Who has received the title "Honorary Marine?"
The title "Honorary Marine" isn't taken lightly as fewer than 100 people have received this title that can only be granted (Publication 59) by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Below are five people I believe should be noted are:
1. Chuck Norris - A United States Air Force Veteran, martial arts expert, actor and screen writer not to mention a true badass. Chuck Norris is known for his work and support surrounding all members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In my book he is a hands down example of a "true american."
2. Brig. Gen. Bob Hope - if you don't know who Bob Hope is, you have major issues. Bob Hope has supported our troops since May of 1941 and is work with the USO is unmatched. Bob is a great American and was award the title "Honorary Marine" in Oct of 1997.
3. Master Sgt. Bugs Bunny - in the 1943 Warner Bros. cartoon Bugs Bunny stared in "Super Rabbit" a parody of Superman. In this episode Bugs eats a super carrot and has Superman like abilities. When his powers run out Bugs enters a phone booth and emerges as a U.S. Marine singing the Marines Hymn.
The Marines Corps responded by enlisting Bugs as a Marine Private and he was discharged at the end of WWII holding the rank of Master Sgt.
4. Cpl. Jim Nabors, aka Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. - Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. was an American comedy show that aired from September 25, 1964, to May 2, 1969. The series lasted 5 seasons and consisted of 150 episodes. The main character is Private Gomer Pyle played by Jim Nabors.
Gomer Pyle a private was never promoted during the show but received an honorary promotion to Lance Corporal in 2001 and subsequently promoted to Corporal in 2007.
Jim Nabors was an "Honorary Marine" and awarded the rank of Sgt. on the 238th Marine Corps birthday.
5. Gary Sinise - an American Actor and super supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces was award the title "Honorary Marine" on August 29th, 2013. Gary is well-known for his role as Lt. Dan in the Forest Gump movie. Gary is a musician and his band 'The Lt. Dan Band" plays all over for Military and Veterans.
Also his company the "Gary Sinise Foundation" is well-known among Veterans for their work helping the U.S. Armed Forces.
This is just a small list of the extraordinary patriots that go above and beyond supporting our troops.
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