Parris Island in Beaufort County is the Marine Corps Recruit Depot for male recruits east of the Mississippi River and all female recruits across the United States. The training base was established in 1891 and expanded after a causeway to the base was built in 1929. During World War II, the number of recruits reached more than 200,000. Today, around 18,000 Marine recruits receive their training here each year.
The island was originally settled by French explorers on Huguenot Jean Ribault’s scouting trip in 1562. These men called their settlement Charlesfort. Though the French pioneers did not last long at Charlesfort, Spanish and English explorers laid claim to the island in subsequent years. In 1715 Colonel Alexander Parris, treasurer of the South Carolina colony, purchased the island from the English and subdivided it into plantations. After the Civil War it became home to freed slaves from local plantations and those of neighboring Port Royal, where the Emancipation Proclamation was read in 1863.
The monuments in the above photos are a testament to the island’s current function. The sculpture by Felix De Weldon, created in 1952, depicts the flag raising on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima and honors all United States Marines who have given their lives for their country. The monument to Parris Island drill instructors honors those whose responsibility it is to make Marines out of young recruits. Parris Island is a National Historic Site.
Melissa Long of Mount Joy, PA © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Reflections on Parris Island
Contributor Mike Stroud sent the two photos at the top of the page in honor of the November 10th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. He tells us: “Sunday, November 10, 2013, marks the 238th birthday of the US Marine Corps. Parris Island, Beaufort County, being the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (boot camp) serves the training of the eastern states’ recruits. Also here is the Marine Corps Air Station, home to the Marine Corps’ Atlantic Coast fixed-wing, fighter-attack aircraft assets. All work in keeping us safe and secure. ‘The noise you hear is the sound of Freedom’…Happy Birthday!”
Mrs. John F. Maag contributed the historic photos of Marine recruits. She shares her story of being married to a former Parris Island photographer: “This photo was taken in 1966 of my late husband while readying to shoot a picture of the platoon graduates. John Maag was base photographer from August 27th, 1947, until December 31, 1966. He photographed every platoon graduate picture during that time. He also photographed Platoon 206, which graduated on 26 December, 1950. The Platoon had a private, named Alfred M. Gray, Jr., who became Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. In December of 1966, he moved to Texas and was employed at Vought Corporation in Grand Prairie, Texas, in the Photographic Department until retirement the 30th day of June, 1984. John was in Platoon 155, January, 1941. He became a member of the band and was leader of the Band on the Island of Tinian where the atomic bomb was housed for the mission over Japan.”
I have been trying to locate my former drill instructors or a family member. They are Sgt. S.M. Noel from Georgia and Sgt. C.E. Francis from Boston. I graduated from Plt. 536 on Dec 17th, 1952. Would appreciate any information on them. Both fought in the Pacific in WWII.
Hello! Looking to locate Wendell Wood from Windermere FL; he as a prominent drill instructor. I believe he made it to the top of Parris Island, and he was my “heavy” in 1993. I used to be able to google him instantly and now absolutely nothing, and he definitely went past his 3 year’s specials duty. I saw him instructing instructors before with a ton of stripes, beyond a Gunny. Now it is like he and his info is now purged or secret. Please help thanks! Former Marine Sergeant 1997 David Brahe. 801-243-5448 or dbrahe@gmail.com.
Looking for pictures of my platoon 231 @ Parris Island in 1959. Anything would be appreciated for old time sake. Yearbook has vanished over the years.
Mr. David Fulmer, my father was in platoon 231 and I have your platoon pictures as well as some photos of him and others on Paris Island. Please feel free to reach out to me and I will send them to you. His name was William Lux. paexplorations68@gmail.com Thank you!
Melissa, this is so incredibly kind of you to reach out! I know David will appreciate it when he sees this. Thank you!
Does anyone have a Platoon 122 MCRD Parris Island Recruit Graduation Book from April 1952? Please contact me if you or someone you may know has a copy. I will pay top dollar to get a copy. It is my Father’s graduation platoon.
Semper Fi
I am looking for any and all photos from platoon 336 Paris Island, 1973. Please contact me at 508-340-3220. My name is Wayne FRIGON. Thank you.
I’m Carroll 2236268 C/CPL, I was at Parris Island 23 of March, 1966, I would to get a year book from boot camp.
I was there im 1976 and would like to reconnect with some of my old buddies.
I am trying to find for purchase, a recruit depot graduation year book. I was in 1st battalion, A Co. plt 1059., jul80 to oct80. i cannot find how to get this info on my own and need your help. thanks in advance. Deputy Robert Vander-Weg
We would recommend reaching out to the Parris Island Public Affairs Office directly at 843-228-3851 or 843-228-3923.
My father told me he was {China Marine}. Would you have any information about this unit. I served in Vietnam with the 173RD airborne Brigade. Thank you.
These are really nice photos. But I was wondering if there is a way to get separate pictures. like my boot camp photo? Thank you.
Thank you, and thank you for your service! We are not officially part of Parris Island so we do not have any photos that aren’t posted here, these have all been submitted to us to highlight the history. Have you tried to reach out to the military offices directly by chance? They may have an archive that can assist you.
