World War II Veteran visits 4th Force Reconnaissance Marines

Photo By Sgt. Ian Ferro | Marine World War II Veteran Bill Darling talks to Sgt. John Stratton and Lance Cpl. Mark Adams with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division during their drill weekend at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, May 2, 2015. During his visit, Darling not only saw the planning, training and execution of the units’ exercise, but he also talked to the Marines, shared stories about his period of service and compared experiences between his time and what the Marines go through today. (Courtesy of 4th Force Reconnaissance Company)  

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, UNITED STATES

05.02.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Ian Ferro 

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve got a special visit from a World War II veteran during their drill weekend at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, May 2, 2015.

The retired sergeant, Bill Darling, served with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines Regiment during the Peleliu and Okinawa campaigns. Darling enlisted in 1943 and served until 1945. Five years later he was called to serve during the Korean War in 1950 and retired in 1951.

The drill period for 4th Force Reconnaissance Co. included parachuting operations and observation and report exercises, but the presence of an experienced World War II veteran was a surprise.

“I was invited by the commanding officer and the sergeant major to visit Fort Hunter Liggett as their guest to observe a jump exercise,” said Darling. “I enjoyed it immensely”.

During his visit, Darling not only saw the planning, training and execution of the unit’s exercise, but he also talked to the Marines, shared stories about his period of service and compared experiences between his time and what the Marines go through today.

“Listening to his stories drives home the continuity between Marines of all eras,” said Sgt. Maj. Lance Nutt, the 4th Force Reconnaissance Co. Sergeant Major. “Given the age of the World War II veteran population, this is a special opportunity and we are grateful he was able to join us.”

While Marines of all generations share a common bond, some things are noticeably different. Over the years, the technology and gear used by Marines has evolved. That change did not escape the eyes of the veteran.

“I noticed their gear,” said Darling. “They have much better equipment than we had, I wish we had some of the weapons and equipment back then that they have now.”
“Mission accomplishment is still the same,” he said. “The Marines now are as good as they were in 1945.”

By the end of the drill weekend, Darling was asked by a few junior Marines to pin them during their promotion ceremony.

“I was very excited, proud and honored,” said Darling.

At the end of the day, the veteran left Fort Hunter Liggett with a positive image of the Marines of 4th Force Reconnaissance Company who represent the present and future of the Marine Corps and carry the legacy of all the Marines who served in the past.

“I think the young Marines are tough and know very well how to take care and handle themselves,” said Darling. “I am very proud to be able to have served in the same force as they do now.”

• Date Taken: 05.02.2015
• Date Posted: 05.15.2015 12:24
• Story ID: 163454
• Location: FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, US