James N. McCutchenDetachment # 603

Department of TennesseeMarine Corps League

March, 2005 EditionP. O. Box 30181, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040-0004

http://www.geocities.com/USMCL_Det_603/

Detachment OfficersCommandant – Terry Wilson

Senior Vice Commandant – Stacey Hopwood Adjutant – Lois A. DillreeJunior Vice Commandant – Kendall R. Dealy Paymaster – Claire M. Minie, PDC

Judge Advocate – Franklin Wagner Chaplain – J. Tom CoffmanJunior Past Commandant– Ralph W. Hesson Sergeant-at-Arms – Ralph Klingensmith

CALENDAR Mar. 10-13 – Southeast Division MCL Convention, Atlanta GA Mar. 17 – Detachment Meeting, VFW Post 4895, 7:00 pm – Election of Officers Mar. 25 – Ladies Night Out, FRIDAY, Schnitzel Dinner at VFW Post 4895, 6:30 pm Apr. 9 – Department of Tennessee MCL Staff Meeting, Cookeville, TN, 1:00-4:00 pm June 23-25 – Department of Tennessee MCL Convention, Johnson City, TN

THIS MONTH’S FEATURESTAPS

RALPH W. HESSON01/05/1932—02/21/2005

On February 21st, 2005, Detachment #603 lost one of our own, our Past Detachment Commandant, Ralph W. Hesson. Ralph succumbed to his hard fought battle with cancer. Unfortunately, this was one battle that this tough Marine just couldn’t win.

Ralph was recruited for the Corps while still a senior at Hutching Central High School in November 1950, in Buffalo, NY. Upon graduation, he went straight to Parris Island for his summer vacation. He left briefly to go to Norfolk, VA for camera repair school, and then returned to the Island where he served out the remainder of his enlistment. Ralph was honorably discharged in November 1953, and met his wonderful soul mate, Rene, the following year.

Ralph went home to Buffalo and had a varied career as a civilian, from liquor salesman to auxiliary policeman. Then Ralph spent 21 years as a Supreme Court Officer, retiring in 1999. Shortly afterwards, while Ralph and Rene were digging out of 3 feet of snow, they decided to move south. They packed the RV and drove to Clarksville, and here they stayed.

Ralph became very active and involved in the community, and in his new church. Ralph joined our Marine Corps League Detachment in August of 2000, and jumped in with both feet. In 2001 and 2002, he was elected as Junior Vice-Commandant, and in 2003, Commandant of the Detachment.

As part of a memorial service held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, the Detachment conducted a Fallen Marine presentation to honor Ralph’s service to his country, and to his beloved Corps. There were 11 red jackets in attendance, as well as many of our spouses. After the playing of the Marine’s Hymn, we presented Rene with a plaque commemorating Ralph’s

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honorable service, and a lapel pin bearing the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. She was also given one of our very own handmade flag display cases to proudly showcase Old Glory.

After the services, Rene thanked me personally for our presentation, stating that it was so moving. She also commented to me that even though they had a Marine Honor Guard at Ralph’s services in Buffalo, that Ralph would have loved this best of all. She said the League meant so much to him; he would have been so proud to see this tribute.

We need to keep Rene and the rest of the Hesson family in our hearts, and keep her as one of our own. She is truly one of us now. As we all know, two of the primary objectives of the Marine Corps League are to hold sacred the history and memory of the men who have given their lives to the Nation, and to aid and to render assistance to all Marines and former Marines as well as to their spouses, orphans, and parents.

Saepius Exertus Semper Fidelis Frater InfinitasOften Tested Always Faithful Brothers Forever

Stacey R. Hopwood

Sr. Vice Commandant

2005 MARINE CORPS 230TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SILVER DOLLAR

This year, the United States proudly honors the Marine Corps and all Marines who have sacrificed and contributed in our Nation’s service. Public Law 108-290, signed August 6, 2004, authorizes the minting of a Silver Dollar to commemorate the 230th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the raising of two battalions of American Marines, thereby creating the legendary institution today known as the United States Marine Corps. From the Nation’s birth to the present day, the Marines represent a proud culture of service and contribution in defense of the values and freedoms at the heart of the American experience.

