Change of Command - 5th Marines (5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division). On 3 June 2009 in a Change of Command ceremony at Camp San Mateo, located on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base, Colonel Patrick J. Malay relinquished command of the much decorated 5th Marines to Colonel Willard A. Buhl.
The activation of the 5th Marines dates back to June 1917, just prior to the U.S. force deployment to France during World War I. The Regiment won its nickname, the “Fighting Fifth,” on the battlefields of western Europe. So fierce were its efforts in the Battle of Belleau Wood and subsequent victories that the French government awarded the Regiment the Croix de Guerre with two palms and one gilt star. Today, each Marine serving in the Regiment also wears the Fourragere, a French unit award, on the left shoulder of his uniform to recognize the legacy and valor of their predecessors.
These images are presented in the order of events of the day, beginning with the gathering of guests, serenade by the Marine Corps Band San Diego (established 1921), the Change of Command, Pass in Review, and concluding with informal greetings and congratulations among families and guests, followed by a reception across from Regimental Headquarters.
Also supporting the ceremony was The Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard from Barstow, California,
Image #22 describes the sequence of events.
The passing of the Regiment's battle colors, delivered by Regimental Sergeant Major Robert D. Thielen to the outgoing Commanding Officer, and in turn presented to the new Commander, symbolizes the formal transfer of command.
Permission is granted to save/print images for personal use, and if used in a publication, credit photo by B.B. Yarborough.
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Comments, questions, requests to: colbb06@gmail.com
I served in Lima and Wpns Co's from 82-85 (Pfc-Cpl 0331). Finest bunch of warriors on the planet. We suffered a huge loss when Lima had a CH 53 crash during Team Spirit 84 in Korea. A lot of good men lost their lives that night. Spent 20 more years in the Corps after 3/5 and I'm here to tell you, my fondest memories are from 3/5. Semper Fi Devil Dogs and thanks for carrying on the legacy! MANGUDAI ~ GET SOME! - Scott Brunt, Wed, 29 Feb 2012 2:46PM
Mangudai 3/5 was motivated by Lt. Col Kelly, and this was the proudest, bravest bunch of Marines I ever served with. We were proud to be named the MANUDAUI, The most feared fighting force in Marine Corps history. GET SOME 3/5 - Sgt. Bryon Walker, Fri, 2 Dec 2011 10:19AM
I served with 5th Marines (3/5 HQCO CommPlt) from 1982 to 1984 after completing two overseas deployments to Camp Hansen Okinawa. These years were some of the best of my career. I was so proud and honored to be a part of such an amazing Regiment with such an illustrious history. I arrived under LtCol Hayes, became the Mangudai with LtCol Kelly and left the battalion under the command of LtCol Germane. However, there was no better leader then Col J.A. Kelly. I am proud to see and hear about the fighting spirit of 3/5 and I firmly believe that spirit will live on forever. Get Some Devil Dogs. - SSgt Rick Erens, Sat, 16 Jul 2011 6:41PM
Howdy. Colonel Masterpool was CO when I was Plt Ldr 3rd Platoon K 3/5 '77-'79. LtGen(Ret) Bill Keys was CO 3/5, Gen(RET) Pete Pace XO, LtGen(Ret) Jan Huly K CO, MajGen(Ret) Larry Livingston L CO. Congrats to the outgoing and incoming Commanders. I would love to start all over again. Thanks for putting this together. Does an old Marine's heart good. Semper Fidelis. LtCol USMC(Ret) - Ed Johnson, Thu, 6 Aug 2009 1:33PM
5th MNarines 1st Marine Divison, Korea 1950-1952 SN 1097814. Retired. - Billy E Taylor, Thu, 6 Aug 2009 10:57AM
Congratulations! One hell of a regiment! Wpns co 3/5 1981-1985 "The Mangudai" GetSome. - Bruce Boegel, Thu, 6 Aug 2009 10:47AM
