The Old Marine: A Memorial

      Attended a memorial service Monday for a retired firefighter from the City.  Elbert (Elbie) J. Kimble passed at 87, having served the City of S.F. for over 37 years.  During 2 of those years, Elbie was sent on a field trip to the frigid climes of east Asia, South Korea to be exact.  He was recalled, along with thousands of other WW II vets to fill up the ranks in  a hastily formed American contingent of a combined United Nations force sent to thwart the overthrow of the south by the Communist North Koreans.
     Only a week ago, the 60th Anniversary of the armistice signed in August 1953 was marked by many veterans and military personnel.  Known as "The Forgotten War", the Korean conflict does not elicit the same fervor as WW II or even the more modern curse, Vietnam.
     Elbie was a Marine, enlisting right after graduation from Geo. Washington High School in the Richmond district.  After boot camp at San Diego, he was sent to aviation gunners' school in Norman, Oklahoma.  After extensive training, he was sent to the Western Pacific to join the 1st Marine Airwing, in a torpedo bombing squadron, where he assumed the position of rear defense gunner on a Avenger light bomber(single engine).   He completed 53 combat missions, and stayed with the Fleet Marine Force for the duration of the war.
     After joining the SFFD  in 1947, he was recalled to the Marines and sent to Korea where he performed the role of tech, Sergeant, in an aviation billet with a support role of infantry forces.  He rejoined the SFFD in 1952 and made the rank of lieutenant in 1967.  He retired in 1985, spending time with his wife and children, enjoying his "golden years."
     He was a kind man, enjoyed many friendships, and he was a loyal Marine, attending reunions on a regular basis.
     He was a quiet hero: he was awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and many other awards.  He took part in the final battle of World War II:  Okinawa, the most vicious and costly battle for the Marines and Navy.   It was the last desperate effort of the Japanese to stave off defeat.
Rest In Peace Marine