Sgt Gorsline joined the Marine Corps shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He trained at MCRD Parris Island, and Camp Lejeune, NC prior to his deployment to the South Pacific. He spent time training in Australia, which he fondly remembered and told us that he was just about to be married to a young Australian lass, but shipped out before that could happen. Then on to New Zealand to draw equipment and final preparation before the assault on Guadalcanal.

Leon related some of his experiences of the Guadalcanal invasion including descriptive commentary on personal encounters. When asked if he saw any hand to hand combat, Sgt Gorsline said “Well, there was a Jap in my foxhole with me one time. He didn’t make it home to Japan”. We exchanged sea stories of shipboard times and Leon’s eyes lit up. He said “the ship I was on got sunk, while we were in the boats going to the beach. A kamakazi crashed into it and it sank before our eyes.”

Following battle at Guadalcanal, Sgt Gorsline went to Peliliu. He stated that he “was only there for a couple of days, when they put me on my ass.” From there, he was returned to the States to recover and finish his Marine Corps enlistment. He continued his civilian life as a bartender and a full career at General Motors.

It was an honor for me to be with this Veteran of World War II and I will remember this day for a very long time. I presented Sgt Gorsline with a piece of artwork depicting the flag raising on Iwo Jima. He held it tightly the entire time we were there. To see his eyes and his smile when we spoke “Marine” to him completed the bond of the Marine Corps brotherhood.

It was Sgt Gorsline’s 92nd birthday and with tears forming, he told us it was his best birthday ever. I could not have asked for a better gift from him. Semper Fi Leon! You exemplify the Marine Corps ethos and spirit. God Bless you, sir.

Respectfully submitted,

David Wojta
Commandant
Cpl Stanley L. Moore Detachment, MCL

As the argument progressed, the Marine said, “We have Iwo Jima!”

The Sailor stated, “We have the Battle of Midway!”

The Marine corrected him and pointed out, “Not exactly, there were a lot of Marines who fought and lost their lives in that battle.” The Sailor conceded to the Marine that the Navy could not have won the battle without the help of the Marines.

Out of desperation, the sailor blurted out, “The Navy invented sex!”

With a big grin, the Marine retorted, “Maybe you did, but it was the Marines who introduced it to women!”

If you area Viet Nam Vet or know one, please share this link with them. It shows some closure that many search for.
GoodBye Viet Nam

Important Health Link

This young Army Staff Sergeant was shot 11 times in a firefight in Iraq, came home to spend two years rehabilitating at Walter Reed and addressed a group at Columbia, where he is a student, and was met with jeers, catcalls and total disrespect.

I suggest that employers who see resume’s from folks who graduate Columbia, sincerely check them out and understand the quality of people they may be hiring. I personally wouldn’t hire any of them based on this response to a veteran who placed it all on the line.

I have nothing against them disagreeing with policy or the military, but to do so in such a low class, third world manner, doesn’t speak well for the students, their parents or the professors that influence them.

This does not necessarily reflect the views of the Marine Corps League and are entirely my own.. Dave Wojta

“Lt. General.”

“U.S. Army.”

“Retired.”

“Served in Korea and Vietnam.”

“Married.”

“Two sons.”

“Both Doctors.”

He picks up his paper and continues to read.

About half an hour later, the second gentleman puts down his Washington Post and says, “Dillard Jones.

“Major General.”

“U.S. Air Force.”

“Retired.”

“Served in Vietnam and Gulf War I.”

“Married.”

“Two sons.”

“Both Lawyers.”

He then picks up his paper and continues to read.

Later on, the third man puts down his Dailey Racing Form and grunts, “Gus Miller.”

“Gunnery Sergeant.”

“U.S. Marines Corps”

“Discharged”

“Served in Korea and Vietnam and Gulf War I and Gulf War II.”

“NEVER married.”

“Two sons, ——– Both Generals!”

Members working the event were Mike and Julie Lynch, Ken and Judy Murray, Al Kanigowski, Terry Dowhan, Don Lumsden, Rob Nast and Keith Unternahrer. The Boy Scout Troop from the VFW also assisted with carrying packages, clean up and other duties. Thanks boys! Special thanks to Jr Vice Tim McGee for being Sgt Santa! Can’t say enough about that…

Chaplain Keith Unternahrer made breakfast for all and it was some good chow!
All things considered, the results were great as this was our first year independent of the Troy connection. Great job!

Submitted by,
Dave Wojta
Commandant