MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Leaders with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 38 slowly filed into the heritage room of MACG-38 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, March 16. They gathered to honor their unit’s history.
The room displayed photographs, books and other memorabilia commemorating the history of MACG-38 and its subordinate units, ranging from the unit’s beginning in 1943 to its recent involvements in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
A picture of Staff Sgt. Jacob Marty picture stood on a table, centered between two other documents. Jacob Marty, a Marine with Air Warning Squadron (AWS) 1, was killed in action March 8, 1944. He was also the first Marine associated with MACG-38 to die in combat.
After a few moments, three family members of Jacob Marty entered the room. Together with the Marines, they shared historical information and stories, recognizing the sacrifice of Jacob Marty and his contribution to the unit’s history.
“It’s about remembering our past and the ties that bind that past to our present,” said Col. Chris Richie, commanding officer of MACG-38. “Our country was attacked and several thousand men and women went and enlisted basically the very next day. What we’re doing here today is we’re honoring one of [them]. We’re honoring Staff Sgt. Marty who was killed in combat in the Marshall Islands.”
According to Maj. Mark Murphy, an air command and control officer with MACG-38, he contacted Charles Marty, the nephew of Jacob Marty, and shared information about Jacob Marty’s military service with him.
Charles Marty said their correspondence enabled him to understand more about his uncle and ultimately lead to his visit.
“It just makes me very proud … what’s he’s accomplished and what all of you have accomplished,” said Charles Marty. “The kind of esprit de corps that exists here and the fact that you care so deeply about this is just very, very meaningful. Very touching.”
Charles Marty shared his uncle’s Purple Heart medal, official documents and other awards with the Marines of MACG-38 to share in the unit’s history. Charles Marty said he heard about his uncle but this visit has given him context to Jacob Marty’s experiences.
Although Jacob Marty died March 8, 1944, his memory will continue as a part of MACG-38 history, said Richie.
“What’s that tie that binds all of us together? It’s our corps values of honor, courage, commitment,” said Richie. “We know our history. It’s the very fabric of what makes us the few, the proud, the Marines.”
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