238th Birthday of the Marine Corps.

This past Friday night,  9 Nov 2013 Distinguished MARINES in Rhode Island met at the West Valley Inn in West Warwick, RI to celebrate the birthday of America's Premier Fighting Force.  They like to think so.

Jerry did as well.  So the point isn't debatable.

Ed Malloy, Carl Weston and Steve Cileli all called me on the days leading up to the Marine Corps Dinner.   They get a little sad as it was a special time of the year for them and they always considered Jerry as their OWN.  It was a little quiet  as Jerry used to make his pit stop here before heading to the Birthday Party with his fellow Devil Dogs.  As always he is there in spirit as he was on the minds of many of his fellow MARINES.

Hard to explain yet I am sure you'll all agree that the MARINES are a special Breed.  There is no distinction between MARINES.  They are just all MARINES.   They take care of their own.

Pat Femino,

who sat with Jerry at what was to be his last Marine Corps Birthday was in attendance and cut the cake with another MARINE who is the same age.  Along with a Lance Corporal who was the youngest.
Jerry and Pat became fast friends in a short time.

I heard from Leon Femino who sent Pat's regards to the entire Sherlock Clan.  He prays everyday and keeps Jerry in his prayers.  Typical Gyrene always looking for an angle!

The Pipes and Drums Massed Bands played at Waterfire Salute to Veterans in Providence on 10 November 2013.  It was fitting that we marched the Torch Bearers down to Water Place Park and played the Military set.

We had just finished the Military set and heard someone calling my name.  It was Dolores and Steve Sherlock!  

Unfortunately we had to move out as we had to play at a fundraiser for HONOR FLIGHT in Newport,  and another fundraiser in Westport, MA.


So Happy Birthday MARINES.  The MARINES are taking the fight to the enemy as you read this.  In places you will never hear of with names you won't recognize. They are in Afghanistan, Africa and other locations.   Just know that MARINES are taking care of business and keeping America Safe.

Semper Fi. MARINES!    HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

We signed up knowing the risk. Those innocent people in New York didn't go to work thinking there was any kind of risk.
Pvt. Mike Armendariz-Clark, USMC; Afghanastan,

Marine Corp Hymn by 1st Sgt Jack D Kirkbride

From Facebook feed of the National Museum of the Marine Corps comes this rendition of the Marine Corp hymn. Well done!

Providence Police Pipes and Drums Fundraiser

Last night was the Providence Police Pipes and Drums Fundraiser at the Whiskey Republic in Providence.

Jerry was one of our early supporters at our first fundraiser.  He attended the opening Providence College Basket Ball game which was our first real public outing with our Kilts.

We exited the court playing the Marine Corps Hymn.  Jerry immediately shot to attention from his seat. Something all Marines will do on hearing the Marine Corps Hymn.

Lead Tip Drum Sergeant Carl Weston and friend of Jerry made it clear last night that we would salute Jerry.  Band president Sgt. Roger Aspinal announced before the Military set that it was the 68th Anniversary of the Flag Raising at Iwo Jima.  Many  MARINES present  started howling out the Marine Corps Battle Cry.  OOOHHH RAAAHHH!

Here is a clip of the military set played to a packed house.  Jerry would have loved this:

237th Birthday of the Marine Corps

Tonight at West Valley Inn in West Warwick distinguished members of the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS will gather to celebrate.  The occasion is the 237th Birthday of the MARINE CORPS.

This year it is one day early due to scheduling conflicts.  Several members of the Providence Police Department who I work with have organized it for several years.

Ed Malloy, Steve Cileli and Carl Weston along with several others have been working feverishly to bring a great format of events.

I met for breakfast and of course they are a little off as their good friend Jerry Sherlock is not with them tonight.  He has reported for duty on the streets of Heaven where all MARINES return.

Ed was very somber when he sent out the invitations in August.   Steve Cileli was excited about all the additional food that would be put out this year.  He chuckled fondly about Jerry always circling for crackers and cheese and of course holding out for dessert.   Carl Weston spoke of how much humor Jerry brought to the table.  If thats true Jerry was the ringmaster of that cast of characters.

Ed slipped me the sheet for the Roll of Honor that will be called tonight.  That list is read of the MARINES who have travelled on to the final journey.

