Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. -- Mr. Marine, Mr. Leatherneck, The Honker, the Marine who lived 200 years, and the master mortarman of the Marine Corps are names Master Gunnery Sergeant Leland “Lou” Diamond was all too familiar with; however, a spit-polished Marine he was not.
Diamond was born on May 30, 1890 in Bedford Ohio. He enlisted in the Marine Corps out of Detroit in 1917 at age 27, serving in the “the old Corps” between World War I and World War II.
At 5’11 and 200 pounds, Diamond had a voice to match his frame, dubbing him “The Honker.” Although highly respected, Diamond lived informally; he often defied well known military regulations. He was often times found outdoors with no cover, he wore his dungarees (WWII utility uniform) anywhere, he rarely (if ever) saluted less than field-grade officers and he had a goatee. He was known for his self-confidence, and at times cockiness. It has been said that he considered anyone with less than ten years in the Corps ‘a boot.’
As a corporal, Diamond fought in WWI, picked up sergeant and was honorably discharged upon his return to the U.S. in 1919. However, Mr. Leatherneck soon learned civilian life wasn’t for him and reenlisted in 1921.
Constantly looking for action, Master Gunnery Sergeant Diamond, 52, shipped out to Guadalcanal following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1942. During his time in WWII, Diamond proved himself to be an expert with 60 and 81-mm mortars. Among many tales of Diamond’s actions during WWII, one states he lobbed a mortar shell down the smoke stack of an off-shore Japanese cruiser. True or not however, he drove the cruiser from the bay with his ‘near-misses.’
Because of his actions during WWII, General A.A. Vandegrift, commander of 1st Marine Division (later commandant of the Marine Corps), wrote Diamond a letter of commendation.
“The Commanding General takes the greatest pleasure in commending you for the outstanding performance of duty on Tulagi and Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, during the occupation of those Islands by the first Marine Division, (Reinforced). 2. As Master Gunnery Sergeant of Company “H”, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, you preformed your duties in an outstanding manner throughout the above period. On several occasions, the well-directed and well-timed fire of the Mortar Platoon under your charge was a deciding factor in halting an enemy attack and enabling friendly troops to advance against enemy positions. 3. You deserve the highest credit in connection with maintaining the morale of the men of the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines. You were at all times cheerful, energetic and encouraging, and never more so than during those periods when the going was toughest. You brought the benefit of your long service experience and mature judgment to the younger less-experienced men of your unit and helped them in every way possible. To every man in your company, you were a counselor, an arbiter of disputes, and an ideal Marine. 4. Your matchless loyalty and love of the Marine Corps and all it stands for are known to hundreds of officers and men of this Division and will serve as an inspiration to them on all the battlefields on which this Division may on the future be engaged,” as stated in the letter.
The master mortarman wore his dungarees to receive the letter from the general.
Diamond explained, looking the general in the eye, “I made my landing in dungarees-guess they’re good enough to get my commendation in.”
Against his wishes, Diamond was evacuated from Guadalcanal after two months due to physical disabilities.
Eager to find his old unit and more combat, Diamond acquired orders to board a ship to New Caledonia where a friend ordered him back to Guadalcanal. However, 1st Marine Division had already shipped to Australia … more than 1,500 miles away. So, Diamond made the trip without orders by hitching rides on planes, ships and trains.
However, Mr. Marine did not see any further combat; he was later made in instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
On November 23, 1945, Master Gunnery Sgt. Diamond retired and returned to Ohio. In 1951, Diamond passed away as the Great Lakes, Illinois Naval Training Center Hospital. However, his legacy lived on. Diamond was portrayed in a 1955 television series titled, “The Marine who lived 200 years.” Also, actor Lou Diamond Phillips was named after him. The actor’s father was an officer in the Navy.