Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Comments
Recalled to Active Duty for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm/Provide Comfort, now known as Gulf War I
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
Description On January 16, 1991, President George H. W. Bush announced the start of what would be called Operation Desert Storm—a military operation to expel occupying Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which Iraq had invOn January 16, 1991, President George H. W. Bush announced the start of what would be called Operation Desert Storm—a military operation to expel occupying Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which Iraq had invaded and annexed months earlier. For weeks, a U.S.-led coalition of two dozen nations had positioned more than 900,000 troops in the region, most stationed on the Saudi-Iraq border. A U.N.-declared deadline for withdrawal passed on January 15, with no action from Iraq, so coalition forces began a five-week bombardment of Iraqi command and control targets from air and sea. Despite widespread fears that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein might order the use of chemical weapons, a ground invasion followed in February. Coalition forces swiftly drove Iraq from Kuwait, advancing into Iraq, and reaching a cease-fire within 100 hours—controversially leaving Saddam Hussein in power. While coalition casualties were in the hundreds, Iraqi losses numbered in the tens of thousands.... More
Memories Recalled to Active Duty from Retired List. Mobilized as part of Replacement Armor Battalions, then trRecalled to Active Duty from Retired List. Mobilized as part of Replacement Armor Battalions, then transferred to Mobilization and Operations, DOD, The Pentagon.... More
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal is awarded to personnel in the grade of colonel and below upon completion of four years service since March 3, 1971, with a Reserve Component unit for exe... The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal is awarded to personnel in the grade of colonel and below upon completion of four years service since March 3, 1971, with a Reserve Component unit for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Comments
Infantry Officer Advance Course, Fort Benning, GA
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Comments
Infantry Officer Basic Course, Fort Benning, GA
Best Friends
GySgt Clovis C. "Buck" Coffman, Jr. later Lt. Colonel Clovis C. Coffman, Jr., USMC(Retired)who passed away on 28 Aug 2001 at Virginia Beach, VA. I served as a Rifle Platoon Sergeant during this period.
Best Moment
Company qualified at Fleet Landing Training Unit, NAB, Little Creek, VA following landings from USS Rankin and USS Spiegel Grove.
Worst Moment
Requested Active Duty during Vietnam War, and recommended by GySgt Coffman and Commanding Officer. Request denied by Fifth Naval District. Too many dependents. So, it was time to "Be all I could be" in the United States Army. Marine Corps training sure helped me in OCS.
Chain of Command
Fifth Marine Corps District, Philadelphia,PA Gunnery Sergeant Clovis C. Coffman, Jr.; First Sgt. Bill "Bullet Bill" Baltes; Major J.K.B. LeDeaux, Commanding Officer replaced Major James S. Kelley as C.O. and Captain E.E. Jones replaced Major LeDeaux.
Other Memories
SSgt Foy "Frosty" Hawks was also Platoon Sergeant. He retired as a Gunnery Sergeant.
Criteria The Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon was awarded by the Commandant of the Marine Corps for each ten year period of honorable military service in the Marine Corps Reserve between December 17, 1945, and Dece... The Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon was awarded by the Commandant of the Marine Corps for each ten year period of honorable military service in the Marine Corps Reserve between December 17, 1945, and December 17, 1965. MoreHide
Description The blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on CubaThe blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on Cuba were capable of hitting Washington, D.C. or anywhere in the southeastern portion of the country, the Panama Canal, Mexico City or “as far north as Hudson Bay, Canada, and as far south as Lima, Peru.” A military confrontation appeared imminent when Kennedy told his audience that he ordered the evacuation of the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and put military units on standby. Boldly, he stated, “one path we shall never choose is the path of surrender or submission.”
Khrushchev responded by sending additional ships—possibly carrying military cargo—toward Cuba and by allowing construction at the missile sites to continue. Over the following six days, the Cuban Missile Crisis, as it is now known, brought the world to the brink of global nuclear war while the two leaders engaged in tense negotiations via telegram and letter.
