Quote:
Originally Posted by 03USMC
I got a PM. Arguing that the ref. To the Spainish ventures in the New World were different. However I'm not going turn this into a cultural flame war. Suffice to say my ancestors saw it from a different perspective.
In regards to the Para-Marines. Try looking under Parachute Bn. The Marine Corps had I believe 4 Parachute Bn's from roughly 41-44. They never deployed in an Airborne role but as amphibious troops due to lack of heavy lift aircraft and suitable DZ's. They were used extensively in the Solomon Islands. GuadalCanal, Gavutu, Cape Gloucester, New Britian and Bouginville.
They were trained at the USMC/USN Parachute School NAS Lakehurst NJ as opposed to Ft Benning Ga. There were also plans for a Marine Air Infantry formation AKA Glider Troops that never happened.
The Parachute Bn's and the Raider Bn's were stood down in early 1944 Late 43 and desprised throughout the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions as cadre when these divisions stood up. Quite a few of the communicaters from the Parachute Bn's were assigned to the Joint Assault Signals Companies (JASOC) the same type units in the Movie "Windtalkers" and the forerunners of todays ANGLICO.
Marine Parachutists on Iwo were many due to their assignments to 4th and 5th MARDIV's. They include Sgt. Mike Strank,PFC Harlon Block , PFC Ira Hayes among the flag raisers. Cpl. Tony Stein lead an Assault Squad and was awarded a posthoumus Medal of Honor for his actions on Iwo was also a former member of the Para Bn's.
Edit to add: 1st Para Bn. moved to Guadalcanal after Gavutau. They were generally paired with 1st (Edsons) Raiders and fought on Edsons Ridge and Bloody Ridge.
|
Thanks for that Sir. I had a feeling about those Parachute Battalions.
It may be difficult but would WW2 Veterans organisations have information on decorated individual Marines like 2nd Lt Robert L. Manning?
Where can you go to get info like this