U.S. Marines
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Freiritter
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U.S. Marines
Were there any U.S. Marine units in the ETO?
Re: U.S. Marines
Yep, my uncle, in Northern Ireland.Freiritter wrote:Were there any U.S. Marine units in the ETO?
Seriously, yes there were a few small Marine detachments like his that served at the various US Navy establishments in the UK, but none of them were FMF combat units.
Sterling Hayden, noted Hollywood actor, served with the USMC in the ETO. He wrote a book about his experiences which included his service with Patton's Third Army. He noted that he had to change from his USMC uniforms since the mottled color resembled that of German snipers.
He also also served in the MTO, rescuing downed USAAF crews from the Balkans. The Marines ran a "ferry" service across the Adriatic between Italy and Yugoslavia. They landed on the beaches, met with Tito's men who had recovered the fliers, and then brought them back to Allied lines. They had to evade German Army and Naval patrols while doing so.
Even before the war, US Marines trained with British Commandos. In March 1941 a USMC platoon trained in Scotland. The British admired Marine marksmanship.
He also also served in the MTO, rescuing downed USAAF crews from the Balkans. The Marines ran a "ferry" service across the Adriatic between Italy and Yugoslavia. They landed on the beaches, met with Tito's men who had recovered the fliers, and then brought them back to Allied lines. They had to evade German Army and Naval patrols while doing so.
Even before the war, US Marines trained with British Commandos. In March 1941 a USMC platoon trained in Scotland. The British admired Marine marksmanship.
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101stDoc
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Heh...just brought this up in another thread!
Yeah, the Corps served on a number of levels in the ETO, but of course in numbers and actions nothing close to the army etc. The PTO is where the Corps really came into it's own so to speak, tho they have an amazing history prior to WW2.
There were Marines involved in combat in North Africa, and I think Sicily.
Of course, Marines served on Naval vessels in their usual roles. A few were KIA in the Normandy liberation when the ships they were on were sunk.
Doc
Yeah, the Corps served on a number of levels in the ETO, but of course in numbers and actions nothing close to the army etc. The PTO is where the Corps really came into it's own so to speak, tho they have an amazing history prior to WW2.
There were Marines involved in combat in North Africa, and I think Sicily.
Of course, Marines served on Naval vessels in their usual roles. A few were KIA in the Normandy liberation when the ships they were on were sunk.
Doc