FORWARDING AND ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

TO:

ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE

All annual dues expire on August 31st of each year. Our membership dues are $40.00 a year and are due prior to

George Phillips Detachment" and send to the Detachment address.

This newsletter and previous issues can be obtained from the new Detachment Website. http://www.pvtgeophillips.org/

Please contact the Editor to receive future issues electronically.

As a suggestion, anyone wishing to provide material should try to have it to the editor t is a no later than the fourth Friday of previous month. (This doesn’t mean don’t submit anything at all if you need more time, instead please contact the editor.) If sent via email, please note that newsletter submission should appear the subject line.

Next Meeting March 16 2021

March 2021 Volume XVII – Issue 3

Commandant: Trustee 3Yr: Ed Rau: Rick Shelton 636-978-3522 314-677-0087 Sr. Vice-Commandant Brad McNeil Trustee 2Yr: 636-225-2866 John Cooper 314-712-0738 Jr. Vice-Commandant John Cooper Trustee 1Yr: 314-712-0738 Elliot Glassman 314-434-4868 Adjutant/Paymaster: Dennis Simpson Jr. Past 636-230-5976 Commandant Lyle McFarlin Judge Advocate 314-630-5647 Public Information Officer: Hugh Smith Ways & Means: 636-536-7040 Elliot Glassman Email 314-434-4868 Benevolence: [email protected] Quartermaster: John (Jack) Bickerton Rick Shelton 314-304-4360 Detachment Webpage http://www.pvtgeophillips.org/ 314-677-0087 Sgt at Arms: [email protected] Gerald Gerling Eagle Scout Liaison: 636-271-3778 Vacant Mail:

Chaplain Pvt George Phillips Detachment Joe Gentile Marine Corps League Editor/Historian: 314-488-9440 P.O. Box #1 Carl E. Ramsey Web Sgt: Brad McNeil Ballwin, MO 63022 314-304-7915 636-225-2866 Meeting Location:

225 Old Sulphur Springs Road Ballwin, MO 63021-5356

Detachment Membership as of February 28

Meetings 3rd Tuesday of Every Month 84 1930 – 7:30 PM

Commandant’s Corner I invite you to contact me by phone, 636-978-3522 or email, [email protected], to share your ideas ATTENTION ON DECK as to how we can make your experience with the detachment more meaningful.

Ed Rau, Commandant Pvt. George Phillips Detachment 1214 Marine Corps League

Due to the on-going COVID restrictions, the Pvt. George Phillips Detachment conducted the election of officers for 2021 via email. Also, due

to COVID, all elected and appointed officers currently serving have agreed to remain in office

for 2021.

Elected Officer Positions for 2021: Commandant: Ed Rau

Senior Vice-Commandant: Brad McNeil Junior Vice-Commandant: John Cooper Judge Advocate: Hugh Smith Trustee (3 year): Jim Hubbard

Elections were held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, on an mail listing candidates for each

To members and associate members of our office and giving each member the opportunity Private George Phillips detachment, Marine to vote for 2021 Detachment Officers.

Corps League. I am grateful for the opportunity Appointed Positions to serve as your Commandant for this coming Paymaster/Adjutant: Dennis Simpson year. Sgt.-at-Arms: Jerry Gerling

Our regularly scheduled meeting on February Chaplain: Joe Gentile Web Sgt: Brad McNeil 16th could not be held due to bad weather Newsletter Editor: Carl Ramsey conditions. Elections were held by email and all of the existing officers have retained their Above information was provided by position with the exception of 1 trustee. A new 3-year trustee was chosen. Dennis Simpson Paymaster / Adjutant Our meeting for March is scheduled for March 16th at 1930 hours. Installation of officers is planned. I look forward to seeing all of you at that time. Masks will be required as well as social distancing.

Chaplain’s Corner by Joe Gentile

Lord we give thanks for our detachment members and their service. We ask that you continue to March 2021 bless those who serve. 9 – Staff Meeting – 1900 Post #208 1 1 – Pvt George Phillips arrives on Iwo Jima As is the case of Lori Hollingsworth. After divorce left with sole custody of two children, she gave up 1 4 – Anniversary of Pvt George Phillips her paralegal job to become a paramedic. After saving comrades on Iwo Jima in 1945 earning her degree, she began working for a by smothering a grenade private ambulance company. Though the pay and 1 6 – Membership Meeting – 1930 Post #208 long hours are challenging, she loves helping and 2 6 – Final Day 1, 1945. serving others.

