Marines TV

Recruits with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, perform the Day Movement Course during the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Nov. 26, 2024. The Crucible is a 54-hour long culminating event where recruits use the skills they have learned through recruit training in order to earn their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor at the end. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Vivian Martinez-Reyes)

Recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, made their way to the top of a 47-foot tower for rappel training June 6, 2017, on Parris Island, S.C. The training mimics descending from a helicopter skid or a building using a rope and harness. Both companies are scheduled to graduate July 28, 2017. (Video by Lance Cpl. Joseph Jacob)

Parris Island’s Centennial Celebration ended with the Battle Colors Ceremony Oct. 16, 2015. The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Platoon, both based at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., performed to Marines and civilians participating in the depots Centennial Celebration. The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps played a variety of modern and traditional marching music. The Silent Drill Platoon executed nearly 15 minutes of unique drill movements without verbal commands.

A humble yet decorated Vietnam War hero and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island veteran died Jan. 17, 2014, at his home in Beaufort, S.C., just down the road from the base where he spent much of his career training future Marines. Medal of Honor recipient John James McGinty III, 73, retired as a captain in 1976 and stayed in the local area. He was born Jan. 21, 1940, in Boston, and initially enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in February 1957. McGinty later enlisted in the active-duty Marine Corps in March 1958. McGinty completed recruit training with 3rd Recruit Training Battalion on Parris Island. He would later return in 1962 as a drill instructor with 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. In July 1966, McGinty served in Vietnam with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. His platoon was assigned to provide rear security to protect the withdrawl of the battalion whose position had been under attack for the previous three days. McGinty's heroism helped repel a regiment-sized enemy force and saved countless American service members. "I don't think I'm a hero," McGinty said in an interview. "I thought a hero's somebody who's supposed to save lives; we killed 'em. We did what we were supposed to do. I'm proud of the platoon." His actions in the Quang Tri Province of South Vietnam earned him America's top military honor. "If it were me alone, I probably wouldn't give a damn. But I wear this thing for that platoon," McGinty said of the Medal of Honor he wore. After returning from Vietnam, McGinty served another tour on Parris Island as a drill instructor and, after his promotion to second lieutenant, a series officer with 1st Recruit Training Battalion. McGinty's funeral will be held Jan. 23, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the Beaufort National Cemetery. (Video by: Cpl. Jennifer Schubert and MCRD Parris Island Combat Camera) (Photo by: courtesy copy) (Story by: Staff Sgt. Gregory Thomas)