From: MAJUSMCRET@aol.com | Block Address | Add to Address Book
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Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 13:02:03 EDT
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Subject:
MILINET: Taps for Master Gunnery Sergeant John Marjanov, USMC
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To:
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24 May 2002 MILINET:
Taps for Master Gunnery Sergeant John Marjanov, USMC
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Master Gunnery Sergeant John NMN Marjanov enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 16, 1941 and went to Parris Island, SC for basic training. He was assigned to 5th Marine regiment at Quantico, VA.
He volunteered for the newly formed 1st Raider Battalion. Upon acceptance to the Raiders he was sent to Navy Parachute School at Lakebust, NJ; Commando School in Scotland; and Airborne training at the Army's base at Fort Benning, GA.
While he served with the Raiders in the Pacific Theatre, he participated and distinguished himself in campaign on Guadalcanal, New Britain, New Guinea and other classified missions.
He took part in the Pelelieu landings with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, in Leyte with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, the invasion of Iwo Jima with the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, and the victory in Okinawa with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines.
Toward the end of the Pacific Campaign he participated in the classified operations of mopping up Japanese war criminals in China, during which he was part of the capturing of General Yama****a. >
After the war, Master Gunnery Sergeant was involved in the protection of American and British interest in northern China against Chinese Communist guerrillas until he was transferred to Camp Lejuene, North Carolina.
When hostilities in Korea erupted, Master Gunnery Sergeant Marjanov was assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade in Korea. While there, he participated in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter, the amphibious invasion of Inchon, and the Chosin Reservoir campaign.
Because of his actions at the "Frozen Chosin", Master Gunnery Sergeant Majanov was knighted by the Queen of England and awarded the Victorian Cross the Order of the British Empire, 1st Order; Britain's equivalent to our Medal of Honor.
He was returned to the United States for a short time when he was assigned back to Korea and was there for operations "Punchbowl", "Unigok", "Bunker Hill", "Hook", "Reno", and "Boulder City".
During the Vietnam conflict, Master Gunnery Sergeant Marjanov served with the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Marine Divisions.
While on active duty, Master Gunnery Sergeant served at MCMWTC, Pickle Meadows on five separate tours. On 30 September 1974, Master Gunnery Sergeant Marjanov retired from active duty with thirty-three and one half years of service. >
Master Gunnery Sergeant Marjanov's decorations include the Silver Star (two awards); Bronze Star with Combat "V" (two awards); the Purple Heart (eight awards); Victoria Cross; the Order of the British Empire; 1st Order; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Corps Level); the Navy and Marine Corps Medal; and the Combat Action Ribbon.
He passed on to his eternal home in the morning hours of 24 May, 2002 at Pickle Meadows with Sailors, Marines, and one of his former Commanding Officers at his bedside.
Semper Fidelis
Chaplain Andrew Peter Sholtes
Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, CA 93517-4202 760.932.7761 ext 932.8272/6202
