My latest addition USMC addition is a class photo of the 1950 Camp Pendleton Non-Commissioned Officers School for the 1st Division FMF and one that is and already has proven to be a great research project! May they all rest in peace and God Bless each one of you!

 

I will start in no particular order.

 

S Sgt Baldwin C Alvarado. Alvarado was captured by the Japanese while serving in the Philippines and was sent to Osaka Main Camp Chikko near Osaka Japan where 4,123 other American POW'S were held. His capture was first reported to the Red Cross on May 6, 1942. Alvarado would subsequently spend the next 1,239 days (3 years-6 months) as a POW until being liberated in late September 1945. It is of note that this is one of the longest duration of captivity recorded.

 

Next is Major Richard E Sullivan. I haven't dug real deep but did find his obituary which tells quite a story as can be seen in the following:

Fallbrook, CA – Lt. Col. Richard Edward Sullivan (Sully) died peacefully at Fallbrook Skilled Nursing Facility in Fallbrook, CA on June 16, 2002 after a long illness. Born November 5, 1916 in Rockville, SC he was raised in Charlotte, NC and graduated from Sharon High School in Charlotte. He enlisted in the USMC in February 1937 and was assigned to the sub base in New London, CT. He was selected for Edson’s 1st Raider Battalion and was promoted from Platoon Sergeant to 2nd Lt. on Tulagi Island in May, 1942. During WWII he distinguished himself in the battles on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, and was awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for heroism at the 2nd Battle of the Matanikau, Guadalcanal, BSI. During the Korean Conflict, Major Sullivan was twice awarded Bronze Stars for heroism (with V for valor) and an Air Medal at the Chosin Reservoir, Korea. Sully retired as a Lt. Col. In 1963 in Fallbrook, California. Sully never spoke about these commendations, he just said he was shot up and decorated, but in fact, he was pictured in Life magazine while receiving a Bronze Star in Korea.

After 3 years of sobriety, Sully was diagnosed with oral cancer, and endured numerous operations. In the end he survived cancer by over 25 years. In 1992 he had a debilitating stroke, but once again he recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body to return to meetings for nearly 10 years.

 

1st Lt Nathaniel F Mann Jr was awarded the Silver Star with the following citation. Sadly he was KIA on the slopes of Hill 105-S in Korea:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Nathaniel F. Mann, Jr. (MCSN: 0-39194), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 14 March 1945. During a concentrated heavy enemy mortar barrage which seriously reduced his platoon, Second Lieutenant Mann walked calmly from man to man in the face of deadly shrapnel to lend personal encouragement to the shocked remaining members of his unit to keep their positions. After the barrage had lifted, he led a platoon of reinforcements into position despite accurate sniper fire and, when the Japanese continuing to inflict severe casualties on his platoon, voluntarily worked his way across a draw under enemy observation to gain contact with the unit on his left. That night, he aided in closing a dangerous gap in the front line by leading two more platoons into position across the sniper infested draw. His professional ability, courage and devotion to were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Company L, 3rd BN, 25th/4th Marines

 

2nd Lt. Donald L Evans was awarded a Silver Star for the following:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Donald L. Evans, Jr. (MCSN: 0-49491), United States Marine Corps, for The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Donald L. Evans, Jr. (MCSN: 0-49491), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. During the crossing of the Han River, First Lieutenant Evans personally organized scattered units of the company and delivered effective fire upon a well-fortified enemy position, thereby enabling other units to make a successful crossing. When he observed one of his men lying wounded in a completely exposed area, First Lieutenant Evans unhesitatingly charged forward through hostile fire and carried the man to a covered position from which he could be evacuated. By his exemplary leadership, outstanding courage and gallant devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Company E, 2nd BN, 1/1 Marines.

 

2nd Lt. Jack (Black Jack) Westerman. Now there is a Marine's Marine who has done that and then some. I won't try to capture his career as there is plenty of notations throughout the internet. I will note one exert form "Fire Brigade: US Marines In The Pusan Perimeter by Capt John J Chapin USMC.

 

...by 1830 on 10 August, the lead platoons had jumped off in the attack, but they soon received heavy fire from two NKPA machine guns hidden at the far end of the pass. During this encounter, some Marines at the point were wounded, and Platoon Leader 1st Lt Jack "Big Jack" Westerman made a daring rescue of which he was later presented a Navy Cross.

 

I am sure there are more stories to come for this project and invite those that are interested in adding any information that they may have or come across.

 

Regards

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

.....

There are 5 more scans

4

5

6

7 and last

Very Cool! Small document, but speaks volumes!

BKW

Great document. Semper Fi.......Bobgee

Thanks guys. Yep sometime you can get the biggest bang from the smallest items.

 

More research to do.

 

Mark