An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
MGySgt James H. Leather USMC (Ret) (1945-1975)
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
After Pearl Harbor most American teenagers were aware that they would be called on to defend our country in some manner of service. The Draft was sure to call up most of them once they reached the age of 18. Most of my school mates voluntarily enlisted immediately after graduation.
While still in high school I joined the Navy Reserve V-5 Program (1945), scheduled to be assigned to a college in 1946. When the war ended the Navy notified me that they were terminating the V-5 (Pilot Training) Program and offered me two choices:
1. Assignment to Active Duty as a Seaman Apprentice for an unspecified time.
2. Honorable Discharge from the Navy.
I took Number 2 and enlisted in the Corps as soon as the Navy issued my discharge.
BRIEFLY, WHAT WAS YOUR SERVICE CAREER PATH?
Personnel, Administration and Retention along with several assignments as First Sergeant and Sergeant Major.
My first duty station after completing Administration School was Quantico. Reported aboard August 1946 as Private and left March 1950 as SSGT. First job was as clerk for Col W.C HALL, the Post Inspector. My next assignment was 2ndMarDiv . During June 1950 while my comrades were being sent to fill out the 1stMarDiv, I was hospitalized at USNH Camp Lejeune with a diagnosis of TB in my spine and lungs. After undergoing a spinal fusion, which required many months in a body cast from my neck to my knees, I returned to duty with 2nd MarDiv and participated in Division amphibious training in the Caribbean .
In 1952 I was assigned to MCRD San Diego as Investigator, 7th Recruit Training Battalion responsible for re-fingerprinting hundreds of recruits who reported to MCRD with faulty fingerprint records due to carelessness or lack of knowledge concerning proper methods of taking prints by the recruiting offices. Conducted interviewing and verifying the claims of many, many draftees who wished to be classified as conscientious objectors.They all had letters from Pastors, Mayors, Teachers and one Mailman. All stating that Private (fill in the blank) was a pious and devout person and could never take up arms against another human being. I had fairly good success in convincing them (mostly the ones I determined were fakers) to accept their duty to serve in the USMC.
My next assignment was as SgtMaj 3rd Replacement Bn T&RC Camp Pendleton, responsible for ensuring that 96 Officers; 2161 Enlisted; 84 Corpsmen; Total of 2341 Troops were transported from Camp Pendleton to San Diego and all loaded aboard the MSTS "Marine Serpent" before pulling up the ladder and shipping out to Korea in September 1952.
Upon arrival in Korea I was designated SgtMaj 1st Combat Service Group. My good old
shipmate and buddy MSgt WILBUR BESTWICK was assigned as SgtMaj 1st Marine Division
FMF at the same time. We served our Korean War tours together until we both boarded the "Marine Serpent" once more at Inchon 2 September 1953 for the voyage stateside as members of the 32nd Rotation Draft, FMF Pacific Staging Bn:
I was assigned as SgtMaj MB Portsmouth, NH upon my return from Korea in Sept 1953, relieving SgtMaj Darvie Pugh. I served under two Commanding Officers - LtCol Greenough followed by Maj Lelon Patrow.
NCO's I can recall, were MSgt Hefner, GySgt Kinney, GySgt Chaney, SSgt Fields. We had a MB Pistol Team that participated in various matches throughout the New England area with fair results.
Monthly Bingo Games were held in the mess hall. We had a PX on the second deck, also a small tailor shop operated by a civilian named Cruz. During this period security was of utmost importance. The Nautilus, top secret first atomic submarine was being outfitted for duty. This put a great deal of pressure on all of the Marines guarding the Shipyard. No one was waved through the gate without a salute. Each and every person was required to present their ID card to the sentries, even the Admiral from Boston who issued the regulation, and my six day old son, born at the USNH, on his trip home.
Another duty we were assigned was to dispatch armed guards to Fort Kent, Maine to pick up deserters, who were apprehended in Canada by the RCMP and kicked across the border, and return them to our little Brig for processing. The first words spoken to me by Major Patrow upon assuming command of MB Portsmouth were "Sgt Major your job is to keep me out of the Brig" To which I replied "AYE AYE Sir". He was a fine Marine, one of the very best.