According to the United States Marine Corps Hymn, Marines have "fought in ev’ry clime and place" throughout our Nation’s history. The story of the Marine Corps is the personification of American military history beginning with the American Revolution. The flag raising at Iwo Jima, represented at the Marine Corps War Memorial, is ingrained in the public mind as perhaps the enduring image of World War II.

Today, the Marines continue to exemplify the warrior ethos that has made it a fighting force of international repute. The philosophy of the Corps—and of the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have earned the title "Marine" over the last 230 years—is simply stated in its core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

Coins offered in both proof and uncirculated condition may be issued under this Act only during the one-year period beginning January 1, 2005.

Surcharges from the sale of each coin are authorized for the creation of the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico, Virginia, which is being developed as a partnership of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the United States Marine Corps.

Coins are tentatively scheduled to be released in summer 2005.2

http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/commemoratives/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=Marine

"PROMISES MADE - PROMISES KEPT, JUST A POLITICAL SHELL GAME

By Thomas D. SegelTomsegel@joimail.com

In the early days of Vietnam I commanded a 150 Marine replacement unit arriving in country by ship. As we entered port, the ship's Captain summoned me and ordered a perimeter established around the Seabee compound where we docked. It had been receiving probing attacks by the Viet Cong. When the unit was in position I called my four Staff NCOs and told them to move up and down the line all night to keep everyone alert and their spirits high. I reminded them these were very young Marines and that they had never heard a shot fired in anger. One Staff Sergeant gave me a funny look and then asked, "Who is going to keep our spirits high? We’ve never heard a shot fired in anger either." It was then I realized I was the only combat veteran in the unit. All were very young men.

Traditionally, we send our youngest, bravest and best off to war. Why? Well, it is understood they are among the most physically fit of our citizens. The young are easy to train. They develop strong loyalties, accept the commands of their leaders, and wear patriotism as if it were body armor. From birth they have been taught to accept the words or promises of parents, teachers, coaches, anyone in a position of authority. So, it follows they would accept the word of their government as carved in stone.

The politicos of our country have historically taken advantage of our service personnel. All of the "Washington In Crowd" understands those who serve in uniform are politically naïve and can be spoon fed most of that beltway blather without any questioning. The political game of promise, then promise again. Delay, then delay again, goes on and on and on.

Because of their faith, their sense of duty, their love of country, these brave young people risk everything, including their lives. Many who make it through the horrors of war carry scars for life, including disabilities far beyond the understanding of the average citizen.

They return home expecting a grateful nation to honor all those pledges and promises, only to find they were just pawns in a never-ending political shell game.

Military retirees were promised earned health care for life, only to find they were given a substandard psudo-insurance plan that most doctors wouldn’t honor. As they reached the twilight years of their life, retirees found health care did improve, but they were still forced to pay for and accept Medicare, when they had been promised their medical needs would be fully funded by the government.

Widows of military retirees thought their spouses had provided a solid survivor benefit, by paying for years into a program that assured a significant portion of retired pay would continue after death. Then widows discovered the government reduces that benefit when they reach the age where they qualify for Social Security.

From the early days of World War II veterans were promised that any and all service related health issues would be treated by the best of modern medicine. Instead, they were given sub standard VA hospitals and clinics, long lines, and the denial of many medical claims. Veterans who so valiantly participated in the many atomic tests conducted by the United States were among those promised quality care. Some of them have been waiting 30 years and longer to have their claims approved.

The federal government is still moving those shells around for disabled retirees who endure a dollar per dollar deduction from their retired pay to cover their disability compensation. After more than 100 years of cheating military retirees, the disability compensation offset is being removed. However, most of the disabled fall under a ten-year phase-in provision of the law. This means all but a sprinkling of World War II retired and most of the Korean War disabled military retirees will have heard the final sounding of Taps before the first check is written. Another move in the political shell game.

Once this nation saw three out of every four members of Congress come from the ranks of military veterans. Today only 35 of 100 Senators have worn the uniform of this country. In the House of Representatives, only 119 out of 435 can boast being veterans. This is a smaller percentage of veterans than is found in the national population. With so few lawmakers even understanding the needs of veterans, getting legislation passed to honor the promises of long ago is extremely difficult.

