Iwo thru Rio Most memorable Marine

[James F. Owings]

I will never wind up in any history books unless the Space Shuttle lands on my head. I have however bumped into (literally in the case of Cdr. Bucher of the Pueblo) a number of people who did earn places in the history books.

My father was the first liaison officer to the Ethiopian battalion. My first Series Commander in boot camp later commanded the Marine Detachment in Saigon in the final days.

But the most memorable incident took place in early November of 1976 on a flight from New York to Rio to Johannesburg South Africa (and on to points north...)

We were supposed to be on a 747, but instead were crammed into a 707. At Rio more than 1/3rd of the passengers debarked.

I found myself sharing 3 seats with an elderly gentleman. His (somehwhat younger and very pretty) wife was a row or so back with three seats to herself engaged in some sort of project.

After we were "feet wet" over the South Atlantic the gentleman looked at me and said, "I see that you have a Marine Corps pin on the lapel of your suit..."

I was about to reply when I saw the small round button on the lapel of *his* suit. It had white stars on a field of sky blue. I had never seen one of those before, but I could sure guess...

I said, "Excuse me sir, but that represents the Medal of Honor?" He said yes...

He stuck out his hand and introduced himself... "Justice Chambers..." Now I have read Marine Corps history since I was 10 and knew exactly who he was... Navy Cross on Guadalcanal and while commanding a battalion on Iwo managed to wind up with the Medal of Honor.

I said, "Not Jumpin Joe Chambers!?!"

I was 27 and looked 19. He must have been amazed that I ever heard of him. His face almost exploded into a smile.

He told me that he was the representative in the U.S. of the Lesotho Sugar Board and was flying there one last time to break in his replacement.

Except for a nap, he spent the whole flight telling me stories of the old days (he never had a more appreciative audience...) He spoke of his friends and the men that he commanded and loved. He told me (with great relish) about his XO on Iwo... and the suicidal bravery that worthy displayed... justified only because nothing else would do. All those years later it was funny... At the time ...

Colonel Chambers was a gentleman in the best sense of the word. While a fierce warrior, he was a kind man and had a wonderful sense of humor. I could see why his men followed him into the cannon's mouth.

Before we parted I had him autograph the back of my Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps.

Over the years I have had more than my share of luck. Flying over the middle of nowhere with Colonel Chambers certainly qualifies as one of those times...

---Jim---

[yellowwing]

That must have been one heck of a conversation. One of those days you will alway rememebr and cherish!


CITATION:

Rank and organization: Colonel. U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 3rd Assault Battalion Landing Team. 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division.

Place and date: On Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. from 19 to 22 February 1945. Entered service at: Washington, D.C. Born: 2 February 1908, Huntington, W. Va.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the 3d Assault Battalion Landing Team, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 22 February 1945.

Under a furious barrage of enemy machinegun and small-arms fire from the commanding cliffs on the right, Col. Chambers (then Lt. Col.) landed immediately after the initial assault waves of his battalion on D-day to find the momentum of the assault threatened by heavy casualties from withering Japanese artillery, mortar rocket, machinegun, and rifle fire.

Exposed to relentless hostile fire, he coolly reorganized his battle-weary men, inspiring them to heroic efforts by his own valor and leading them in an attack on the critical, impregnable high ground from which the enemy was pouring an increasing volume of fire directly onto troops ashore as well as amphibious craft in succeeding waves.

Constantly in the front lines encouraging his men to push forward against the enemy's savage resistance, Col. Chambers led the 8-hour battle to carry the flanking ridge top and reduce the enemy's fields of aimed fire, thus protecting the vital foothold gained.

In constant defiance of hostile fire while reconnoitering the entire regimental combat team zone of action, he maintained contact with adjacent units and forwarded vital information to the regimental commander.

His zealous fighting spirit undiminished despite terrific casualties and the loss of most of his key officers, he again reorganized his troops for renewed attack against the enemy's main line of resistance and was directing the fire of the rocket platoon when he fell, critically wounded.

Evacuated under heavy Japanese fire, Col. Chambers, by forceful leadership, courage, and fortitude in the face of staggering odds, was directly instrumental in insuring the success of subsequent operations of the 5th Amphibious Corps on Iwo Jima, thereby sustaining and enhancing the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

It always inspires me to hear these stories of Marines just doing their jobs under difficult circumstances. In the days before chobram armor, kevlar, smart bombs, an such.

It was the pure grit and determination to never quit that won the day! THE GREATEST GENERATION, INDEED! :marine: