military history

Stories of a WWII Navy Veteran on the Edison Destroyer, a Story Rarely Told

November 10, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Stories of WWII Navy Veterans

Every year around Memorial Day and Veterans Day I add a little bit more to my Dad’s military story I never heard when he was alive.

WWII Naval Veteran who served on two destroyers

Like many World War II veterans, they rarely talked about their wartime years and service. My Dad’s seabag was lost in New York City at Times Square when he returned home. All of his papers, records, uniforms, and medals were lost.

My Dad was one of those veterans. The terms shell shock, war fatigue, and PTSD were just not discussed, yet emotional withdrawal, depression, and disconnection of life is now something I can see when I look back on my childhood.

After both of my parents died I found a single photo of my Father from the World War II era. From this photo, I started searching records, learned the names of the Navy Destroyers on what he served. This is just the beginning.

These were military photos I had NO IDEA existed!

I had an AMAZING phone conversation with not only a WWII veteran who wrote the book Joining the War at Sea, and served on the same ship as my Dad. He was my Dad’s Gunnery Officer, Captain Dailey on the USS Edison destroyer.

ORDER D-Day Soldier Art Print – Hand Drawn Art – Veterans Day / World War II /

You can read the story of how it came to be here, but I want to chronological list my Dad’s service records in hopes there are others who served during that period.

Maybe you have a have father or Grandfather who served on the same ship. Or maybe your relative was in the 508th Airborne division during the early 1950’s when he reenlisted in the 82nd Airborne with Leo Tyrrell.

I REALLy want to hear from you. I want to piece together more pieces of my Dad’s Military history

I would love to hear from anyone who had family serve aboard these ships and learn more about my Dad. Maybe there is an oral history recorded.

Maybe your Dad or Grandfather told stories of the days escorting battleships across the Atlantic, firing against the German Nazi’s or dodging the Kamikaze planes in the Pacific.

Joining the War at Sea 1939-1945: A Destroyer’s Role in World War II Naval Convoys and Invasion Landings [Paperback] [2009] (Author) Franklyn E. Dailey Jr.

The dates and locations below are taken from the book Joining the War at Sea 1939-1945 written by Captain Franklyn Dailey.

When I spoke to him he was 95 years old and I am so honored to have found him and spoken to him several times. To think he knew and worked with my Dad as his Gunnery Officer gives me chills.

Explanation of Service Ribbons

Top Left: European African Middle Eastern Campaign
Top Middle Asiatic Pacific Campaign
Top Right: Victory Medal
Bottom Left: American Defense Ribbon
Bottom Right: Phillipine Liberation Military Ribbon

Leo T Tyrrell- Date of enlistment branch USNR Sept 23, 1943

The other pins and patches above are from my Dad’s time in the Army Airborne with the 82nd Airborne, he earned his glider patch and was not only a parachute packer but a quartermaster at the end of his service.

I am a little confused about this glider patch though. I vaguely remember my Dad saying he started planes on the deck of a ship by flipping the propellers.

This was while watching the black and white WWII television series in the 1970s. While doing history on the patch it seems to be a WWII era patch, but maybe someone can clear it up for me.

Below is a running chronological listing of dates, coordinating them with the ship of record. I will continue to update this list as I find specific dates and events.

ORDER HERE – I’m A Grumpy Old Navy Veteran My Level of Sarcasm Depends On Your Level of Stupidity Popeye Version T-Shirt

If you have any information you can add please send me a message at the bottom of this page. Records highlighted in bold reference an official military record which documents a time and place where my Dad was present.

If you click on the date it will bring up a PDF report from Fold 3, part of my Ancestry.com subscription.

