MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.-Members of the Edson's Raiders pose with Lt. Gen. Flynn, the commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, at the banquest held for the 61st annual reunion April 18. Thirteen of the final 22 Edson's Raiders made it to the reunion., Pfc. Jahn R. Kuiper, 4/18/2009 9:06 PM
4/22/2009 By Pfc. Jahn R. Kuiper, Marine Corps Base Quantico MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO —
The Edson’s Raiders are the heroes from which legends are made and they met for possibly their final reunion April 16 at Quantico where their battalion was based during World War II.
“We were part of the first land assault of World War II at Tulagi where we killed all the Japanese in three days,” said James “Horse” Smith, an Edson’s Raider radioman and current director of the Edson’s Raiders’ Association. “We fought and won many battles at Guadalcanal including the Battle of Edson’s Ridge, where about 800 of us defeated a Japanese brigade.
“If the Japanese took that ridge, the war could have lasted another two years,” continued Smith. “We would have had to make another brigade and by the time we would have come back the Japanese would have made an airstrip on that island. By then it would have been nearly impossible to overtake.”
Four medals of honor and seven general grade officers came from the Edson’s Raiders battalion that is credited with being the United States’ first Special Operational Force to see combat in World War II.
Constantly being outnumbered, overcoming malaria, and wearing the same set of clothes for months at a time were just some obstacles the Raiders had to face, said Charles W. Riley, an Edson’s Raiders message runner.
These hardships bonded these Marines together and why they gather here now.
“These reunions are important for us to get together and tell old sea stories,” said Smith. “We memorialize all those killed in war and who died in the past year. We enjoy hearing the guest speakers at the banquets who tell us what is happening now in the Marine Corps. This is very important to us because we are still Marines. We were then, and we are now. Maybe now we are just inactive Marines.”
Even though these Marines no longer are fighting at the front line, their warrior spirit has left a legacy that has been honored annually for the past 61 years. Six decades ago, Lt. Col. “Red Mike” Edison always made sure his Raiders were setting the standard which lead to their success in battle.
“We established a standard on how to prepare, how to fight and how to persevere,” said Smith, who was twice awarded the Silver Star. “We made the Corps respected by everyone.”
“We were successful because Edison set such high standards,” said Smith. We felt embarrassed if we didn’t meet it. We had lots of respect on all levels. We had outstanding leadership, which all started with Edison. He insisted on rigorous training. Every morning we went on a long run, we would do long forced marches and did lots of special training like Judo.”
For all of their success some of the Raiders feel they are undeserving of individual accolades.
“I was proud to be in such a great outfit but I’m a nobody,” said Riley. “People thanking me for the history…I was just part of that history.”
These reunions are not only for the Raiders but also for their family members so they can learn of the heroic acts of their husbands or fathers.
“My dad is a hero,” said Teresa E. Lawrence, the 47-year-old daughter of Riley. “He never talked about it growing up. He was just an accountant to me. I never thought of him as a Marine. I never knew about what he did until I came to these reunions. It’s unbelievable to see the history he created. I can’t explain it - it’s huge.”
There are 23 Edson’s Raiders left and their numbers are dwindling as they grow older. At the memorial service which honored those Raiders who died, Smith read the names and the bell tolled 22 times to salute those who had succumbed to old age this past year and then taps was played at the end. Smith especially struggled reading the name of “Bowl” Sterling who was his close friend, and, along with Smith, was the final survivor of his platoon. Now Smith is the last. The Raider’s are now beginning their final charge to keep their legend alive.
“I started the Edson’s Raiders Association to get all the guys together after the war and generate funds and support the children of the deceased Raiders — first those who died in combat and now due to old age,” said Smith. “We donated to the Heritage Foundation which built the National Museum of the Marine Corps. We help perpetuate the history of Edson’s Raiders by going to schools and inviting family members and Marines to the reunions.”
“But, really we are just going to die off,” he said matter-of-factly. “Some associations have their kids take over but we don’t want that. They didn’t fight in the war and we are thankful for that. We have enough memorials and honors.”
At this final banquet Lt. Gen. George J. Flynn, commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, spoke of the Raider’s legacy.
“You come back to see if we are still upholding the traditions you fought for,” concluded Flynn. “If you ever wondered if you made a difference — you are the greatest generation. You inspire this generation. We have to live up to your standard. We wonder if we are worthy of your respect and if we are as good as you are. Thank you all.”
