News
Every Day Is A Good Day To Say Thanks To A Military Veteran
November 13, 2015
The wording on the award begins: “The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Glen E. Marvin, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company C, Third Tank Battalion, in action on Guam on 26 July 1944.
"Under hostile fire, and a stalled tank in imminent danger of taking a direct hit, Sgt Marvin directed another tank to the location, and while subjecting himself to enemy fire, attached a tow cable and the tank was safely removed. After sustaining a hit, he continued to press the attack, and was hit again by machine gun fire. Seriously wounded, he walked unaided to the aid station. His technical skill, forceful initiative, and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
My dad served in the Navy at the same time, and I recall him telling us this story about Sgt. Glen E. Marvin (my Uncle Goog), but until years later, the magnitude of the story. and how it relates to “Saying thanks to a veteran,” never really hit me.
You see, my Uncle Goog came back from the war, worked at several jobs, and eventually ended up in Kentland, where he joined many of his war-time buddies, and raised a family of four.
His war wounds, while never discussed, eventually caught up with him, and he died when he was in his late 30’s, and his oldest son was 10. He gave his life for his country, and left his young wife and a family of four children.
We all know someone who is serving, or has served in the military, so when you see them, just say “Thank you for your service, it means a lot to all of us.”
Dave Ryan is the executive director of the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. The opinions expressed are his own. He can be reached at dryan@lakeshorechamber.com or (219) 931-1000.
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