Fortunately by October 28, Kennedy and Khrushchev had reached a settlement and people on both sides of the conflict breathed a collective but wary sigh of relief. The Cuban missile sites were dismantled and, in return, Kennedy agreed to close U.S. missile sites in Turkey.... More
Main Battle/Operation Objective Test and develop the concept of Vertical Envelopment to be used by Fleet Marine Forces, if found feaTest and develop the concept of Vertical Envelopment to be used by Fleet Marine Forces, if found feasible and sound. The concept was found sound, and developed into doctrine known as Vertical Assault.... More
Description of Enemy Force Soviet Forces armed with various nuclear weapons systems, and methods of delivery. Cuban Army and NavSoviet Forces armed with various nuclear weapons systems, and methods of delivery. Cuban Army and Navy assisted by Soviets.... More
Description of Your Force United States Atlantic Fleet, Amphibious Forces Atlantic, Amphibious Squadron Ten, consisting of USSUnited States Atlantic Fleet, Amphibious Forces Atlantic, Amphibious Squadron Ten, consisting of USS BOXER (LPH-4), USS Spiegel Grove, USS Hermitage, USS Fort Snelling, and USS Plymouth Rock. Some times augmented by USS Rankin and destroyers.... More
Terrain and Weather
Atlantic Ocean. Tropical to frigid conditions.
People You Remember Captain I. Dew, USN, first skipper of USS BOXER (LPH-4) followed by Captain Parker. Commander, AmphibCaptain I. Dew, USN, first skipper of USS BOXER (LPH-4) followed by Captain Parker. Commander, Amphibious Squardon Ten. Amphibious Forces Atlantic. Atlantic Fleet Chief of Naval Operations.... More
Memories The threat of conflict during the Cold War was very real, and we trained and tested concepts to be eThe threat of conflict during the Cold War was very real, and we trained and tested concepts to be employed to save lives in confronting the nuclear threat, which made the traditional amphibious assalt such as the ones in the Pacific in World War II and at Inchon in South Koreaa vunerable to massive destruction from a nuclear weapon. We suffered some training casualties and deaths, but nothing compared to the brave Marines in actual combat. The show of force and presence of COMPHIBRON TEN in the Caribbean Sea was effective, with embarked Marines and Air Squadrons on high state of alert. Semper Fidelis.... More
Best Friends
Jules Berman, Former Marine,MARDET, USS Valley Forge. Buddy Johnson, Former Marine, MARDET, USS Intrepid
Best Moment
Being selected to serve in Color Guard for Drill and Ceremonies, and participating in Honor Guard for arriving dignitaries. The Drum & Bugle Corps striking up "Semper Fidelis" on the command "March" for passing in review would cause severe emotions to surface, and still does.
Worst Moment
Making the decision to not ship over in the Marine Corps. I loved the Corps but was very uncertain of my future, and no one counseled me regarding re-enlistment, nor that my GCT score was high enough to make me eligible for OCS.
Chain of Command
Marine Corps Schools conducted Basic and Advanced Courses for Officers, as well as PLC and OCS classes. SDT supported the training of these schools, and consisted of two Companies at the time I served there. I seldom saw the Commander or First Sgt. and do not recall their names. Platoon Sgt. were replaced with great frequency in SDT, because most were "short-timers" on their sunset tour. We were a detached Company of 2MARDIV but I never knew which Bn or Regiment.
Other Memories
Liberty in Washington, D.C. and hoping Johnson's car would make it back on the gas in the tank, and we with no money to buy gas. Coasting down the hills towards Quantico, in neutral, conserving gasoline.
Learning the "Slam/Slide" method of marching with the Honor Guard, did not have to learn modified Manual of Arms for this method, since I carried Old Glory, and got blown around by the strong winds, anchored by a couple of heavy weight Marines. Slide was a half step to prevent sinking into the grass surfaces, and falling on your kister, plus it looks pretty sharp once you get the hang of it.
Chain of Command
Commitments (assignments) were issued by Operations NCO, and would entail aggressor force for Marine Officers, OCS Candidates, and PLC Candidates. We were technically assigned to First Marine Division, but I do not recall the Battalion or Regiment now.
Other Memories
Served as Remedial Swimming Instructors, and Color Guard. Member of the Base Swimming Team.
