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Special Performer at Oceanside

Every Marine has two birthdays, his own and Nov. 10. He or she celebrates both each year. On Nov. 10, 1951, at Camp Pendleton combat training facility at Oceanside, Calif., there was a special celebration at which just one performer was to appear. She was to sing and dance.
Thousands of mostly very young Marines were at Pendleton that November. Most would soon be in Korea and many would not return. The performer arrived by helicopter by herself and after a short meeting with some brass, two trusted and savvy noncommissioned officers were assigned to the young lady to help her prepare for the show. This was tough duty, including spending two hours with the performer helping her get ready.
While chatting, one Marine sergeant and the performer realized they were both 25 years old. The Marine sergeant was my brother Sgt Mike Capriola. Mike is now 90 years old and lives in Sarasota, Fla. The performer was Marilyn Monroe who died in 1962 at the age of 36.
Cpl Charles E. Capriola Jr., USMC
1953-56
Bennington, Vt.

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Letter of the Month

(Leatherneck will pay $25 for a “Sound Off Letter of the Month” submitted by an MCA&F member or provide a one-year courtesy subscription to a non-member whose letter is selected.)
With a heavy heart, Nov. 10, 2016, was the first of my 62 years celebrating the Corps’ Birthday absent of both my retired first sergeant father and colonel husband. According to family legend, my sister (born at Camp Lejeune) and I (born at Twentynine Palms, 15 months later) would sing with gusto the “The Marines’ Hymn” before we ever learned to sing “Happy Birthday.”
The year before my dad’s passing, he was too emotional to complete the reading of the Commandant’s Message. My son leaned forward, gently took the Leatherneck from his shaking hands, and finished the reading for his “Grampy.”
Though I didn’t know it, 2015 would be the last year my husband (Colonel H. Scott Harrison) would conduct our small family celebration on the Corps’ 240th.
Our tradition will continue to the best of my ability. Though my husband’s sword will remain sheathed, if all goes according to plan (after all–improvise, adapt and overcome), Marine brothers outside my immediate family will gather around our family table, stand tall for the message from the Commandant, and pray for all Marines, past and present.
I am grateful to have Leatherneck in my hands each month. Thank you.
Connie Harrison
Scarborough, Maine