Raymond A. Salvie

Raymond A. Salvie of Liverpool, New York, was born in Rhode Island on July 7, 1925. Upon graduating from high school, he nobly made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in April 1944. After completing basic training at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Sergeant Salvie transferred to California. That August, he set sail as a member of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, to patrol the Island of Guam. He was selected to serve as a skilled mortarman.

From Guam, Sergeant Salvie’s unit headed to the Island of Iwo Jima, making landfall near Black Beach on February 21, 1945. For nearly a month, under horrific conditions, Sergeant Salvie courageously fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima and helped capture the island and its airfields from the Japanese army. This fierce battle was a pivotal victory for the United States.

Sergeant Salvie continued to serve after Iwo Jima and was assigned to guard duties with the 1st Marine Division in China. He was honorably discharged on May 29, 1946. For his valiant service, Sergeant Salvie received several awards, including a Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Sergeant Salvie also served in the Marine Corps Reserve during the Korean War, earning the rank of Sergeant, and later moved to the Syracuse area, where he dedicated more than 25 years of service as a State Trooper with the New York State Police, Troop D.

Sergeant Salvie is a lifetime member of the Police Benevolent Association and the Marine Corps League. He is the last living State Trooper who is also a survivor of Iwo Jima.

Sergeant Salvie has devoted his life to service, both abroad and at home. This outstanding veteran is a true American patriot, who served his country with honor and distinction and made many contributions to his community