ORDER : Sand from the Iwo Jima Landing Beaches Map WWII

USS Kendrick DD 612 : The Year 1943

December 3: L. Tyrrell arrives on the USS Kendrick Benson class destroyer from RecS NYK, Auth CSF Ser. 24043 if 11/20/42 rating S2c from Rec Station NYK, Auth: CSF Ser 24043 of 11/20/43

December 28: Kendrick L.Tyrrell AWOL since 11/26/43 Trans. to R/S Pier 92 NYK. Auth BuPers Cir Ltr 160-42 (this appears to be a typo in the records, or they didn’t know he had been transferred to Edison on the 3rd)

My Dad stayed aboard the Kendrick from December of 1943-April of 1944 when he went aboard the Edison. From what I have read the USS Kendrick was also involved in the

USS Edison Combat Awards The Edison won six battle stars and my Dad received four

1 Star/Sicilian Occupation 9-15 July, August 1943
1 Star/Salerno Landings 9-21 Sept 1943
1 Star/Anzio-Nettuno Advanced Landing 22-13 Jan 1944, Feb 1944 (L. Tyrrell served)
1 Star/Invasion of Southern France Aug 15-Sept 1944 (L. Tyrrell served)
Navy Occupation Service Medal from Sept/Oct 1945

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USS Edison DD 439: The Year 1944

52,855 Nautical Miles

I always thought my Dad was at Normandy, he mentioned participating at D-Day, I just didn’t know there was more than one D-Day.

For Normandy to be successful, the Allies had to assure a supply line to the British Isles and then wrest back control of the Mediterranean from Germany.

He earned four service stars participating in the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaigns, two aboard the Kendrick and the other two on the USS Edison.

February : Edison- Algiers, Oran and Casablanca
April : Edison- Mediterranean as a decoy for the German spotters in Algeciras to draw attention from the English Channel
Log record notes first received on board April 17, 1944

2nd Division Gunnery Unit — My Dad is seated in the middle

August : Edison- Operation Dragoon, Southern France for the 3rd D-Day (didn’t know there was more than one)
August 17-22: Edison- Operation Anvil
September 15: Edison- Cape Mortola took out a bridge
September 16th: Edison-at work five separate time, gun emplacement, supply warehouse, storage tank, troop concentration
September 17th: 89 rounds to five targets
September 22: Edison- Ventimiglia Italy

Sicily-Salerno-Anzio: January 1943-June 1944 (History of United States Naval Operations in World War II) (v. 9)With Utmost Spirit: Allied Naval Operations in the Mediterranean, 1942-1945

October 1: L. Tyrrell present for muster roll

USS Edison 439: The Year 1945

51,979 Nautical miles

January: Edison-New York yard overhaul
May 8: Edison-New York, received news of V-E Day

USS Edison 439 Ship Party May 1945 in World War II, my Dad served on this Destroyer for two years — Click to see full size photo

When Captain Dailey emailed me this photo I couldn’t believe that I could find my Dad. It was obviously his posture. When I compare it to the photo on the ship a year earlier what a change. It appears he had lost weight.

June: Edison- Training with USS Eberle Guantanamo Bay
June 27: Panama Canal
July 6: San Diego San Diego
JULY 24: Dad reported declared straggler after being absent over liberty July 9-13, BNP 60 issued, BNP 641 submitted, published deck court. (Appears he was gone the same time as William L Roden and had some fun in San Diego) Information obtained from Ancestry.com military records
August 2: Pearl Harbor engaged in Pacific Fleet training exercises
September 1: Sailed for Saipan
September 12: Rescued a man overboard from USS Dawson
September 13: Arrived in Saipan
September 16th: Tanapag Harbor
September 22: Sasebo Japan
Between September and November made port in the following cities
- Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagoya, Japan
- Matsuyama, Japan
- Mindanao, Philippines

October 1: L.Tyrrell present on muster roll Slc SV6 rating
October 25: Battle for Leyte Gulf (reclaiming the Philippines from Japan)
November 3: left for Adak Alaska, served as North Pacific weather station

ORDER Vintage WWII Navy Undress Service Uniform Named Jacket Shirt Pants WWII Reenactment M72

