Lt. Eugene Marion Dennis, U.S. Marine Corps, a member of VMF 112 & VMF 214, is likely the ONLY Marine to collect a Japanese souvenir at 12,000. Dennis who shot down three Kamikaze planes in as many minutes, got the souvenir when the ceremonial robe of a Japanese Pilot bailing out snagged on the aerial of his plane. By the time he landed only a shred of he silken cloth was left, but that was enough. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on April 14, 1945. He also was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, along with an Air Medal with four bronze stars. He was killed during a training mission when his Hellcat went out of control and into a spinning crash. He had been based at the Marine Air Station near El Centro, and was flying in a formation of five, just before the crash. Services were held in San Diego (National City) before the body was sent to Decatur, Ill where his wife Donna then resided. (Bio by: Jay Lance)
Lt. Eugene Marion Dennis, U.S. Marine Corps, a member of VMF 112 & VMF 214, is likely the ONLY Marine to collect a Japanese souvenir at 12,000. Dennis who shot down three Kamikaze planes in as many minutes, got the souvenir when the ceremonial robe of a Japanese Pilot bailing out snagged on the aerial of his plane. By the time he landed only a shred of he silken cloth was left, but that was enough. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on April 14, 1945. He also was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, along with an Air Medal with four bronze stars. He was killed during a training mission when his Hellcat went out of control and into a spinning crash. He had been based at the Marine Air Station near El Centro, and was flying in a formation of five, just before the crash. Services were held in San Diego (National City) before the body was sent to Decatur, Ill where his wife Donna then resided. (Bio by: Jay Lance)
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