"We Own You"- A Paramarine in WWII

[Brig]

In time for Memorial Day, I wanted to do a big reveal. I've been working on several uniform restorations for awhile, this one has been a project of mine over the past 15 months.

 

Special thanks goes out to member 'mes' for help with the research at the archives, after months of waiting through NARA turned up squat but a solicitation.

 

The uniform came to me stripped of everything save a single collar emblem, directly from the family due to a move and less storage room. However, I am happy to say, the medals and tags are staying in the family, as they do honor and respect his service very much.

 

I would like to jump into the story of this Marine...

 

John Duncan B.u.r.g. was born at home on January 4, 1922 in Atchison county, Missouri in the town of Rock Port to George 'Dewie' & Christie B.u.r.g., the only son and eldest child in a family of four children. Uprooted by the Great Depression, his family settled in Sarpy County, Nebraska. John was a willing worker of many jobs to help the family. He raised vegetables with his family and sold them door to door from tubs in the backseat of their car. He picked apples and cherries, earning a bushel for every 3 that he picked, and hoed beans and corn. He cleaned the local barbar shop, worked as a butcher, and painted houses. John always shared his earnings to ensure his younger sisters had clothes. He walked the local railway tracks with his Sunday School teacher and the neighborhood children to Trinity Baptist Church, collecting loose coal he found along the tracks for his family to use at home.

In 1937, John completed grammer school. He attended Omaha Technical High School, playing football and baseball all while working as a baggage clerk at the Burlington Bus District, his football team winning state championship in 1940. In 1941 he graduated, having acquired skills in wood working, book keeping, and accounting.

In the summer of 1942, he met his future wife, Eleanor Monzing.o, who went by the name of Grace. She worked with a friend of his at the Wilson Packing Company office. At John's request, his friend asked her to play miniature golf with John. She agreed, and they saw each other a few more times over the summer.

On August 25, 1942, John was accepted for enlistment in the US Marine Corps by John H Culnan at Omaha, Nebraska, to serve for the duration of the emergency. He was listed as having brown eyes, dark brown hair, a ruddy complexion at 68 inches tall and 169 pounds. He was assigned the service number 441521 and listed his occupational specialty choices as Aerial Gunner, with a secondary of Aerial Photography and shipped to MCRD San Diego via train, arriving 28 August. Assigned to the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, John would forever remember being greeted by his Drill Instructor with the statement of "We Own You". On 8 October 1942, he qualified Marksman with the M1 Garand on the rifle range with a score of 279, and graduated his recruit training on 21 October.

 

[Brig]

Despite his desire to work in the aviation field, the needs of the Marine Corps may have had different designs, and either by choice or instruction, John found himself in the infantry field. However, he volunteered to receive parachute training for the newly activated 'Paramarine' program, and upon graduation from boot camp was attached to Company A, Parachute Training Battalion in San Diego, where he was designated with the MOS 8-604, Light Machine Gun Crewman (Parachute Qualified) on 12 December 1942. This designation was accompanited with a promotion to Private First Class on the same day. On 16 December he completed his course and was transferred to the 8th Replacement Bn, FMF San Diego until 22 January 1943, shipping out with them overseas on 8 January.

On January 23rd, John was attached to Company C, 1st Parachute Battalion, undoubtedly as a replacement to a unit that had sustained heavy casualties during the invasion and seizure of Guadalcanal. On October 6th, he and his unit embarked aboard the USS Crosby at Guadalcanal enroute to Vella Lavella, arriving October 8th, a day before the battle was considered over.

However, if John was upset by missing the majority of the battle, it wouldn't be long before he got his opportunity once again during Operation Cherry Blossom. Originally scheduled to jump above the heavily defended Japanese airfields of Kahili and Kara on Bougainville, the operation was scrapped due to a fear of heavy casualties and instead, on November 22nd, 1943, John and the 1st Parachute Battalion sailed from Vella Lavella for Bougainville, aboard an LCI vessel, arriving on the 23rd and being attached to the 2nd Raider Regiment (Provisional), who were already undergoing operations aboard the island.

