American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Ralph (Gunny) Young, 83, who joined the United States Marine Corps in South Bend, Ind., in 1960. After Boot Camp at Parris Island, he was assigned as a Transportation Specialist – driver and continued duties at Parris Island. He then served as a driver at DaNang, Vietnam for two years. He was next assigned to Okinawa, first as a driver for loading and unloading aircraft, and then as a guard at a secure facility. He returned to Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort as a driver, especially for VIPs. Going to sea aboard USS Hornet (CVS-12), he continued as a special guard as the ship made a deployment to the Western Pacific. Back to Beaufort, he served two tours, first at Parris Island as a guard and VIP driver and at MCAS Beaufort as a guard. He retired in 1980 as a Gunnery Sergeant with 20 years of service. He then worked locally before moving to the Retreat at Lady’s Island in 2019.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
