Merrills Marauders

[benteen]

In one of the previous posts Merills Marauders was mentioned. I just happened to get one of my magazines that had an article on them. I will share part of it with you.

For their actions in Japanese-occupied Burma in 1944, some of the wars lesser known heroes are set to recieve the nations highest token of gratitude a "Congressional Gold Medal".

Then president Donald Trump signed legislation in October bestowing the honor on members of the Armys secretive 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)-known as Merrills Marauders after their commander, Brig. Gen. Frank Merrill. Of the more than 3000 volunteers in the outfits three battalions, only nine members are known to be alive today.

Be Well
Dan

[quincannon]

I don't know how secretive they were Dan. They certainly were not a secret to the Japanese. I am also not sure about a Congressional Gold Medal being awarded. As far as I know that is a civilian award. Not saying it is not deserved, but just may not be appropriate for a military organization. They already were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, embroidered MYITKYINA which the successor unit the 75th Ranger Regiment carries on their colors. It is both a unit and individual award, indicating that the unit itself and each member of the unit at the time of award had exhibited conduct worthy of the award of the Silver Star.

For your further reading "The Marauders" by Carlton Ogburn Jr. You might also wish to get "Road Past Mandalay" by John Masters, which gives you very good insights into the Second Chindit Campaign, which the Marauders were part of. There are other books on the subject as well, but none that are more insightful and enjoyable reads.

[yanmacca]

Hi Dan, nice to see you around, hope you are okay.

Some sad trivia for you all, Merrill’s Marauders was Jeff Chandler’s last movie. Apparently, he injured his back while on location filming this movie in the Philippines. He hurt his back playing base ball with members of the US Special Forces, he had to have pain killing injections to help him finish the movie.

He died having surgery on disc damage cause by the injury inflicted in the Philippines, he had three operations, given 75 pints of blood, but they couldn't save him.