I finished my tour at MB Portsmouth in 1955 when I received orders to I&I Staff 5th Supply Co, USMCR Huntington NY, where I served as 1stSgt until 1958 organizing and assisting the 5the Supply Co, USMCR for their two week summer training periods at Little Creek VA and Albany GA.
The annual "TOYS FOR TOTS" Drives and participation in other local community events, such as Flag Raisings at new Post Offices and escorting "Miss Rheingold" on her tours about the area were required.
In 1958 I was transferred to The Basic School, Quantico VA. Originally scheduled to go to MCAS Quantico. However, two old timers at TBS (S-1 LtCol Churchville, ( a Mustang) and MSgt Bliss (the SgtMaj) had great influence at Quantico and after a long interview, had my orders changed. I then became the Administrative Chief of The Basic School.
From 1960 -1962 ordered to assume duties as Administrative Chief of MAG-32 MCAS Beaufort SC . Spent many hours getting files and procedures squared away and got things in shape to pass the Inspector General Annual Inspection.
From 1962-1966, transferred to HqBn HQMC. Served as 1st Sgt Casual Company, maintaining records of Marines on individual or special assignments throughout the world. Upon promotion to MGySgt (E9) I was assigned as HqBn HQMC Personnel Chief. My office was in Henderson Hall, Arlington VA and it came with my own private parking space right outside my door.
From 1966-1975, transferred to FMCR Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC)/ Manpower & Reserve Affairs .
On December 1st 1975 I retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. The retirement orders issued placed me on the retired list as:
"SERGEANT MAJOR / MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT".
DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN COMBAT OPERATIONS? IF SO, COULD YOU DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE SIGNIFICANT TO YOU?
 Yes. The 1st Combat Service Group FMF, along with other division units received the Navy Unit Citation for action and support at Bunker Hill, The Hook, Reno, Carson, Vegas from Oct 1952 to Mar 1953 and later July 1953 at Berlin and East Berlin.
July 1953: Beginning of the final battle of the cities of Berlin & Boulder City. Then the Imjin River rose over 11 feet, washing away the Spoonbill Bridge On the 14th and 15th of July the Imjin crested at 26 feet at the Libby Bridge, leaving only Freedom Bridge open for the moving of supplies to forward supply points. Marines of Col. James A. Moreau's 1st Combat Service Group, cursing the rain and mud, fought their way through and delivered the much needed ammo, rations and supplies to keep the battle going.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE CAREER WHAT PARTICULAR MEMORY STANDS OUT?
AUG 5-DEC 23 1953-"OPERATION BIG SWITCH"
The large and final POW exchange began at Freedom Village near the Imjin River and Freedom Bridge, shortly after the cease fire (27JUL53) and went on and on for 5 long months while the UN and Communists argued over who was going where.
There were many  side issues during the exchange, which was supervised by neutral Indian Army troops. One being the twenty one USA troops who elected to stay with their communist captors instead of being repatriated. Another was the belligerent, riotous and somewhat admirable military attitude of the hard core communists being repatriated.
On their trip from the POW camps on Koje-Do to the exchange site, they stripped off the utility uniforms issued to them and tossed them from the the trains and trucks along with all other American gear and supplies in their possession. They returned to the other side in skivvies or in some cases naked as jaybirds!
In September I was rotated to the USA. The ship MARINE SERPENT, leaving Inchon on September 2 1953, contained many Army troops and about 250 1st MarDiv Marines. In addition there were embarked a number of former POWs being returned to the States, who were to be debriefed en-route. Among these was group of known collaborators, whose presence caused a concern of possible violence and retribution from their fellow POWs.
The Marines aboard were divided into three companies and assigned the duty and responsibility for keeping the debriefing areas and the berthing areas of the former POWs segregated from the other Army troops embarked. In addition, due to previously vocalized threats against them, the POW collaborators were isolated under tight 24 hour security watch, to prevent any of them from disappearing over the side.
