Veteran Marines of the USS Curtiss celebrated their 11th annual reunion with a banquet at the Gold Dust West Saturday evening. These Marines served as security on highly classified atomic and hydrogen weapons tests in the Marshall Islands from 1948-1956.
While in Carson City, the seagoing Marines, accompanied by wives and other family members, enjoyed a visit to Virginia City, observed young Marines training at the Marine Corps Mountain Weather Training Center at Pickel Meadows, golfed Silver Oak Golf Course, and rode the M.S. Dixie at Lake Tahoe.
The highlight appeared to be at the banquet and having pictures taken with retired Maj. Gen. Cynthia Kirkland, former adjutant general of the state of Nevada and the reunion's guest of honor. She was flooded with requests from all who attended. The general graciously presented a certificate of appreciation to the veteran Marines.
Kirkland's husband, Richard Kirkland, noticed some Curtiss Marines served on Operation Greenhouse in 1951 - the same operation his father, an Air Force pilot, participated in. One Marine Greenhouse veteran was attending.
The USS Curtiss was moored across the island from Battleship Row when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. A Japanese plane flew into the Curtiss.
While many of the Curtiss Marines were discharged and returned home, went on to college and distinguished themselves in the civilian world, others remained and served in Korea, Vietnam, and one in Desert Storm.
Many medals of valor were awarded to those still serving, including Silver Stars, Bronze Stars and several Purple Hearts, Crosses of Gallantry and Combat Action Ribbons. One Marine who served on Operation Greenhouse, Staff Sgt. Ambrosio Guillen, fought in Korea and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously.
• Paul Morigeau of Carson City served as a major in the U.S. Marines.