United States Postal Service Thursday, December 1, 2005 Saint Francis Herald 9A recognizes four Marines By Casey McCormick The United States Marine Corps is a group where “a few good men” make a difference. The United States Postal Service is recognizing four of the most remarkable Ma- rines in a new stamp collection. Bird City Postmaster Sonja Weeden presented a framed replica of the Distinguished Marines stamps to the Bird City American Legion commander Charles Coleman. “The Distinguished Marines commemorative postage stamps salute four heroic Marines who served with bravery, distinction and honor during the 20th Century,” said Mrs. Weeden. These legendary Marines include Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly, Distinguished Marine’s stamps Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune and Lieutenant General the hands of a strong, but small, membered as a wartime com- Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller. force of Marines. The embassy was mander after being the first Marine Each soldier has an amazing under attack and the fortification General to command an Army di- story behind his stamp. had been breached. vision in combat during World War The John Basilone stamp features A Marine captain asked for a I. a detail of a 1943 photograph of volunteer to take up point and pro- He is also credited with saving Basilone and the insignia of the 5th vide cover fire while repairs were the Marine Corps from budget cuts Marine Division. The recipient of made. Daly stepped forward and and consolidations following the nation’s highest military award, said, “I’m your man.” Daly held his World War I and establishing Ma- Basilone was recognized during position alone, throughout the rine Corps institutions and tradi- World War II for holding 3,000 night. This act earned him his first tions. The Marine base located near Japanese soldiers at bay for 72 Congressional Medal of Honor. Jacksonville, NC bears his name. hours during the Battle of In 1915 Daly received his second The Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller Guadalcanal with only 15 men, 12 when Marines were deployed to stamp features a photograph of of whom died. Haiti to protect American lives in Puller at Koto-ri, Korea, in 1950, HAPPY HOLIDAYS — The Dan Steerman home is all decked out as residents around town Following this act of heroism, the wake of an anti-government and the insignia of the 1st Marine are busy putting lights up and decorating as the Dec. 11 deadline for the lighting contest Basilone was sent back to the states uprising. Division. draws near. Two prizes of $50 in scrip will be given to the winners. to promote war bonds. Shortly He was part of a night reconnais- Nicknamed for his barrel chest, Herald staff photo by Karen Krien thereafter, he requested a return to sance mission with 35 enlisted Ma- Puller (1898-1971), born West his unit to, “be with my boys.” rines and three officers when 400 Point, VA, was one of the most fa- Basilone again distinguished Haitian bandits fired on them from mous Marine commanders in Corps himself by single-handedly de- three side. The detachment found a history. He was a battalion com- stroying an enemy blockhouse and better position and fought them off mander and regimental commander Beecher Island News helped guide a friendly tank out of throughout the night. At daybreak, with the 1st Marine Division during the three squads of Marines ad- By a minefield during the invasion of World War II and the Korean War. Jeri Rose hosted the Beecher Is- Vickie and Bill Benson in Ster- vanced and surprised the enemy, Bessie Iwo Jima. True to himself and the Corps, land Helping Hand Club Thanks- ling. scattering them in all directions. Dent During the fighting on Iwo Jima, Puller never was one to mince giving meeting with a large crowed Travis Allen and a friend from Probably the most familiar name Basilone was killed during a shell- words. present. The next meeting will be Colorado Springs came Thursday on the stamps, John A. Lejeune’s ing attack on Feb. 19, 1945. He was During the Korean War, when with Marla Rock Dec. 14. to do some pheasant hunting at the spend Thanksgiving with Mr. and stamp features a detail from a circa 28. Basilone was posthumously surrounded by more than 100,000 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Simmons, Harvey Allens. Joining them for Mrs. Pete Osmus. 1924 photograph of Lejeune. The awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Chinese soldiers at the Chosin Res- Tonya Gallegos and Quentin supper were Perry Allen and Mr. Judy Shively celebrated her Nov. stamp depicts the insignia of the Heart. ervoir, Puller is believed to have Simmons were among those help- and Mrs. Jeff Hurlburt and family. 18 birthday when she and Rowe and Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly’s said, “They’re on our right, they’re ing Madisen Perila celebrate her Riley Brown had supper with Mr. Beulah Soehner went to Sainty for which Lejeune commanded during stamp features a detail from a pho- on our left, they’re in front of us, third birthday Saturday with a and Mrs. paul Dent Tuesday. dinner Thursday evening. She had World War I. tograph of Daly taken around 1919 they’re behind us; they can’t get Cinderella party at the home of her Andy Bowman came Saturday to lunch with Doris Whomble. Born in Pointe Coupee, LA, and the insignia of the 73rd Ma- away from us this time.” parents, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Perila. Lejeune (1867-1942) is best re- chine Gun Company, which is a Robert and MerryLu spent the variation on the Army’s 2nd Infan- weekend with them. Outdoors with Chuck try Division insignia. Daly served Significant dates in postal history Don Dye of Imperial visited Vio- in both these groups during World 1775 - Benjamin Franklin ap- 1874 - General Postal Union let Brown Wednesday. Dietary Indiscretion War I. pointed first Postmaster General by (now Universal Postal Union) es- Mr. and Mrs. Richard Matzke I learned a new phrase today! bunch of stuff to fix her up. Acclaimed by Maj. Gen John A. the Continental Congress tablished were Friday night and Saturday “Dietary Indiscretion.” When Mark asked what had Lejeune as “the outstanding Marine 1847 - U. S. postage stamps is- 1893 - First commemorative visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Rex One of our guests, a gentleman caused the problem, the vet said of all time,” Daly received the sued stamps issued Shaver. sportsman from Santa Fe, has a “A dietary indiscretion.” I think Medal of Honor twice for separate 1855 - Prepayment of postage 1896 - Rural free delivery begins Boni Osmus met Sheilia Bow- wonderful Lab named “Mocha.” that might come in handy at acts of heroism. required 1963 - ZIP Code inaugurated man in Fort Morgan Thursday to After a day with us she developed Thanksgiving and Christmas, In 1900, during the Boxer Rebel- 1860 - Pony Express began 1974 - Self-adhesive stamps in- bring Addi and Cody Bowman an ailment which caused her a when we have to explain the lion, the defense of the American 1863 - Free city delivery began troduced home with her until Saturday. great deal of discomfort, we took growth in our waist sizes — “Di- Embassy in Peking, China was in 1873 - U.S. Postal cards issued 1983 - ZIP+4® Code began Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mansfield her to the vet in Benkleman, and etary Indiscretion!” I like it! plan to spend Thanksgiving with he did his thing, prescribed a From “Hunters,” Chuck Kribs St. Francis Music Club BUSINESS CARD presents DIRECTORY “Yuletide To list your business drop us a card! 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