USS Edison DD 439: 1946

4,973 Nautical Miles

January 1: L. Tyrrell present for muster roll
January 2: Left Alaska for the Canal Zone
April 1: L. Tyrrell present for muster roll
May 18: Charleston placed out of commission

The World War II Memorial: A Grateful Nation Remembers World War 2: The Untold Stories 81 Days Below Zero: The Incredible Survival Story of a World War II Pilot in Alaska’s Frozen Wilderness Soldier’s Heart: The Campaign to Understand My WWII Veteran Father: A Daughter’s Memoir (You’ll Never Know)

I am looking for additional stories of the USS Edison and Kendrick.

There is a small community of family members of Edison veterans who would like to hear anecdotal stories aboard ship.

If your Dad, Grandfather, or other family member kept a diary, photos I would love to hear more. Please send me a message below.

Memories of My Father on the 70th Anniversary of VJ Day

August 28, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Who remembers VJ Day? How many of the past few generations even know what V-J Day is all about? The Victory over Japan (VJ) is the day the Japanese officially accepted the surrender terms from the Allied Nations on August 14, 1945. Although in the England they recognize the date as August 15, and the official signing of surrender occurred on September 2, 1945.

Memories of My Dad

My Dad, Leo T Tyrrell, was twenty years old on VJ Day and the photo below is the only one I have of him during this time period. Unfortunately he died in 1995 and didn’t talk about his WWII years. I never even saw photos of his childhood or my parents in the 1950s.

I have been on a search for several years to piece together my Dad’s military record and from what I understand he was on the Destroyer the USS Edison 439 on this day seventy years ago when the war ended. The ship was at Pearl Harbor for training and immediately set sail to be in Japan for the Occupation during September of 1945.

I have learned a lot about this photo from military history buffs on Twitter. It appears this photo was taken at a general field hospital, note the bandage on his right hand, and the uniform and boots would of been those issued for general patients at that time.

Vj Day in Photographs Around the World The Summer of ’45: Stories and Voices from VE Day to VJ Day

Honoring My Dad

The painting below was generously done by coffee artist Nathanael Manzer, who saw my photo on Twitter and sent me this in the mail! Imagine my surprise. My apologies for the late shout out, I have since had it framed and it hangs besides the photograph.

Talking to My Dad’s Shipmate

In the years I have been searching for information on my Fathers military history I often thought how amazing it would be if I could actually talk to someone who served with him in the military. Since so many veterans from World War II and Korea have died over the years that hope started to fade.

However, I found a website which discussed the USS Edison and decided to contact the author via email. Now this website was built in the mid 1990’s and the chances of the email being active was remote, so I called the phone number listed, not knowing what to expect.

Joining the War at Sea 1939-1945: A Destroyer’s Role in World War II Naval Convoys and Invasion Landings [Paperback] [2009] (Author) Franklyn E. Dailey Jr.

The voice mail answered Franklyn Dailey Jr. and I was encouraged, must be a son, or military historial buff who wrote the book “Joining the War at Sea.” After some phone tag during the day I was actually speaking to an elderly sounding man who started asking questions about my Dad, what ship did he serve on, what job did he do, etc.

It took me a few minutes to realize I was speaking to a World War II veteran who served on the same ship, he did not sound 94 years old. When I explained that my Dad brought and loaded ammunition to the guns Mr. Dailey exclaimed “I was his Gunnery Officer!”

Oh my, a chill went through my body and gave me goose bumps. He not only served with my Dad, but was his senior officer (his boss) seventy years ago. It didn’t matter to me that Mr. Dailey only vaguely remembered the name Tyrrell, but I realized the book he wrote would tell intimately of the job my Dad did, the men he served with, and recants stories my Dad never told.

I eventually had to pull off to the side of the road and finish the conversation. I often thought I might possibly speak with someone in the 82nd Airborne that served with my Dad in the 1950’s, in Operation Longhorn, or Snowshoe, but I never dreamed I would speak to someone from his WWII days.