April 2021 What drives a single mom with household 1 3 – Staff Meeting – 1900 Post #208 expenses to stay on the job when she could make 20 – Membership Meeting – 1930 Post #208 more money? Her heart and spirit to serve and make a difference. May 2021 1 1 – Staff Meeting – 1900 Post #208 Any time we have a chance, we should thank those 1 8 – Membership Meeting – 1930 Post #208 who serve. Lord, bless all of those on the front lines. Take care of them with thy Devine June 2021 Protection. 8 – Staff Meeting – 1900 Post #208

1 5 – Membership Meeting – 1930 Post #208

July 2021 13 – Staff Meeting – 1900 Post #208 1 4 – Pvt George Phillips Birthday, Bates County, MO 1926 20 – Membership Meeting – 1930 Post #208

March Birthday Scroll

Larry Decker, Norman Franklin, Michael Gollon, Carl Martin

Lawrence Schwartz

Jennifer Johnson, Donna Murdock

Donnas Eberley

Members Matters Obituary: William M. Biddle Jr. John Brauer passed away February 6, 2021

As submitted to Carl Ramsey

William “Bill” Biddle August 20, 2013

William was born on August 26, 1933 in Camden, New Jersey to William Matthew Biddle Sr. and St. Louis, MO | V-P, Dir. of Strategic Planning, Jennie May (Leibensperger) Biddle. He was the Board Member & Team Leader youngest of eight children. USMCR | Served: 1964–1970 | Rank: E-5 | MOS 0311 | Boot Camp: Parris Island William went to Beaumont High School in St. Louis, MO where he graduated, but left early to join the John served with 3/24 as a reservist. The Navy in September of 1951. This was the start of a Marine Corps taught him the importance of 28-year military career having service in the United focus and the value of Semper Fidelis. John has States Navy, Marine Corps and the had jobs in farming, aircraft maintenance, United States Army. He received training in insurance, construction and automotive service anesthesia and graduated in 1964. William had tours equipment manufacturing. In 1992, he started both in the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He ended his own company Green Gate Farms, a his 28 year military career in Ft. Benning Georgia wholesale green grower and green roof retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. William retired to vegetation supplier. John has been married to Martinsville, Indiana where he began a thirty year his wife Marie for over 42 years. They have 3 career in civilian life, practicing anesthesia as a children and 8 grandchildren. He loves building CRNA. things, finding solutions to problems, being outdoors and Marine humor. Survivors include his wife Yvonne N. (Buithi) Biddle, his children Jennifer Bauer (Kevin) of Wildwood, MO, William M. Biddle III of St. Louis, Note: The above is John Brauer’s BIO he MO, Allison Arias (Scott Wittler) of Fenton, MO, provided for the Focus Marines, and which he Kris Biddle (Tamerah) of Sallisaw, OK, Brian Biddle also provided for use in this newsletter. of Indianapolis, IN and Julie Huddleston (Dustin) of Franklin, IN, ten grandchildren and two great

grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers Charles Biddle, Everett Biddle, Irving Biddle, John Biddle, sisters Mary Sinopoli and Kaye Train Smith.

Bill Biddle and Wallace McCarvill, October 16, 2012

Collecting with Marie Kosewicz November 18, 2013

Bill Biddle October 16, 2012 Bill Biddle as a serious fund raiser with his motorized cart November 2, 2012

3/14/1945, Iwo Jima.

Private George Phillips fell on grenade, KIA.

Private George Phillips (July 14, 1926 – March 14, 1945) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the for sacrificing his own life to save the lives of fellow Marines on Iwo Jima by throwing himself over an activated hand grenade.