The voyage stateside lasted for twenty one days during which the intelligence debriefing teams did their interviews and reports. The 1stMarDiv personnel assigned to the security posts throughout the ship ensured a safe voyage for all troops embarked by allowing no major incidents to occur in the volatile environment present. Finally, to the relief of all concerned we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge on September 23 1953, and docked at San Francisco.
WERE ANY OF THE MEDALS OR AWARDS YOU RECEIVED FOR VALOR? IF YES, COULD YOU DESCRIBE HOW THIS WAS EARNED?
 Upon completion of my service with 1st Combat Service Group I was awarded the Navy Marine Corps Letter of Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for excellent service during operations against the enemy in Korea from 5 October 1952 to 14 August 1953.
This award was made by the Commanding General 1st Marine Division FMF Major General R. McPate
OF THE MEDALS, AWARDS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
 The most meaningful of the medals, awards and qualification badges I have received during my service in the Marine Corps is my EXPERT RIFLEMAN BADGE with three awards. It is the most important to me because I truly believe in that old saying "Every Marine is a Rifleman" regardless of rank or MOS assignments.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL PERSON FROM YOUR SERVICE STANDS OUT AS THE ONE WHO HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
The individual person who had the biggest impact on me was, of course, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Wilbur Bestwick.
I first met Wllbur when he arrived at Camp Pendelton to join the 3rd Replacement Battalion. Since I was already assigned as Battalion SgtMaj, I made him the 1stSGT 24th  Company of the 3rd Replacement Bn. He accepted the assignment even though he had been a SgtMaj since 1943 and I had been on the job for only two weeks. It was not practical to play musical chairs for the SgtMaj seat as new individuals joined the unit.
After we were all aboard the MARINE SERPENT Wilbur, SgtMaj Mike Esposito, SgtMaj Glenn Morgan and I shared a four man cabin space for the voyage. We spent hours together and the Boot SgtMaj (Me) learned a lot about every thing required to fill the billet. I am grateful to these three Marines, Wilbur in particular, for the knowledge I obtained from them. They were real old timers and I was 24 years old with only 6 years of service and one hash mark.
As fate would have it, we four found ourselves in the same cabin on the same "Marine Serpent" for the return trip to the USA . This time around the roster for the 32nd Rotation Battalion listed MSGT Bestwick as SgtMaj of the Battalion and MSGT Leather as 1stSGT "C" Company. Once again the class room was open and the lessons continued.
Wilbur Bestwick became the first modern day SgtMaj of the MARINE CORPS on 23 May 1957. He retired from active duty 1 September 1959. My shipmate and mentor died 10 July 1972 and was buried at Alta Mesa Memorial Park, Palo Alto, California.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE THAT WAS FUNNY AT THE TIME AND STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
How I was made a Sergeant Major! I checked into Camp Pendleton during July 1952 with the rank of Technical Sergeant.
A few days later while seated in the outdoor screened in head, answering a call of nature, I glanced at the deck and saw a dog-eared brown edged page of  the "Pendleton Scout". I picked it up and read the headline dated 1 June 1952. "HQMC Announces Enlisted Promotions", and there in the middle of the page was my name for promotion to Master Sergeant (Temporary).
I immediately got myself squared away, tightened my belt and headed directly to the 3rd Replacement Battalion HQ tent. There I presented the crumpled page to Colonel Brady. He had my promotion certificate typed out, signed it and presented it to me. The he said, "Leather, you are now the SgtMaj of this Battalion." Factors affecting this incident:
A. Upon being transferred from San Diego I was given 40 days leave and authorized to carry my service records by hand.
B. The day before I arrived at Pendleton, the roster for the August Replacements was closed down so I became the first Marine in the September Replacement Draft.
At the age of 24, six years of service and only one hash mark, I was given the position of Battalion SgtMaj. (Most SgtsMaj I knew were much older with hash marks from wrist to elbow!)
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER THE SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB?
