Wilbur Plitt joined the Marines in 1942, and by 1943 had risen to the rank of Corporal. He served on the mortar crews of Able Company's Weapons platoon.
Plitt was noted for his competence in action (he was promoted to sergeant in 1944) and for his relatively advanced age (in his thirties he was older than almost everyone else in his company, including his officers). He was also remembered for his legendary seasickness. By the time the landing craft ground ashore - and Plitt made four combat landings, on Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima - his men claimed that he didn't care who was shooting at him, just as long as he was on dry land.
Plitt bravely endured this personal handicap as well as the demands and rigors of some of the hardest fighting Marines have ever faced. He returned to Baltimore, feet safely on the ground, and died in 1957.
Plitt was noted for his competence in action (he was promoted to sergeant in 1944) and for his relatively advanced age (in his thirties he was older than almost everyone else in his company, including his officers). He was also remembered for his legendary seasickness. By the time the landing craft ground ashore - and Plitt made four combat landings, on Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima - his men claimed that he didn't care who was shooting at him, just as long as he was on dry land.
Plitt bravely endured this personal handicap as well as the demands and rigors of some of the hardest fighting Marines have ever faced. He returned to Baltimore, feet safely on the ground, and died in 1957.
Wilbur Plitt joined the Marines in 1942, and by 1943 had risen to the rank of Corporal. He served on the mortar crews of Able Company's Weapons platoon.
Plitt was noted for his competence in action (he was promoted to sergeant in 1944) and for his relatively advanced age (in his thirties he was older than almost everyone else in his company, including his officers). He was also remembered for his legendary seasickness. By the time the landing craft ground ashore - and Plitt made four combat landings, on Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima - his men claimed that he didn't care who was shooting at him, just as long as he was on dry land.
Plitt bravely endured this personal handicap as well as the demands and rigors of some of the hardest fighting Marines have ever faced. He returned to Baltimore, feet safely on the ground, and died in 1957.
Plitt was noted for his competence in action (he was promoted to sergeant in 1944) and for his relatively advanced age (in his thirties he was older than almost everyone else in his company, including his officers). He was also remembered for his legendary seasickness. By the time the landing craft ground ashore - and Plitt made four combat landings, on Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima - his men claimed that he didn't care who was shooting at him, just as long as he was on dry land.
Plitt bravely endured this personal handicap as well as the demands and rigors of some of the hardest fighting Marines have ever faced. He returned to Baltimore, feet safely on the ground, and died in 1957.
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