 General Gray’s Foreward The ELITE USMC First Reconnaissance Marines of the Korean War 1950 to 1953 realistically describes the capacity of Recon Marines for being swift, silent, and deadly. Known in the 1st Marine Division as “The General’s Men,” these Marine volunteers went above and beyond the call of duty to function brilliantly as the eyes and ears of the Division throughout the “Forgotten War.” They slipped through No Man’s Land into enemy territory, specifically to gather intelligence about North Korean People’s Army (NKPA) and the Chinese Communist Forces (CCF). In so doing, they collected vital information about enemy locations, strengths, and troop movements, ambushing specific areas even while on patrol to take prisoners needed for interrogation. ELITE can be classified as an oral history passed along by Marines who lived, fought, and died as it happened, an epic that nearly fell through the cracks of Marine Corps History. Many of the incidents cited in the book were taken from letters preserved by those men, or were treasured mementos offered to the author by the loved ones of men who did not return from “The Land of the Morning Calm.” Cpl. Jerry Ravino, a battle-tested veteran gunner and wounded tank commander of a Marine flame-throwing tank, was inspired to record this unique company’s courageous history by friend and Recon squad leader, Sgt. John Camara. Cpl. Ravino’s attention to detail, his exhaustive interviews of Recon Marines, and his commitment to collecting their original pictures and other related photos constitute the historical documentation of ELITE First Reconnaissance Marines. Once again, his passion for indepth research shows through. Jerry previously co-authored with fellow Flame Tanker, Sgt. Jack Carty, Flame Dragons of the Korean War, a similar history chronicling their littleknown Flame Platoon in Headquarters Company of the 1st Tank Battalion. ELITE is a must read for military personnel, military buffs, history teachers—anyone interested in units like the Reconnaissance Company that have been little recognized for what they contributed not only to Marine Corps history, but to the firm stand our country takes when called to fight aggression anywhere on land, and sea, and in the air. On a personal note, I was privileged to serve as a noncommissioned officer in the 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, including duty aboard the submarine USS (ASSP 3133) in 1951. This is mentioned only to say that I have seen the incredible spirit and professionalism of the Recon Marines first hand. They have been, and continue to be, an integral part of our Nation’s Corps of Marines. Semper Fidelis, General Al Gray USMC (ret.) 29th Commandant |