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Community Corner

A Marine Remembers his Lost Brother, Shark-Filled Waters and Near Misses

The story of Cold War veteran Richard C. Petersen, Sr.

Active Service: 1954 to 1959 Reserves: 1959 to 1962

Rank: Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps; Force Recon

Assignments: 75mm Recoilless Rifle Co, 2nd Marine Division; Guard Detachment, Argentina, Newfoundland; 2nd Amphibious   Recon Company; 2nd Force Recon Company

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Campaigns: USMC Expeditionary Missions  & NATO; Middle East, North   Africa, Haiti, Panama, Algeria, Syria, Turkey & Philippines

 

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Tell me a story, or two.

Since only one in a hundred Marines qualify, I was privileged to be selected and serve as a Force Recon Marine.

The overall mission of this elite force is both conventional and specialized in terms of deep battle and hostile environments — with many skills required including: scuba, airborne, ranger, demolition, jungle and cold weather, communications, combat swimming, orienteering, helo, fast rope and evade and escape training.

Elements of the 2nd Marine Division were deployed to the Mediterranean during a major blow-up between the Israelis and Palestinians in 1954. Upon disembarking over the side of the USS Cambria troopship, on a rope net during a horrendous storm with full gear and weapons, Marines were slammed against the side of the ship and crushed. 

Nineteen Marines fell into the water, including me. Nine were sucked under the troopship and drowned. I was able, fortunately, to hold onto the net while under water and miraculously along with some others, I was rescued by Marines and sailors operating the mic and peter boats.

My younger brother, Daniel, lost his life when the fast attack nuclear submarine, the USS Scorpion was lost with all hands in May/June, 1968 during a top-secret mission. He had reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer and was a dedicated sailor in the “silent service.”

The Marine Corps, being an expeditionary amphibious force, spent a lot of time in and around water. Buoyant ascent from submarines always brought us in close proximity to sharks.

Combined with the hazards of deep recon land missions, the sharks were always a worry. An overturned Recon Rubber boat in shark-infested waters was an experience. Helicopter vertical envelopment and parachute drops were also memorable.

Everything that I am, have become and have achieved is directly related to my Marine Corps experience – and my marriage to Joy Anderson Petersen!

Here’s the Deal:

For his service, Richard Petersen received the following medals: USMC Achievement; USMC Good Conduct; USMC Reserve; USMC Expeditionary; Navy Occupation; National Defense Service; UN Observer.

The experiences shared in Vet Stories are generously provided by Bill Newman, Past Post Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Avon Post 3272.

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