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Suicide Charley
Suicide Charley, also known as C Company 1st Battalion 7th Marines, commonly abbreviated 1/7 C Co, is a US Marine Corps infantry rifle company stationed at 29 Palms, California. It is the only company in the Marine Corps to carry with them 2 guidons, although a battalion, 1/9, also carries two guidons.
Origin of the name
On 24 October 1942, the 1st Marine Division was occupying a defensive position around Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, commanded by Lt. Col. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, helped form this line. "C" Company was flanked by "B" Company on the right and "A" Company on the left. At approximately ten P.M. on 24 October 1942, the Japanese launched a major offensive throwing three infantry regiments and part of a brigade against the battle weary, disease ridden Marines. "C" Company received the brunt of the fanatical Japanese attack. The morning of 25 October found the defensive line of the 1st Marine Division still intact. The Japanese attack had been repelled. Later that morning a flag appeared over the "C" Company position. It consisted of a piece of white Japanese parachute material with a skull and crossed-bones crudely painted on it and inscribed with the words "Suicide Charley," 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. This flag continued to appear throughout the hard fought battle for Guadalcanal.
"The "Suicide Charley" flag was not seen again until the battle for Peleliu. During one particular phase of that bloody battle, a replica of the original appeared briefly to inspire the tired Marines to victory. "Korea proved the Stage for the next appearance of this battle symbol. While on "R&R" in Japan, some members of "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, had a new "Suicide Charley" flag made and proudly carried it back to Korea, misspelled name (Charley) and all. From that day on, the black and yellow "Suicide Charley" flag has traveled the world over with the company, until now faded to a greened brown and dirty white in color; it is displayed with pride in a specifically built trophy case in the office of the present "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, better know to its close friends and devoted Marines as "Suicide Charley".
History
Early Years WWII Korea Vietnam Persian Gulf Somalia Iraq
Medal of Honor recipients
Other Notable Members
References edit
External links edit