Frank ended the conversation with “We will get to know each other better, and have more conversations” That we will. I have since purchased his book and will be spending this weekend reading it from cover to cover. Maybe my Dad is even mentioned somewhere, at least now I will be able to attach a place and activity to the ribbons below.

The story is not finished, I have lots to tell as I have also obtained ship muster logs

Articles About the DD 439 Edison Destroyer

There isn’t very much online regarding the Edison DD439 but here are some interesting places to start.

Information and Recognition of VJ-Day

Let us never forget that day, the day the last World War ended when so many families gave everything, their lives, their sons, their daughters for freedom.

World War II Museum to commemorate 70th V-J Day

The program, which will be free and open to the public, will commemorate what has become known as V-J Day. It will start at 10:30 a.m. in the U.S. Freedom Pavilion: the Boeing Center. Among the speakers will be Ambassador Kim Beazley, who will discuss …

Memories of the Pacific theater displayed at Chapman VJ-Day exhibit

One of the most bizarre “letters” on display at the VJ-Day exhibit in the Leatherby Libraries is actually a coconut. A solider carved a smiley face and his home address into the coconut and sent it home to let his daughter know he was okay. COURTESY OF …

Book release, presentation commemorate VJ Day

Turner, a former president of the Marine War College at Quantico and Blue Mountain Community College, makes the presentation on the evening before the 70th anniversary of V-J Day. The free gathering is Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at Heritage Station …

See Participants in VJ Day Parade Reunited 70 Years Later

The photograph ran in the New Orleans Times-Picayune the next day, Aug. 15, 1945—the day often considered V-J Day, even though the war didn’t officially end until early September. Now, the Times-Picayune and the National World War II Museum in New …

Queen Elizabeth II to lead ceremonies in Britain for VJ Day …

LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II is leading ceremonies in Britain to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory over Japan during World War II.

VJ Day around the world – in pictures – The Guardian

VJ Day around the world – in pictures. From Tokyo to the US and London, events mark the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender and the end of the second world war. Elena Goodinson. Saturday 15 August 2015 08.39 EDT …

V-J Day – World War II – HISTORY.com

On August 14, 1945, it was announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. Since then, both August 14 and August 15 have been known as “Victoryover Japan Day,” or simply “V-J Day.

Operation Longhorn was the Jade Helm of the 1950’s

July 14, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

So many people were up in arms about Jade Helm in 2015, but have you ever heard about Operation Longhorn? Watch YouTube or many of the alternative media outlets and according to some, the military was preparing to take over cities across the United States and enact martial law.

Military invades Texas Jade Helm Style — Texas Newspaper Article on Military Invasion

“Little Lampasas tonight waited for a green clad enemy to take it over- to test Army military government and to show what happens when you lose your everyday liberties”

“…it took us about a month to convince some people that this ” play” war wasn’t going to mean they were going to be pulled out of their beds at midnight”

Ok, take a deep breath and calm down. This was written in In April of 1952 when over 115,000 military men and women of the Army and Air Force invaded Lampasas Texas and occupied an area of 1,800 sq miles. This was before the age of social media and I imagine few outside of Texas knew about the 18 day operation.

First let me tell you I am NOT a conspiracy theorists, I am a realist and realize that the possibility of keeping a secret between more than a dozen citizens, or thousands of military members and hundreds of journalists just is impossible. I do not believe in the 911 conspiracies, death squads, death camps, or the gloom and doom some are predicting about Jade Helm. Entire books have been written about Jade Helm and I’ll be interested to see how many conspiracy theories are debunked and end up being false.