Thanks for the site. I was in 3rd Bn (Plt 304) from Jan 17th ’62 until about Apr 12th ’62. I have a graduation picture of our platoon I am willing to share with you if you are interested.
Hello, thank you for your service and offer, we’d love to see the photo! You can submit it via this form here: https://www.sciway.net/forms/pictures.html. Thank you again!
I am trying to locate photos of my father, MSgt Paul Wemyss, who was drill instructor (1st Recruit Tng Battalion) Jun 64-?? 1966. I’m also trying to find some info/photos of the dependent military school on Parris Island I attended in during those years. I know I was photographed a few times during athletic events. Any info photos would be appreciated.
PLT 332 1962 ret 1995
Please correct your third paragraph where it indicates drill instructors make “soldiers” out of the recruits. “Soldiers” serve in the Army. We are Marines. Also, the words “Marine” and “Marines” are always capitalized. Thanks for the site otherwise.
Thank you, we went ahead and got that updated, sorry for the mixup and thank you for your service!
Mrs. John Maag, I have been trying for some time to try and obtain a copy of my platoon yearbook from Parris Island. I was in Platoon 362 in August of 1965, anything you can do to assist me Thank you
I am trying to find out information regarding my uncle, John Laurence Jones. He was in Platoon 127, he was killed in the Korean war. I found his graduation picture from Parris Island, SC in my late father’s belongings. I was told he was killed two weeks before he was supposed to come home, please let me know any information you may have, thank you.
We hope you’re able to find something on your uncle as we know how important it is to piece together the past. We looked on Google but did not see much, have you tried reaching out to Marine Corps directly at Parris Island? We are not officially part of them, we just shared the history of the site. Here is the information phone number to try, 1-800-826-7503, we hope this helps!
Mrs. John Haag,
I am trying to find my platoon picture from Parris Island, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Platoon 362, which my original was destroyed by water back about 50 years ago. If you have a copy, I sure would appreciate getting one from you. I sincerely hope you have one.
Sincerely yours,
Clarence Felton
My e-mail is papabear@mdvl.net
Platoon 397, October 20, 1964 through January 20, 1965.
On Parris Island I was a woman Marine. I joined April 4th 1966, got out November, 1966. I’m looking for a picture, it’s very important. My name is Karen Siegel Davis, all of my records were destroyed in a fire, Marsha Butler was in my platoon.
I have been trying to get a platoon photo of my father’s from February 1942 PLT #4. Each time I have called PI I have been told they don’t have single digit Platoon. In 1945 my father Robert met my mother Mary at PI, married and the rest is history.
I would like a yearbook photo of my self platoon 397 drill instructor staff Sargent Stevens, Sargent Hilton, October ’64-Jan ’65, please help if you can. Semper Fi. Blugrass10@aol.com.
I can’t to seem to find out any info on platoon 321 in 1961 Parris Island! James Hunn either it’s me or you, I thought I was in platoon 321 in May or June 1961.
Platoon 321 1961 Parris Island.
Plt. 282 Parris Island SC
1959 November to 1961
Senior DI Staff Sargent Gillian
Junior DI Sargent Dornback
Junior DI Staff Sargent Evans
Thanks to all of these great men for my training that I received from them.
May God bless all of them,
Cpl Keller
I need a platoon yearbook for Platoon 122 in June graduation, 1962.
Mrs. Haag I was in platoon 2082 at P.I. form 9/66 to 11/8/66 I’m try to get my book camp photo book. I truly hope you an help me before I pass.
I am trying to locate a Platoon Picture: 3rd recruit Battalion Platoon 372 Dec. 4th, 1961, MCRD Parris Island,S.C. — S.Sgt J.F.Jackson, S.SgtG.L.Aulabaugh, S.Sgt J.R.Livingston
941 929 6321. Thanks for reading, Semper Fi
Trying to locate year book for Platoon 338 from 1963 and also any pictures of Dellas R. Bennett from same platoon. Series 336
I stumbled upon this page by accident while doing some research on my family. Rochelle (Claudette) Maag was married to my father, John F. Maag, in 1968. My mother, Hilda Maag, was married to him during his time at Parris Island, which would have been from August of 1942 until December of 1966. He passed away in March of 2003.
Is there an index of names? I graduated PI on August 18 1966, but don’t remember my Platoon number. Can you help with a graduation photo? Thank You.
All Platoon pictures are available for purchase at Paris Island. E-mail using the PI website.
Looking for graduation book in 1956 Platoon 106 at Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot.
Looking for anyone with info about Plt 117 PISC 1964.
Plt 271 Parris Island 1954,DI,s Coporal Sutton,S/Sgt Rhode, Sgt Kelly "aka" Raider. Is anybody out there? Contact me, Harvey Jones 1516079 Sgt USMC
I am trying to locate my graduation book for Platoon 335 at Parris Island, S.C. in the year 1963.
I would like to how I can purchase a picture of platoon 321, graduated May 1960.
I am trying to find info on women Marines on Parris Island in 1961.
