Bryan J Dickerson

The History of Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 Bryan J Dickerson

With a history stretching back over 90 years, Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 remains one of the oldest continuously serving units in the Marine Corps Reserve. Since its beginnings as two separate infantry companies in 1926, MWSS-472 has experienced seven wartime mobilizations for five wars, four mission changes, twelve name changes, ten major reorganizations and two BRAC moves, all of which reflect the larger history of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve. Its Marines have served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War Two at Guadalcanal, Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, during the Korean War at the Chosin Reservoir and the Battle of the Bunkers, in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, and conducted humanitarian missions in Central and South America. Its alumni have gone on to achieve ranks as high as major general and earn two of the nation's highest awards for combat valor: the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. In over 90 years, MWSS-472 has achieved a record that few can match in the Marine Corps Reserve. As the Squadron approaches its Centennial Anniversary, this distinguished Marine Corps Reserve unit stands ready to mobilize and deploy anywhere, anytime, in defense of the nation and people it serves.