 After completing my service I obtained a position as a Data Processing Operations Manager for a large hospital. The job involved close detailed work with IBM to install the first real time Hospital Information System. I worked there for about 18 Years until it stopped being fun. I now go fishing every chance I get. I did manage to achieve a personal goal to fish in all 50 states. The goal was reached when I completed a trip to Alaska to catch a few Halibut. I did not manage to catch fish in EVERY state, but did wet a line in every one.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
 Life Member TWS:
Life Member 1stMarDiv Assoc:
Member Marine Corps Assoc:
Member Marine Corps League
Member The Naval Heritage Center:
Member Marine Corps Heritage Foundation:
No specific benefits,I just enjoy being a member of these fine organizations.
HOW HAS MILITARY SERVICE INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
My service in the Marine Corps has greatly influenced my life and career. For one thing, I knew from the time of enlistment that I was made to be a Marine, so I kept on reenlisting. That was career one.
Career Two, Data Processing Operations Manager, was made possible by the off duty schooling available to me, computer courses in particular. My civilian employers greatly appreciated my military background and manner in getting things done.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR THOSE THAT ARE STILL SERVING?
 My advice to those Marines still serving would be to spend less time in the slop chute and devote more time to studying through the many educational opportunities available with MCI or off duty college courses when available. It worked for me.
The many studies I undertook in my spare time were reflected in my fitness reports, which in turn resulted in my rapid advancement in rank.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU MAINTAIN A BOND WITH YOUR SERVICE AND THOSE YOU SERVED WITH?
 When TWS commenced operations I was among the first to climb aboard and become a "PLANKOWNER". It was a Marine thing so I did it. I would never join any other organizations such as Facebook, YouTube etc. They are a pure waste of time and serve no practical purpose to me.
TWS has given me the chance to eulogize my buddy of over six decades: CWO-3 D.J. (DOC) O'CONNOR. He was among the finest Marines in the Corps. He died 7 January 2006 and is greatly missed.
With TWS I can always remember my fallen comrades and meet new Marine brothers. As to a bond with those I served with, there are very few of us left. Most have shipped out to guard the Heavenly Gates.
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Yes. The 1st Combat Service Group FMF, along with other division units received the Navy Unit Citation for action and support at Bunker Hill, The Hook, Reno, Carson, Vegas from Oct 1952 to Mar 1953 and later July 1953 at Berlin and East Berlin.
side issues during the exchange, which was supervised by neutral Indian Army troops. One being the twenty one USA troops who elected to stay with their communist captors instead of being repatriated. Another was the belligerent, riotous and somewhat admirable military attitude of the hard core communists being repatriated. 
Upon completion of my service with 1st Combat Service Group I was awarded the Navy Marine Corps Letter of Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for excellent service during operations against the enemy in Korea from 5 October 1952 to 14 August 1953.
The most meaningful of the medals, awards and qualification badges I have received during my service in the Marine Corps is my EXPERT RIFLEMAN BADGE with three awards. It is the most important to me because I truly believe in that old saying "Every Marine is a Rifleman" regardless of rank or MOS assignments.
Company of the 3rd Replacement Bn. He accepted the assignment even though he had been a SgtMaj since 1943 and I had been on the job for only two weeks. It was not practical to play musical chairs for the SgtMaj seat as new individuals joined the unit.
the "Pendleton Scout". I picked it up and read the headline dated 1 June 1952. "HQMC Announces Enlisted Promotions", and there in the middle of the page was my name for promotion to Master Sergeant (Temporary). 
After completing my service I obtained a position as a Data Processing Operations Manager for a large hospital. The job involved close detailed work with IBM to install the first real time Hospital Information System. I worked there for about 18 Years until it stopped being fun. I now go fishing every chance I get. I did manage to achieve a personal goal to fish in all 50 states. The goal was reached when I completed a trip to Alaska to catch a few Halibut. I did not manage to catch fish in EVERY state, but did wet a line in every one.
Life Member TWS:
My advice to those Marines still serving would be to spend less time in the slop chute and devote more time to studying through the many educational opportunities available with MCI or off duty college courses when available. It worked for me. 
When TWS commenced operations I was among the first to climb aboard and become a "PLANKOWNER". It was a Marine thing so I did it. I would never join any other organizations such as Facebook, YouTube etc. They are a pure waste of time and serve no practical purpose to me.
