Dallas

Marine Whose Story was Documented in HBO Series Reflects on World War II

The 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks brings back vivid memories for a North Texas retired Marine sergeant.

R.V. Burgin was in Dallas that day, but he says the attacks influenced his decision to join the military.

"I remember the radio. I was listening to the radio and that was all that was on: Pearl Harbor," Burgin said.

Burgin began his military service a short time later, in 1942. And he spent much of his time in the Pacific islands.

In the Battle of Okinawa, he left his secure position and exposed himself to enemy fire. Burgin was able to destroy a machine gun that had threatened his company, and he was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions. In Peleliu, he was hit by shrapnel and treated in a military hospital. But he soon returned to his company to keep fighting.

"Once a Marine, always a Marine. That says it all," he said.

When he was done in the service, Sgt. Burgin got married and eventually returned to Texas. His family encouraged him to write a book about his experiences, and after 20 years, Burgin wrote "Islands of the Damned."

Today, many parts of his Lancaster home tells his story. Inside, photos and medals line the walls, and the U.S. flag flies proudly outside.

"I though the story should be written, should be told," he said.

His story has been told several ways, including in the HBO miniseries, The Pacific.

"I want people to remember the sacrifice we went through in World War II," Burgin said.

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