The Edson’s Raiders are the heroes from which legends are made and they met for possibly their final reunion April 16 at Quantico where their battalion was based during World War II.
“We were part of the first land assault of World War II at Tulagi where we killed all the Japanese in three days,” said James “Horse” Smith, an Edson’s Raider radioman and current director of the Edson’s Raiders’ Association. “We fought and won many battles at Guadalcanal including the Battle of Edson’s Ridge, where about 800 of us defeated a Japanese brigade.
“If the Japanese took that ridge, the war could have lasted another two years,” continued Smith. “We would have had to make another brigade and by the time we would have come back the Japanese would have made an airstrip on that island. By then it would have been nearly impossible to overtake.”
Four medals of honor and seven general grade officers came from the Edson’s Raiders battalion that is credited with being the United States’ first Special Operational Force to see combat in World War II.
Constantly being outnumbered, overcoming malaria, and wearing the same set of clothes for months at a time were just some obstacles the Raiders had to face, said Charles W. Riley, an Edson’s Raiders message runner.
These hardships bonded these Marines together and why they gather here now.
“These reunions are important for us to get together and tell old sea stories,” said Smith. “We memorialize all those killed in war and who died in the past year. We enjoy hearing the guest speakers at the banquets who tell us what is happening now in the Marine Corps. This is very important to us because we are still Marines. We were then, and we are now. Maybe now we are just inactive Marines.”
Even though these Marines no longer are fighting at the front line, their warrior spirit has left a legacy that has been honored annually for the past 61 years. Six decades ago, Lt. Col. “Red Mike” Edison always made sure his Raiders were setting the standard which lead to their success in battle.
“We established a standard on how to prepare, how to fight and how to persevere,” said Smith, who was twice awarded the Silver Star. “We made the Corps respected by everyone.”
“We were successful because Edison set such high standards,” said Smith. We felt embarrassed if we didn’t meet it. We had lots of respect on all levels. We had outstanding leadership, which all started with Edison. He insisted on rigorous training. Every morning we went on a long run, we would do long forced marches and did lots of special training like Judo.”
For all of their success some of the Raiders feel they are undeserving of individual accolades.
“I was proud to be in such a great outfit but I’m a nobody,” said Riley. “People thanking me for the history…I was just part of that history.”
These reunions are not only for the Raiders but also for their family members so they can learn of the heroic acts of their husbands or fathers.
“My dad is a hero,” said Teresa E. Lawrence, the 47-year-old daughter of Riley. “He never talked about it growing up. He was just an accountant to me. I never thought of him as a Marine. I never knew about what he did until I came to these reunions. It’s unbelievable to see the history he created. I can’t explain it - it’s huge.”
There are 23 Edson’s Raiders left and their numbers are dwindling as they grow older. At the memorial service which honored those Raiders who died, Smith read the names and the bell tolled 22 times to salute those who had succumbed to old age this past year and then taps was played at the end. Smith especially struggled reading the name of “Bowl” Sterling who was his close friend, and, along with Smith, was the final survivor of his platoon. Now Smith is the last. The Raider’s are now beginning their final charge to keep their legend alive.
“I started the Edson’s Raiders Association to get all the guys together after the war and generate funds and support the children of the deceased Raiders — first those who died in combat and now due to old age,” said Smith. “We donated to the Heritage Foundation which built the National Museum of the Marine Corps. We help perpetuate the history of Edson’s Raiders by going to schools and inviting family members and Marines to the reunions.”
“But, really we are just going to die off,” he said matter-of-factly. “Some associations have their kids take over but we don’t want that. They didn’t fight in the war and we are thankful for that. We have enough memorials and honors.”
At this final banquet Lt. Gen. George J. Flynn, commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, spoke of the Raider’s legacy.
“You come back to see if we are still upholding the traditions you fought for,” concluded Flynn. “If you ever wondered if you made a difference — you are the greatest generation. You inspire this generation. We have to live up to your standard. We wonder if we are worthy of your respect and if we are as good as you are. Thank you all.”
The Edson’s Raiders are the heroes from which legends are made and they met for possibly their final reunion April 16 at Quantico where their battalion was based during World War II.
