The Simpsonville Sentinel is proud to introduce our Veteran of the Month, World War 2 Marine Corp Veteran, Corporal Walter Greene from Spartanburg, SC.

Corporal Greene is 97 years old and was on the very first wave of the attack on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, against the Imperial Japanese Army. Serving with the 4th Marine Division, his mission was to secure the airfields and assist with removing the casualties, including the wounded, to a safe areafor medical treatment and evacuation. Corporal Greene was in the heat of the battle for two weeks that seemed much longer, and he witnessed the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi. 

Walter was born in Arcadia, SC in 1926, the youngest of ten children. He enlisted at the young age of 17, along with four of his older brothers. Walter went directly to Parris Island for his basic training, while three of his brothers joined the Army and one went into the Navy. This patriotic family served our country when we needed them most, and thankfully all returned home. Walter received a Purple Heart for wounds he received 3 months after Iwo Jima, in addition to the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon. 

Walter married Carol, his high school sweetheart when he returned home to South Carolina, and they raised four children. He worked in the textile industry and then joined Liberty Life Insurance as an Agent, retiring as a Regional Manager. 

His beautiful wife passed one day before their 71st Wedding Anniversary. 

Walter now lives with his son in Spartanburg County and is still very active, attending veterans’ meetings and joining his son Bart when he performs with his musical group, the Upstate Ukelele Players. Walter attributes his long and successful life to his walk with the Lord, since the age of 22! God Bless Walter!■