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Living up to the Marine maxim
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Photo by William D. Lewis
READ ALL ABOUT IT: Marine veteran Richard Mitchells Sr. shows a book about the helicopters on which he was an aircraft electrician.
GREENFORD — If anyone ever proved the saying “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” it is Korean War veteran Richard A. Mitchells Sr.
Mitchells, of Greenford, served in the Marine Corps from July 17, 1950, to July 16, 1954, including a year in Korea, from August 1951 to September 1952, during the Korean War. He was an aircraft electrician with Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 161 (HMR-161), which flew 15 Sikorsky-built helicopters, which he said were the first helicopters used primarily for combat missions.
Mitchells was stationed in two areas while in Korea, first Kangnung, then at an area called the Punch Bowl near Inchon.
“I was not [in Korea] during the Chosin Reservoir, but it was still no picnic. Winter was very cold and we were not well equipped for cold weather. But, we proved in Korea that helicopters could be used in combat situations,” Mitchells said.
Read the full story in Monday’s Vindicator and on vindy.com
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Comments
USMC Silver Star Winner's New Book Trailer.
Hello,
I learned more about the Marines from this book.
Below is a link to a Hollywood-style book trailer for "Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery," by Nick Popaditch with Mike Steere (Savas Beatie, October 1, 2008).
http://www.onceamarine.com/once-a-marine...
Make sure you watch to the very end for a "special" photo message from "Gunny Pop" Nick. I know you will appreciate seeing him.
Nick "Gunny Pop" Popaditch is a former marine Gunnery Sergeant, a Silver Star winner, a 15-year veteran of the USMC, and was widely known around the world as "The Cigar Marine:" (Google it.). His tanks captured Firdos "Saddam" square in April 2003 and pulled down the hated statue. Nick was severely wounded one year later with an RPG to the head, which was captured live by a media news crew. He had to fight his way through an incredible odyssey of turmoil, heartbreak, and bureaucracy to recover everything he had lost. His website is www.onceamarine.com.
If you know anyone in the media who you think would be interested in interviewing "Gunny Pop," don't hesitate to call or email them and let them know.
We appreciate your support of Nick and his family in any way you are able. The success of this book will open doors for this blind warrior, and hopefully provide revenue and success to someone who has sacrificed so much for his country.
Thank you.
Tammy Hall
Sacramento, California