Added to the mix is a Defense Department that views every tax dollar as its private property. Dr. David Chu, who serves as an Under Secretary of Defense, spends his time giving false testimony denying that promises were made to veterans and military retirees. It is his job to make unsubstantiated claims or

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send up trial balloons for the Defense Department and the Administration. If there are few screams of rage, another move can be made in the political shell game.

Some members of Congress are truly engaged in the fight to get those many false promises converted into law. But, even they must fight a majority of their members who have no understanding of the military, who see nothing wrong with breaking one's word and really believe political shell games are a normal way of life. Just as on the carnival midway, the only winners in that game are the ones moving those shells.

COMMANDANT’S COMMENTSAttention Marines! We have some of our members, you might say, missing in action. We are fast

approaching nomination and voting of officers and need all of our members to have their voice. There was a wonderful turn out at the last Ladies Night Out, was very glad to see everyone there. I apologize for the mis-communication with the restaurant on seating; it appears they were not ready for us. But as Marines we adapted, adjusted and overcame the obstacle.

On a more solemn note, this past weekend (March 5th) we said farewell to a fellow Marine. Our Jr. Past Commandant Ralph Hesson is now on duty guarding the streets of gold with our Supreme Commandant. Please remember the Hesson family in your thoughts and prayers.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting, and at a special FRIDAY Ladies Night Out this month!!

Semper FiTerry Wilson—Commandant

ADJUTANT’S CALLWe recently lost a good friend and fellow Marine. Ralph Hesson, a past Commandant, lost his battle

with cancer. Rene, his wife, took him to Buffalo, N.Y., their home town, for the funeral.On Sat., March 5, a memorial service was held at his church here in Clarksville. As Commandant he

used to say, "Let's see lots of red coats at (...event)." Ralph, there were lots of red coats at your memorial service. Our prayers are with Rene. The first ceremony of our new Fallen Marine program was held at Ralph's memorial. Somehow, it seems fitting.

Our annual election of Detachment officers will take place at the March meeting - Thurs. 17 March. Let's see a lot of faces there. A slate will be presented, and nominations will be taken from the floor.

We recently had a Habitat for Humanity home dedication, but only one member was there – Adjutant Dillree. As is the custom, she presented a flag, donated by the Detachment, to the new homeowners. These dedication ceremonies last about 15 minutes. You could be there and back home within an hour. Let's get some better membership support for this Detachment project. Red coats would be a good sight to see.

Everyone is aware of the Marine Corps Flag-raising on Iwo Jima on 23Feb45. It marked the first time in 700 years that a foreign flag had flown over the Japanese Empire.

There is another, little known event that occurred on the same day - the Los Banos raid. The Army's 11th Airborne Division rescued over 1000 Filipinos being held captive by the Japanese. The incident was overshadowed by what took place on Suribachi that day. However, it is remembered annually by a dinner and ceremony held at Ft. Campbell.

A few members of the 11th, who participated in the raid, live in the Clarksville area. I feel privileged to know two of these men.

‘Til next month, Semper Fi, Marines!Lois A. Dillree, Adjutant

PAYMASTER REPORT

Good News!  During the past year we have increased our membership to 40 "paid" members, which now includes 21 paid for "LIFE."  Bad news -- we have six members who are delinquent, three of whom are out of the area but three who have not "re-upped" because we apparently do not offer them what they expect to find in a "Band of Brothers."

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At our March meeting we will hold our election of officers, there are four elected Officers:  Commandant, Senior and Junior Vice and Judge Advocate.  It is usually customary to begin ascending the chain of command by election as Judge Advocate and being voted into the other three offices in succession.  This is not a hard-and-fast rule but we usually follow it when we can.  This gives the Commandant valuable experience as he (she) rises to the position.

After the Commandant is elected, he appoints the other officers and Committee Chairmen.  The Adjutant, Paymaster, Chaplain and Sergeant-at-Arms are required appointments.  There are other officers that the Commandant may appoint as he sees fit.  Please make your desires known at a meeting if you are interested in being a leader.  We do have quite a few NCO's out there.  It's about time they volunteered for some active duty.

We have had several members this past year that joined, came to just one or two meetings, and then disappeared from view.  To those members, please give us another try.  If our Detachment is not fulfilling your expectations, please let us know.  We need your ideas.  We need activities that will encompass more of the Detachment members.  We need YOU!  If you are not able to fully participate, we welcome you when you can join the rest of your Marines at the social affairs and monthly dinners.

