"They Came in Peace" - Beirut, Lebanon 23 October 1983

"They were not afraid to stand up for their country or, no matter how difficult and slow the journey might be, to give to others that last, best hope of a better future. We cannot and will not dishonor them now and the sacrifices they've made by failing to remain as faithful to the cause of freedom and the pursuit of peace as they have been."

-- President Ronald Reagan

Photo: Bronze Statue, The Beirut Memorial , Jacksonville, NC

On Sunday, October 23,1983 at approximately 6:20 a.m. 241 Marines, sailors and soldiers were killed and hundreds of others were wounded or disabled. This was the result of a suicide truck, laden with explosives carrying the equivilant of 20,000 pounds of TNT that detonated on the ground floor of BLT 1/8 headquarters barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. The largest non-nuclear explosion of its time. Other servicemen from 1982-1984 perished from sniper fire and other atrocities. Others died years later or are permantly disabled as the result of their wounds. This makes a total of 270 Marines, sailors and soldiers that died during a peacekeeping mission.

Source: The Beirut Stamp Initiative

Also see: The Beirut Veterans of America

Semper Fi Marines, always remember those of our ranks who have paid the ultimate price.

Maj Prater (Ret)
TWS Co-Founder/Admin

Marine to be Remembered - Long Overdue

Gold Star Wife and TWS Member Patricia Barbee announced this month that a decades long quest to have her Marine appropriately honored is finally coming to fruition.

Patricia is the dedicated widow of Sgt John Barbee and her efforts to have him appropriately honored are commendable to say the least.

Although she's still fighting to have the NJ Medal due her husband awarded, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

In her words:

"Hello dear friends, Forever can end in an instant. Darling and I were thrilled at having our first home together. We worked hard to make it inviting for ourselves and guests.

Florence, NJ is on the Delaware. Absolutely beautiful in the Spring and Autumn.
We could view the beauty on our side or take in the view across the River on the PA side. Awesome!

Our Home of Record never recorded or was changed from Nashville, TN. Darling had a NJ Driver's License. Voter's Card. What more makes one a resident? [Sgt Barbee was never listed as a New Jersey Resident]

After Darling never came home as planned, I moved from our house, it was no longer a home. I could not live there without him. The neighbors and friends remembered and knew where I was, thank God. Nine years later I moved from the State and the neighbors were still in touch.

I heard there was planned NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall, but not being in NJ, I did not follow the "gossip". There was no internet back then to keep abreast of news...

I knew there was a NJ Medal for my Darling, but was refused it because I moved away. Yes, Mrs. Barbee moved. Trust me that quest is not over!!! After learning from a Gold Star Daughter that the Wall has been up for some time. She sent me a link and the info.

[Even though the Barbee's lived in NJ at the time of his service, the Medal was never issued and his name was not included on the NJ Vietnam Memorial Wall] They made me jump through hoops for the DD1300/Death Certificate; a Declaration of Residence and more. I told them to call the Florence NJ Police and ask them to take a digital of his name on the City's Monument. I figured that was stronger than anything I could tell or swear to. That did not work. They wanted a newspaper obituary!!!!!!

After over 39 years of papers packed away, I found a full sheet of a Trenton, NJ paper dated 16 Aug 1968 with Darling's MC photo and our complete home address matching what is on the DD1300 and the Declaration. (Thank God, I am and archivist, better known to some as a packrat with class.)

Now the State keepers of the Wall in Holmdel are happy. "Marine Corps Sgt. John W. Barbee" will be chiseled onto the Wall in early May, 2008 and Honors given on Memorial Day, 26 May 2008, my birthday, ironically.

Keep me in prayer. This endeavor has been heart wrenching. There really is no peace on earth.

Thanks to all of you,
Patrica, [Mrs. J.Wesley Barbee]"

TWS will stay in touch with Mrs. Barbee and publish any details on the award ceremony as they become available.

Patricia is also an accomplished author that has published several books. She was a contributing author for "Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul" and her novels inlclude "Dust on the Shoes" and her latest work, "Every Shut Eye isn't Asleep." More information about her books is avaialble at her website

Buddies Found - TWS Teamwork in action

Can you find Marines on TWS?

More Success Stories this month

"Just heard fron Greg Emery HM3 WWII era Iwo Jima Surrivor,what a blessing,met Greg in the earley 70's and lost touch with him in th late 70's what a Hellava corpsman,Marine.Thanks Tws for renewing our friendship TonyD."

