MARINE CORPS RECRUITING STATION NEW JERSEY -- Six Marines from Company G, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, received New Jersey’s highest military award; the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, May 6, 2005.
The medals were awarded for the Marines actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The medals were presented by Senator Joseph F. Vitale, Senator District 19, New Jersey State Senate on behalf of New Jersey’s Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. Fifty-three other Marines from Company G have received the award in previous ceremonies.
The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal was originally issued in 1858 for those who had distinguished themselves in the New Jersey Militia, but was infrequently used until reauthorized by Governor Thomas H. Kean in 1988.
After the Spanish American War, The Mexican Border Expedition and again after World War I, the State of New Jersey minted special medals for returning New Jersey veterans to honor their service. After World War II, Korea, Vietnam and subsequent combat actions no such medal was available. The State of New Jersey was looking for an appropriate way to honor returning combat veterans and acknowledge the debt the state owed them for their service. The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal was then authorized for that purpose. It was New Jersey’s highest military award.
Since its re-authorization in 1988, more than 10,000 medals have been awarded to combat veterans from New Jersey.
“It is always an honor to receive recognition from our elected officials,” said Major Alexander Waugh, commanding officer, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division.
The ceremony began with Vitale reading a letter from the governor. After the letter he added his own words. The senator compared the Revolutionary War in America to the ongoing fight against terrorism and how many brave young men and women rose up against an oppressive country.
“You are their revolutionary hero and you will be in their history books for decades to come,” Vitale said. “It is my honor and I am humbled to be in your presence to present this letter from the governor but most importantly to tell you that we are all proud of you.”
According to Waugh, it was gratifying to receive the award because it shows that (the state of New Jersey) truly recognized the sacrifices that they make.
During the 17-months activation period, Company G deployed to Kosovo and Iraq.
“The tremendous support that we received overseas embodies the national support of the military in the war against terrorism,” Waugh said. “Once again, our neighbors and families were critical to maintaining a high morale. This award is a continuation of that support ... for which we can not put a level of gratitude on.”
At the end of the ceremony, both Senator Vitale and Col. Dulfer, both received a letter of appreciation from the command. The letters were accompanied by a picture of the company on an overseas deployment.
After the ceremony Senator Vitale took additional time to speak with several of the Marines individually.
“This medal was given in a very personal manner by the state of New Jersey that showed the appreciation for the service of the men and women of New Jersey,” said Sgt. Keith Grausam, infantry anti-tank assaultman, 3rd Squad Leader, 2nd Plt., Co.G, 2nd Bn., 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division “As Marines we put it all on the line in Iraq to make the world a safer place. Sometimes as a Marine our deeds or accomplishments go unnoticed. This was a way for the State of New Jersey to show Company G their actions and accomplishments are truly appreciated.”
“I can't thank (Senator Vitale) enough for his support to the individual Marines, the company and the Corps,” Waugh said.
Golf Company is one of the largest rifle companies in the Marine Corps. The company is comprised of more than 200 Marines from diverse backgrounds. At one time, the company had Marines that spoke up to 15 different languages and up to five sets of brothers.
“It is critical that we retain a link with our predecessors as we honor those that have gone before us in Company G,” Waugh said. “Our passage ways reflect the command's honored history. We have two Medal of Honor recipients that were "Picatinny" Marines.”
Throughout the years, Marines from Company G have served in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Horn of Africa, and Iraqi Freedom.
“We will continue to get better tactically and professionally...therefore, I feel, we will be ready to answer the nations call if it is put out again.”