Debunked!: Conspiracy Theories, Urban Legends, and Evil Plots of the 21st Century What Is The Jade Helm 15 Project?: Is it Martial law?Jade Helm Prophecy: A Revelation From Rev. David Steele Jade Helm 15: The Patriot Report (The Strategic Incremental steps towards martial law in America)

Largest Civilian Military Exercise in the United States

There have been several military training exercises that use public land and use civilians to role-play casualties. If you live near an Army National Guard base you see trucks, tanks, and other military equipment, you get used to maneuvers and understand the relationship with the local military and the citizens of the area. However, if you aren’t used to military protocols, or operations the name Jade Helm might scare you to death.

Military Agressors and Government to Run Town

Military operations on public land, or using civilians to play act as participants (as wounded etc) is nothing new, we just haven’t done this in a large massive scale in a few generations.

The largest domestic military exercise in the United States involved the Army and the United States Air Force where the goal was to invade a town of 20,000 people in Lampasas Texas. My Dad was one of the paratroopers that landed northwest of Austin Texas as a member of the 508th division of the 82nd Airborne.

Facts About The Texas Invasion

Operation lasted for 18 days
Military invaders wore German styled caps
Flyers distributed outlined the following:
- A 6pm curfew on the town
- Theatres closed until “Centralist” entertainment films arrive
- Churches closed
- Men will be posted outside school classrooms to “check” on teachings
- Private vehicles confiscated
However the working day was shortened to only 22 hours (isn’t that nice)
Over 20,000 people watched the maneuvers including many “foreign observers”

This mythical war happened just a few years after the end of World War II, and memories of Nazi invasion was still fresh in the minds of many people.

Mock War Down in Texas Is No Laughing Matter

Mock War in Texas- newspaper article from 1952

Although this was a training exercise, a mock war, it was no “laughing matter”. Many from the 82nd Airborne lost their lives when they tangled in chute rigging, or their chutes failed to open. A total of 10 men died during Operation Longhorn. Planning took months, and it was a “paper operation”, but when the cocky parachute infantrymen hit the lazy Lampasas, you couldn’t tell it from the real thing”

These few newspaper clippings represent the little I know about my Father and his military career. Many of the articles sound as if they could have been written today. The biggest difference is the lack of social media. The frenzy was isolated to the geographic region, not the entire country. Life Magazine did cover the “event” and considering their influence at the time they were the social media of the day, yet did not “spin the news” to martial law.

Invasion of Texas and the closing of Churches in Operation Longhorn

No matter how much we don’t trust or government, we should trust the men and women of our military. They are citizens of the United States and have taken an oath to protect and serve the United States. Just like in Operation Longhorn, the communities participating in Jade Helm have been briefed, consulted, and are fully cooperating with the military.

Accounts of Operation Longhorn

82nd Airborne 508th before leaving for Operation Longhorn, much like Jade Helm — Texas 1952 (April) – Before jump at “Operation Longhorn”. 3rd Platoon, K Co., 508th RCT, 82nd Airborne Division (photo credit to John G Hopkins Family)

Operation Longhorn– G503 Military Forum Photos, Photographer: John Dominis

Soldier Recalls Invasion of Lampasas County in Operation Longhorn, Lampasas Dispatch, Oct 26, 2010

Actual Military Video Footage of Operation Longhorn, Shutterstock.com

Grandmas Ranch and Operation Longhorn, Tyler Morning Telegraph 2/15/2015

Photos and flyers from the Agressors, The Circle Trigonists

Information About Jade Helm

Texans brace for Jade Helm 15, massive federal military exercise

Even the governor is encouraging state troops to monitor Jade Helm, which is largely subject to a media blackout. Conspiracy theories about the goals of Jade Helm 15 include imposition of martial law.

Local fears swell as Jade Helm brings troops to Camp Bullis

SAN ANTONIO — Hundreds of U.S. military troops are coming through San Antonio as part of an 8-week training program shrouded in secrecy. The operation, called Jade Helm, begins on the 15th and involves 1200 troops across a number of Southern states.

Jade Helm 15, the military exercise that begat a thousand …

It begins. The geographically sweeping military training exercise, known as Jade Helm 15 is upon us. Special forces and troops arrive in Texas and other states where they will train.