On November 29th, John and his fellow Paramarines took part in the now infamous Koiari Raid, conducting an amphibious landing at 0400 adjacent to an enemy supply dump with the intent to harrass Japanese forces. 1st Parachute Battalion, designated the main effort, was supported by Mike Company, 3rd Raider Battalion and a forward observer element attached from the 12th Marine Regiment who landed a half mile south. The Raiders provided 85 men, and the 1st Parachute Battalion 529 for a total of merely 614. Despite preliminary reconaissance conducted on the night of the 27th and another early on the 28th detecting no enemy presence, the Marines were quickly engaged by heavy enemy mortar, machine gun and rifle fire. Marines overran the supply dump and dug in 200 yards inland. The Japanese launched several charges of infantry troops in an attempt to repel the Marines from the island, inflicting significant US casualties. The Marines fought back, utilizing artillery assets of the 3rd Defense Battalion's 155mm guns and a captured Japanese 37mm field gun, as well as their own organic infantry weapons.

It was during this engagement that John was wounded in action, receiving a gunshot wound to his arm. After receiving medical attention, he returned to his spot on the line and maintained his post. His actions on Bougainville would later be recognized with a Silver Star, the third highest award for valor in the United States, as well as the Purple Heart for the wound he sustained during the course of the battle.

Outnumbered and facing annihilation, with casualties mounting and realizing that the Marines no longer possessed freedom of action having been decisively engaged, the request for evacuation was transmitted via radio and approved by General Geiger, who ordered the Marines extracted. Two attempts were made to extract the force via landing craft, and both failed due to heavy Japanese artillery. Several Naval vessels were called in to provide gun fire in combination with shore based artillery and air support, creating a screen that allowed landing craft to finally move in and extract the raiding group, with the last craft departing at 2040.

In the end, none of the objectives of the raid were achieved. 15 Americans were killed in action or died later of wounds received, 99 were wounded in action (of which John was 1), and 7 were identified as missing in action. Estimates state that the Japanese lost between 145-291 men, only half of which were KIA. Despite this failed operation, John would continue to participate in combat operations on the island of Bougainville until January 12th, 1944 when he embarked for Guadalcanal aboard the USS President Jackson, arriving on the 14th. Three short days later on the 17th, John embarked aboard the USS Electra (formerly SS Meteor), arriving at San Diego February 4th.

 

[Brig]

The 1st Parachute Battalion had been slated for deactivation, as the Marine Corps had recently decided to do away with their airborne program. The battalion officially ceased to exist on Leap Year Day, February 29th, 1944 and its troops were redistributed to various other battalions. Several Marines of the 1st Parachute Battalion, to include John, found themselves assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment on March 1st. John was assigned to Hotel Company, where he undoubtedly provided vital experience and mentorship to the young Marines around him who had not yet been sent overseas during their predeployment training.

On June 22nd, 1944, John was officially awarded the Silver Star medal and citation for his actions during the Koiari Raid, after portions of the action were officially declassified. The citation read: "The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John D. B.u.r.g (MCSN: 441521), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marine Parachute Battalion in action against numerically superior enemy Japanese forces near Koi-ari, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 29 November 1943. Although severely wounded while his platoon was under heavy enemy machine-gun, rifle and mortar fire, Private First Class B.u.r.g voluntarily returned to his post on the front line immediately after receiving medical attention and remained in his hazardous position throughout many hours of continuous, intense fighting. His valiant conduct and unselfish devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

One month later, on July 22nd, John was promoted to Corporal. The same day, he and his unit departed San Diego aboard the USS Arthur Middleton, enroute to Hilo, Hawaii and then onward back to the Pacific Theater.

 

[Brig]

...

[Brig]

On February 19th, 1945 John and the rest of 3/26 landed on the black volcanic sands of Iwo Jima during the opening waves of Operation Detachment. John would engage the Japanese in fierce combat until March 2nd, when he was wounded for the second time of the war via a gunshot wound to his thigh. The wound was enough to warrant evacuation. On March 28th, John was awarded a gold star device in lieu of a second award of the Purple Heart.

