Chicago's Own 2nd Battalion of the 24th Marines has been fighting America's since World War II. A Chicago Fireman, Jeremiah McCarthy, joined the Marines long before Pearl Harbor and was discharged as a Gunnery Sergeant.
When War was declared, McCarthy re-enlisted and was made an officer. McCarthy, an Englewood High School grad and son of Irish immigrants, led a company of Marines from 2/24 through the bloody battles of Kwajelain, Saipan and Iwo Jima. This fierce , up from the ranks, smoke eating leader received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor on Iwo Jima.
Leo High School is home to many Marines. The Class of 1943 boasts twenty three of its members of the Marine Corps, most of whom enlisted the day of graduation. Leo men served in every branch of service to America and service has sole bragging rights to honor and service.
The Marine Reserve unit from Chicago, 2nd battalion of the 24th Marines, has helped Leo High School honor God, service, duty and country for the last twenty years. Honor Guards and rifle teams from 2/24 participate in every Leo Veterans Observance, celebrated on the Friday immediately before Veterans Day each year. The Marines of 2/24 re-dedicated CMOH hero Cpl. John P. Fardy's grave site at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Worth Township. Whenever, they asked to help honor people of valor, 2/24 Marines stand tall.
By unanimous vote, the members and directors of Leo Alumni Association, at the request of Leo High School President Daniel B. McGrath, voted to induct the 2nd Battalion of the 24th Marines to Leo High School Hall of Fame on Friday April 24th at the Lexington House Banquet Hall in Hickory Hills.
Semper Fidelis et Facta Non Verba!
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