"Found GySgt Patrick Flanagan. Last night I noticed him filling out his new profile, and I called him, been looking for about 16 years. Gy Pat was 9 when he visited me and his Sister When I was at 8th&I and I took him up into the Barracks as we where preparing for a Friday Night Parade, he fell in love with the Corps and the rest is history, He retired 10 yrs ago from the Corps. He looked me up around 1990 sometime and surprised the hell out of me. Last night I surprise him.
I am damn proud of this fine Marine Gunnery Sergeant of Marines. OORAAHHHH, Thanks to TWS,"

"I have found a girl that I went thru boot camp with, as well as, a friend that I have been looking for over 18 years. Come to find out we both had been searching for each other and each had run into brick walls. The one thing that held true was that we were both Marines. He signed up two weeks ago as a last ditch effort to see if he could find me. He popped up on here and we emailed and it has been a wonderful experience sharing past stories "do you remember" and getting to know each other's families. He has even forgiven me for marrying a squid!"

"My Goodness I have found a crapload of friends/former troops/bosses on this site. Since I joined a month ago, I have located men I served with 30 years ago that I had forgotten even existed. Many of whom I did forget about. Many have sought me out and have since written or called. It's funny how when your influencing people at the time (either good or bad) you don't realize it. But people do remember. My dad always talked about his Drill Sergeant (Army) at Ft Polk, La. 40 years earlier. But never had the opportunity (no computers or sites like this) to ever go in search of him."

Please help do your part to make TWS an even more powerful buddy-finder that will be of service by helping even more Marines find each other - Help spread the word about TWS by inviting other Marines to join!

Marines in Combat - Double Medal of Honor Marine Cpl John H. Pruitt

World War I marked the last of the DOUBLE recipients of the Medal of Honor, the changes of the Medal of Honor review board of 1917 establishing that only ONE Medal of Honor could be awarded to any person. The five double recipients from World War I were all members of the United States Marine Corps, working closely with soldiers of the U.S. Army. For this reason, they were initially awarded the ARMY Medal of Honor. Later, they were awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Medal of Honor for the same action. Unlike previous double recipients, their double award was presented for one action, not two separate actions.

Corporal John H. Pruitt was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on 4 October 1896. He enlisted as a private in the U.S. Marine Corps on 3 May 1917 and joined the 6th Regiment of Marines in July 1917. Corporal Pruitt went overseas with the 78th Company, 6th Regiment.

He participated in engagements with the enemy at Chateau-Thierry, Bouresches, and Belleau Wood before he was gassed 14 June 1918 and sent to a base hospital. Upon his Recovery he returned to the front and fought in the Marbache Sector, St. Mihiel, Thiaucourt, and later at Blanc Mont in the Champagne Sector. He was officially cited for bravery in action, near Thiaucourt, France, 15 September 1918, for aiding in the capture of an enemy machine gun.

Corporal Pruitt was mortally wounded in action at Blanc Mont on 3 October 1918 and died the following day. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the battle that took his life. His official citation states: "For extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy at Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 3, 1918. Corporal Pruitt, single handed, attacked two machine guns, capturing them and killing two of the enemy. He then captured forty prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shell fire while sniping at the enemy."

Besides his citations Corporal Pruitt was posthumously awarded the Army Medal of Honor, Naval Medal of Honor, French Croix de Guerre and Italian Cross of Military Valor.

The destroyer USS Pruitt (DD-347), launched August 2, 1920 at the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, was named in memory of Corporal Pruitt. On October 3, 1918, Marine Corporal John Henry Pruitt II, while operating with American Expeditionary Forces in Blanc Mont, France, single-handedly attacked two German machine-gun positions.

Pruitt was killed in action.

Pruitt killed two German soldiers and captured 40 more. Later that same day, while serving on sniper duty, he was hit by a mortar shell and gravely wounded.

He died the next day on his 22nd birthday.

Military experts have said that Pruitt not only saved many American soldiers' lives but also that his heroic efforts greatly helped his unit accomplish its mission.

For his valor, Pruitt was posthumously decorated. Pruitt received two Medals of Honor, one from the Navy and one from the Army. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre by France, and the Croce di Guerra by Italy, both medals are those countries equivalents to the American Medal of Honor. In addition, Pruitt received two purple hearts, four silver stars, four bronze stars, and several other combat and victory medals. He was the first person from Arizona to earn a Medal of Honor.

Citations:

Marine Corps

For extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 78th Company, 6th Regiment, 2d Division, in action with the enemy at Blanc Mont Ridge, France, 3 October 1918. Cpl. Pruitt, single-handed attacked 2 machineguns, capturing them and killing 2 of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shellfire while he was sniping the enemy.

ARMY

Cpl. Pruitt single-handed attacked 2 machineguns, capturing them and killing 2 of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shellfire while he was sniping at the enemy.

Reunions & Get Togethers

The TWS Reunion and Get-Together Board has literally exploded lately with event postings.

Take a look at the Forum, frequently, to learn about events of interest to you.

