Recon Marine by junge1
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Description
He made sure that I wouldn't forget that today, November 10, is the 238th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
He served in the Marines for 31 years, 21 years in Force Recon. While in Force Recon he served around the globe, including three tours in Vietnam.
While serving in Vietnam, he spent more than 70 days at Khe Sanh during that battle in 1968. On a separate occasion while being extracted, the extracting helicopter was shot down and the crew killed. During a second attempt at extraction, the second helicopter was also shot down and the crew killed, but he survived.
He was wounded on two other occasions while serving in Vietnam.
To qualify as a Recon Marine, a 14 week basic training course at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) in San Diego, California was followed by SEALs training, Jump School, HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) training, Sniper School, and Jungle Warfare School.
He now has PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), is required to take much medication and is under the care of two Psychiatrists. Fortunately he has a loving wife, and two loving daughters, both of whom are nurses, who provide the care that helps him cope. He is also still working, not because he needs the money, but to keep his mind occupied.
His thyroid was cancerous, caused by Agent Orange, and he spent 6 months at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, for radiation treatment. He also has a couple of metal pieces still in his body.
It was his idea to go to Vietnam and visit, and I wanted to go with him, but his psychiatrists nixed that idea and I wound up going by myself last year.
Once a week we have breakfast and I didn't realize how much he looks forward to this, just shooting the breeze. I know better than to ask specific questions, since most of his activities were covert, but every once in a while he let slip something, and this made me realize how little I knew of the overall scope of our involvement in Southeast Asia.
Semper Fi my friend!
This picture was taken on 19 October 2013,
Sig...
Comments (31)
tigertim
Not a lot I could add Sig, to such a poignant photo of this Marine, I could only doff my hat in honour and respect.
ronmolina
Amazing story!
farmerC
Exellent.
flaviok
Relato impressionante sobre a vida, emociona meu amigo, soberba homenagem a este Marine, aplausos mil
neiwil
Max respect to this warrior...... Salute.
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
auntietk
What a wonderful portrait of your friend! It's nice to have a face to put with the stories. When you see him for breakfast this week, give him my regards. :)
jayfar
A super portrait of a true Veteran.
Cyve
Fantastic !!!
casmindo
Magnificent Capture of the greatest subject.
prutzworks
sad story but a very good dedi
dakotabluemoon
What a wonderful image this is of this guy and we should never forget what they have done for us.
UVDan
Isn't it amazing how the most unassuming guys are the real heroes? Super portrait of a real patriot!
adrie
Great portrait shot my friend.
bmac62
Wonderful Sig. A tip of my old Army cap to this old Marine. I knew his "twin" in the Army. His name was Bob Howard. He received the MOH along with two DSCs, and numerous purple hearts for service on at least three tours in Vietnam. He was given a battlefield promotion to Captain from Sergeant First Class over the radio by General Creighton Abrams...while on patrol in North Vietnam after all the officers in his long range reconnaissance patrol were killed. He retired as a full Colonel, served as President of the MOH Society and died at age 70, about 4-5 years ago. He was the bravest man I've ever known...but he too struggled with the effects of PTSD. Love your portrait of your friend. Atta boy:)
Juliette.Gribnau
superb portrait !
Faemike55
Fantastic portrait and narrative when you see him next, tell him from this sailor, "Thanks for your service!"
drifterlee
Nice character shot!
nefertiabet
Wonderful Story Sig and shot!!!
illkirch
Interesting story
Minda
Great portrait of your friend sig and amazing story.
jocko500
he looks healthy for sure. wish he could have gone but guess it may have cause flash backs and you may done know how to handle that. at lest you went . very good shot
starship64
Great shot, and what a life he's lived!
tofi
Definitely this man has earned much respect! He has much to be proud of and the courage and bravery... I'm at a loss for words. A really great portrait, and the fact that he is still smiling is ever so wonderful!
Richardphotos
what a great photo and information for the anniversary and Veterans day
flavia49
Fabulous portrait
SunriseGirl
My deepest respect to all the veterans past and present. thank you for sharing this great character photo and story.
erlandpil
What a wonderful portrait erland
pat40
brilliant work
danapommet
A true American hero Sig and a wonderful capture.