Born: June 3, 1923
Died: March 7, 1994
Campaigns Served: Namur, Saipan (wounded), Tinian, Iwo Jima
Highest Rank Attained: Private First Class
Decorations: Purple Heart
Merle Geesaman was born to Merle Senior and Orpha Geesaman in 1923. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942, trained at Parris Island, and joined Company A of the First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at Camp Lejeune. Geesaman was assigned to one of the machine gun teams in the company's weapons platoon.
With Able Company:
Early in his career in the Marines, Geesaman earned the nickname "Mother." Evidently, he was something of a fussbudget, and focused on little details of cleaning and training - just like a mother would. The nickname was affectionate, though, and "Mother" Geesaman was respected as a solid and dependable member of the platoon. "He was just one of those people who would fuss over every little thing, as many of us viewed our mothers, but when push came to shove, Mother was right there and in spite of his fussing was well liked," recalled fellow gunner George Smith. Geesaman was noted particularly for wearing the Marine "piss-cutter" cap squarely on his head (after Gunnery Sergeant Walter Russell) instead of at the jaunty angle affected by most of his friends.
"Mother" Geesaman - machine guns - why so called is a platoon mystery I've never solved."
- Photo and caption by Phil Wood. Courtesy of Gretchen Willams
Evidently, the nickname's use was prevalent but was an enlisted man's joke!
Geesaman carried ammunition for his machine gun on Namur and Saipan. He was wounded on July 3, 1944, and was sent to a nearby military hospital. He recovered, and rejoined the company in time to participate in the battle of Tinian.
"Mother" Geesaman was transferred to Battalion Headquarters in the fall of 1944.
With Headquarters Company:
Merle Geesaman fought through the battle of Iwo Jima with Battalion Headquarters. He was listed as a rifleman, and may have been one of the assault personnel. He survived the battle unwounded.
After the war, Geesaman returned to the United States. He eventually settled in Maryland, where he died in 1994. "Mother" is buried in Crownsville Veteran's Cemetery, Crownsville, MD.
Photo by Karen Lindley, FindAGrave.com volunteer