The last of Merrill's Marauders

[Story]

MARIETTA, Ga. — One of the last surviving members of the famed World War II guerrilla force known as “Merrill’s Marauders,” 88-year-old Stanley M. Sasine of Vinings, was presented with the Bronze Star, a Combat Infantry Badge and a Ranger Tab on Monday, decades after he was authorized to receive it. U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, who presented the honors, said Sasine was authorized but never received the Bronze Star Medal.

The unit consisted of about 3,000 soldiers officially called 5307th Composite Unit, codenamed “Galahad.” Sasine said there are only 18 Merrill’s Marauders alive.

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/09/ap-wwii-vet-sasine-gets-bronze-star-092512/

 

[1930artdeco]

I don't know about the 18 left but I know one for sure just oved to LA to be with his children-he was a family friend. Bob got his Bronze Star several years ago, but he always tried to get a Purple Heart for the 'one' wound he received. He had to patch himself up and that is why the Army won't give him one as there is no record of him being seen by a medic or Doc. I also found after going to a few reunions that there is a difference in the 'original' Marauders and the Mars task force apparently. The Mars task guys are viewed as 'replacements', but I figure they all did the same tough job so I give them all the respect I can.

Mike

 

[Otter]

The Burma campeigns never seemed to get the attention that other theaters did. My Uncle was sent there in 1940 as a young Subaltern in the Royal Engineers, he never commented on it other than to say he spent till late 45 in the jungle maintaining bren carriers and jeeps. When he came back to the UK it took until 1989 before he would go abroad again.