MSgt Myron A. Truesdell

[Night Jump]

It saddens me to report that Myron A. Truesdell passed away on October 5th, 2009. He was our battalion communications chief (1st Shore Party Battalion, 1st MarDiv) in Chu Lai, South Viet Nam, and he earned our loyalty from the days in Camp Del Mar, Camp Pendleton, through our voyages with BLT-2/5 to Okinawa and Viet Nam aboard the USS Talladega (APA-208) and the USS Merrick (AKA-96). He was promoted from Staff Sergeant to Gunnery Sergeant in 1966, and was responsible for keeping us well trained, properly equipped, utilized and deployed. We were cohesive, mutually supportive, and well motivated as a result of his leadership and efforts. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with combat "V" in 1966.
Myron retired in 1974, but was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1976. He approached MS with the same optimism, positive energy and resolution with which he encountered every obstacle and enemy, and he amazed his physicians. He pushed himself to exercise despite the discomfort, and the progress of the disease was slow but inexorable.
Myron was hospitalized in September 2009, due to a loss of coordination and muscular control with subsequent collapse. He was transported to a hospital not far from his home in Chula Vista, CA. Alert and well-oriented, he discussed options with his physician and family.
As soon as his "boys" became aware of his situation, messages and letters were sent, and three of his Marines arrived at the hospital from the Midwest and Northwest. We shared humor and stories of the old days, and Myron's sense of humor remained quick, his attitude remained positive. His family members were impressed that men he'd know more than 40 years before would remain close and loyal, but he deserved that and more. He was one of our heroes.
A veteran of Korea and Viet Nam, he was interred with military honors at Glen Abbey cemetery. He was a Marine to the end, and now passes in review before Almighty God. His passing leaves a void in a close family, and his boys will never forget him. He taught us how to be better Marines and better human beings, and our lives are better for having known him.

[buggoffextco]

RIP Marine

[dROD20]

RIP MSgt

[SGT7477]

RIP Marine.

[rb1651]

RIP Marine.

[Rocky C]

RIP Marine.

Semper Fi,
Rocky

[FistFu68]

Rest In Peace Marine It Will Be A Grand Reunion Someday S/F