USN PhM3c - 5th Mar Div

[Fixbayonets!]

Here is a group I bought from the veterans Daughter a few years ago.  This is the story as told by her along with some of my own research to fill in the gaps.  He entered service with the Navy in January of 1944.   After just over a year of training stateside he was on his way overseas as a Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class attached to the 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division.  He would miss Iwo Jima as he was still en route when the battle had ceased.  He would later find himself serving occupation duty at Nagasaki.  Some years after his discharge from service he started to experience trouble with his teeth.  He likened this to the radiation exposure he received at Nagasaki.  After confirming with others he had served with who were experiencing similar issues he would seek assistance from the government.  He was turned away as his ailment was not due to an injury or a wound received in action.  In the following decades he would develop cancer and would pass away in 1995 at the age of 69.  His Daughter said he was proud of the fact he was attached to the 5th Mar Div and always considered himself to be a Marine.  Unfortunate circumstances for a veteran who never saw combat but would still become a casualty of the war.

[manayunkman]

I like your group!

[Kurt Barickman]

Those pharmacist mate USMC  divisional patched cracker jack jumpers are so hard to find; especially with a name that pans out. 

 

Kurt

[Fixbayonets!]

Thanks manayunkman!

 

I agree Kurt, I was very surprised when I saw it.

[warguy]

Kurt is right. Hard to find. Great looking group!