“We were part of the first land assault of World War II at Tulagi where we killed all the Japanese in three days,” said James “Horse” Smith, an Edson’s Raider radioman and current director of the Edson’s Raiders’ Association. “We fought and won many battles at Guadalcanal including the Battle of Edson’s Ridge, where about 800 of us defeated a Japanese brigade.
“If the Japanese took that ridge, the war could have lasted another two years,” continued Smith. “We would have had to make another brigade and by the time we would have come back the Japanese would have made an airstrip on that island. By then it would have been nearly impossible to overtake.”
Four medals of honor and seven general grade officers came from the Edson’s Raiders battalion that is credited with being the United States’ first Special Operational Force to see combat in World War II.
Constantly being outnumbered, overcoming malaria, and wearing the same set of clothes for months at a time were just some obstacles the Raiders had to face, said Charles W. Riley, an Edson’s Raiders message runner.
These hardships bonded these Marines together and why they gather here now.
“These reunions are important for us to get together and tell old sea stories,” said Smith. “We memorialize all those killed in war and who died in the past year. We enjoy hearing the guest speakers at the banquets who tell us what is happening now in the Marine Corps. This is very important to us because we are still Marines. We were then, and we are now. Maybe now we are just inactive Marines.”
Even though these Marines no longer are fighting at the front line, their warrior spirit has left a legacy that has been honored annually for the past 61 years. Six decades ago, Lt. Col. “Red Mike” Edison always made sure his Raiders were setting the standard which lead to their success in battle.
“We established a standard on how to prepare, how to fight and how to persevere,” said Smith, who was twice awarded the Silver Star. “We made the Corps respected by everyone.”
“We were successful because Edison set such high standards,” said Smith. We felt embarrassed if we didn’t meet it. We had lots of respect on all levels. We had outstanding leadership, which all started with Edison. He insisted on rigorous training. Every morning we went on a long run, we would do long forced marches and did lots of special training like Judo.”
For all of their success some of the Raiders feel they are undeserving of individual accolades.
“I was proud to be in such a great outfit but I’m a nobody,” said Riley. “People thanking me for the history…I was just part of that history.”
These reunions are not only for the Raiders but also for their family members so they can learn of the heroic acts of their husbands or fathers.
“My dad is a hero,” said Teresa E. Lawrence, the 47-year-old daughter of Riley. “He never talked about it growing up. He was just an accountant to me. I never thought of him as a Marine. I never knew about what he did until I came to these reunions. It’s unbelievable to see the history he created. I can’t explain it - it’s huge.”
There are 23 Edson’s Raiders left and their numbers are dwindling as they grow older. At the memorial service which honored those Raiders who died, Smith read the names and the bell tolled 22 times to salute those who had succumbed to old age this past year and then taps was played at the end. Smith especially struggled reading the name of “Bowl” Sterling who was his close friend, and, along with Smith, was the final survivor of his platoon. Now Smith is the last. The Raider’s are now beginning their final charge to keep their legend alive.
“I started the Edson’s Raiders Association to get all the guys together after the war and generate funds and support the children of the deceased Raiders — first those who died in combat and now due to old age,” said Smith. “We donated to the Heritage Foundation which built the National Museum of the Marine Corps. We help perpetuate the history of Edson’s Raiders by going to schools and inviting family members and Marines to the reunions.”
“But, really we are just going to die off,” he said matter-of-factly. “Some associations have their kids take over but we don’t want that. They didn’t fight in the war and we are thankful for that. We have enough memorials and honors.”
At this final banquet Lt. Gen. George J. Flynn, commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, spoke of the Raider’s legacy.
“You come back to see if we are still upholding the traditions you fought for,” concluded Flynn. “If you ever wondered if you made a difference — you are the greatest generation. You inspire this generation. We have to live up to your standard. We wonder if we are worthy of your respect and if we are as good as you are. Thank you all.”
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.-Charles W. Riley, an Edson's Raider veteran, looks at photos of the Raiders at Raider Hall which is now the MACE headquarters on April 16., Pfc. Jahn R. Kuiper, 4/16/2009 11:44 AM
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.-James "Horse" Smith bows his head in rememberance before the memorial serice at the United States Marine Corps Memorial Chapel. The service honors all those who died in combat and in the past year. Pfc. Jahn R. Kuiper, 4/17/2009 12:33 PM
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