Marines

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Established in 1801, Marine Barracks Washington, is the "Oldest Post of the Corps" and has been the residence of every commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806. The selection of the site for the Barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who rode through Washington with Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in search of a suitable location. The site now occupied was approved due to its proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and because it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.

8th & I

"Oldest Post of the Corps"

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Master Gunnery Sgt. Keith Martinez, drum major, “The Commandant’s Own,” U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and Master Sgt. Stacie Crowther, assistant drum major, “The President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band, march across Center Walk during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington D.C., May 10, 2019. The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Robert Knapp/Released)

Master Gunnery Sgt. Keith Martinez, drum major, “The Commandant’s Own,” U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and Master Sgt. Stacie Crowther, assistant drum major, “The President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band, march across Center Walk during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington D.C., May 10, 2019. The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Robert Knapp/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Robert Knapp

Marines with Alpha and Bravo marching companies, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform “fix bayonets” during a Friday Evening Parade at the Barracks, May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with Alpha and Bravo marching companies, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform “fix bayonets” during a Friday Evening Parade at the Barracks, May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon perform their “bursting bomb” sequence during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon perform their “bursting bomb” sequence during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the parade staff, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., march down Center Walk during a Friday Evening Parade at the Barracks, May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the parade staff, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., march down Center Walk during a Friday Evening Parade at the Barracks, May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Sergeant Dhilexa Dejesus, mascot handler, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., stands at the position of attention with the official Marine Corps mascot, Pfc. Chesty XV, during a Friday Evening Parade at the Barracks, May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Sergeant Dhilexa Dejesus, mascot handler, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., stands at the position of attention with the official Marine Corps mascot, Pfc. Chesty XV, during a Friday Evening Parade at the Barracks, May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with “The President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band, march in formation during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with “The President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band, march in formation during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with “The President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band, march down Center Walk during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with “The President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band, march down Center Walk during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., May 10, 2019.The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable, David L. Norquist, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer and performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the hosting official was the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Gary L. Thomas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon meet and greet with U.S. veterans attending an Honor Flight at the conclusion of a performance at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon meet and greet with U.S. veterans attending an Honor Flight at the conclusion of a performance at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., perform for an Honor Flight at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019. An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials in D.C. of the respective war they fought in at no cost to the veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders)

Photo by Pfc. Allen Sanders

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C., support a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C., support a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Photo by LCpl. James Bourgeois

Lieutenant Col. Scott Clippinger, executive officer, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., speaks with family member during a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Lieutenant Col. Scott Clippinger, executive officer, Marine Barracks Washington D.C., speaks with family member during a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Photo by LCpl. James Bourgeois

Lieutenant Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, consoles a family member during a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Lieutenant Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, consoles a family member during a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Photo by LCpl. James Bourgeois

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C., support a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C., support a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Photo by LCpl. James Bourgeois

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C., support a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C., support a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Photo by LCpl. James Bourgeois

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C., support a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C., support a full honors funeral for retired Marine Lt. Col. Howard V. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30, 2019. Lee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in August 1966. While on an operation deep in enemy territory, Lee’s platoon was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing his unit suffered numerous casualties and fully aware the platoon remained under heavy attack, Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to provide reinforcements. After fearlessly moving from position to position and encouraging his men to keep fighting, he was wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Despite his wounds, Lee continued optimistically throughout the night to direct a valiant defense, coordinate supporting fires, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. Lee retired at the rank in 1975, after 20 years of service. Lee passed away March 23, 2019; he was 85.

Photo by LCpl. James Bourgeois