United States Marine Raiders of World War II
In the desperate times of late 1941 and most of 1942, America was
in deep military trouble. The war in the Pacific was going badly.
President
Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
had been in constant communication, mostly about how badly the
war in Europe was going. One bright spot for the British PM was the brave
and tenacious acts of daring against the enemy by his British Commandos.
Roosevelt greatly admired and was fascinated by the deeds of these
extremely tough and resourceful special fighting units.
In February
of 1942, the Commandant of the Marine Corps formally established
the First Raider Battalion at Quantico, Virginia under the command of
Lt. Col. Merritt Edson.
A scant two weeks later the Second Raider
Battalion was formed at San Diego, California under the command of
Major Evans F. Carlson.
Volunteers
filled out the complement of both battalions. The training
was specialized and demanding with emphasis on stealth landings from rubber
boats by night. The First Battalion progressed along traditional Marine
Corps infantry organizational lines while the Second Battalion
focused on innovations such as the fire-team concept.
The First
Battalion shipped out to American Samoa for further training
while the Second Battalion transited to Hawaii. Both battalions would
become involved with the enemy by August of 1942; the First Battalion
would assault Tulagi in the Solomon Islands while the Second Battalion would
have participated in the defence of Midway Island and conducted
a raid from submarines against Makin Island in the Gilbert Group.
Meanwhile
the Third Raider Battalion was formed in Samoa under the
command of Lt. Col. Harry Liversedge
and the Fourth Raider Battalion was formed at Camp Pendleton, California under
command of Lt. Col. James Roosevelt.
The four
Raider battalions would spend their entire fighting existence,
except for Midway Makin Island, in the Solomon Islands.
During their two years of existence, the 8,600 Marine Raiders and
Navy Corpsmen earned 7 Medals of Honor, 136 Navy Crosses, 21 Distinguished
Service Crosses, 330 Silver Stars, 18 Legions of Merit, 6 Navy & Marine
Corps medals; 3 Soldier Medals, 169 Bronze Stars and 32 Letters of Commendation.
These
men have joined together to ensure their heritage:
A scholarship fund in honor of Sir Jacob Vouza, a Solomon Island native hero;
and funds to maintain Raider Rooms in several museums.
No military
unit in the history of the United States brought more
honor and glory to themselves, more pride to their countrymen and more
grief to their enemies as the four United States Marine Raider Battalions of
World War II. And, in such a short period of time. It is imperative that
their heritage and exploits live long past the remaining Raider survivors.
It is
to these men, living and dead, that the United States Marine Raider
Association and their friends are dedicated to preserving the history,
exploits and honor of all of "those who served" as members of the
United States Marine Raiders.
Like
most honorable endeavors, to perpetuate a lasting memorial
takes money. The USMRA, in addition to maintaining existing projects, has
some exciting plans for the future. This is why we have given you this brochure.
We need your support. You can become a most important part of
U. S. Marine Raider heritage as a sponsor. No matter how large or how
small your donation, it will help ensure the future of Raider Heritage.
To say
that the USMRA, their honorary and associate members, families
and friends will be extremely grateful would be a gross understatement.
Thank
you in advance for any considerations you offer. A donor
form can be found below and may be printed. Complete the form,
include your check and mail it to the address on the form. Your name will be
listed on our Honored Donor Roll and appear in our official magazine.
Yes, Count Me In As A Raider Heritage Sponsor!
Help
preserve our Marine Raider Heritage for future generations!
Your contribution, no matter how small, will help ensure
that the charitable functions, education and historical programs
and other beneficial activities of the
Marine Raiders of World Warllare continued.
THANK YOU
&
GUNGHO!
United States Marine Raider Association
and its members, associates and friends.
Visit our website: http://www.usmarineraiders.org
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PLEASE ADD MY NAME TO THE LIST OF HONORED MARINE RAIDER SPONSORS
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YOUR
RAIDER CONNECTION
Please describe your connection with the Marine Raiders of World War II:
ORaider OHonorary OAssociate OFamily OFriend OAdmirer OOther
Amount Enclosed: $______________
Please
make check or money order payable to USMRA and mail to:
United States Marine Raider Association
Attention: John Dornan
704 Cooper Court
Arlington, TX 76011-5550
A national non-profit organization, 501 (c) (4)