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The first award of the Croix de Guerre came at the Battle of Belleau Wood, where the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments were recognized for their brilliant courage, vigor, spirit and tenacity. During Belleau Wood the Marines overcame all the hardships and losses and captured key terrain from the German army. The Battle of Belleau Wood occurred 105 years ago in June 1918 during World War I. Belleau Wood was only one small piece of a major campaign that saw the American forces help the French and British armies stem the tide of the Deutsches Heer‘s spring offensive. The 5th and 6th Marine Regiment are the only units that have the honor of continuing the legacy, honor, and tradition that the fourragere holds.
“It was amazing what the Marines did during the battle of Belleau wood, they fought hard and like no other, there’s so much respect and honor that goes into those Marines who fought” said Ethan. “It is very motivating to have such an honorable award passed down to me.”
Ethan enjoys his job as an 0311 rifleman and has already experienced the camaraderie and unity amongst other Marines. “We push each other to become stronger and better, always supporting one another. We are a new family, and that's exactly what I was looking for when I joined." said Ethan.
U.S. Marine Corps retired infantry Major, Jason Ellis served 21 honorable years from 1999 to 2020. What originally influenced Jason to join is a story that goes back to him in 4th grade sending letters out to every branch service requesting information. Every branch except the Marines reached out to him and sent him letters. Few months later, Jason received a big box in the mail and inside was every Marine Corps poster, stickers, pamphlets, letters, and more times 10. That’s when Jason knew he wanted to join the service.
Jason was very proud of his son, Private First Class Ethan Ellis, when he was awarded the french fourragere. “You’re going to wear this on your uniform and you will remember those Marines who fought and will honor their legacy” said Jason. “Hold onto this feeling and never forget it, remember its significance.”
The awarding of the French Fourragere at Camp Lejeune serves as a testament to the enduring tradition and remarkable history shared by the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments. It stands as a proud moment for Private First Class Ethan Ellis and his family, as well as a reminder of the indomitable spirit and unbreakable bonds that unite the Marine Corps. “I was jealous of my son, I wish I could go back and relive what he’s doing” said Jason. This tradition is a proud and honoring Legacy to be a part of. This legacy will forever be significant and its memory and tradition will forever be upheld to those awarded.
| Date Taken: | 07.07.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2023 09:13 |
| Story ID: | 448741 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 144 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, French Fourragere Legacy, by Cpl Kaylee Compton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
