Milton P. was born in Buena Vista, Georgia, in the summer of 1936. He was the seventh child of eight, and his parents had five sons and three daughters. His family were sharecroppers for a particular individual who supported their family and provided them with a home. Milton’s parents were great and went through a lot to take care of the kids.
When Milton turned ten, his family moved to southern Ohio on the recommendation of other relatives. Milton went on to play basketball. He wore #27 in white and #26 in blue. He took his team to All-State, won Most Valuable Player, and secured a basketball scholarship from Ohio University for college. After graduating high school, he studied at Ohio University for one semester and, with finances and his parents in mind, decided to pursue a career in the Marine Corps instead.
26 Years of Service
Over his 26 years of service in the Marine Corps, Milton experienced a lot of different sides of military life. He was stationed in the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, and Hawaii. Milton credits much of his experience to being involved with good leaders who worked with him as he faced challenging situations in Vietnam. He attended language schools for both Japanese and Vietnamese, advised Vietnamese Marines, worked reconnaissance on calling airstrikes, and his platoon was also jump qualified.
Milton spent four years of combat in Vietnam, where his service earned him a Silver Star for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.” (Marine Corps L – Home of Heroes.)
During combat, Milton, injured in both arms and both legs, exposed himself to hostile enemy fire, encouraged his men, and directed their fire in the attack. After receiving medical treatment, he refused medical evacuation to remain with his platoon. His unit launched an attack on the following day, which left his platoon commander wounded and evacuated. Milton immediately assumed command of the unit to continue the attack. He employed outstanding leadership and determination in the face of danger. Milton’s experiences can also be read about in Marines Under Fire: Alpha 1/1 in Vietnam: From Con Thien to Hue to Khe Sanh, by Kenneth N. Jordan Sr.
Visiting Other Countries While Serving
While serving in the military, Milton also had the opportunity to sail on Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises, which allowed him to visit and enjoy places like Italy, Greece, France, Copenhagen, Oslo, Norway, and other ports along the Mediterranean. After returning from Vietnam, Milton was stationed in California at Camp Pendleton. He worked in the G2 Section, also known as the Intelligence Section, which he served in until 1976. In 1976, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and served as an
instructor for the reserve Marines there. As a 1st Sergeant, Milton oversaw the training center in Milwaukee until he was discharged in August 1981.
Marrying Martha
Milton met his future wife, Martha, through his niece. They dated for a few years and then married in 1978. She worked for Social Security, and he liked her independence. They had four children together: Corky, Marcell, Milton Jr., and Venita. Milton enjoys being a father and is proud of his kids. In addition to their four kids, they also have 12 grandchildren.
Private Investigating
After being discharged from the Marine Corps, Milton served in a two-year stint as a private investigator. Retail stores hired him, and they had him spy to see if other employees were taking stuff from the retail stores. Milton found the work
interesting because it is surprising how many people steal from their places of employment. Following private investigating, Milton began working for the United States Postal Service for 20 years as a post office clerk and postal rural carrier.
Milton and his wife, Martha, lived in Wisconsin for the 48 years they were married. He cared for his garden, which included tomatoes and various flower beds. Milton says
that rather than a green thumb, he has a flowery thumb. He learned a lot about tending the garden from his mother and wife. Toward the end of Martha’s life, Milton cared for her the best he could. He misses her, and after she passed away, his family moved him out to California so that he could be closer to his family.
The Tight Bonds of Family
Milton’s son-in-law and retired Navy Chief, Joe was a big proponent in helping him move to California. He is grateful for his support in taking him to medical appointments and providing help where needed, especially with his extensive knowledge of electrical devices.
Milton is an Ohio State Buckeyes fan through and through, but since moving to California, he has also taken an interest in our local competitive sports teams. He also stays connected with quite a few of his friends from his military friends, who keep him up to date on various military functions. Milton credits the military with these great, lasting friendships, making the experience unique.
Milton enjoys living at Renaissance Village Murrieta. He enjoys mingling with the residents who have lived here longer than he has. Milton likes sitting with his various neighbors and thinks everyone is friendly.