Best Friends
Petty Officer First Class Cohen. A comedian from the Bronx.
Best Moment
Packing my Sea Bag and departing.
Worst Moment
Recovery Room
Chain of Command
Unknown to me at the time. I was a patient.
Other Memories
Outstanding Physicians and Nurses. Petty Officer 1st Class Cohen, from Brooklyn. He was a patient, and met everyone with his unmistakable New York accent greeting. "Hi, I am Quinn" (Irish). Then spelled out Quinn...C-O-H-E-N. What a character.
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Best Friends
L/Cpl Roberts from Alabama(Color Guard) L/Cpl Henry B. "Hank" Taylor, Jr. who shared Captain Orderly duties with me, on a Port and Starboard basis. Hank was killed when a USMC chopper went into the drink off the Port side during night operations in Roosevelt Roads.
Best Moment
Participation in Brigadelex 1-1960, subsequent to a successful Post-Conversion "shake down" cruise, following conversion from CVS-21 to LPH-4 during 4-7 Jan 1960. 22 Jan 1960 departed Norfolk under command of Captain R.P. Hunter,USN, Commmander Amphibious Squadron Ten. 8th Provisional Marine Brigade was loaded at Morehead City, N.C. The Brigade was back-loaded in a landing at Onslow Beach, N.C.(Camp LeJeune, NC). Shore Liberty at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and swimming at Starlight Beach.
Worst Moment
Standing duty on the Open Bridge with the Captain during night flight operations, and observed a Marine Corps "Chopper" returning to the ship, and observing it miss the flight deck and crash into the sea, and knowing Commander Miller(Gunnery Officer) and L/CPL Henry B. Taylor, Jr. Captain's Orderly were on board the craft when it crashed into the sea, upon returning from Vieques Island, PR. They did not survive the crash, recovery and salvage units brought both aboard in body bags, and we returned the remains to NORVA for escort to ceremonial burial.
Chain of Command
USS Boxer (LPH-4) was the Flag Ship for Amphibious Squadron Ten (COMPHIBRON 10)consisting of USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30),USS Plymouth Rock (LSD-29), USS Hermitage (LSD-34), USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32). USS Rankin participated in the Post-Conversion "Shake-Down" Cruise off the Virginia Capes, and NAB Little Creek, VA, and later made Med Cruise with PHIBRON TEN. When the order "Abandon Ship" is given the Captain of the ship is the last person to leave the vessel, or goes down with the ship. The person to leave the ship just before the Captain is the Captain's Marine Orderly.
Other Memories
Amphibious Squadron TEN was established on 22 October 1958 and consist of USS Boxer (CVS-21), Flagship, Plymouth Rock (LSD-29), Fort Snelling (LSD-30), Spiegel Grove (LSD-32), and Hermitage (LSD-34). The formation of PHIBRON EN marks the Navy's first designation of a tactical unit of high speed ships as an amphibious assault force capable of transporting troops, boats, and helicopters over long distances and launching an amphibious attack by sea or air.
PHIBRON TEN is expected to play a major role in the development of the vdrtical envelopment concept of amphibious warfare and to maintain an over-the-beach assault capability.
Many concepts for employment of this force are under study and will receive thorough testing and refinement in a series of training exercises to be conducted during the first half of 1959. Offical History quoted above.
Best Friends
L/Cpl Roberts, Alabama L/Cpl Grier L/Cpl Hoffman
Best Moment
Reporting for duty aboard USS BOXER (LPH-4)
Worst Moment
Damage Control School, Norfolk Naval Base. Naval Firefighting School, Norfolk Naval Base.
Chain of Command
Sea School was under the command of Marine Barracks-Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA. Sgt. Johnson, Instructor(former Drill Instructor at Parris Island, SC)
Other Memories
East Main Street in Norfolk was in its heyday. The area has undergone a major transition in the past 20 years and a great visitor attraction on the waterfront.
