The World War II-era gun emplacement was discovered on Jan. 13, 2015 and was accidentally unearthed after the Marine Corps Base Hawaii presidential cottage's driveway was being renovated. (Photo courtesy of Ray Rippel) - The World War II-era gun emplacement was discovered on Jan. 13, 2015 and was accidentally unearthed after the Marine Corps Base Hawaii presidential cottage's driveway was being renovated. (Photo courtesy of Ray Rippel)

Nearly half a century has passed since the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment fought through hell in Vietnam. The strains of combat have long imprisoned the vigor of their youth. Bodies have changed and reflexes slowed. Fresh, young faces of earlier days are ripe with weathered character. The men have lived a lifetime beyond war, but their memories remain vivid. On Aug. 22, 2012, approximately 30 Vietnam-era 2/3 Marines and their families visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii to reminisce on their service and render honor to a brother lost in combat, Sgt. Maj. Wayne Hayes. Pictured from left are: retired Gunnery Sgt. Ken Arnold, a platoon sergeant with Golf Company, 2/3, and Cuthbert, Ga., native; former Cpl. John Davila, a team leader with Fox Co., 2/3, and Ridgewood, N.J., native; former Staff Sgt. Don Watts, a platoon sergeant with Fox Co., 2/3, and Cloverdale, Calif., native; and Sgt. Bill Vizzerra, a rifleman with Golf Co., 2/3, and Palmer, Ak., native. Both Davila and Vizzerra were wounded in action. - Nearly half a century has passed since the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment fought through hell in Vietnam. The strains of combat have long imprisoned the vigor of their youth. Bodies have changed and reflexes slowed. Fresh, young faces of earlier days are ripe with weathered character. The men have lived a lifetime beyond war, but their memories remain vivid. On Aug. 22, 2012, approximately 30 Vietnam-era 2/3 Marines and their families visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii to reminisce on their service and render honor to a brother lost in combat, Sgt. Maj. Wayne Hayes. Pictured from left are: retired Gunnery Sgt. Ken Arnold, a platoon sergeant with Golf Company, 2/3, and Cuthbert, Ga., native; former Cpl. John Davila, a team leader with Fox Co., 2/3, and Ridgewood, N.J., native; former Staff Sgt. Don Watts, a platoon sergeant with Fox Co., 2/3, and Cloverdale, Calif., native; and Sgt. Bill Vizzerra, a rifleman with Golf Co., 2/3, and Palmer, Ak., native. Both Davila and Vizzerra were wounded in action.

Actor and producer Gary Sinise, best known for his roles as Army 2nd Lt. Dan Taylor in the 1994 Academy Award-winning movie “Forrest Gump,” and Detective Mac Taylor in the TV show “Crime Scene Investigation: New York,” pumps up the crowd during a United Service Organizations-sponsored Lt. Dan Band concert at Hangar 103 on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 11, 2011. While the band’s mission to entertain remained unchanged from past performances at MCB Hawaii, this visit focused on advocating the Marine Corps’ new DSTRESS Line — “a place to call for those with the courage to answer our nation’s call.” - Actor and producer Gary Sinise, best known for his roles as Army 2nd Lt. Dan Taylor in the 1994 Academy Award-winning movie “Forrest Gump,” and Detective Mac Taylor in the TV show “Crime Scene Investigation: New York,” pumps up the crowd during a United Service Organizations-sponsored Lt. Dan Band concert at Hangar 103 on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 11, 2011. While the band’s mission to entertain remained unchanged from past performances at MCB Hawaii, this visit focused on advocating the Marine Corps’ new DSTRESS Line — “a place to call for those with the courage to answer our nation’s call.”

Lt. Gen. Duane Thiessen, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, poses with U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye after cutting the ribbon at the new Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer building on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2010. According to the Marine Corps Systems Command, the SAVT is a device used to train joint terminal attack controllers, forward air controllers, and forward observers in the placement of tactical ordnance for close air support, naval surface fires and surface fires. The trainer will be used to support initial schoolhouse requirements and annual currency requirements. During his visit, Inouye, a former captain with the U.S. Army’s decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team, also shared his experiences with officers at the Officer’s Club here. - Lt. Gen. Duane Thiessen, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, poses with U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye after cutting the ribbon at the new Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer building on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2010. According to the Marine Corps Systems Command, the SAVT is a device used to train joint terminal attack controllers, forward air controllers, and forward observers in the placement of tactical ordnance for close air support, naval surface fires and surface fires. The trainer will be used to support initial schoolhouse requirements and annual currency requirements. During his visit, Inouye, a former captain with the U.S. Army’s decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team, also shared his experiences with officers at the Officer’s Club here.