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Marines

MCB Camp Pendleton

MCB Pendleton Seal

Oceanside, California

Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

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Daniel Caruso, retired Marine aviator, weeps while sharing a story and his warm feelings regarding his father, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, with a congregation of more than 100 Marines, sailors and civilian friends and family during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“My earliest childhood memory was that flag draped casket, and I remember my mother holding me and crying,” said Caruso, as he displays his father’s Silver Star Medal which was pinned on Daniel during a ceremony when he was 4 months old. “I don’t remember a thing before that, and if he were here today I would tell my father that ‘I wish I could have had you in mine and mom’s [lives], but you found a higher calling and I’m proud of you.’”

Daniel Caruso, retired Marine aviator, weeps while sharing a story and his warm feelings regarding his father, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, with a congregation of more than 100 Marines, sailors and civilian friends and family during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “My earliest childhood memory was that flag draped casket, and I remember my mother holding me and crying,” said Caruso, as he displays his father’s Silver Star Medal which was pinned on Daniel during a ceremony when he was 4 months old. “I don’t remember a thing before that, and if he were here today I would tell my father that ‘I wish I could have had you in mine and mom’s [lives], but you found a higher calling and I’m proud of you.’”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

John R. Caruso reminisces about life and service of his brother, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, at the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.
“I remember receiving the telegram and watching my father turn pale as he read it,” said Matthew as his eyes welled with tears. “I was on the burial detail, escorting him home, and a woman who was on the train stopped and said to me ‘Did you know the Marine that was killed?’ I said, ‘Yes, ma’am. He was my brother.’”

John R. Caruso reminisces about life and service of his brother, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, at the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “I remember receiving the telegram and watching my father turn pale as he read it,” said Matthew as his eyes welled with tears. “I was on the burial detail, escorting him home, and a woman who was on the train stopped and said to me ‘Did you know the Marine that was killed?’ I said, ‘Yes, ma’am. He was my brother.’”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

Elizabeth Smith joins a congregation of more than 100 Marines, Sailors and civilian friends and family in prayer during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“It’s terrific to be here this time since I missed the first one,” said Smith. Smith was unable to travel due to pregnancy during the chapel’s initial dedication. “The ceremony was stirring and it’s such an honor to be here. My husband made a tremendous sacrifice.”

Elizabeth Smith joins a congregation of more than 100 Marines, Sailors and civilian friends and family in prayer during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “It’s terrific to be here this time since I missed the first one,” said Smith. Smith was unable to travel due to pregnancy during the chapel’s initial dedication. “The ceremony was stirring and it’s such an honor to be here. My husband made a tremendous sacrifice.”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

Charles E. Griffin, retired Navy chaplain, shared his appreciation for the sacrifice Sgt. Matthew Caruso made while saving his uncle, Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“I firmly believe that he, Sgt. Caruso, inspired my uncle to be a more Christ-like servant of God,” said Griffin. “The reverence my family has for Sgt. Caruso is matched by the reverence you show for his memory here, and I cannot thank you enough for the invitation to join these proceedings.

Charles E. Griffin, retired Navy chaplain, shared his appreciation for the sacrifice Sgt. Matthew Caruso made while saving his uncle, Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “I firmly believe that he, Sgt. Caruso, inspired my uncle to be a more Christ-like servant of God,” said Griffin. “The reverence my family has for Sgt. Caruso is matched by the reverence you show for his memory here, and I cannot thank you enough for the invitation to join these proceedings.

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

The Caruso Chapel was rededicated to Sgt. Matthew Caruso , at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.
The chapel was dedicated to Caruso and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal for shielding Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire during an ambush in the Korean War Dec. 6, 1950.

The Caruso Chapel was rededicated to Sgt. Matthew Caruso , at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was dedicated to Caruso and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal for shielding Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire during an ambush in the Korean War Dec. 6, 1950.

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

John R. Caruso reminisces about his brother’s life and service after viewing a photo of him, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, at the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, located at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“There went a father, a husband, a brother, and it affected a lot of people.” John said with tears in his eyes. “He was a good brother, but [this is] something Marines do.”

John R. Caruso reminisces about his brother’s life and service after viewing a photo of him, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, at the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, located at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “There went a father, a husband, a brother, and it affected a lot of people.” John said with tears in his eyes. “He was a good brother, but [this is] something Marines do.”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Ramos and his son Navy Ensign Daniel Ramos Jr. recall moments throughout Ramos' Marine Corps career. Ramos is pointing himself out in a photo of a firing detail he led while stationed in Cuba.

Ramos was a combat engineer and the first member of his family to join the armed services. Ramos Jr. recieved his commission into the Navy May 23, 2014.

Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Ramos and his son Navy Ensign Daniel Ramos Jr. recall moments throughout Ramos' Marine Corps career. Ramos is pointing himself out in a photo of a firing detail he led while stationed in Cuba. Ramos was a combat engineer and the first member of his family to join the armed services. Ramos Jr. recieved his commission into the Navy May 23, 2014.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Ramos, with his dog Top, displays the shadow box he received upon his retirement from the Marine Corps and photos from various times and places during his career.

Ramos was a combat engineer and the first member of his family to join the armed services. His son Daniel Ramos Jr. recieved his commission into the Navy May 23, 2014.

Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Ramos, with his dog Top, displays the shadow box he received upon his retirement from the Marine Corps and photos from various times and places during his career. Ramos was a combat engineer and the first member of his family to join the armed services. His son Daniel Ramos Jr. recieved his commission into the Navy May 23, 2014.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Daniel Ramos at home in Fallbrook, Calif., with his children Daniel and Terri in 1994.

Daniel Ramos at home in Fallbrook, Calif., with his children Daniel and Terri in 1994.

Photo by Courtesy of Daniel Ramos

Courtesy photo Master Sgts. Allessi and Ramos in Iraq, 2005.

Courtesy photo Master Sgts. Allessi and Ramos in Iraq, 2005.

Photo by Courtesy of Daniel Ramos

Photo courtesy of Chief Robert T. Johnson

Photo courtesy of Chief Robert T. Johnson

Photo by Chief Robert T. Johnson