World War II Marine Corporal Veteran Harry Gunther fought in four battles, his last ending by being medically evacuated
off Iwo Jima, and he received two Purple Hearts. While telling his story, he said, “I joined the Marines because I liked the Dress Blues. 2 ½ years, four battles, and two Purple Hearts and I never got a chance to wear those doggone
Blues!”
US Marines Veteran Harry Gunther
Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Brian Ivers found out about this and immediately jumped into action. Brian served in the Marines for 27 years and had 11 deployments. Besides just simply wanting to help a fellow Marine, the connection with Harry ran deeper on so many different levels for Brian. Brian, who has a Purple Heart himself, had decided to become a Marine after seeing the John Wayne movie “Sands of Iwo Jima” as a young lad, served 60 years later in the same regiment as Harry, and his two sons are presently in the Marines and corporals like Harry.
With help from his connections and his sons, Brian purchased a set of Dress Blues. He hired a seamstress to sew everything on and properly tailor it for Harry, and then researched all of Harry’s medals. Harry wore his Dress Blues with deep pride during the Loveland Veterans Day Parade. Finally, a long-lost dream from 78+ years ago was fulfilled for a Marine by another. “Semper Fidelis” or “Semper Fi” is a Latin phrase that means “always faithful” or “always loyal”. It is the motto of the United States Marine Corps.
Brad Hoopes has a project of preserving the stories of Veterans. You can watch Harry’s story and learn about more about Brian on: www. youtube.com/@rememberandhonorstories.