It is a little quiet around here tonight.  Jerry would make this the first stop on the way to the Dinner posing for pictures.  Steve Cileli or I would drive him to the Dinner.

Of course the Corps marches on in History.

Ed Malloy tells me a photo of Jerry will be present at the head table.   He is not forgotten and sorely missed by his fellow MARINES.

Happy Birthday and SEMPER FIDELIS MARINES!

He Earned It

A few years ago, I had the honor of meeting Gerald F. Sherlock, United States Marine Corps, a WWII veteran of Saipan, Tinian, and 36 days on Iwo Jima. I was a Marine reservist from 1980 to 1984, and I've always been, and will always continue to be proud of the title, United States Marine. Never, however, have I been so proud to be a Marine as I was after having met Jerry. Meeting a man who fought in some of the most momentous battles in our history was like a young baseball fan meeting Ted Williams, or a young music fan meeting Elvis. All that aside, his best quality was his humility and sense of humor. Jerry was just a regular guy.

Shortly after meeting Jerry, I saw a contest, announced in small print, in the Sgt. Grit newsletter. It was a Marine Corps trivia contest, and the first 10 people that answered the questions correctly won a small bit of sand that had been taken home from Iwo. When mine came in the mail, it was like someone handed me the Holy Grail. I made up a small triangular box, painted red, with the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor symbol on the front, to hold my prize. I cherished it.

Once I got to know Jerry Sherlock, I felt it was only right to give the sand to him, from one Marine to another. He earned it. It was his. On the night of the last episode of The Pacific on HBO, a bunch of Marines got together with Jerry and his son, and watched The Pacific in reverent silence. After dabbing some moist eyes, I gave the box with the sand to Jerry. He was so appreciative, for once he was without words.

The next year, 2010, those same Marines and I took over as the committee for our local Rhode Island Marine Corps dinner. It is an honor to have over 175 Marines from all over Rhode Island break bread with us as we celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps.

This past November, on the day before the dinner, Jerry was diagnosed with cancer. He came to the dinner as he always has, in good spirits, despite the bad news. We were once again honored to have Jerry in our midst; but we were also graced by the presence of Pat Femino, another Iwo veteran from Rhode Island. What we found amazing was that Jerry and Pat had never met! They became fast friends. Jerry's son in law Frank often took them out to lunch and made sure they stayed in touch.

In the last few months, he fought valiantly, as he had done for our country and for the honor of our beloved Marine Corps. PFC Gerald Sherlock stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima with the 4th Marine Division on February 19th, 1945. He left this Earth on February 19th, 2012 at the age of 86, 67 years to the day from when landed on Iwo Jima. Rest in peace my friend. Semper Fi.

Carl Weston


Originally posted to the Sgt Grit Newsletter
http://www.grunt.com/corps/newsletter/7219/?utm_source=sgnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nlsgA032212

Jerry and Marine cutting the cake at the 2010 Birthday Dinner

Steve Cileli sent this photo of the youngest MARINE and the Oldest MARINE cutting the cake. The photo was taken at the 2010 Birthday Dinner

In a strange twist, that MARINE folded the flag at the Funeral for Jerry on Saturday.  Dan Cunningham is the other MARINE at the left of Jerry in the photo.

He was not told until after the Funeral.  Jerry had a large circle of people he knew.  It continues to amaze me how over and over again Jerry knew a great many of us.  It appears that there is only about one degree of separation among us...  He and Jones are smiling down on all of us.  Rita is in the background, waiting on them patiently, at the dinner table.

And On The Seventh Day When GOD Rested,
We Overran His Perimeter And Stole The Globe,
We Stole The Eagle From The Air Force,
The Anchor From The Navy,
The Rope From The Army,
And Have Been Protecting Our Shores Ever Since.

                  UNKNOWN MARINE

Color video - Iwo Jima

One of Frank's connections found this color video of Iwo Jima taken in 1945.



Sunday (Feb 19th) marks the anniversary of the assault on Iwo Jima. 67 years ago Jerry charged ashore in the attack and luckily walked off the island in March.

Jerry is still charging against his illness today with a spirit that doesn't know how to quit.

