Stormy's 3/3
Officially known as Third Battalion, Third Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division, Stormy’s 3/3 formed in 1959 at Camp Pendleton, California and commenced training for later transplacement to the Japanese Island of Okinawa in the Pacific. Throughout 1960, Marines of all ranks from private to lieutenant colonel filled the ranks and began the intense tactical training required to become a lethal force in readiness.
The battalion was led by Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. “Stormy” Sexton, USMC, a battle hardened infantry veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Stormy was a member of the legendary Marine Corps Raiders of World War II, and was awarded a Silver Star, our Country’s third highest award for valor in combat.
Stormy was an exemplary leader who demanded perfection from all who served with him, yet commanded their undying loyalty and commitment. As a direct result of his leadership, the battalion achieved Marine Corps wide acclaim for combat readiness while winning virtually every sport and military competition held on the Island of Okinawa.
While Stormy was truly beloved by his Marines, officer and enlisted, he had an outstanding supporting cast of veterans of World War II and The Korean War. Most of the battalion’s rifle company commanders were veterans of the fighting in Korea, as were many of the staff noncommissioned officers (SNCOs). A significant number of the newly commissioned second lieutenants that joined the battalion and commanded its rifle and weapons platoons were meritoriously promoted enlisted Marines. And those who did not have that background were schooled in leadership, tactics and field craft by SNCOs that excelled in each of those military disciplines.
The direct result of Stormy’s outstanding leadership, and the dedication of all his Marines in response to the example he set, was unit cohesion that still resides with those of us here today, honoring our brothers who have passed.
The upcoming 2020 Reunion in Branson, MO is the 30th gathering of Stormy’s 3/3, held since 1990 in many cities and locales across this great nation, from Maine to California and all points in between.
The Marines of today are every bit as courageous, capable and committed as those who have served for the past 245 years. These Marines stand proudly on the shoulders of those who have gone before, including all those gathered here.
Semper Fidelis. “Always Faithful” remains the motto, greeting, and battle cry of United States Marines serving in harm’s way and defending freedom around the world. These Marines stand on our shoulders as did we on those who went before.
Follow these links to see articles about, Col Martin J. "Stormy" Sexton:
An article from The University of Maryland - Terrapin Tales Nov. 11, 2014
The battalion was led by Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. “Stormy” Sexton, USMC, a battle hardened infantry veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Stormy was a member of the legendary Marine Corps Raiders of World War II, and was awarded a Silver Star, our Country’s third highest award for valor in combat.
Stormy was an exemplary leader who demanded perfection from all who served with him, yet commanded their undying loyalty and commitment. As a direct result of his leadership, the battalion achieved Marine Corps wide acclaim for combat readiness while winning virtually every sport and military competition held on the Island of Okinawa.
While Stormy was truly beloved by his Marines, officer and enlisted, he had an outstanding supporting cast of veterans of World War II and The Korean War. Most of the battalion’s rifle company commanders were veterans of the fighting in Korea, as were many of the staff noncommissioned officers (SNCOs). A significant number of the newly commissioned second lieutenants that joined the battalion and commanded its rifle and weapons platoons were meritoriously promoted enlisted Marines. And those who did not have that background were schooled in leadership, tactics and field craft by SNCOs that excelled in each of those military disciplines.
The direct result of Stormy’s outstanding leadership, and the dedication of all his Marines in response to the example he set, was unit cohesion that still resides with those of us here today, honoring our brothers who have passed.
The upcoming 2020 Reunion in Branson, MO is the 30th gathering of Stormy’s 3/3, held since 1990 in many cities and locales across this great nation, from Maine to California and all points in between.
The Marines of today are every bit as courageous, capable and committed as those who have served for the past 245 years. These Marines stand proudly on the shoulders of those who have gone before, including all those gathered here.
Semper Fidelis. “Always Faithful” remains the motto, greeting, and battle cry of United States Marines serving in harm’s way and defending freedom around the world. These Marines stand on our shoulders as did we on those who went before.
Follow these links to see articles about, Col Martin J. "Stormy" Sexton:
An article from The University of Maryland - Terrapin Tales Nov. 11, 2014
A page from a Life Magazine article and interview - Life Magazine June 22, 1962