Marine Archives - TogetherWeServed Blog

Cpl Paul Scimone, U.S. Marines (1964 – 1968)

What Was Your Most Memorable Xmas From Your Military Service? What Made It So Memorable?:

Xmas Eve 1967 at PhuBai 3rd Med Bn. In triage, where I was an ambulance driver and stretcher-bearer, several casualties came in. We moved one young Marine with a GSW through and through the head back into Shock and debridement where he could pass away quietly and comfortably in the dimly lit room. It was an eerie scene, where he lay as if in state on the litter in the center of the S&D room. Although he had a strong heartbeat and pulse, they were sure I would take him to Graves in the morning. After settling down, I returned to my hooch, where everyone was telling stories of home and crying in their beer. After a few shots of Kessler with beer chasers, I tried to sleep but couldn’t put that young Marine out of my head for some reason. I went back to triage to check and see if he had crossed over yet and was surprised to find him chugging along as he was before. I started to leave when something pulled me back. The thought of this poor kid dying alone on Christmas Eve stabbed me deep in the chest, and I decided he wouldn’t die alone that night. I pulled up a chair and took his warm hand, whispering to him that it was okay to let go. I could have sworn that I felt him squeeze my hand one time but reasoned that it must have been the alcohol. I don’t know what time I dozed off, but early next morning, a corpsman came in to check on him, only to find me asleep and holding his hand, and thinking maybe I knew and recognized him. When I told him why I spent the night there, HE broke down crying and hugged me. Surprised that his vitals were still strong, they readied him for the medevac to Danang. My only regret was that I never knew his name. I fancied being able to tell his parents/family/wife that he was not alone on Christmas Eve. Semper Fi

Cpl Edward Bonny, U.S. Marine Corps (1960-1964)

VA Military Memories Competition

Has Together We Served helped you find and reconnect with someone you served with? If so, please describe how this happened and what this meant to you. Please add any specific memories of this person and a photo if available.:

After I joined TWS, I was contacted by a Marine I went to MCES Electrician’s School with at Court House Bay, Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC. His name was Ronald Barnes, and he was from Louisville, KY.

Ronnie used to travel with me to NYC, my hometown, on weekends, and we shared a lot of memorable adventures. We went overseas together and wound up in different outfits. I left the Corps after 4 years. Ronnie stayed in over thirty years and retired as a Sergent Major. My wife and I went to visit him and his wife in Florida, and it was a memorable reunion, which would never have happened except for TWS. The attached picture is of Red Beach at Camp Garcia, Puerto Rico, about a mile from our power plant.

Service Reflections of SSGT Robert Floyd Jones, U.S. Air Force (1966-1976)

Air Force Reflections, Vietnam War

After one semester in our local “community college” (Edison Junior College), my grades were below the minimum to avoid the draft. Shortly after that, I received a draft notice. Having had relatives in the military, I was resigned to the fact I would have to serve, and I wanted to select a “specialty” that would help me after I had served my country. There was nothing in the Army I wanted to pursue, and I visited my Air Force Recruiter for his input.

WW2 – Battle of Guadalcanal

Battlefield Chronicles, World War II

Though it probably didn't feel like it at the time, the Allies in the Pacific Theater of World War II were able to respond to the Japanese advances relatively quickly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor wasn't the only surprise target that day. The Imperial Japanese Navy also struck targets held by the Dutch and British and the American-held Philippines. The Naval Campaign at Guadalcanal By August of 1942, just nine months after its coordinated surprise attacks across the...

Civil War – Battle of Drewry’s Bluff (1862)

Battlefield Chronicles, Civil War

On May 15, 1862, the Battle of Drewry's Bluff, also known as the Battle of Fort Darling, was fought between Union and Confederate forces at a sharp bend on the James River near Richmond, Virginia. Union forces were stationed aboard warships in the river, and Confederate forces were high on a fortified bluff. Richmond was the Confederate capital and vulnerable to attack by the Union Army on land, and by the Union Navy through the navigable James River. In March 1862, Confederate Captain...

Destroyed Military Records. A Disaster with Long-Lasting Repercussions

Native American Contributions in the U.S. Military

Global War on Terror, Military Myths and Legends, World War I, World War II

Throughout American History, Native Americans have distinguished themselves with bravery and courage in military service to their country, often without enjoying the same rights and privileges afforded other soldiers. Native American Contributions in World War I During WWI, more than 10,000 Native Americans served in the American Expeditionary Force. The majority were volunteers, and most were not considered U.S. citizens. Only U.S. citizens were eligible for the draft. Despite this, the...

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