We are losing them quickly...now. Here's To Those That Served:

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   manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

   A post for all you Marines out there, Marine Families, and Service men and women for the U.S.
   
   A Quick Tribute to a Great Marine: Joe Hunter Reynolds (Passed away on December 19th, 2009 at 88 years of age).
   
   Following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 1945, Lt. Reynolds landed on Iwo Jima, and during fierce fighting Joe was seriously wounded. Joe watched as the American flag was raised atop Mount Suribachi. Most Americans have seen that famous photo. Joe saw it live. Joe received the Purple Heart and numerous other medals for his military valor.
   
   In 1950, Joe was called back to serve in the Korean War. Captain Reynolds landed at Inchon and later fought at the Battle of the Chosin River, called the “Frozen Chosin.” Joe suffered severe frostbite and other injuries, was hospitalized for many months, and for his service Joe was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Combat V. The Commandant General of the Marine Corps has called the Battles of Iwo Jima and the Chosin Reservoir two of the bloodiest battles in Marines Corps history. Joe was one of the last survivors of both of those historic battles. Joe was a true hero, although he always denied it.
   
   He was also a successful Texas lawyer, teacher, mentor, and a good family man. Rest In Peace, Joe. See this link for more detail: http://lonestartimes.com/?p=678
   
   A Quote from above link: "Joe would tell each of us at this time the words one Marine says to another just before an amphibious landing: “I’ll see you on the beach.” A famous Marine Commandant once greeted Joe, telling him he knew all about him... and asked him to please tell him that same famous Marine line before he left (the meeting), "I'll See You On The Beach!"

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      prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      NICE TRIBUTE! he truly deserve it,
      
      SEE YOU IN HEAVEN!

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      Daniel Carterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for this, MPM. Always thoughtful, and always great stuff.
      Sending all the best to our men in women in service everywhere.
      
      Peace on earth. No exceptions.

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      Poppa Bluesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the post! I want to thank all our service men and women who are overseas away from their families for the holidays. It's particularly difficult at this time of year for them and I'm sure they are all missing being home with their loved ones. I want them to know they are much appreciated!

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      Sybil Marieposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Wonderful and inspiring! All my thoughts go out to The Brave men and women that allow us it live our lives in peace! They should be remembered and thanked always! Peace to you during this fabulous season.

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   Pearldiverposted 14 years ago

   Nice Tribute MPM...

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   Dame Scribeposted 14 years ago

   At one's passing, we prefer to say, ' See you later.' my wish for our military not able to come home for the holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, thank you, God Bless and stay safe.

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   bill oneillposted 14 years ago

   A moving tribute to a true hero. Joe Reynolds followed millions of other Americans to don a uniform and fight to rid the world of dictators and allow freedom to reign. Captain Reynolds put his life on hold twice, WWII and Korea. Severly wounded in both conflicts. His experiences made him a more caring individual. Self-reliance is the hallmark of the warriors of WWII. Those of us who followed in Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and Great War on Terror strive to be the equal of our fathers and grandfathers. I have two nephews, one Navy and one Army deployed and I pray for their safety and the safety of their brothers and sisters. We don't say "See you on the beach", mine war was a helicopter war,
   Captain Joe Hunter Reynolds
   SEMPER FI! MARINE!

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   maven101posted 14 years ago

   Thanks Steve, for that wonderful story about one of our Greatest...I agree with Bill O'Neil that they set the standard for we that followed...I know you are thinking of Leroy this time of year so let me share this email I just received from one of my proteges, a young man in trouble with drugs and life, now serving his country as a medic in Iraq...to know Jerome is to love him...Semper Fi, Larry
   
   
   --- On Mon, 12/21/09, J Aubrey <jmagus007@gmail.com> wrote:
   
   
       From: J Aubrey <jmagus007@gmail.com>
       Subject: Merry Christmas
       To: maven92260@yahoo.com
       Date: Monday, December 21, 2009, 11:53 PM
   
       Merry Christmas to my Mom and Dad. You and Dorthy have changed my life. I'm sorry I have not been in contact. I have been on a mission to Camp Bucca to cover-down and help out because they were short handed. It was my first time outside the wire and we went by convoy. It was awesome. I will be headed back to Basrah soon. I will contact you once I get there.

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      manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Larry: It is good to hear of Jerome's escapades while in country...tell Jerome we all said Merry Christmas, Happy New Year...and to be safe and keep his head down! I have no doubt that Jerome is a remarkable young man...Thank you, Jerome...For Your Service! (and yes...we miss our Leroy tremendously!)

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   Smooth as Silkposted 14 years ago

   Good Bless all of the women and men that fight to keep us free. I love everyone of you!

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   Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

   That was beautiful MPM. Rest in Peace Brave Joe! And Rest in Peace all of the brave who have given their lives for us! and may those who are still fighting for us have the strength they need to continue on with the fight.

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   readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

   Great Tribute,
   
   My Father-in-law was most likely there with him on the beach at Iwo Jima. As well as on dozens of other islands all over the South Pacific. He was a Marine combat photographer, under General Smith as I recall and he participated in every major marine assault. I remember him telling an FSU Professor that was interviewing him that he always had trouble keeping his cameras dry in the landing craft and the course sand out of the shutter mechanisms. When the professor asked about his weapon, he told him that was never a problem, he only carried a side arm and couldn’t use it and the cameras at the same time, and his orders were to “shoot pictures not Japs,” so he said he kept his .45 in it’s holster and took pictures of the assault as it happened.
   
   Do you possibly remember the famous picture of the Zeros strafing a beach that was on the cover of LIFE magazine. My Father in Law took that shot.
   
   These guys did amazing things, they and their efforts should never be forgotten.

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      manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Absolutely...Never Forgotten! I'm going to check images on that photo of the Zero firing on the beach at Iwo....readytoescape. Wow...I know if I'd have choice I would have rather been holding a .45 and shooting back. Your FIL...was as brave as the ones hitting the beach!

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         readytoescapeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         He was, but he didn't go ashore after the battles. He was with them as they hit the beach,they used their rifles, he used his cameras and he said he was usually in the first wave.
         
         I can't find a link to the pic, but somewhere we have the original 8 x 10. Though now I think of it it also could have been Look Magazine, it was just as popular as life back then but I'm not sure. I do know that the picture was first published on the front page of about 300 newpapers worldwide. The credit line will say Department of the Navy, they never credited the individual photographer.

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   docrehabposted 14 years ago

   Nice

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    ralwusposted 14 years ago

    Great tribute. My Marine is finally home from Afghanistan safe and sound and now married. Woot!

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       manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Such Great and Incredible News, Ralwus...A Super Big "WELL-DONE, MARINE!" Goes Out To Him (on both counts )

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    mqueeposted 13 years ago

    Exceptional story, it sems that true heroes are always reluctant to be in the limelight.

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