Platoon Sergeant Charles Henry Smith, U.S.M.C., can go back to civilian life any time he wants. He has 232 points, three campaign ribbons with 17 Pacific battle stars and a chestful of decorations, including the Navy Cross. He also carries 39 pieces of shrapnel, a Jap bullet in his shoulder and another in his spine. But this week, as the Marine Corps celebrated its 170th birthday, indestructible, 27-year-old Sergeant Smith was glad to tell reporters that he was not going to be a civilian. He is a professional marine.
Older professionals, getting near...
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