2nd Annual Deep South (TWS) BBQ, 21 June 2008, McComb, MS. For info contact Sgt Bill David

TWS Island Storm 2008!

What: The first "Officially Sponsored" TWS Get-Together
Where: MCRD Parris Island, SC
When: Spring 2008
Latest Update We are still in discussions with the G3 at Parris Island to confirm dates and details.
PFC Jack Lucas (Medal of Honor, Iwo Jima) has graciously agreed to be the TWS Guest of Honor at this event.
If you are interested to attend, please send an email to [email protected] to get on the mailing list for updates as they become available.

East Coast Drill Instructors Reunion Parris Island Chapter
Date(s): 24-27 April 2008
Location: MCRD, Parris Island, South Carolina
Point of Contact: GySgt Lee Van Sweringen; Chapter President; (843) 521-1197; [email protected]

All current, former and retired Marine Drill Instructors and their spouses/guests are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The reunion will commence on Thursday, 24 April 2008 at 1500 hours with everyone checking on-board at the Depot Lyceum
to pick up their registration packages and comaraderie with other "Hats" as they check in.

Reunion commences on Thursday, 24 April 2008 and ends on Sunday, 27 April 2008 after breakfast. Itinerary of events can be obtained when requesting Registration Form from Point of Contact: GySgt Lee Van Sweringen

The reunion is expected to draw in excess of 750 Hats and their spouses/guests. Due to the enormous attendance expected,
everyone is requested to register early and to make room reservations as soon as possible as a double recruit graduation is scheduled for the Friday of the reunion.

Reunion attendee's usually consists of Drill Instructors and Platoon Sergeants ranging from the years 1939 to present.
Platoon Sergeants are those Marines who have trained Marine Recruits before HQMC assigned the MOS 8511 to all Drill
Instructors. The Marine Corps Drill Instructors MOS is 0911.

If you have never attended a Drill Instructors Reunion, you won't want to miss attending the reunion in April 2008.

Please register early by contacting GySgt Lee Van Sweringen for Reunion Information and Registration at (843) 521-1197,or Email: [email protected] or requesting information and registration by mail: PI Chapter, PO Box 5117, Parris Island, SC 29905

NOTE: You do not have to be a member of the U. S. Marine Corps Drill Instructors Association to attend. The reunion is for ALL "Hats, their spouses and Guests!"
Web Site: usmcdiassn.com

submitted by MSgt Vic Ditchkoff

Featured Upgrades this Month

Locked Photos
When you privacy protect a right page section, any photos attached to that item become private to you and your Brothers. Previously some members have complained that the system was not working because they could still see their own photos in their gallery - this is by design because we dont block you from viewing your own images. To make the situation clearer we now put a red border around photos that have been locked so that you can be more confident that we see and are enforcing your privacy settings.

4 Ribbons Per Row
We now switch to 4 ribbons per row when you reach 16 ribbons rather than 20 as previously.

TWS Marine Store - For All Your Marine Merchandise Needs!

Pay a visit to our online TWS Marine Store. For all your Marine Merchandise needs - Shirts, Jackets, Hats, Jewelry, Footwear, Medals, Patches and much, much more!

(The Marine Store can also be found under the "Marine Store" tab or on the left hand Home Page just as you log into TWS)

Over 9000 Quality Items at lowest prices and a 30 day money back guarantee! Here are some brand new items just arrived:

• USMC Golf Shirts (Various logos and colors)
• Jostens Classic Women's U.S. Marine Corps Ring - Oval Stone
• USMC Medals & Ribbons
• Belleville Insulated Combat Boot

Thank you for your support of the TWS Marine Store. All Store proceeds go towards advertising the TWS website, bringing more Marines to the TWS Community.

Liberty Call - Marines Memorial Club San Francicso

The Marines Memorial Club and Hotel provides the full range of amenities to create a unique experience for our Members and Guests. Beginning with the entrance to our lobby you will sense the friendliness and a spirit of welcome that will stay with you throughout your stay with us. We are proud of our facilities, our team of employees, and our close link with our Members.

While you are here, be sure to take advantage of our complimentary full-American breakfast and Happy Hour, with piano music nightly in the Restaurant, our Business Center with free internet access, and our Fitness Center.

Finally, there is one place you must not miss, and that is our library and museum. When you are there, you can read the variety of daily newspapers, or browse through our superb collection of books, or just sit and relax. We know you will be proud of your Marines Memorial Club and Hotel.

Membership in the Marines' Memorial Association is a unique and distinctive opportunity to anyone who has ever worn the uniform of the American military. By joining the Association and partaking in the activities of the Club facility, one can enjoy the ambiance and facilities of a site dedicated to military professionalism, interact with veteran members and tenured staff, in the heart of San Francisco.

