During his ceremony, another pilot, Joe Jackson, received the Medal as well for rescuing Americans under fire. Upon realizing that both Pless and Jackson were from the same small Georgia town, President Johnson quipped: "There must be something in the water down in Newnan”.

Major Pless would tragically die in a motorcycle accident just 6 months after receiving the MOH. #vietnam

www.zerofoxtrot.com

01/25/2021

Oldest living Marine, Dorothy 'Dot' Cole, Passes at age 107

Fair winds and following seas! Semper Fi!

One of the first ladies to enlist as a Marine Reservist, Dorothy' Dot' Cole, has passed away at the fabulous age of 107. Last September, her 107th

01/25/2021

#MarineMonday -- Col Wesley Fox

“I believe courage is the most beneficial personality trait one can have. One without courage tends to fall short in many other ways.” – Col Wesley Fox⁠
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Today’s Marine Monday features then-1stLt Wesley Fox who was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War while serving as commanding officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. ⁠

Despite being injured, Fox led his men as they fought through heavy enemy fire in the northern A Shau Valley. Wounded again in a final assault, Fox refused medical attention and instead ensured that other wounded Marines were cared for and evacuated.

Fox's Medal of Honor citation states, "His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his Marines to such aggressive actions that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex."
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Fox retired at the rank of colonel after 43 years of Marine Corps service in September 1993. In addition to the Medal of Honor, his medals and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, the Navy Commendation Medal with one Gold Star, the Purple Heart with three Gold Stars in lieu of second through fourth awards, and more.⁠
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Col Wesley Fox passed away at the age of 86 on November 25, 2017.⁠
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Semper Fidelis, Col Fox.

01/22/2021

We have a meeting next Thursday at 1900

12/31/2020

We lost Richard Boyce last night was our Jr Vice and life member please keep family in your prayers.

12/28/2020

Just to let you all know our Chaplain John Bailey is in ICU with the Covid please keep
Him and family in your prayers

12/12/2020

Christmas food baskets tomorrow @ 0900

12/08/2020

Commandant Joe Hoadley, senior vice Wilmont Griffin, junior vice David Weber, and judge advocate David Perdue

12/07/2020

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Marine Monday - 1stLt George H. Cannon

Today's #MarineMonday highlights First Lieutenant George H. Cannon, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the bombardment of Midway Island on 7 December 1941.

Upon graduation from the University of Michigan, Cannon accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps on 25 June 1938. On 7 September 1941, he reported to Midway Island as a platoon leader and member of the Battalion Coding Board.

During the bombardment of Midway Island by Japanese forces, Cannon was at his command post when he was mortally wounded by enemy shell fire. He refused to be evacuated from his post until after his men, who had been wounded by the same shell, were evacuated. Cannon directed the reorganization of his command post until forcibly removed. As a result of his utter disregard of his own condition, he later died from loss of blood.

Cannon was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. A destroyer was named in his honor, sponsored by his mother, and launching on 25 May 1943.

Semper Fi, Marine.

12/07/2020

Meeting 12/07/2020 @1900

11/30/2020

Semper Fi Sir!

Marine Monday - Col William E. Barber

It's #MarineMonday and today, in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign, we are highlighting Colonel William E. Barber, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the bitter cold campaign in Korea in November and December 1950. A captain at the time, he led his company in a desperate five-day defense of a frozen mountain pass vital to the 1st Marine Division's breakout to the sea.

Read his full citation here:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain William Earl Barber, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty and without detriment to the mission of his command in combat with the enemy in Korea, from 28 November to 2 December 1950, as Company Commander of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near the Chosin Reservoir, in North Korea. Assigned to defend a three-mile mountain pass along the division's main supply line and commanding the only route of approach in the march from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, Captain Barber took position with his battle-weary troops and, before nightfall, had dug in and set up a defense along the frozen, snow-covered hillside. When a force of estimated regimental strength savagely attacked during the night, inflicting heavy casualties and finally surrounding his position following a bitterly fought seven-hour conflict, Captain Barber, after repulsing the enemy gave assurance that he could hold if supplied by airdrops and requested permission to stand fast when orders were received by radio to fight his way back to a relieving force after two reinforcing units had been driven back under fierce resistance in their attempts to reach the isolated troops. Aware that leaving the position would sever contact with the 8,000 Marines trapped at Yudam-ni and jeopardize their chances of joining the 3,000 more awaiting their arrival in Hagaru-ri for the continued drive to the sea, he chose to risk loss of his command rather than sacrifice more men if the enemy seized control and forced a renewed battle to regain the position, or abandon his many wounded who were unable to walk. Although severely wounded in the leg in the early morning of the 29th, Captain Barber continued to maintain personal control, often moving up and down the lines on a stretcher to direct the defense and consistently encouraging and inspiring his men to supreme efforts despite the staggering opposition. Waging desperate battle throughout five days and six nights of repeated onslaughts launched by the fanatical aggressors, he and his heroic command accounted for approximately 1,000 enemy dead in this epic stand in bitter subzero weather, and when the company was relieved only two of his original 220 men were able to walk away from the position so valiantly defended against insuperable odds. His profound faith and courage, great personal valor, and unwavering fortitude were decisive factors in the successful withdrawal of the division from the deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Barber, his intrepid officers and men, and the United States Naval Service.

Barber's actions are highlighted in our Chosin Reservoir Campaign immersive exhibit. You can view it online here: http://www.virtualusmcmuseum.com/Korea_5.asp

11/28/2020

Semper Fi Sir!

Damon Juan Larson
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Korean War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Died: November 28, 1950

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Damon Juan Larson (MCSN: 0-49965), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Machine Gun Platoon of Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yudam-ni, Korea, on 28 November 1950. When fifteen of the enemy overran one of his machine gun positions during a strong hostile attack against the company's defensive line, Second Lieutenant Larson, in company with one of his men, immediately proceeded to attempt the recapture of the vital emplacement. Fired upon by two hostile soldiers as he neared the position, he succeeded in annihilating one of the enemy before he was mortally wounded by the other. By his superb leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the repulse of the hostile attack, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.