Any member who has an e-mail address and is not on the Detachment e-mailing list is asked to send a message to Paymaster Claire Minie: cmfminie1@cs.com.  It will ensure that Detachment news which happens between meetings (most recently the death of and Memorial Services for Past Commandant Ralph Hesson) reaches members promptly.

COMMUNITY OUTREACHMESSAGE FROM OUR SCOUTS

February 28th we celebrated our first Blue & Gold Banquet. It was a wonderful event and we appreciate JR Tate being our guest speaker. Our other special guests were: Judith Tate and Kim Krychiw (Scout District Executive). Our Scouts and parents had a wonderful time and we had two boys cross over to Boy Scouts. We have two camping events scheduled for this spring already: April 15-17 at Billy Dunlop Park, May 13-15 at Billy Dunlop Park. All the Marines and families are invited to come out and visit us. March 28th at 6:30pm, at Hazelwood Elementary, will be our next Pack meeting.

Yours in Scouting,Angie Burkhart, Cubmaster Pack 565

CHAPLAIN’S CORNERTHE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Author UnknownThe church spire pierced a low hanging cloud

While mourners gathered and cried aloudAround a flag draped coffin on display

And Marines in dress blues arrayThe salute of the guns and the bugles swell

With the last notes pealing "all is well"All is well?

The widow stands weepingTaking the folded flag for safe keeping

She remembers their plans made side by sideAnd when the call came he'd responded with pride

To fight for the freedom of this great nationFor love of family and the next generation

When they said goodbye she held him tightlyAnd prayed for his safety as she knelt nightly

But she wept unashamed when the sad news cameOf how he died in battle as he whispered her name

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This story as told is like many others,Of children and wives and fathers and mothers

Who along with their loved onesHave paid the price

To purchase our freedomThe ultimate sacrifice.

MARINES: PAST AND PRESENTFOUR HOURS IN FALLUJAH

by Sgt. Robert E. Jones, Sr. Marine Corps NewsMarch 04, 2005

FALLUJAH, Iraq - Spending only four hours with Regimental Combat Team 1 can prove to be exhausting but eventful. Just ask Sergeant Michael S. Smith, a section leader for RCT-1's personal security detachment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

On days like yesterday's trip into Fallujah, the surprises kept coming, according to Smith, an Amarillo, Texas native. Smith assisted in leading the PSD to a combat promotion, a briefing at the Civil Military Operations Center, greeting citizens of Fallujah, detaining a high interest target, and the best surprise of the afternoon: the site where one of the largest weapons cache found to date. Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment located the cache. An Iraqi citizen alerted the unit. "Finding the weapons cache helped move pieces on the battlefield successfully, rebuilding Fallujah" said Smith.

On site to congratulate his 1st Marine Division Marines and Sailors was Major General Richard F. Natonksi, Commanding General, 1st Marine Division. Also on hand were Colonel Michael Shupp, Commanding Officer of RCT-1 and Sergeant Major Eduardo Leardo, RCT-1's Sergeant Major.

The discovery included: (4,266) 14.5 rounds(229) 155mm rounds (389) USSR S-5KP air-to-surface 57mm rockets(403) USSR S-5M air-to-surface 57mm rockets(60) 80mm rocket motors (176) 82mm mortar rounds(5) RPG rounds(3) 120mm base plates(1) 120mm mortar tube(4) USSR 81mm rockets (1,728) 20mm rounds(2) 60mm mortar rounds(34) 80mm rockets(15) Recoilless rifle propellants (234) Chinese M-6 fuses (106) 120mm mortar rounds (16) SA-7 missiles

The seizure and subsequent destruction of the weapons cache reduces anti-Iraqi forces' ability to launch attacks against Iraqi and U.S. forces and Iraqi citizens.

Col. Shupp is asked by many to describe Fallujah. Finding the weapons cache and meeting with its citizens in the city was optimistic, according to Shupp. "It was a huge step forward for the fight for freedom," said Shupp.

"Fallujah's coming to life. They know we're here to provide them opportunities, give them freedoms, and assist the Iraqi people. Freedom starts here and this is just the beginning."