On April 4th, 1945 John was discharged from the hospital and assigned to Casualty Battalion TC FMF Pacific. His parents were notified of his wound via telegram on April 5th, with further information furnished on the 25th by 1st Lieutenant M.G. Craig. On April 21st, John rejoined his boys of H/3/26 at Marine Camp, Hawaii, and on May 10th he was promoted to Sergeant. On August 1st, John was transferred to Kilo Company 3/26.

On August 23rd, John was again aboard ship, this time the USS Bowie enroute from Hilo, Hawaii to Pearl Harbor, arriving on the 24th. On September 1st, he departed for the waters of Japan. However, the air was different. Japan had surrendered, and the formal documents were being drawn up and would be signed the next day, on September 2nd. On September 13th, John and his unit arrived at Saipan, departing the 16th, and arriving on the 22nd for occupation duty at Sasebo, Kyusha, Japan, disembarking the next day.

John would participate in the occupation of Japan with the 5th Marine Division very briefly until the 6th of October. Having accumulated enough points during the war to rotate home, he departed on October 24th aboard the USS Bottineau for the US, arriving on the 25th, where he was attached to Separation Battalion in Oceanside, California.

On November 8th, 1945, John was discharged from the United States Marine Corps Reserve at the "convenience of the government". He was not issued a discharge or USMCR lapel pin, and was not recommended for a Good Conduct Medal, despite high proficiency and conduct marks and an excellent character, due to not meeting the required 4 years of service for the medal at the time.

Due to the short period he was in Japan, his seabags had not yet arrived when he was rotated back to the US. John wrote to the government after separation about his lost seabags, which appear to have never been recovered.

After the war, John went to work at American Smelters & Refinery, feeding the blast furnaces to earn money for an engagement ring and attending the University of Omaha (now University of Nebraska) utilizing his GI Bill. On September 28th, 1948, John married his sweetheart Eleanor "Grace" M.onzingo. They had a formal wedding with engraved invitations, bridesmaids, and a 3-tiered cake. They took a 3 week honeymoon adventure, traveling to California, Mexico, the Grand Canyon, New Mexico, and Colorado...all via bus. They would be married for 61 years.

In May 1949, John graduated college with a Business Administration Degree, and then went to work night shift at the post office. He would work for the post office for 41 years. Simultaneously, he owned a business breeding minks for their pelts. John and Grace would have three children-two daughters and a son.

John was a 54 year active member of Temple Baptist Church in Omaha. He was a coach and leader in youth programs for both his church and the community, including Midget Football & Keystone Little League (10 years starting 1965), Cub Scout softball at Boyd School, Senior High boys fastpitch softball, YMCA flag football-basketball-baseball, School of Nursing girls basketball, and Omaha Softball Association girls' teams.

During his life, John would be recognized many times for his achievements and contributions. In 1963, he was awarded state life membership in the PTA. In 1969, he was named and honored as National Manager of the Year in Little League Baseball. In 1973, Keystone Little League named the boys senior baseball diamond "John B.u.r.g Field". In 1978, the post office awarded him for 20 years of contributions in youth activities.

In 1990, John retired from the post office. Despite being retired, John didn't slow down. In 1999, he and his wife made a trip to China, where they walked the Great Wall. Around his neighborhood he trimmed neighbors' trees, prepared their taxes taxes, and took meals to friends. He attended Marine Reunions, keeping in touch with the brothers he'd made during WWII.

John B.u.r.g passed away on October 14th, 2009 in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetary. His beloved wife of 61 years passed three years later, on October 27th, 2012, and was buried besides him.

 

[Brig]

I wanted his uniform to reflect what he would have rated, however I could find no official reference to any Q-Bars on a Q-Badge, so I chose to omit it. Even the matched collar emblem I found is exact, a slight variant to the typical so took a little time to find.

[Brig]

Blooded, Aussie-made SSI and ribbon view

[Brig]

SSI & unauthorized rigger striker...