Afternoon Reads with Jerry

Jerry's appetite for reading is legendary.  I have taken to reading the paper to him on my visits.  Lately though we've been reading books in the afternoon.  The first book was by Anthony Pesare retired State Trooper and Chief of Middletown Police.  "THEY ALWAYS WIN."

A fictionalized account of MOB events in  Providence in the late 1970's and 1980's.  I was able to put some insight into some of the events having been involved in some aspects.  It was an interesting read and Jerry provides anecdotes of some places that the MOB used as a dumping ground while taking out the garbage as it were.

The latest read is by Arlene Violet and was written with Crime Fighter John Partington.  John was a Cumberland Policeman. Then became a United States Marshal. Several years went by and JP became the US Marshal in Rhode Island.  He then became the Chief of the Cumberland Police and was brought to Providence by Joe Paolino after the Peter Gilbert scandal in the Providence Police Department.

John was the Commisioner of Public Safety in Providence and we had a great relationship.

This book titled "THE MOB AND ME." was published after his death.  John is credited with forming the Witness Protection Program.  His partner in those ventures was legendary Deputy US Marshal Coyle Meserve.  Steve Meserve's father.    There is only about one degree of separation in Rhode Island.  Wait I am not done.

So yesterday I was  reading for some time when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a gentleman standing in the doorway.  I looked up and he looked vaguely familiar. " Hey your reading about my favorite person!"  I was stunned and I shouted yes I am reading about JP!.  Hello Mr. Partington!  It was Bill Partngton.  Retired Rhode Island State Trooper. John's brother.   Bill's wife is in the room next to Jerry.

"I heard you talking about Barboza and Raymond Patriarca. I had to come over and see what it was all about."  I introduced myself and he remembered me. My hair was longer and I looked alot scruffier back in the 1990's while on assignments.   He immediately remembered my grandfather.  I introduced him to Jerry and they exchanged pleasantries. 

Well just goes to show you never know who will show up around Jerry!

Pat Femino has been checking in weekly on Jerry.  Pat is heading with his son to the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico.  Pat was with the 5thMARDIV at Iwo Jima and was present for 37 days on Iwo.  He is looking forward to it and will be there for the Iwo Jima Anniversary.  He will be back on Monday following and intends to see Jerry.  With a full after action report.

While discussing this with Jerry and  he chimed in.  " Oh yeah I can't forget that date!"  Here it comes the Sherlock Grin....  " That is my sister Fran's birthday."

The bended knee is not a tradition of our Corps.
General Alexander A. Vandergrift, USMC
to the Senate Naval Affairs Committee, 5 May 1946

235th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. - video

You may recall that Frank took Jerry to the Marine Corp Anniversary Dinner earlier this month. This brief video is from that evening capturing the bagpiper doing the Marine Hymn.




Enjoy!

235th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Happy Birthday Marines!

Jerry attended the Birthday Dinner last night at the Alpine Country Club.

Jerry sat with the organizing committee. Steve Cileli, Ed Malloy, Carl Weston, Bill Jamieson and other Marines.

Jerrry gave out his special challenge coins. They were minted in the shape of the 4th MARDIV Patch and the Eagle Globe and Anchor on the opposite side.

Ed Malloy senior presented Jerry with a picture of Jerry and Ed Junior at the VE Day celebration in Smithfield.

I sat by the bar for a few minutes and several young guys were talking about the Iwo Jima Marine at the head table. A marine who I know but will remain nameless so as not to embarrass him said. "That is Jerry Sherlock. Dude is a ROCK STAR. He is a ROCK STAR! Saipan, Tinian and Iwo. Gunfighter from the old days. You have to meet him."

Jerry was in his element of fellow Marines. The colors were posted by the Marine Color Guard contingent. The Pledge of Allegiance and then the convocation by Carl Weston. With special emphasis on 3rd Battalion 5th Marines. They have borne the brunt of the casualties while taking the fight to the evil doers in A-STAN.

God Bless them and keep them safe!

Dinner and the nights events.