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with... The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. For acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving, it is required that the action be performed at the risk of one's own life. MoreHide
Best Friends
John W. Adams, Cynthiana, Kentucky Walter M. Stanczyk, Bridgeport, Connecticut Rick Corvello, Portsmouth, Virginia Vernon Brinkley, Newport News, Virginia Donald Pavlinsky(deceased) Braddock, PA
Best Moment
Orders to return to Sea School, and duty with the Fleet. Selection as Captain's Orderly.
Worst Moment
Preparing for Deployment to Beirut, Lebanon and on 20-Minute Standby, only to standdown. Loosing a stripe in Office Hours before Colonel Henry "Jim" Crowe, USMC, Commander, Marine Barracks, Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Chain of Command
Platoon Sergeant: Sgt. Frank J. Kovacs(CWO USMC,Retd; First Sgt. McCampbell(Deceased); XO=1LT Enos Olin(LtCol USMC Rtd Deceased). Guard CO=Then Captain, LtCol J.L. Owens, USMC (Ret). Colonel Henry P."Jim" Crowe, USMC (Retired)(deceased). Col. Crowe was replaced by Col. F.X. Beamer, USMC (Ret).
Other Memories
Arrival of the Fleet, and those ships to undergo repairs and refitting making port at the Shipyard was always a time of excitement and anticipation by those arriving and those greeting the Fleet. The first Marine Guard was ordered to the Gosport yard in October 1803, and a wooden shop building was assigned to them for barracks. The guard was reassigned briefly between 1804 and 1807 to the Washington Navy Yard but then returned and remained continuously on station until September 1978, the second oldest corps post when it finally closed.
Best Friends
John W. Adams, now Retired School Principal and member of Marines-TWS. Frank Murray, living in the same house he lived in 1957 when he entered the Corps, went to USS Boston and served tour on Sea Duty, now retired from civilian career. Donald Pavlinski, went to Sea School, and Marine Guard Company where he served his tour. Passed away in 1992 in his hometown.
Best Moment
Marching in Regimental Review at graduation and observing the precise manner of the drill performed by the entire Regiment. It was the largest formation in which I participated in my youth, and my mind's eye still recalls it with great wonder, it was enough to make all Marines proud and our enemies shake in their boots.
Worst Moment
Mustering for Officers and NCOs selecting Marines for duty at Marine Barracks, Military District of Washington, DC (8th & Eye)and not being selected.
Chain of Command
Marines were ordered to ITR upon successful completion of Basic Training at Parris Island. Unable to recall Chain of Command, except original orders show FIRST INFANTRY TRAINING REGIMENT, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC. USMC Muster Records reflect Company L, 2nd BN, Ist ITR.
Other Memories
Joni James was the Marine Corps Sweetheart. She is still one of my favorite vocalist. The outdoor theatre featured her lovely voice each evening movies were shown there.
Best Friends
John Adams Donald Pavlinsky Frank Murray
Best Moment
Being assigned to Sea School.
Worst Moment
Being transferred from Sea School before the completion of the course, upon receiving orders for Marine Barracks-Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA and assignment to the Guard Company. I so wanted to go to sea with the Fleet.
Chain of Command
Formal School. Sgt. Johnson was our primary instructor. Outstanding Marine. Former Drill Instructor at Parris Island. Captain Phillip J. Dooley, Officer-in-Charge. Master Sergeant Charles F. Hubbard was Sea School First Sergeant. Staff Sergeant Acton was the Sea School Gunney.
Other Memories
Mascot, Corporal Dug Out, a bull dog made every formation for chow.
Best Friends
John W. Adams, Cynthia, Kentucky. TWS Member Donald Pavlinksy, Pennsylvia (deceased) Frank Murray, Long Island, NY. (Retired)
Best Moment
Being allowed to sew PFC chevrons on the Winter Green Uniform for graduation, and 15 days leave before reporting to the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Geiger, NC. I was a PFC at the time I entered Parris Island, but was told not to wear that rank during training. Staff Sergeant Robert Rubachako actually ripped the sleeves off a Herring Bone Utility Jacket being worn by a reservist who held the rank of PFC. Back then the rank was stenciled onto the sleeves. The recruit fell out wearing a salty uniform, and had it taken off of him in shreds by this Drill Instructor during inspection. Quick learner, kept mine in the Seabag. Boot Camp in U.S. Army was waived when I was selected for OCS.
