WWII vet to be honored

Lancaster native R.V. Burgin, an 87-year-old veteran of World War II and noted author of Islands of the Damned, will be honored along with the service of all Marines at a public celebration marking the Corps 235th Birthday on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the Texas Marines Medal of Honor Memorial.

As a member of Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during the war, Burgin served in action against the Japanese in New Britain, Peleliu and Okinawa, and received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his actions in these conflicts. Burgin's story in Okinawa was one of those shared in the HBO miniseries, The Pacific, which premiered March 14, 2010.

The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and other honorees will include the Marines of the 1st Marine Division, represented by members of the Houston Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association. All Marines, Marine families and friends are welcome to attend this free event, which is sponsored by the Texas Marines Medal of Honor Fund, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to commemorating the service of all Marines.