When I returned I was able to watch Marine Manny Soares play the Marine Corps Hymn on the Bagpipe. The Entire crowd came to attention and sang. With the assistance of Steve I'll be posting that video. It is especially motivating! Didn't Jerry get in trouble for singing the Marine Corp along time ago? Not last night. These guys don't play around. Wait for the video. OORAH!

Jerry ran into Paul Chalko. Paul was with the Frozen Chosin and was seriously wounded along with Jack Mainor. Paul and Jack were friends. Jack is another legendary Marine in the extended Sherlock OUTLAW clan. Paul and Jack fought in Korea at the Frozen Chosin and shed blood for this country so that others might have freedom. Jack has left us too early and is standing post on the streets of Heaven. Semper Fi Jack!

Jerry was surrounded by the Marine Color guard who fought to have photos with him. These guys speak the same language as Jerry. Freedom and Honor our not just simple word to the MARINES.

The Marines have been kicking ass and taking names in places with names that people can't even pronounce. It is written indelibly in blood on the MARINE Corps Battle Honors. Here is to guys like Jack Mainor and Jerry Sherlock. Guys like them, and guys that want to be like them!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES!

SEMPER FI DO OR DIE!

Memorial Day Devil Dogs

Thanks to all Service members. Especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.






Of course the MARINES hold a special place of honor here.

PVT John Carlyle Jones USMC

PVT. John Carlyle Jones

United States Marine Corps

Service Number 982847

Entered Service From Colorado

Died 26 FEB 1945

Buried at Sea

Purple Heart

Tablets of the Missing Honolulu Memorial

Honolulu, HI

ENGRAVED UPON THE DEDICATORY STONE;

IN THESE GARDENS ARE RECORDED

THE NAMES OF AMERICANS

WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES

IN THE SERVICE OF THIER COUNTRY

AND WHOSE EARTHLY RESTING PLACE

IS KNOWN ONLY TO GOD

Day 17 of the battle for Iwo Jima

The US Marines landed the black sandy shores of Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. Four days later, they raised the flag on Mt Suribachi but the fighting continued until March 26th before the island was declared secured.

If I counted correctly, today would be Day 17.

Dodging gunfire, helping wounded comrades, sleeping here and there in a fox hole. Always on the alert for the enemy.

Jerry landed on the 19th. By this time, he had been in combat for 17 days. When would it end? No one knew then that it would go for another 18 days. He did not leave the island until March 27th.

Thank the veterans of Iwo Jima for their service!
Thank all veterans for the comforts we have and enjoy!

Semper Fi birthday!

Jerry's son-in-law, Frank Moody, sent along these pictures of Jerry at the recent Marine Dinner. Frank writes in the email:

These are some photos from the 234th Marine Corps Birthday Dinner.  My Partner Steve has taken your Dad now for the last three years.  He sits with the Providence Police Marines.  I have to tell you, I'm not sure who looks forward to it more.  Them or your Dad.   One of the guys has posted the photo of the CREW on Facebook.  He refers to your father as the elder gentleman who was at Iwo Jima.  He equates the evening as dining with a ROCK STAR!

Needless to say, Jerry did have a good time.

The cake:

Note: The icing was 'corrected' to show the proper year.

Jerry and Steve Cileli: 

The full table of Providence Police (all former US Marines) with Jerry:

Semper Fi!

Jerry's Story: Tinian and Hawaii (audio)

Jerry talks about Tinian and then recovery and training on Hawaii before going into Iwo Jima.

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e508659f-bfc5-42fd-9e36-5c59b369a440

Jerry's Story: Tinian and Hawaii (audio)

The music for the intro and exit comes from “Through Golden Fields” by Dee Yan-Key licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License.

Jerry's Story: Joint Assault Signal Company

Jerry talks about his work on Saipan and Tinian as part of the Joint Assault Signal Company, a group also made famous in the movie "The Whisperers".

Time: approx. 6 minutes

Audio file -> https://jerry-sherlocks-story.captivate.fm/episode/gs-002-jerry-recalls-the-joint-assault-signal-company

Jerry's Story: US Marine Health Records

Jerry talks about his health records and how he grew during his time in the US Marines.

Time: about 6 minutes

Audio file -> https://jerry-sherlocks-story.captivate.fm/episode/gs-007-jerry-recalls-trying-to-get-his-marine-health-records