Scope and Contents

The collection consists of one scrapbook documenting Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (Fleet Marine Force) John Irving's U.S. Navy service with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade (MAB), 4th Marines (December 1967 to August 1968); Marine Air Group 15, 9th MAB (September 1968 to January 1969); and Camp Pendleton (January-November 1969).

Biographical / Historical

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (Fleet Marine Force) John Irving was born in 1944 in Watertown, NY. He volunteered for the U.S. Navy in 1966. He completed training at the Basic Hospital Corps School (June-September 1966), the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam (October 1966 to October 1967), and the Field Medical Service School (November-December 1967). He was then deployed to I Corps and served as a corpsman with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade (MAB), 4th Marines (December 1967 to August 1968) and Marine Air Group 15, 9th MAB (September 1968 to January 1969). He was involved in the Battle of Dio Do (Dong Ha). He received numerous awards including the Navy Unit Citation with Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation (Division), the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Division), and the Purple Heart with 2 Gold Stars. Upon returning to the United States, he served at Camp Pendleton (January-November 1969). He was honorably discharged from active duty at the end of 1969. After his military service, he had a career in commercial banking.