Raiders take 57th Street Beach

"THE situation is well in hand". Photograph taken at the 1957 U.S. Marine Raider Association reunion. Photo Source: September 1957 issue of The Raider Patch.

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Transcription:

Raiders Take 57th St. Beach

CHICAGO, Fri. Aug. 9th - Eighty ex-Marine Raiders, trained to peak enthusiasm in local air conditioned arenas, donned full combat regalia, including weapons and ammunition, and assembled for embarkation instructions. The bank of Raiders, singing famous songs, marched route-step to the 54th St. Pier where 15 yachts were commandeered for transportation to the submarine.

The uneventful trip from the beach to the submarine, the USS Silversides, was punctuated by Oh's and Ah's for these magnificent water steeds, by inaccurate steering, by unskilled midwest landlubbers and by an occasional empty salt can being discarded. The transfer of troops from the yacht to the submarine was accomplished in true Navy fashion.

Aboard the submarine all Raiders were given orientation on the plan of attack as the submarine approached the disembarking area. The disembarkation from the sub to the rubber boats was made via cargo nets. The rubber boats, with Johnson outboard motors, left on a signal from the submarine Captain. The boats were lined up and advanced to the beach in a formation of two inverted V's, 10 yards between each boat. With precision timing all boats reached the shore simultaneously and the assault on the enemy position was made in true Raider spirit and accuracy. The enemies position was overrun and captured with a minimum of casualties. Minor wounds of cuts, scratches, bruises and extremely heavy breathing was evidenced.

The raid was concluded by the introduction of the Chicago dignitaries on the reviewing stand which was on the after deck of the U505 German Submarine, captured during World War II. This submarine is permanently berthed beside the Museum of Science and Industry adjacent to Jackson Park. The raid was witnessed by the Chicago Mayor, Hon. Richard J. Daley, Chicago Chief of Police and armed forces dignitaries, as well as thousands of Chicagoans.

The lovely Susan Shevlin, "Miss Marine Raider," was presented a bouquet of flowers by the Raider boat Commander, Lt. Melvin J. Spotts, USMC Ret. A Gung Ho certificate was given to County Clerk Edward J. Barrett.

Mr. Joe McCarthy presented the keys to the city to President Fred E. Kemp.

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This article was written by:

Bryan T. Stefancyk

Founder/Owner
War Historian, LLC
Battlefield Expeditions