Few hotel sites in San Francisco offer rooftop dining, a library/museum, ballroom accommodations, 138 rooms/suites, business center, locale and health club (with pool) all within one 12-story Beaux-Arts structure two blocks from cable cars, Union Square and the theatre district.

Membership to the Marines' Memorial Association is open to all military personnel who have retired from, honorably served or currently serve (Active or Reserve) in America?s Armed forces. Spouse membership is free and sponsoring parents may also include their children.

Eligibility Criteria

Official Site: Marines Memorial Club and Hotel
Membership Information/Registration: apply for membership
Reservations: check dates

Weapons Board - Beirut Memorial Ka-Bar

We featured the Marine Corps "Ka-Bar" in the August 2007 TWS Newsletter Weapons Board Section. While considering different weapons to feature this month we ran across the Beirut Memorial Ka-Bar being offered by the Beirut Veterans of America and though it would be fitting to once again feature this icon of Marine Corps history as the featured weapon of the month for October to commemorate the 24th anniversary of that cowardly terrorist attack.

About the Ka-Bar: On December 9, 1942, after the start of World War II, KA-BAR submitted a fighting knife to the United States Marine Corps in hopes that it would become general issue to that branch of the military. Working in conjunction with the Marine Quartermaster Department a design was devised and soon production was under way on a new and improved fighting / utility knife for the Marines. As the war escalated, the demand for these knives was so great that the KA-BAR factory alone could not keep up. The government assigned several knife companies to create similar knives as supplemental pieces for those serving the War. KA-BAR's wartime production totaled more than 1 million. The KA-BAR knives became so well recognized for their quality and so abundant in number that 'Kabar' became the name by which many referred to this knife pattern, regardless of whether the knife was manufactured at the KA-BAR facility.


More History on the Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife
Where did the Ka-Bar get it's name?
Beirut Memorial Ka-Bar Knives are available for purchase from the BVA Ordering Information
This is not a paid endorsement of the BVA or any other organization/company

Cyber Corner Website of Interest - The Beirut Stamp Initiative

Marine Graduation Foundation

Beirut Stamp Initiative

In memory of those lost to the first act of
terrorism towards Americans on October 23, 1983 and to the others who died while serving both before and after - and to honor the Peacekeepers of the
Multi-National Peacekeeping Force Beirut, Lebanon - - "They Came In Peace"

The Objective of this organization is to have this stamp commissioned on/before the 25th Anniversary October 23, 2008

CMC Letter supporting the stamp initiative

Sign the Petition

TWS Invite Cards - Free for the asking

Pre-printed TWS invitation cards are always available and they're free to any member. These cards are a great ice-breaker to start conversations with other Marines and they're the perfect tool to help Spread The Word about TWS.

As reminder, you get 6 months of Premium access added to your profile for every 5 Marines you invite that build a profile.

If you'd like to receive a batch of these cards, please send an email to [email protected] and tell us how many you'd like to receive and where to send them.

Trade Banner Links with TWS

If you operate a Marine orientated website and are willing to trade links with TWS, click here for information on posting a TWS banner on your site. In return, please contact us at [email protected] with your site's URL, up to 100 words describing your website and a 468x60 website banner in jpeg format, if available. We'll be happy to post a reciprocal link in our Preferred Marine Links Section in the category of your choice. TWS Marine Links Pages are conveniently organized under different categories including Marine Associations, MCL Detachments, Marine Businesses, Marine Charities and others.

Videos This Month

General Conway has released the 2007 Commandant's Birthday Message on video this year. This is a long video and may be slow to download. 2008 CMC Birthday Message Video

YouTube Video of the month...


For the Aviators

Stunt Flying
How to save a deer with a helicopter

SemperToon of the Month

http://www.Sempertoons.com

2008 TWS Calendar

TWS Member LCpl Jay Trina put this TWS Holiday Calendar together in .ppt format. We like it and think it's suitable for printing, a way to keep the Marine Corps and TWS a part of your new year. You'll need Microsoft Power Point software to view/print it.

TWS 2008 Calendar

Hand Salute to LCpl Jay Trina for a job well done!

WWII Remembrance Project

This is the first installment of a new section of the TWS Newsletter dedicated to the Marines of the World War II era. Doc Flowers is the Administrator WorldWarIIGyrene.com and he has volunteered to write a monthly article on WWII for this Newsletter. The purpose of this project is to chronicle as much living history as possilble by detailing a particular battle or engagement each month and hopefully including comments and recollections of Marines that were there, that are now on TWS.

Click here for an introductory note from Doc Flowers.

HM2 Mark (Doc) Flowers

Sincerely,
The TWS Administration Team
http://marines.togetherweserved.com