thedrifter
08-06-09, 07:33 AM
Veteran of 3 wars to be speaker at Marine Corps group reunion
By William K. Alcorn (Contact)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Mervosh served in combat during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
By William K. Alcorn
YOUNGSTOWN — Sgt. Maj. “Iron Mike” Mervosh, one of the Marine Corps’ most highly decorated enlisted men and combat veteran of three wars, is the main speaker for the Marine Corps League Tri-State Detachment’s 30th annual reunion.
The reunion is from 6 p.m. to midnight Aug. 15 at ITAM Post 3, 115 S. Meridian Road. The cost is $22 per person, and the reservation deadline is Saturday. Call Dick Mitchells at (330) 533-3433 or Frank Griffiths at (330) 533-2314.
Mervosh, originally of Pittsburgh, joined the Marines in September 1942, eventually serving in combat at every enlisted rank, from private to sergeant major, in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Also on hand to sign books will be military writer Larry Smith, who is the author of “Iwo Jima — World War II Veterans Remember the Greatest Battle of the Pacific,” “Beyond Glory — Medal of Honor Heroes in Their Own Words,” “From the Sands of Iwo Jima to the Deserts of Iraq,” and “The Few and the Proud — Marine Corps Drill Instructors in Their Own Words.”
It will be an opportunity for anyone who has one of Smith’s books to get it signed by the author, Mervosh, Glenn Buzzard of Hubbard and Dominic Tutalo of New Jersey, the last three of whom have their stories included in Smith’s “Iwo Jima” book, said Mitchells, former Tri-State Detachment commandant.
During WWII, Mervosh was part of the 4th Marine Division and participated in the battles of Roi-Namur, Marshall Island, Saipanj, Tinian and Iwo Jima. During that time, he also won the division middleweight boxing championship. Besides two Purple Hearts, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his actions on Iwo Jima while serving as a machine gun section leader, rifle platoon and company commander.
While in Korea with the 1st Marine Division, he was awarded the Bronze Star and his second Navy Commendation while serving with the “G” Co., 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.
After two tours in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division, he was awarded a third Navy Commendation Medal and Purple Heart.
The Tri-State Detachment, celebrating its 30th annual reunion, met informally at the beginning and received its Marine Corps League charter in 1982. Bill Simon was first commandant of the Tri-State Marines.
Frank Sokol is commandant of the organization, which has about 35 active members.
Among the detachment’s activities are a color guard and rifle team that perform in parades and at Marine and other military funeral ceremonies. Its members also participate in the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Christmas toy campaign.
Mitchells and Harry Dampf, both of Canfield, talked about the Marine Corps League and why they are involved.
There is tremendous camaraderie, Mitchells said.
“We try to keep the memory of those who have passed away alive. Marines look out for Marines,” said Dampf, also a former Tri-State commandant.
Ellie
By William K. Alcorn (Contact)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Mervosh served in combat during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
By William K. Alcorn
YOUNGSTOWN — Sgt. Maj. “Iron Mike” Mervosh, one of the Marine Corps’ most highly decorated enlisted men and combat veteran of three wars, is the main speaker for the Marine Corps League Tri-State Detachment’s 30th annual reunion.
The reunion is from 6 p.m. to midnight Aug. 15 at ITAM Post 3, 115 S. Meridian Road. The cost is $22 per person, and the reservation deadline is Saturday. Call Dick Mitchells at (330) 533-3433 or Frank Griffiths at (330) 533-2314.
Mervosh, originally of Pittsburgh, joined the Marines in September 1942, eventually serving in combat at every enlisted rank, from private to sergeant major, in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Also on hand to sign books will be military writer Larry Smith, who is the author of “Iwo Jima — World War II Veterans Remember the Greatest Battle of the Pacific,” “Beyond Glory — Medal of Honor Heroes in Their Own Words,” “From the Sands of Iwo Jima to the Deserts of Iraq,” and “The Few and the Proud — Marine Corps Drill Instructors in Their Own Words.”
It will be an opportunity for anyone who has one of Smith’s books to get it signed by the author, Mervosh, Glenn Buzzard of Hubbard and Dominic Tutalo of New Jersey, the last three of whom have their stories included in Smith’s “Iwo Jima” book, said Mitchells, former Tri-State Detachment commandant.
During WWII, Mervosh was part of the 4th Marine Division and participated in the battles of Roi-Namur, Marshall Island, Saipanj, Tinian and Iwo Jima. During that time, he also won the division middleweight boxing championship. Besides two Purple Hearts, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his actions on Iwo Jima while serving as a machine gun section leader, rifle platoon and company commander.
While in Korea with the 1st Marine Division, he was awarded the Bronze Star and his second Navy Commendation while serving with the “G” Co., 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.
After two tours in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division, he was awarded a third Navy Commendation Medal and Purple Heart.
The Tri-State Detachment, celebrating its 30th annual reunion, met informally at the beginning and received its Marine Corps League charter in 1982. Bill Simon was first commandant of the Tri-State Marines.
Frank Sokol is commandant of the organization, which has about 35 active members.
Among the detachment’s activities are a color guard and rifle team that perform in parades and at Marine and other military funeral ceremonies. Its members also participate in the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Christmas toy campaign.
Mitchells and Harry Dampf, both of Canfield, talked about the Marine Corps League and why they are involved.
There is tremendous camaraderie, Mitchells said.
“We try to keep the memory of those who have passed away alive. Marines look out for Marines,” said Dampf, also a former Tri-State commandant.
Ellie