AN AMERICAN HERO: HOWARD ‘SMILEY’ JOHNSON

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Posted May 07, 2004By Scott Venci svenci@greenbaypressgazette.com

Upon hearing the news that former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman had been killed in a firefight while on combat patrol in Afghanistan last month, Dan Magill was reminded of the friends he lost during World War II. The list includes Magill’s best friend, Howard “Smiley” Johnson.

Johnson, a star offensive lineman at the University of Georgia from 1937 to 1939, played guard for the Green Bay Packers during the 1940 and 1941 seasons before joining the Marine Corps in January 1942.

While 32 Green Bay players served in the military during World War II and other Packers have done military service, Johnson is the only one who gave his life for his country.

“He was perfect,” Magill, 83, said of Johnson, whom he met as a junior in high school when Johnson was a freshman at Georgia. “He didn’t drink, smoke or cuss.”

In June 1944, Johnson went with other members of the 4th Marine Division to Saipan, part of the Northern Mariana Islands in the western Pacific Ocean.

Unlike thousands of others, Johnson escaped death during furious combat with Japanese soldiers. At one point during the fighting, according to a citation of Johnson’s actions, he directed the American defense when enemies counterattacked the flank position held by Johnson’s platoon.

Despite finding himself in the middle of heavy fire, Johnson helped take out the Japanese that invaded. For his efforts during the operation, he was awarded his first Silver Star medal.

Less than a month later, Johnson was promoted to first lieutenant. “He was the finest fella I have ever known,” said Magill, who was

Georgia’s tennis coach for 34 years and is the winningest NCAA Division I tennis coach with 706 victories. “He was the epitome of unselfishness.” Johnson’s unselfishness might have cost him his life.

On Feb. 19, 1945, Johnson arrived at Iwo Jima, 660 miles south of Tokyo. Later that day, while Johnson and his unit were preparing defenses, he was hit by exploding shell fragments as he returned to his platoon command post.

As Johnson lay on the ground, a Navy corpsman rushed to his side. Instead of pleading for help, Johnson pointed to other Marines that had been hit, and told the corpsman to save them first.

Then he died. Johnson, 28, left behind his wife, Marie, and 1-year-old daughter, Jennie. After his death, Johnson was awarded a Gold Star. “He could have lived if he had not told the corpsman to help his men first,” Magill said. “But helping

out (others) was just typical of him.” Marie, under the pen name of Arie, wrote a book about her life in 1997, a year before she died. In

“Roads and Crossroads,” she chronicled her struggles in coping with the loss of her husband. One of Magill’s favorite stories of Johnson features actor Tyrone Power, who appeared in more than

50 movies in a 34-year career from 1925 to 1959. Magill had run into Johnson when both were in Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va., in 1943.

The two were at an off-base restaurant when Power walked in one night. Although Magill immediately recognized Power, Johnson had no idea who he was.

According to Magill, Power was there to get a cab for his wife. When he was told there was a $10 deposit to reserve a cab, Power realized he didn’t have any money with him.

Johnson went over to Power and loaned him the money. Later that night, Power showed up at Johnson’s barracks with the $10.

“That story is typical of Smiley,” Magill said. “He saw a fellow in trouble that needed a little help, and he was like, ‘Hey buddy, I will loan you the 10 bucks.’”

There aren’t many days that Magill doesn’t think of Johnson. “Every Independence Day, when they are writing up about all the heroes, I think of Smiley,” he

said. “He was a great credit to the Marine Corps.”

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LEGENDSBy Gene Asher

  Of all the structures on the University of Georgia campus, none is more touching than the War Memorial monument in front of the Student Athlete Academic Center. The handsome red and black monument, made of Georgia granite, honors 21 student athletes who died in wars. The first Bulldog to die in World War II, Marine Corps Captain Henry T. Elrod of Thomasville, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Elrod, who lettered on the 1932 football team, single-handedly attacked a fleet of 22 enemy planes, shooting down two. Then he attacked a fleet of Japanese warships, sinking one, despite a hail of enemy anti-aircraft gunfire. When his plane was destroyed, he organized a handful of ground troops on Wake Island and set up a beach defense that repulsed an overwhelming number of Japanese marines. In the face of withering enemy machine gun and mortar fire, he led his vastly out-numbered Marines until he was killed. In his honor, the modern guided missile frigate the U. S. S. Elrod was commissioned and one of the main streets on the Marine Corps Base, in Quantico, Va., was named "Elrod Avenue." First Lieutenant Lacy F. Mangleburg of Athens, a star prizefighter at Georgia, was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The University of Georgia named its student American Legion Post for Elrod and Mangleburg. Elrod died December 23, 1941, 16 days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Mangleburg died a day later. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Howard W. "Smiley" Johnson was awarded the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry" during the Saipan operation and was posthumously awarded a Gold Star for actions during the Iwo Jima campaign, in which he was one of more than 6,000 Marines who lost their lives in battle. Johnson played fullback and guard (1937-1939) for three different UGA coaches, Harry Mehre, Joel Hunt and Wally Butts. The Peach Bowl annually presents the "Smiley Johnson Award" to the game's outstanding lineman. It was 59 years ago this month that Army Master Sergeant Walter "Chief" Ruark was leading a five-man patrol to locate and eliminate a German sniper position. In doing so he took a direct hit in his chest. He was awarded the Silver Star. He was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference guard in 1941 and 1942 and was one of the standouts in the '42 team's Rose Bowl victory over UCLA. Army Captain James Skipworth, Jr., a native of Columbus and captain of the 1940 Georgia football team, was killed while leading his troops in General Douglas McArthur's triumphant return to the Philippines. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. Silver Star winner Jack Cox of Waynesboro, a lieutenant in the U.S. Marines, played tackle on the 1959 Georgia football team. He was killed by a sniper in Viet Nam. The list of all honorees and the wars in which they died and sports in which they participated are engraved on the monument.

http://www.georgiatrend.com/site/page6389.html

NEW HALL OF FAME DISPLAY HONORS PACKERS WAR HERO

by Dave Lawrence, Packers.com03/04/2005

One of the first things visitors to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame will see when they enter the Hall at Lambeau Field in the coming weeks is a new display in

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the lobby featuring Howard "Smiley" Johnson, the only Green Bay Packer to give his life in service of the United States of America.

Much like the familiar story of the late Pat Tillman of the Arizona Cardinals, Johnson gave up his football career after two seasons as a guard/linebacker with the Packers in 1940-41 and joined the armed forces while his country was at war.

Johnson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and fought in World War II, losing his life on Iwo Jima in 1944. He was awarded the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry" during the Saipan operation and was posthumously awarded a Gold Star for actions during the Iwo Jima campaign.

The display case, which was recently arranged by the Hall of Fame's vice president of sales & marketing Denny Tattum, contains artifacts and photos from Johnson's seasons in Green Bay.

Tattum credits another Hall of Fame enshrinee with suggesting the tribute display, former general manager Ron Wolf.

"Ron Wolf - who is an avid historian - brought it to Bob Harlan's attention that we had a Packer player in 1940 and 1941 who joined the Marine Corps and was in fact the only Green Bay Packer to give his life serving for his country," Tattum said.

"Ron expressed the desire and thought it would be appropriate for us to have some type of memorial in the Hall of Fame that would do justice and would honor Smiley and his contributions."

All of the elements that are on display in the case were already on hand in the extensive archives of the Hall of Fame.

"We were fortunate enough that Tom Murphy, our archivist, keeps a wonderful record of everything that we have so that everything is hands-on and available to us," said Tattum. "We have a nice display of artifacts that were part of that tenure that Smiley was a Packer. We feel that that display depicts that particular period of time."

Tattum said that the display will likely be available for viewing through the Memorial Day weekend, and could potentially become a permanent part of the Hall of Fame's tremendously thorough representation of Packers history.

Johnson is also honored at his alma mater, the University of Georgia, as one of many former UGA student-athletes recognized on their War Memorial monument. In addition, the Peach Bowl, a college bowl game held annually in Atlanta, also honors Johnson by presenting the "Smiley Johnson Award" to the game's outstanding lineman.

http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2005/03/04/2/

EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard “Smiley” Johnson was a resident at the New Providence Odd Fellows Home and a 1936 graduate of Clarksville High School. VFW Post 4895 is named for him. Thanks to Detachment Member Lynn Hunter, Smiley Johnson’s picture is included in the “Faces of Valor” project at the Montgomery County Courthouse.