Texans Just Responded To Jade Helm In This EPIC Way …

The Houston Chronicle reported Friday that several hundred people started Operation Counter Jade Helm. The aim is not to stop the operation, but to practice their own skills.

Jade Helm 15: One nation under siege? — RT Op-Edge

Jade Helm 15 is the largest domestic military exercise ever held on US soil. Over 1000 members from the nation’s elite forces, including Green Berets, Special Ops from the Navy and seige in Texas.

Military Books on Code of Conduct and Secret Operations

Between Threats and War: U.S. Discrete Military Operations in the Post-Cold War World (A Council on Foreign Relations)Code of Conduct, an inspiration story of self-healing by an ex-POW Lincoln’s Code: The Laws of War in American History Code of Conduct, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training (Army Regulations Series)

My Most Memorable Memorial Day Weekend Spent in Washington DC

May 23, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The year I spent Memorial Day in Washington DC was one of the most memorable weekends I have ever had in my life. My kids were part of the Elmwood-Murdock marching band and participated in the annual Memorial Day parade. But, what meant more to me was being able to witness the outpouring of love, honor, and support for our military and having my kids be a part of the ceremonies. From marching in the National Memorial Day parade down Constitution Avenue to their school laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Marine uniform left at the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC

Every war memorial was decorated with flowers and tributes. I know this happens throughout the year, but on Memorial Day weekend the effect takes your breath away. Veterans and their families pour into the Washington area to participate in Rolling Thunder and for many this trip is a once in a lifetime destination.

Memorial Day movie for any military family The Wall (Reading Rainbow Books) how to talk to kids about the Vietnam Wall Memorial Vinnie and Abraham The Long Ride Home: Run For The Wall

I have visited the Vietnam Memorial during other times of the year, and although the wall speaks to you with with it’s design and overwhelming names on the wall of those veterans lost, on Memorial Day it’s different. The mementos carpet the wall and the surrounding memorials and cry out as if to say “Don’t forget me.” It is this outpouring of gratitude that stays with you for a lifetime and causes everyone to shed a tear or two.

Men’s Memorial Day T-Shirt: We Remember Shirt Large Black Men’s MEMORIAL DAY GIFT:WHEN YOU DISRESPECT OUR FLAG veteran shirt Small Black

Even the teenagers, far removed from Vietnam were quiet, respectful and introspective at “The Wall”. The men and women who died in battle were real, not only did they have names, but their friends and family were real and every memory from dog tags to a pair of boots, beer bottle, or letter touched an emotional nerve with the visitors.

Each veterans memorial in the Washington area has a different feeling and tone. The World War II Memorial is inviting and welcomes people is open, expansive, welcoming, and peaceful. Many people sit by the fountain to relax and even in middle of the massive pillars it’s a place that makes you smile instead of cry. It’s a memorial that celebrates freedom, recognizes triumph, and honors the heroes who served.

The Wall of Stars, WWII National Memorial

Memories of my Dad, who served on a Navy destroyer, in WWII came to mind. My son had lots of questions, of which I had very few answers. Since then I have learned more about his military record, but there are still many gaps.

I caught my youngest son standing and staring at the Wall of Stars and as a Mother who just had her first son graduate from Marine Boot Camp this scene was very poignant. Each gold star represents 100 servicemen and women who died, or are still missing in action in World War II. There are 4,048 gold stars on the wall. In my heart I was praying I would never be a Gold Star Mother. A year later my youngest son would join the Marines.

The entire trip it was almost as if my Dad was speaking to me and I half expected to see him as we turned the corner to the Korean War Memorial. This military memorial projected an almost reverent feeling, almost as ghosts of the past were walking out of the fog.

Korean War Memorial, Washington DC Mall — Korean War Memorial,

Again, more wreaths adorned the walkway and were placed on the walls, everywhere you saw tributes from people who just wanted to show their appreciation and thanks to our military for service to our country.