Initially buried in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Pvt Phillips' remains were reinterred in Bethel Cemetery, Labadie, Missouri, in 1948. Medal of Honor citation The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to PRIVATE GEORGE PHILLIPS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Second Battalion, Twenty-eight Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 14 March 1945. Standing the fox-hole watch while other members of his squad rested after a night of bitter hand grenade fighting against infiltrating Japanese troops, Private Phillips was the only member of his unit alerted when an enemy hand grenade was tossed into their midst. Instantly shouting a warning, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Private Phillips willingly yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Phillips_(USMC)

3/14/1945, Iwo Jima.

Private Franklin E. Sigler took command of squad when leader killed, single-handedly took out gun, rescued 3, led assault, finally ordered back due to wounds.

Private First Class Franklin Earl Sigler (November 6, 1924 — January 20, 1995) was an American Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Iwo Jima campaign — a one-man assault on a Japanese gun position which had been holding up the advance of his company for several days, and for annihilating the enemy gun crew with hand grenades. Although painfully wounded during his attack, he directed the fire of his squad and personally carried three of his buddies who were wounded to safety behind the lines.

Arlington National Cemetery

Medal of Honor citation "The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to PRIVATE FRANKLIN E. SIGLER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945. Voluntarily taking command of his rifle squad when the leader became a casualty, Private Sigler fearlessly led a bold charge against an enemy gun installation which had held up the advance of his company for several days and, reaching the position in advance of the others, assailed the emplacement with hand grenades and personally annihilated the entire crew. As additional Japanese troops opened fire from concealed tunnels and caves above, he quickly scaled the rocks leading to the attacking guns, surprised the enemy with a furious one- man assault and, although severely wounded in the encounter, deliberately crawled back to his squad position where he steadfastly refused evacuation, persistently directing heavy machine-gun and rocket barrages on the Japanese cave entrances. Undaunted by the merciless rain of hostile fire during the intensified action, he gallantly disregarded his own painful wounds to aid casualties, carrying three wounded squad members to safety behind the lines and returning to continue the battle with renewed determination until ordered to retire for medical treatment. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of extreme peril, Private Sigler, by his alert initiative, unfaltering leadership and daring tactics in a critical situation, effected the release of his besieged company from enemy fire and contributed essentially to its further advance against a savagely fighting enemy. His superb valor, resolute fortitude and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice throughout reflect the highest credit upon Private Sigler and the United States Naval Service."[ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_E._Sigler

3/15-16/1945, Iwo Jima, Pharmacist's Mate First Class Francis J. Pierce fought snipers while treating wounded.

Francis Junior Pierce (December 7, 1924–December 21, 1986) was a United States Navy hospital corpsman in World War II who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty while assigned to the Marine Corps during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Medal of Honor citation The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

PHARMACIST MATE FIRST CLASS FRANCIS J. PIERCE UNITED STATES NAVY for service as set forth in the following

CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, during the Iwo Jima campaign, 15 and 16 March 1945. Almost continuously under fire while carrying out the most dangerous volunteer assignments, Pierce gained valuable knowledge of the terrain and disposition of troops. Caught in heavy enemy rifle and machinegun fire which wounded a corpsman and 2 of the 8 stretcher bearers who were carrying 2 wounded marines to a forward aid station on 15 March, Pierce quickly took charge of the party, carried the newly wounded men to a sheltered position, and rendered first aid. After directing the evacuation of 3 of the casualties, he stood in the open to draw the enemy's fire and, with his weapon blasting, enabled the litter bearers to reach cover. Turning his attention to the other 2 casualties he was attempting to stop the profuse bleeding of 1 man when a Japanese fired from a cave less than 20 yards away and wounded his patient again. Risking his own life to save his patient, Pierce deliberately exposed himself to draw the attacker from the cave and destroyed him with the last of his ammunition Then lifting the wounded man to his back, he advanced unarmed through deadly rifle fire across 200 feet of open terrain. Despite exhaustion and in the face of warnings against such a suicidal mission, he again traversed the same fire-swept path to rescue the remaining marine. On the following morning, he led a combat patrol to the sniper nest and, while aiding a stricken Marine, was seriously wounded. Refusing aid for himself, he directed treatment for the casualty, at the same time maintaining protective fire for his comrades. Completely fearless, completely devoted to the care of his patients, Pierce inspired the entire battalion. His valor in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Junior_Pierce