VETS REUNITE TO MARK IWO JIMA BATTLEAssociated Press February 21, 2005

LAFAYETTE, LA - Norman Baker arrived at Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion. It was clear and sunny. "It was a beautiful day," he said, recalling his time as an 18-year-old Seabee. "Then the mortars started in, and the artillery." That day turned into World War II's bloodiest battle in the Pacific. The dwindling group of American survivors gathered this weekend - 60 years later - in this Louisiana city and at other reunions around the country.

Most are now in their 80s; some lean on canes or their wives for support. They reunite every year to remember friends they lost, to share recollections of battle, and to connect with the few who can comprehend what Iwo Jima felt like. "It was only after the battle was over that we realized how horrible it was," said Baker, of Delaplane, Va., now 79. "The casualties were terrible casualties. Men died horribly."

He and thousands more Americans were unloaded on Iwo Jima's black-sand beach, then faced a blistering assault from the entrenched Japanese. It took the Americans 36 days to take the island. The dead: 6,821 Americans and 20,000 Japanese. The battle has become an iconic one in the Pacific. The heroism was captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, in a shot of Marines raising the U.S. flag - an image later turned into the National Iwo Jima Memorial in Newington, Conn.

But veterans don't have starry-eyed memories. "It was an unpleasant place, I can assure you. After that, I decided not to make my career in the Marine Corps," said Melvin DeFleur, 82, of Baton Rouge.

The first Americans to arrive at Iwo Jima were unpleasantly surprised. The tiny island had been bombed for three days before the invasion. But the blasts had little effect on the Japanese, whose troops were hidden in deep tunnels. American veterans recall their enemies as relentless. But the Japanese on Iwo Jima also were nearly invisible: Their machine gunners were hidden inside small, well protected

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bunkers, known as "pillboxes," which the Marines could flush out only with well-aimed hand grenades or blasts from flame-throwers.

Jim Westbrook was a Marine who carried his unit's radio on his back. The radio had a 6-foot antenna pointing at the sky - a target the Japanese found easy to spot. "I had a Japanese machine gun trying to cut me down, tracers within a couple of inches of my eyes," said Westbrook, 81, of Vicksburg, Miss. "We underwent artillery fire, mortar fire, sniper fire, machine gun fire, and the Japanese had some kind of crude rocket they were firing at us. I had a lot of close calls."

The rocket, nicknamed an "ashcan mortar," was a bomb shaped liked a garbage can. Baker said it issued an eerie, metallic sound just before impact. "They were crude; they were a sort of terror weapon. But if one landed close to you, it would kill all of you," he said.

The veterans' eyes fill with tears as they remember friends who were killed by Japanese machine guns and artillery shells. Many saw their best friends blown apart. "I've tried to kind of put that part of it out of my mind," Westbrook said. "I also saw combat fatigue: big, strong, hairy-chested men just crack up and go to pieces."

There was determination on both sides. The commander of the Japanese at Iwo Jima told his troops that they'd done their duty if they died after having killed 10 Marines. American veteran William J. Hodge, then a 25-year-old Marine captain, said he'll never know how he escaped the battle without getting shot. But he always knew that the Americans would take Iwo Jima. "I'll tell you this: There was never any doubt," said Hodge, 84, a pastor in Houston. "It was our job to take that island."

MARINE FATHER AND SON SERVE TOGETHER IN AL ASADby Sgt. Juan VaraMarine Corps NewsMarch 07, 2005

AL ASAD, Iraq - Maj. Peter D. Charboneau is a busy man. The communications and electronics officer for Marine Air Control Group 28 (Reinforced) isn't just in charge of overseeing the upgrade of fiber optic lines, telephone switches and data servers around this former Iraqi air base. He's also responsible, to the best of his abilities, for keeping an eye on one Marine who's not even part of his unit–his youngest son, Joe.

After graduating from high school in Quantico, Va., in 2002, Joe and his older brother Pete joined the Corps following their father's footsteps. They enlisted under the "buddy program' and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., together, graduating in January 2003.

Elder by a year, Pete is a lance corporal serving with Headquarters and Support Battalion's Brig Company aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Joe, also a lance corporal, serves as a helicopter mechanic with Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 from Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., and is here on his first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I'm closer to him here than I am back in North Carolina," said Charboneau. "The beauty of it is that he works nights. We meet in the morning and have breakfast." According to Charboneau, he was preparing to leave Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., and transfer to Marine Corps Base, Quantico, when he heard Joe was deploying to Iraq. He immediately asked for a modification to his reporting date to be able to come here and be near his son. Pete, trying to be near his father and brother, volunteered to transfer temporarily to 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, the unit in charge of protecting this air base.

