On Memorial Day…
On Memorial Day, we remember those who served our country. Here’s a story by Cpl. James Anderson stationed at Camp Kinser:
My Grandfather (SSG AMRY RET) once told me a story about his time in the Korean War that one of my High School teachers (COL USMC RET) also told me. It turns out that they were the same. At the time my teacher was a 2nd Lt. His platoon was on route down a dirt road to their objective when they were ambushed by sniper and small arms fire.
My teacher holding his compass was shot by a sniper. The bullet entered the back of his neck and shot out the front going through his left hand. One of his men radio’d in for assistance. The response he received was that an Army tank battalion was the closest support to them.
Within minutes, the Army tankers rolled up to escort what was left of the Marines. Only 4 out of the 32 Marines were left. Barely able to breath the 2nd Lt. (my teacher) told his other 3 Marines to get into any tank that had available room. Amazingly enough there was just enough room for the 3 of them. The sad news was the Lt. would not be able to get inside of any tank. Meanwhile, the enemy was still assaulting them with sniper and small arms fire.
In a rush to get out of there, the Lt. had one of his Marines (a PFC) put him on the back of the tank (my grandfather’s tank). After the Marine placed the Lt. on the back of the tank, he was ordered to get inside. Moments after that Marine had gotten into the tank he started to get out of it. My Grandfather (at the time Sgt) ordered him to stay in the tank. The PFC replied as to a negative, he had to protect his Commander.
The PFC abruptly got out of the tank and laid his body over the Lt’s., despite direct orders, requests and pleas from the Lt. to save himself and get back in the tank. The PFC smiled and said “No sir, it is my duty to protect you so you can continue to lead Marines far greater than myself.”
Upon reaching safety of an Army camp the PFC was urgently pulled away from the Lt. so the medics could treat him of his would to the throat in order to save his life. The PFC succeeded in his Mission as the Lt. had not been shot upon the evacuation. However the PFC sustained approximately 67 bullet wounds which had ended his life.
My teacher is very grateful to this man who had sacrificed his life for him. My Grandfather is amazed at one man’s loyalty. And myself, I was and still am inspired at how one man can give his life for another. This is one of the many reason I have enlisted into the Corps. Semper Fidelis my friend. Cpl Anderson James D 3D MLG CLR-37 HQ Co. 9 Jan 08
Getting Local
Here’s a neat local event by the United States Coast Guard. Sunset Parades are colorful, inspiring military ceremonies featuring the Recruit Precision Drill Team, marching troops, cannon fire. They take place at sunset on the Cape May Training Center’s Parade Grounds, are open to the general public, and there is no admission charge. Children are welcome to attend, but should be accompanied by an adult.