Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Piehl | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | 05.05.2012
Donald L. Versaw, now the last surviving member of the 4th Marine Regiment Band the Last China Band, proudly displays his French horn during his days as a musician. During World War II, the band was augmented into an infantry unit, where he laid down his horn, never to play as a member of the Marine band again. His unit was later captured and was held for more than three years as prisoners of......
Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Piehl | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | 05.05.2012
Members of The Fourth Marine Band march down East Nanking Road, Shanghai, China, during their final performance in 1941. The bandsmen would later be augmented into an infantry unit, exchanging their instruments for rifles during World War II. (Courtesy photo provided by Donald L. Versaw)...
Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Piehl | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | 05.05.2012
Donald L. Versaw, the last surviving member of the 4th Marine Regiment Band, the Last China Band, talks to a band member with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 5. Versaw was held captive as a prisoner of war during World War II for more than three years....
Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Piehl | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | 05.05.2012
Distinguished guests sit at the head table during the 27th annual Marine Corps Musicians Association meeting in San Diego, May 5. Among the honored guests was Donald L. Versaw, the last surviving member of the 4th Marine Regiment Band, the Last China Band. Versaw was held as a prisoner of war during World War II by Japanese soldiers....
Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Piehl | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | 05.05.2012
Donald L. Versaw, a retired master sergeant and the last surviving member of the 4th Marine Regiment Band, the Last China Band, poses with Staff Sgt. Joshua Lively, a percussionist with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., during the 27th annual Marine Corps Musician Association meeting in San Diego, May 5. Versaw sat as a distinguished guest at......
