PHOTO: USMC Capt., 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico

[world war I nerd]

This terrific image of an early USMC Captain recently came into my possession. The hand written caption on the reverse of the photo is as follows:

 

"This is Captain R. B. Creecy. Commanding Marine Detachment on board U.S.S. Michigan. He is a fine fellow. Taken on April 22nd 1914."

[world war I nerd]

A closer view of Captain Creecy and the young enlisted Marines who served with him at Vera Cruz,.

[world war I nerd]

Close ups of a numbered campaign cover and cartridge belt from which a first aid packet, minus the pouch, dangles.

[world war I nerd]

The image of the cover came out a bit on the small side. Here's a larger version of the numbered cover. It's hard to tell what pattern campaign cover this Marine is wearing.

[world war I nerd]

Enlargement of the Marine field gear lying on the deck behind Captain Creecy.

[Salvage Sailor]

Some of his previous and subsequent postings - Richard B. Creecy, USMC

 

1898, July 8, Naval Cadet, Spanish American War, Honorably discharged 10 October 1898

1904 Date of commission 1st Lt USMC

1905 1st Lt., USMC Naval Reservation, Subic Bay, P.I.

1906 June, 1st Lt. USS HELENA (PG-9) Asiatic Station, South China Patrol, Yangtse River Patrol

1909, Jan, Naval Station Narraganset Bay, R.I., 1st Lt. Marine Barracks, Post Quartermaster

1909, Apr.- 1910 May., 1st Lt. Marine Officers School, Port Royal, SC

1910 Apr., 1st Lt. Marine Corps Expeditionary Brigade, Panama

1918-1919 Maj, HQ Co., 11th Marines AEF

1919, Mar., Maj. 11th Reg, 5th Brig. Marines AEF

1924, July, 1925 Jan., Fourteenth Naval District, Maj. Marine Barracks (Pearl Harbor, T.H.)

1925, May, Lt. Col. Marine Barracks, Quantico, VA

1927, Apr - Oct. Lt. Col. Adjutant and Inspectors Department, USMC Headquarters

1929 Lt. Col, Honolulu, Hawaii

1930, Jan-Jul. Lt. Col. 9714 Constabulary Det, Garde De Haiti

[world war I nerd]

Thanks Salvage Sailor. Captain Creecy had quite the career ... Philippines, China, Panama, Mexico, Hawaii, Haiti, etc.

[Salvage Sailor]

Aye,

 

Service in France too although the 11th Marines, 5th MEB did not see front line combat

 

The 11th Marine Regiment was activated during World War I on 3 January 1918. Originally planned as a light artillery regiment, it was converted to an infantry unit and went to France as part of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade in the waning days of the war. It did not see combat, but served as base guard troops and returned home to be disbanded on 11 August 1919

5th MEB first activated during World War I and served in France guarding supply lines and garrisons that were critical to supporting the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments during the allied defeat of the German army in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

[bobgee]

Great image & closeups! Semper Fi! Bob

[tsaguy007]

Great story and photos