"I pushed for Pete to come out here too," said Charboneau. "My wife put a stop to it." Charboneau's wife, the former Dinah E. Gomez, of El Paso, Texas, didn't want her husband and her two sons to be in Iraq at the same time. She's now ordered Charboneau to take care of Joe, and ordered both to wear their fragmentation protection armored vests and helmets at all times while they're here.

"My wife is on an emotional roller coaster," said Charboneau. "She put up a sign that says "Having Marine son go to Iraq: Heartbreaking. Having Marine husband go with him: Awesome. Having another Marine son stay back with me: Priceless.'"

In his more than 23 years as a Marine, Charboneau, who began his career as a private, has left his family behind several times while he answers the call of duty. His most recent deployment was two years ago, when he served in Kuwait and Iraq during the beginning of the war. "I'm not as homesick as I've been any other time I've deployed," he said. "I could stay here for a year and I won't miss my family because I have Joe here. I don't think there's a better feeling in the world than being in war with your son."

Joe, getting his feet wet when it comes to deployments, said he misses his family; his girlfriend and some of the comforts of life back home. "You never know how good you have it until you're shaving out of a water bottle."

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Father and son can often be spotted riding their bikes around Al Asad. They celebrated Charboneau's birthday last month and are making plans to celebrate Joe's birthday in July.

Not many are privileged to have breakfast with their father every day while in a combat zone. Not many can smoke a cigar with their son after a hard day of work half the world away from home. Charboneau, proud of his Marine sons, said there's a small disadvantage of serving with one of them here. "It's the same thing as back at home," he said jokingly. "I have to tell him to do his laundry, clean his room and brush his teeth."

PARTING SHOTFROM A FARM KID, NOW AT MCRD PARRIS ISLAND:

Dear Ma and Pa:

I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before maybe all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things.  No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay.  Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there’s warm water.

Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee.  Their food plus yours holds you till noon when you get fed again.

It’s no wonder these city boys can’t walk much. We go on “route marches”, which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us.  If he thinks so, it’s not my place to tell him different. A “route march” is about as far as to our mailbox at home.

Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The country is nice but awful flat. The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and Colonels just ride around and frown. They don’t bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don’t move, and it ain’t shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don’t even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to hand combat training! You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain’t like fighting with that ole bull at home. I’m about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I’m only 5’6” and 130 pounds, and he’s 6’8” and weighs near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter, Gail

James N. McCutchenDetachment # 603

Department of TennesseeMarine Corps League

INCORPORATED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS ON 4 AUGUST 1937

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

NAME: ________________________________ DATE: _________________________ADDRESS: ________________________________________________ HOME #: _________________________

________________________________________________ WORK #: _________________________ ________________________________________________ E-MAIL: _________________________

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TYPE OF APPLICATION: NEW ( ) ASSOCIATE ( ) DATE OF BIRTH: _______________DATE ENTERED USMC: _____________________________ DATE SEPERATED USMC: ____________________________SERVICE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: ____________________________________

I HEREBY APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE CLARKSVILLE DETACHMENT #603, MARINE CORPS LEAGUE, AND ENCLOSE $25.00 FOR ONE YEAR’S MEMBERSHIP, WHICH INCLUDES A YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION TO THE “MARINE CORPS LEAGUE MAGAZINE”.

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I HAVE SERVED AS A U. S. MARINE FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS, THAT THE CHARACTER OF MY SERVICE WAS HONORABLE, AND IF DISCHARGED, THAT I AM IN RECEIPT OF AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE. BY SIGNATURE ON THIS APPLICATION, I HEREBY AGREE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF MY HONORABLE DISCHARGE UPON REQUEST.

_____________________________________________________ SPONSOR’S NAME____________________________________APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE

UPON COMPLETION, MAIL FORM AND DUES PAYMENT (NO CASH) TO:MARINE CORPS LEAGUE, P.O. BOX 30181, CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE 37040-0004

Website: http://www.geocities.com/USMCL_Det_603/

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