Not only has James Lawrance Rogers seen a good deal of history, he was an active participant in it.
Lawrance, 94, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943. Among the places he served was China.
During the Korean War, Rogers served under the legendary Lt. General Lewis “Chesty” Puller and participated in the historic Battle of the Pusan Reservoir.
He served with the First Marine Division. Rogers, who resides in Peachtree City, was recently sworn in as a member of the Sgt Clyde Thomason Medal of Honor
Detachment #1325 of the Marine Corps League. To honor Rogers service, he will be forever exempt from any membership dues.
The local detachment serves Coweta and Fayette counties as well as the surrounding area. The chapter is named in honor of Sgt Clyde Thomason, an Atlanta native, who was the first enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor. Sgt Thomason was killed on Makin Island as he led an assault on enemy forces.
Thomason’s first cousin, the late James McMullan, was a resident of Coweta County.
To be a full member of the Marine Corps League, one must either be an active duty Marine or, as is most often the case, a Marine who has received an Honorable Discharge. Membership is also open to Navy corpsmen and chaplains who have served with the Fleet Marine Force. Auxiliary and associate membership is open to non-Marines who wish to support the goals of the organization and the United States Marine Corps. The local chapter meets each second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Christ the King Church,, 4881 Hwy 34 East, Sharpsburg.
