Photo By Staff Sgt. Salvador Moreno | William F. Landfear, a WWII Raider, talks with a current Marine Raider with 1st Marine...... read more read more
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The U.S. Marine Raider Association along with the U.S. Marine Raider Foundation hosted a World War II Marine Raider reunion in San Diego, Aug. 9-12.
First Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, participated in the annual event by hosting the World War II Raiders and Gold Star families at 1st MRB’s headquarters with static displays and demonstrations of equipment, tools and weapons used by the Raiders of today.
“This reunion offers an exceptional opportunity to capture the history of the Raiders and beginning of special operations,” said Karen Carlson Loving, president of USMRA
Seventeen of the original World War II Raiders hosted a Raider-to-Raider meeting at the San Diego Town and Country Resort, San Diego, Calif. The multiday event provided an opportunity for the legends of the past to reunite with the Raiders of today and exchange stories, history, knowledge and experiences - reinforcing the connections that can only be formed on the battlefield.
From June 1942 to January 1944, Marine Raiders participated in nearly every major Pacific campaign prior to being consolidated into the reconstituted 4th Marine Regiment in February 1944. They conducted operations during the battle of Midway Island, and conducted assaults on Tulagi Island, Butaritari Island in the Makin Atoll, the Japanese base on Guadalcanal and Bougainville. In little more than a year of existence, the exemplary unit earned seven Medals of Honor, 141 Navy Crosses and 330 Silver Star Medals for their actions in combat operations.
“Do what you’re told to do, take your training and live by it,” said Charles Meacham, World War II Raider. Meacham and his fellow Raiders believed that their training and dedication to the man to the left and right of them are what earned them such high honors and respect.
“I think the fact Raiders get superior training is one of the best things,” said Ben Hartman, World War II Raider. “The training is good enough you don’t have to worry about the guy next to you when you get in a combat situation. You know you have support and I think that’s important.”
The multiday event culminated with a 1940s USO-style dinner and dance where The Lindy Sisters and The Firestorm Talent and Dancers provided live entertainment dressed in the uniforms of that era and taught former and current Raiders historical period dance moves. Raiders of all ages attended the formal event in their service alphas and many other guests dressed in period clothing to give the event a real 1940’s feel.
“For a long time, I didn’t know they had a Marine Raider group,” said Harman. “It’s nice to see everybody get together - it makes me feel good. I feel very proud.”
| Date Taken: | 08.11.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2017 16:26 |
| Story ID: | 245081 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 591 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, MARSOC honors WWII Raiders at annual reunion, by SSgt Salvador Moreno, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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