Posted on 11/03/2014 5:59:55 PM PST by nuconvert
Ottawa Canada Since the terrorist attack in Canada that took the life of CPL. Nathan Cirillo, a guy in a Marine uniform sporting five Purple Hearts has been guarding the Canadian National War memorial. The below interview was done with him, and we began getting emails and wall posts from everyone wanting to know if he was really a Marine.
He goes by the name of Major Fox Sinke, and he stated, Courtesy of Global News:
Thats how I see it. So Im paying tribute to him, as best I can. We are not intimidated. Take your best shot.
Sinke was wearing a Marine uniform as he marched around the National War Memorial.
There are those of us who understand whats happening and were not gonna lie down for it, he said. Not gonna happen. Thats basically why Im here. Im just here to make my own little personal damn statement.
So we did some digging and reached out to our contacts to find out more about Major Sinke, and we can tell you that not only did this man serve as a Marine, he was a highly decorated Marine! He is taking a stand for what he believes is right, and yes he has five Purple Hearts. This man is a true American and Canadian Hero, we salute you Sir and the stand you are taking!!!
Below are his records: -excerpt-
Again, we salute Major Sinke for his stand at the National War Memorial in Canada, and for his service to both of our countries. Major Sinke has also authored several books detailing his experiences in the Vietnam War, one is titled When None Of Their Dreams Are Dead.
Ah, yes. Thanks.
Like I said, I was wearing an Ike-jacket when these things mattered to me.
I hope his personal transport is a deuce and a half with a MA Deuce, bed mounted.
Kudos to Major Ralph Fox Sinke Jr. !
Lets learn more about him!
Been a while since I wore the Uniform, there were 2 Canadians in my Platoon in Boot Camp.
I think there might be an organization in Canada called the “49th Marines” Those Marines who came from above the 49th parallel and served.
Unrelated, but a cool story:
My neighbor of Korean heritage had a big party last month. The next morning he apologized if the party was too loud, which it wasn’t. He told me that his cousin was a Marine who got a star that day.
A star? What do you mean?
He got a star that’s silver.
Do you mean he got a “Silver Star” medal?
Yes! That’s what he got. A big parade too!
My back door neighbor is a former Marine; he walks his dog by that house every day. When I told him of the conversation he had one word: OUTSTANDING! He now salutes the house as he passes.
Good news for a change.
#21.
The ceremonial gun is always kept unloaded as a tribute to the unknowns.
http://www.guns.com/2013/05/27/a-21-guns-com-salute-to-the-troops/
I knew there must be a reason, however when the gunman shot him a real gun would have come in handy...
The guard probably saw him coming, but what could he do? No real weapon, no bullets, and now no life....sad.
I question his wearing of the Legion of Merit medal. The criteria for this medal is 06 and above in rank. This man retired as an 04. I have checked several lists of LOM awardees and his name is not among them. His bio sheet in post # 38 does not list the LOM as an award he is entitled to. Nor does it list the diver badge, nor any training as a diver. He is wearing his Purple Heart incorrectly. The proper way of displaying a 5th award of the same medal is a single small silver star in the center of the ribbon. He is wearing his medals 4 per row side by side. Customarily medals are overlapped slightly on the same bar with up to five on one row. For multiple rows, the first row would overlap the second row below it, obscuring the ribbons but allowing the medals to show. Not sure why the discrepancies in his medal display, maybe old age and forgetfulness. But the LOM does appear to be inappropriate.
“the Legion of Merit is typically awarded to Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force general officers and colonels, and Navy and Coast Guard flag officers and captains occupying senior command or very senior staff positions in their respective services. It may also be awarded to officers of lesser rank and to very senior enlisted personnel, but these instances are less frequent and circumstances vary by branch of service.”
From Wikipedia, I know, but seems legit
remember he got out decades ago...
The current standard of overlapping medals and buying a prefab rack wasn’t in place back then.
Regarding the LOM... there are actually 2 grades ... and I’m guessing it was and end of service award. Based on all the other docs he seems legit so I will give the benefit of the doubt on some of the details.
Major Sinke retired in 1986. During the 70’s I had occasion to serve with and know many officers of the USMC. Not a single one of the ever wore their medals in the manner of Major Sinke. The LOM has four grades. His bio sheet makes no reference to an LOM award. This is the most senior medal this man wears. Even as an EOS award, it would be listed on his DD-214, from which the bio sheet in post 38 was prepared. Again a review of lists of LOM awardees in all four grades does not contain his name.
Nah it happens to the best of us every now and again
bkmk
I trashed the deceased? I only stated that US commissioned officers were to be US citizens... Sorry I did not answer immediately, been out doing some “other stuff”, and just now shaking the sand out of my boots.
Best;
Yes, and I had all sorts of foreigners and other services in my basic courses, advanced and service schools throughout the ranks, but , as you mention “all newly commissioned officers” attend the USMC Basic School. I think he was an exchange officer, no?
Been out of touch a bit, so sorry for the long delay from the OP.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.