I am a former U.S. Marine. I served through no wars and no conflicts. I was too young for World War II. I went into the Marines three days after I turned 17. World War II had just ended.
All four of my brothers served during World War II. The Marines had to cut their numbers down so Truman could pay off the war debt and get America back on its feet again. So, I was honorably discharged along with thousands of other military men and women.
Soon after I got out, the Korean conflict started. I didn’t re-enlist.
I did not know Commander Brown L. Coble personally. I never had the pleasure of shaking his hand. However, after reading the obituary in the Valley Morning Star, Dec. 7, 2017 (the same day as the bombing of Pearl Harbor back in 1941), somehow, I feel like I’ve always known him, or at least been acquainted with men a lot like him. But only a few have had the tenacity, the obstinacy and resolve to go through four wars and still have time to retire and enjoy life after all the wars he went through.
I don’t know if the Commander was ever given any medals or awards. I am sure he must have for the time he gave serving America. But, if he didn’t, then America sure dropped the ball.
He was born Dec. 26, 1921, one day after Christmas. He graduated from Boonshill High School in a class of 11 students in 1940. Then, in January 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an aviation cadet. After he was commissioned as an ensign, he joined the Fighter Squadron 8, on Jan. 1, 1945 as a fighter pilot for the rest of World War II. Then, after the war was over, he went into the Naval Reserve. He was recalled to duty for the Korean Conflict in February 1953 and served until his retirement as a Lieutenant Commander in 1965. Then in 1966, he joined Air American and flew in Laos in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War until 1972. A very dangerous and trying tour of duty of its own.
That is about as full a schedule as a man can give to his country. Basically, this brave hero sacrificed most of his adult life to serving his country and preserving our freedom through four wars and conflicts. He lived through all of them and died at the age of 96. He should be remembered along with the many others that served that much time in brave and honorable defense of our nation’s freedom.
Lieutenant Commander Brown L. Coble, America salutes you and I salute you. May God bless your family plus all the other that honored and respected your dedication with devotion to duty for your country.
Curtis Hatcher Harlingen