If you haven’t been to Washington DC during Memorial Day it is indeed an experience. There will be more people than you will ever encounter any other time. But it is well worth it. Make sure to take the metro into town and be prepared for a lot of walking. At my age I’m going to take a scooter, bike or a Segway tour. Well worth the money. Or maybe those rental bikes.

Photographing Washington D.C. Digital Field Guide WWII MEMORIAL: Jewel of the Mall

Have you ever been to Washington DC during Memorial Day? If so what is your favorite memory? Leave a comment below.

Memorial Day in Our Nations Capitol

Rolling Thunder – Memorial Day – Washington DC – Julius …

Rolling Thunder – Memorial Day – Washington DC. Posted by Julius Hrivnac at Monday, May 28, 2012 · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest …

Michael Mercurio’s Read|Delete: Memorial Day Facts For …

Today we honor those who lost their lives in service to this country. This day of remembrance was first celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868 and was first named Decoration Day. Arlington National …

8 Trips to Celebrate Memorial Day with Travel | A Traveler’s …

… men and women who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces, here are a few ideas for booking travel for Memorial Day: Washington, DC Get a prime spot for the National Memorial Day Parade honoring veterans.

Memorial Day Parade: A tradition of honor that stretches back 150 years

This year, Mr. Shima will return to Constitution Avenue with dozens of surviving World War II veterans to serve as grand marshals of the National Memorial Day Parade, participating in honor of the 16 million who served and in memory of those who died.

Memorial Day Weekend 2015 Events Washington DC: 10 Free, Fun Things To …

The National Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday at 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. It continues past the White House. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes …

Why Is The Marine Corps Birthday So Important?

November 3, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

When is the Marine Corps Birthday?

As November 10th rolls around United States Marines all over the world will recognize the Marine Corps Birthday.

Replica of Tun Tavern, home of the Marine Corps Birthday found at the National Marine Corps Museum just south of Washington DC.

Now just where was the Marine Corps born?

In a bar. Yes, you heard me right. On November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was born in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, the owner and bartender became the first Marine recruiter.

The connection between a bar and the Marines very ironic, and underlying meaning not lost on this Marine Mom. Any Marine would LOVE this USMC t-shirt that rocks the birthplace of the Marines.

It seems only fitting the roughest, toughest, braggadocios fighting force in the world was born in a bar. You can still eat and drink at Tun Tavern, just not the original building. The replica Tun Tavern is located at the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico Virginia.

But back to why the Marines celebrate this birthday is celebrated more than any other United States branch of the military.

As a Marine Mom, I notice an increased reverence and respect not only with my sons but from total strangers who tell me thank you for their service.

Why Is the Marine Corps Birthday Special to Marines?

My sons would be the first to say they aren’t doing anything special. But, what is special is the history, tradition, and honor of serving in the Marine Corps. Marines are often called arrogant, prideful, and the best self-promoters in the military.

Tell that to a Marine and they will say “Hell Yeah!” After being a Marine Mom for over ten years I’ve learned a little about the USMC culture and I agree.

“The United States Marine Corps is different from the other branches, they have a right to be proud of their heritage, history, and culture”

Once a Marine Always a Marine

Marine Moms also need to celebrate the USMC birthdy. This US Marine Corps neckalce is a great gift to a Marine Mom for Christmas or on the USMC birthday

I recently read a Facebook post from Marine Moe Thomas who “dressed down” an Army soldier and tried to insult the USMC because he was tired of their “arrogance.”

I will translate this into a Marine Mom perspective. But, if you would like to read the statement directly from a Marine head over to the One Marines View page.

What Makes Marines Special?

What makes Marines special is an elusive quality of Esprit De Corps. The fact that as individual Marines, they feel that they are not one, but part of a bigger unit that moves as one, a Corps. When a Marine puts on the uniform, hears the Hymn, or goes into battle, they are going with every other Marine who has ever worn the uniform.

