ROME, NY -- A group of World War Two veterans who have gathered every year for the last twenty four years are holding their final reunion.
Marines from George Company, 5th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, got together in Rome for a final farewell. The "Fighting Fifth" was the most decorated Marine Regiment in World War Two. Members of George Company saw action in some of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific.
Hibbard who is from Westmoreland, was shot during the battle for Okinawa. Like many of the Marines here today, Hibbard came here to be with his fellow marines who he considers family. " When I went into the Marines I had brothers not brother but brothers," he says.
Almost every member of George Company attending the reunion was wounded in action, several multiple times. Corpsman Bill Lynne, who was just 17 when he enlisted, says the unit engaged in heavy combat. "We had tremendous casualties, our company was decimated," he says.
Bob Crowton who was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions remembers the night his position was overrun. "One Japanese soldier came up to my foxhole. I didn't have a choice. I stood up and shot him with my carbine. Then, right after that, there was another one," he says.
Members of George Company have rotated the location of their annual reunions. Over the years it has gotten more difficult for the members to attend and they have decided that this gathering will be their last.
Tom Evans says it is hard to imagine not seeing his fellow marines each year. " You never want to say goodbye" he says.
These heroes were honored with the 'Keys to the City' Friday.
For more information, visit the Marine Corps website and the local Rome Marine Corps site.