Worst Moment
Assisted work party in unloading laundry truck containing freshly cleaned Winter Green Uniforms for the Platoon. I was a Squad Leader, in charge. D.I. saw me carrying a load of uniforms, grabbed me by the tie-ties and belt, and told me to supervise, not do the work. Later placed in a wall locker and sat on the invisible bench as punishment, not bad for a tour on Parris Island.
Instructors
Staff Sgt. Robert Rubachko(now Major,USMC Ret) Technical Sgt. William I. Davis (deceased) Staff Sgt. Vincent J. DiPano, Jr.(deceased) Sgt. Marvin R. Orte, to civilian life, now retired. Sgt Boyce M. Jackson was with the Platoon at the Rifle Range and departed shortly thereafter. Then Sgt, GySgt Robert Vierkandt USMC (Ret) was with the platoon for about a six week period. He is not in the Platoon Graduation Photograph. He is retired from the Corps and the Navy Department. LtCol M.L. Anderson USMC, Commanding Officer, First Battalion. CPT J.D. Rowley USMC, Commanding Officer, Company B, First Battalion. MSgt J.O. Rogers USMC, CDI
Other Memories
Meeting Lt. General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC (Ret) during Rifle Qualification on the 500 Yard Line. He was at Parris Island, SC to provide testimony on behalf of the Drill Instructor being court-martialed for the Ribbon Creek Incident. I was tapped on the sole of my boot by my range instructor, and told to stand from the prone position. When I stood up I was introduced to "Chesty" Puller. He lived in Saluda, VA which was close to my home in Newport News when I entered the Corps. I would see him again much later as a Platoon Sergeant. He had a remarkable memory for names and places.
Best Friends
Wade Hancock Gary Farnsworth W.D. Dangler Bobby Maddy
Best Moment
Being Promoted to Private First Class at the conclusion of Active Duty for Training. I tried to enlist on my 17th Birthday, but the scheduled drill was not until two weeks after that date. Assigned USMC Service Number 1579***.
Worst Moment
None that I can recall. It was a pleasure to serve. Observing Marines dropping from Heat Exhaustion during forest fire fighting of wildfire at Camp LeJeune during Active Duty for Training.
Chain of Command
Staff Sgt. Nick Payne, Platoon Sgt. Staff Sgt. Foy Hawks, Platoon Sgt. Staff Sgt. Earl German, Gunnery Sgt. First Sergeant William Baltes. 1Lt Joseph Agee, Platoon Leader(Col,USMC,Ret) Capt. Jack Place, Executive Officer Major G.S. Barlow, Commanding Officer
Other Memories
It was such an honor to serve with the hardened Marine veterans of World War II, and the Korean War. Many of them had served in both wars, and remained in the USMCR after their Active Duty tours and mobilization tours. Highly competent and skilled warriors, always willing to share life saving tips with a young Marine. Their dedicated, faithful service once again proved the worth and value of the Corps to America, and the cause of Liberty.
GySgt Clovis C. "Buck" Coffman, Jr. later Lt. Colonel Clovis C. Coffman, Jr., USMC(Retired)who passed away on 28 Aug 2001 at Virginia Beach, VA. I served as a Rifle Platoon Sergeant during this period.
Company qualified at Fleet Landing Training Unit, NAB, Little Creek, VA following landings from USS Rankin and USS Spiegel Grove.
Requested Active Duty during Vietnam War, and recommended by GySgt Coffman and Commanding Officer. Request denied by Fifth Naval District. Too many dependents. So, it was time to "Be all I could be" in the United States Army. Marine Corps training sure helped me in OCS.
Fifth Marine Corps District, Philadelphia,PA Gunnery Sergeant Clovis C. Coffman, Jr.; First Sgt. Bill "Bullet Bill" Baltes; Major J.K.B. LeDeaux, Commanding Officer replaced Major James S. Kelley as C.O. and Captain E.E. Jones replaced Major LeDeaux.
SSgt Foy "Frosty" Hawks was also Platoon Sergeant. He retired as a Gunnery Sergeant.