Hello Mrs. Maag,
My husband Irvin was in the Marines in 1958 Platoon 283 and all his pictures were burned in a house fire. He would like to know if there is anyway he can get a copy of his platoon picture and a yearbook.
Thank You,
Betty
Looking for picture of plt, 245 graduated 4/20/66.
My uncle joined the Marines in October 1951. His platoon was 106. He graduated in December 1951. He has no pictures of his time in the Marines. Looking for his platoon picture. He is alive and well, and I would love to get this to him.
I would try the Library of Congress. If its a matter of public record then its bound to be there.
Trying to get a picture taken at our graduation of my platoon 2014 picture taken January 2, 1959 Platoon SSGT C.B. Payne, and Sgt B.H. Googe and SSGT K.G. Bragg. Would appreciate any in put to bring back some great memories. I just finished my 88th trip to Russia and think I have half the Russian military wearing Marine gear. Many thanks.
I’m trying to find any information of Platoon 1028 at Paris Island July-October 1966.
Hello Mrs. Maag, I graduated from Parris Island S.C. in Oct 1963. I have my platoon Photograph but lost my Platoon book – Platoon 152 Oct 1963. I have just about all my records. Just need the Platoon Book 152 from July – Oct 1963. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP.
Hi. It was great to visit this site. There is an email below from Wayne Chinault. He was looking for photos of platoons that he worked with from 1961-1963. I was a member of one of his platoons; Platoon 117 of 1st Battalion from Mar. to May of 1962. I have a photo of our platoon. I’d dearly like to be in contact with Wayne. I hope you will forward my email address to him.
Thanks,
Jim Gosnell
Chandler AZ
jimgosnell@cox.net
My husband has a photo of Platoon 6 from January 1948. He was wondering if there was a way to find the names of the persons in the photograph. Is there a website he can go to? If you’d like a copy of the photo, I can send one. Thanks for any help.
Hi, I graduated from PI in October 1965, Women Marine Platoon 10 A. My platoon photograph and platoon book were lost a few years ago. Is there any way I may have a copy of the Platoon photograph which was a color photo and the platoon book? Please let me know how this may be arranged. I just found this site. I have been looking for it many years without luck.
Hi, Judith. We are a website that showcases South Carolina’s landmarks and landscapes, but we have no access to such records. Everything we have on the SC Picture Project is sent to us by contributors. Hopefully, someone will see your request and respond! Best of luck!
Hello Mrs. Maag,
Do you have a website with platoon photos from the early 1960s? My father-in-law (deceased) went to bootcamp at Parris Island in the very early 1960s. I don’t know when. We have requested his military service records from the archives and hopefully will be able to pinpoint a date or at least come close to figuring out when he went through PI. I’m asking because my oldest son is presently in bootcamp in San Diego following the footsteps of my husband and my father-in-law. We want to pass some of the Marine Corps history on to our son. Any advice/help you can offer would be beyond appreciated!
My husband is looking for a bunk buddy, during training in Parris Island, SC. This buddy recieved the Medal of Honor after his tour of Vietnam in the 1960s. My husband had a stroke about six years ago and has a hard time remembering names. However, if you can give us information on how we could obtain information, please me e-mail at susywicker@hotmail.com. We would be grateful for any info or how to obtain this information. Thank you in advance, Thomas
I have one picture taken Oct 30, 1961, Platoon 255. S. SGT. C.L.DANIELS, S. SGT. J.V.LARKIN, and SGT. L.D.FERRER. I have not scanned, but can do so. I have two others, one woman recruit, and another which has no information, but looks to be officers or maybe recruiters. Will scan and place on this site. Give me couple days. Mrs. Maag.
To those who are searching for their own photos: The photo I just posted of my husband, might help you as we/I have met many who remembered John, when told he took their pictures. You might use Google and post your request on the internet. Will scan what I have and place on this site. Mrs Maag
My late husband may have one or possibly two pictures. All others were on file at Parris Island when he left. I can put those on the site; possibly one may be yours. At present I cannot find his, but did write the story, and plan to put it on the web. Have paper copy of his platoon picture. Have many more shots of the base and marines which he took during his time there. I was his assisant for a short time. I am now trying to scan a mountain of pictures to save. I have been on many Marine and Navy bases, as my first husband was a Navy Hospital Corpsman and was at the Beaufort Hospital. I have photos form every location stationed for duty.
Dear Mrs. Maag, I would love to have a copy of my Plt. graduation picture – Plt. 127, 1961 August, Senior Drill Inst. Sgt. Winn. Everyone I call tells me they were destroyed by fire for that year, so you’re my only hope. Thank you very much.
Dear Mrs. Maag, I was a D/I at Parris Island in 1961 through 1963. I lost all my pictures of the platoons that I helped train in boot camp. I am hoping that there are copies that I can purchase. Thank you.
My late husband was J.F. Maag, the photographer who took the plantoon photos up till 1966. He also went through Boot Camp in 1941 and took a band to Tinian. I have seen the pictures and his name appears in the lower right had corner of the pictures. I worked for him until 1966 and have much of his history and pictures. If interested, please reply. I can put them on my own site.
Mrs John F. Maag