[Brig]

Also included was a khaki sidecap named to an H E Harper. The rolls revealed a couple men with this name, but one stood out as having been the Company C 1st Sgt with 1st Para, and a 1st Sgt with G/3/26 on Iwo. I do not know how John ended up with his 1stSgt's pisscutter, but 1stSgt Harper had quite an interesting career himself, earning both the Navy Cross & Silver Star on Iwo Jima:

 

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Sergeant Harold E. Harper (MCSN: 224637), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as First Sergeant of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 15 March 1945. Armed only with a shotgun and hand grenades after hostile forces had attacked his company and inflicted casualties, First Sergeant Harper single-handedly sought out and attacked the enemy and, although severely wounded, boldly continued his relentless firing until he had exhausted all his ammunition. When his wound had been treated, he made a second hazardous trip to the area and carried out another attack until he had succeeded in annihilating all of the nineteen resisting Japanese. By his indomitable courage and initiative, First Sergeant Harper upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 54922 (SofN Signed October 6, 1947)

Action Date: 15-Mar-45

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: First Sergeant

Company: Company G

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines

Division: 5th Marine Division

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Harold E. Harper (MCSN: 224637), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as First Sergeant while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 3 and 14 March 1945. Making two daring trips in darkness to enemy held territory in the face of hostile small arms and mortar fire, First Sergeant Harper effected the rescue of two wounded Marines and, when another casualty lay exposed to intense small arms fire on 14 March, went to his aid and succeeded in tying a rope around him and in pulling him a distance of fifty yards to cover. By his courage and grave concern for the lives of others, First Sergeant Harper upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 54922 (October 6, 1947)

Action Date: March 3 & 14, 1945

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: First Sergeant

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines

[Brig]

Unfortunately, the uniform itself is not named, however the 'provenance' is solid, emails, and of course the photo of the man himself wearing it! A fantastic uniform to a great Marine, which I'm honored to have gotten to restore and now be the caretaker for

 

That's all for now, but remember, as you're grilling, remember what Memorial Day is all about

[1SG_1st_Cav]

That is a great looking uniform. And the pictures and provenance are fantastic! Great job! Danny

[tarbridge]

Great post Brig...

[uplandmod]

Wow!! Bravo!! That's how it's done!!

 

Incredible restoration to a Top Marine!

 

LF

[Dirk]

Stunning uniform.....excellent research and a fantastic narrative! Great thread and glad you choose Memorial Day weekend to remind us of why we celebrate!

[Ricardo]

My dream group my friend!!

 

Well done topic!!!

 

Regards,

 

Ricardo.

[History Man]

Fantastic post which highlights what collecting is truly about, thank you for sharing this Marine's history.

 

Philip

[mes]

Great job Brig Fantastic uniform and post. The are some books out by Ken Haney that of photos of marines that were taken by John. Did you see any of these?

Mark

[Government Issue]

Your research and dedication to this man are absolutely outstanding. Great post for memorial day weekend. A memory well preserved!

[Garandomatic]

If presentation makes the meal, you nailed it here. Awesome.

[Brig]

Thanks for the comments and taking the time to read the lengthy write-up, gents. As some of you know, I tend to be very, very picky on what uniforms I keep due to storage room and have only kept 4 or so in 12 years. This is definitely one of those, and the fact it was entrusted to me by the family makes it all the more special

[Brig]

Great job Brig Fantastic uniform and post. The are some books out by Ken Haney that of photos of marines that were taken by John. Did you see any of these?

Mark

 

I did not. Do you have any titles I should look into? Thanks!

[bobgee]

Great tribute to a Marine hero. Fine job of detailing his history. Outstanding job of restoring his uniform! 5.0 all the way, Tim. Semper Fi......Bob

[JDK]

Very nice write up and great items. Thanks for posting.

 

JD

[mes]

"Us marine corps paratroopers,1940-1945 an illustrated history" by Haney has some photos of H co 3/26 attributed to him. The quality of the pictures aren't that good in the book but I obtain some better copies by contacting Haney.

Mark

[Brig]

Very interesting, I will have to look into that...