103-year-old Marine Raider veteran celebrates birthday in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Marine Corps veteran Cpl. Leonard B. Turner celebrated his 103rd birthday Thursday at Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q on Abercorn Street, in a celebration hosted by the Marine Corps League.

Turner was born in Detroit in August 1923. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942, following two brothers who had already joined the military for World War II, Bob in the Coast Guard and Bill in the Marine Corps.

“I enlisted when I became age eligible with the signed permission of my parents since two other brothers were serving already, to join the fight to preserve our American way of life,” Turner said. “I chose the Marines because of their history, legacy, reputation and training. I felt that my best chance for victory and survival would be with the Marines. Of note, I would be remiss to not mention the uniform!”

Service with Carlson’s Raiders

Turner served under Lt. Col. Evan F. Carlson with the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, known as “Carlson’s Raiders,” on New Caledonia. The Marine Raiders were established during World War II as an amphibious light infantry unit meant to land and operate behind enemy lines. The 2nd Marine Raider Battalion is said to have been one of the first United States special operations forces to form and see combat in World War II.

Turner served in Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, Efate, Emirau, Eniwetok and Kwajalein. He was part of the first waves into the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa. He was preparing for the battle of Japan when he learned of the country’s surrender. He was then sent to Japan as part of the occupational force, serving as military police.

Life after the war

After the war, Turner returned to Detroit and served in a supervisory capacity at General Motors headquarters, retiring after 42 years.

Turner has been nicknamed “Raider 96” by MARSOC, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, and was the oldest Marine in attendance at their 244th birthday ball.

“I would say that I went into the Marines a mere teen and left an old man,” Turner said. “The Marine Raiders had defined me. They set me up for life’s battles and challenges with skills of leadership, organization, morality, steadfastness, patience and discipline- not to mention I’m still pretty good with that machete around my yard!”

What it means to be a Marine

Speaking at his birthday celebration Thursday, Turner was asked what it means to be a Marine.

“It set a standard, as far as I’m concerned, to take orders, do the right thing, and always respect your country, and the people that are running it for us,” Turner said.