They stand behind every Marine who fought during the birth of our nation. They learn in boot camp, and reminded throughout their career, that they follow a tradition of Marines who fought in WWI.

Marine Corps gifts are perfect for Christmas, birthdays or veterans. This United States Marine Corps wall clock is perfect for any Marine family or veteran. — This United

They gave birth to the legend of the “Teufel Hunden”, or “Devil Dogs”. They stand and represent Marines who took Iwo and Tarawa and countless other blood soaked islands throughout the Pacific.

The Chosin pass exhibit at the National Marine Corps museum

The legend of the “Frozen Chosin” and beloved Chesty Puller, Marines who battled at Hue City and Khe Sanh, and the muddy rice paddies of South East Asia are precursors of Marines of the future and battles fought in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom and now, are fighting in Afghanistan.

Famous Marine Corps Quote- To observe a marine is inspriational, to be a Marine is exceptional.

Like real brothers, their blood courses through our veins, and then we go into battle, they would rather lay down their lives than be a disappointment to the men and women who went before them. They carry a legacy, their deaths, and their honor which carries with them the rest of their lives.

The Marines are "first in and last out". USMC t-shirts are perfect for a Marine veterans.

The Marines Corps uniform doesn’t come off when active duty is over. Inactive and retired Marines where the symbol daily in our attitude, and our love of Corps and country.

They wear it on tattoos and bumper stickers. They wear it in their hearts. It’s why, no matter where we are in the world, on November 10th, every Marine celebrates the Marine Corps birthday.

Once a Marine Always a Marine Bumper Sticker
by usmarines

It’s why they will never be an army of one. It’s why they never stop being Marines. It’s why, for most of them, being a Marine isn’t something they were. It’s something they are. It’s the most important part of who and what we are. Some say they’re arrogant.

A Marine will say they are proud. They have a right to be proud. They are the United States Marines. The most feared and ferocious group of warriors to walk the face of this earth.

This homemade USMC wall sign is perfect for a Marine Corps family. Hang Marine Corps decor in your home or office.

When Americas’ enemies formulate their battle plans, they plan on going around Marine units, because they know damn well that they can’t go through them. Marines are what other branches wish they were.

They are the modern-day Spartans. This isn’t bragging. It’s written in the battle history of our country.

When there’s a parade and the Marines march by, everyone pays a little more attention. Some say “arrogance”. The Marines and their Mothers call it “pride”. It’s why, in a crowd of servicemen, you can always spot the Marine.

This USMC EGA wood art plaque would make a great Chrismtas gift for a Marine veteran or family.

Why are Marines special? I don’t know. We just are.”

By the way, any Marine would LOVE the USMC wood art plaque above. If you have a Marine recruiter it would look fantastic over their desk.

Visiting the Marine Corps Museum

If you ever need to learn why the Marine is special then visit the USMC National Museum.

My biggest honor was visiting the National Marine Corps Museum with my son on my birthday. We spent two days immersed in not only Marine history, but American, World, and Military History.

The bravery, guts, and out and out “can do” attitude of the Marines, doing what others said couldn’t be done, going where other branches would go, and not giving up is a trait of the United States Marine Corps.

I stayed on a Navy and Marine base, at the guest hotel, and when colors played I stepped out of my room, stood silently and watched every Marine, every car, and every person stop where they were in respect for the flag, tradition, and country.

It may not mean much to some, but this Marine Moms heart swelled as I heard my son casually greet another Marine on the sidewalk with Semper Fi. Always Faithful, a small reminder to another Marine they represent a brotherhood that will last a lifetime.

I’m proud of my sons and I’m proud of the United States Marine Corps.

Happy Birthday, Marines! Have a great ball, celebrate, and yes, stand a little taller and be a little arrogant. You deserve it!

Marine Corps Traditions Semper Fi (The Corps series Book 1)