Brave Family Members Who Served Our Country

Miltiary Service: Civil and Revolutionary Wars

		The Marines - Some people sepnd an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem. [Ronald Reagan, US President, 1985]. My father is a Marine. My mother was a Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine:This truism is now the official motto of the Marine Corps League. The origin of the statement is credited to a gung-ho Marine Corps master sergeant, Paul Woyshner. During a barroom argument he shouted, "Once a Marine, always a Marine". MSgt. Woyshner was right. Once the title "U.S. Marine" has been earned, it is retained. There are no ex-Marines or former-Marines. There are (1) active duty Marines, (2) retired Marines, (3) reserve Marines, and (4) Marine veterans. Nonetheless, once one has earned the title, he remains a Marine for life.

Dad in Uniform

Scott E. LARK USMC 20 Apr 1962

Arlington National Cemetery

Every December since 1992 volunteers have laid wreaths donated by the Worcester Wreath Company of harrington, Maine at the headstones of America's honored dead.

Certificate of Invitation DAV

Certificate of Invitation
Disabled American Veterans - Toy Lark
Member of Glen Burnie [MD] Chapter # 114
20 April 1950

US Marines are the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever witnessed. They treat service as if it was some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths, worshiping their Commandant almost as if he was a god, and making weird animal noises like a gang of savages. They'll fight like rabid dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are the cockiest sons of bitches I have ever known. Most have the foulest mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits, but their spirits and sense of brotherhood set them apart and generally speaking, the United States Marines I've come in contact with are the most professional soldiers and the finest men and women I have ever had the pleasure to meet. - An anonymous (British) Royal Marine Staff NCO

Scott Elmer LARK
US MARINE CORPS

Enlisted - 7 Apr 1942
Retired - 1 Sep 1966

Click here to see the lovely Quilt of Valor presented for Scott E. Lark's Military Service.

Shirley Jane (PEARSON) Lark
US MARINE CORPS

Enlisted - 23 Feb 1943
Discharged - 23 Oct 1945

Scott Elmer LARK - 1945

Photo was taken in 1945 upon return from the South Pacific (WWII). My dad remained in the Marine Corps until Sept 1, 1966. He spent 25 years in the Marine Corps having served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a Major. He came up through the ranks fron Private to Major, know in the Marine Corps as a Mustang.

Hotel Queen Anne * Broad Street * New Bern North Carolina

My parents, Scott Elmer LARK and Shirley Jane (Pearson) LARK were married 25 March 1944 at Hotel Queen Anne, in New Bern North Carolina. They were both stationed at what is now known as Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The Hotel Queen Anne was only about 30 miles away from the base. Sadly, the hotel was razed to become the site of the primary local branch of the First-Citizens bank and Trust Company.

Arlington National Cemetery is home to the The Women In Military Service For America Memorial. It is a living memorial honoring all military women - past, present, and future. The ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the Women's Memorial is the nation's first major national memorial honoring women who have served in our nation's armed forces during all eras and in all services. The history of women serving in defense of our nation began more than 220 years ago with women who served in the American Revolution and continues with those who serve today.

Photo taken inside the Women's Memorial, my mom's picture hangs there with other women "Serving in the military" 1901-1945.

displaywarmemem.jpg (527282 bytes)

Middle Row - 1st "Marine" - left hand side - My mom: Shirley Jane PEARSON Lark. Photo hanging in the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Arlington National Cemetary.

Raymond Early Chandler CLARK - US Navy and US Air Force
Enlisted 3 Dec 1944 - US Navy
Discharged 17 Aug 1947

Enlisted 1 Jan 1951 - US Air Force
Retired 1 Mar 1970

John Samuel LARK, Sr (Peck) - US Navy
Enlistment Date: 15 Jun 1955
Death Date: 7 Sep 1975

William [Billy] Franklin LARK - US ARMY
Served 1957 - 1977
Served in Korea and Vietnam

Richard Allen LARK - US AIRFORCE
Served 1983 - 1991
(Richard is the son of William [Billy] Franklin LARK above)

Scott Edward LARK - US NAVY
Enlisted 28 February 1989 - currently on active duty
Served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm
(Scott is the son of William [Billy] Franklin LARK above)

Ronald Ray LARK - US AIRFORCE - TSGT
Enlisted date: 16 Sep 1954 - Release date 30 Sep 1974
Served Korea and Vietnam

From World War II Army Enlistment Records

Paul W LARK
Enlisted: 7 July 1942
Enlisted City/State:   Huntington West, VA
Grade: Private
Education: 3 Years of High School
Marital Status:   Separated, without dependents
Height: 70   Weight: 146

Toy LARK
Awarded the Silver Star for Conspicuous Gallantry in action during WWII HQ, 3d Army, G.O. No. 236 (1945)
Enlisted: 28 April 1944
Enlisted City/State:   Fort George G Meade, MD
Grade: Private
Education: Grammar School
Marital Status:   Married
Enlisted Record and Report of Separation Honorable Discharge 20 Oct 1945

Troy LARK
Maryland, Pvt, Co. D, 2nd Batt. A, RTC WW II
Enlisted: 23 January 1945
Enlisted City/State: Baltimore, MD
Grade: Private
Education: Grammar School
Marital Status: Married

World War I Draft Registration Cards

Charles Henry LARK b 24 July 1877
George Washington LARK b 24 Sep 1884 - d 22 Jan 1940

Miltiary Service: Civil and Revolutionary Wars