Harry Bruce Retreat Hell Leadership Award

May 11, 2018

On May 11, 2018 the Brazos Valley Marine Corps League participated in the Texas A&M Commissioning Ceremony for the presentation of the Harry Bruce Retreat Hell Leadership Award. The award name was inspired by the Korean War, of which Harry Bruce was a decorated veteran. Faced with tough fighting between the blocking Chinese divisions and the withdrawing Marines at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, Major General Oliver P. Smith, commander of the 1st Marine Division, remarked: "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction."
Presenting the Marine and Naval Texas A & M graduates receiving their commissioning. Col. AJ Kostic, Professor of Naval Science and member of the Brazos Valley Marine Corps League, and Keith Stephens, Detachment 1391 Commandant, presented the Mameluke sword to the top graduating Marine, Michael Russell, at his commissioning.