"The Last of the First"
The first offensive action of the United States during World War II was on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands by the United States Marine Corps.
August 7, 1942.The First Marine Division fought on Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Cape Gloucester,New Britian, New Guinea, Peleliu, Okinawa.
There is a bottle of 1st Grand Cru Cognac, (circa 1920-25) that is to be opened by the last survivor among the Marines and sailors who served in combat with the division during WW II. It was estimated that it would be opened by 2010. It is in the Marines' Memorial Club in San Francisco and is in the custody of the First Marine Division Association.
Navy Pharmacist Mates served side by side with the Marines. Wore out uniforms but with their insignia. They were our beloved "Corpsman".
136 KIA with the 1st Division.
Who knows? Maybe I will be the one to raise the glass in a toast to a truly great Division.

Fideli Certa Merces - To the faithful there is just reward
Semper Fidelis -Always Faithful
To be a Marine is enough
Pfc. Thomas C. Reedy, Jr.
566495Company C, 1st Battalion,
7th Regiment First Marine Division
United States Marine Corps 1944-46