A Marine’s 1926 Service Record Highlights the Corps' Timeless Spirit

Thanks to a presently serving Marine who provided his great-grandfather's 1926 service record, a look into Marine Corps life almost a century ago enthralls Reddit users. Just known by his first name, Edmund, this Marine served from 1922 to 1953 and left behind a record that emphasizes the peculiarities and customs of military discipline.

The Marine Corps History Division claims the paper looks to be a Page 11 record with administrative notes and minor disciplinary proceedings. Edmund's transgressions included a brief unapproved absence, late for roll call, and disturbance following Taps. His harshest penalty, a three-week ban, was for not airing bedding and creating disruption. Surprisingly, a more severe-sounding infraction— "Fighting in quarters with dangerous weapons" received just a warning.

The great-grandson, who wanted to be nameless, laughed at the differences. Not airing the sheets, he said to Task & Purpose, "Getting restriction for, but fighting, it's just like—yes, don't do that again."

By means of National Archives archives, the Marine also found that Edmund was stationed in Guadalcanal during World War II, therefore providing a more complete portrait of a man he never met. Designed as a Christmas present for his father, these revelations highlight the ongoing spirit of Marines across history.

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