Bernard Keith Mulrenin
Marine Corps Reserve | Service Number 458388
November 5, 1924
in Joplin, MO
Paul Joseph Mulrenin
Blanche Mae (George) Mulrenin
New Haven High School (1942)
San Jose State College (1950)
Recent high school graduate
September 11, 1945
at St. Louis, MO
September 1, 1943
from 23rd Marines
October 21, 1945
to Separation Center, Great Lakes
November 13, 1945
Discharged from USMC
Served US Army 1951 – 1975
Monett, MO – home of parents, Paul & Blanche Mulrenin
Service & Campaigns
Boot camp at MCRD San Diego with Fourth Recruit Battalion; qualified as sharpshooter. Outposted to First Guard Company, Marine Barracks, Mare Island. Transferred to Camp Elliott for infantry training on 7 July 1943; joined in person 22 July 1943. Upon completion of training, assigned to 23rd Marines; transferred to Dog Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines, on 1 September 1943.
Outfit: D/1/24th Marines
Rank: Private
MOS: 504 (Ammunition Carrier)
Outfit: HQ/1/24th Marines, 81mm platoon
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 504 (Ammunition Carrier)
Outfit: HQ/1/24th Marines, 81mm platoon
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 504 (Ammunition Carrier)
Important Events:
Awarded commendation for Saipan and Tinian:
For excellent service in the line of his duties while serving as an ammunition carrier in an 81mm mortar platoon during the invasion and capture of Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, 15 June 1944 to 1 August 1944. His initiative, energy, and devotion to duty were instrumental in the maintenance of an adequate supply of ammunition to the weapons and aided in the annihilation of the enemy.
Outfit: HQ/1/24th Marines, 81mm platoon
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 504 (Ammunition Carrier)
Enlisted in US Army in 1951, attended Officer Candidate School, and commissioned on 13 September 1952.
Continued education at Armed Forces Language Institute, Monterey, CA (Russian language), 1960; Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS, 1962.
His army service included the following posts:
Medical Field Service School, San Antonio, TX (1954-1959)
US Army Medical Command, Heidelberg, Germany
Office of the Surgeon General, Washington DC (1966-1969)
Fifth Army Headquarters, medical advisor’s office (1973-1975)
Retired in 1975 as Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Medical Corps.
Individual Decorations
Received Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3x) – all for service with US Army, 1951-1975.
Service Stories
Please share a story if you knew this Marine.
Can you please tell me if this is the Colonel Bernard Mulrenin who service in the Army, 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, in Germany in 1969 or the early 70’s. I am a Veteran who served under his command at that time. We became close and him wanted me to “re-up” at the end of my tour in 1971. He always told me he wanted to be a cook. Throughout the years I wanted to keep in touch with him, and always thought about him. Please let me know if this is him. Are there any Sons or daughters I can send my heartfelt sympathies to?
I was 22 years old in 1969, completing my Medical Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. I was then transferred to Achaffenburg, Germany, where I was assigned to “C” Company 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Infantry division. After a couple of weeks there, Lt. Colonel Bernard K. Mulrenin was assigned as the Commanding Officer of the battalion. From the beginning he was the soldier’ “ideal Commander.” I was a Private First Class, and as such we clicked like Father and son, that was his personally towards me. I respected his commanding position and authority as a Officer, respected him and saluted as required. But as I got to know him, he allowed me the privilege of being “at ease” in his presence, even in the presence of other commanding Officers over me. When inspecting the troops, as he came to me he would start “joking and kidding” around which upset the other Officers, because I responded respectfully overlooking the other Officers. He ate with his men in the mess hall, and always race with me to be the first in the Chow Line. I have a picture of him that he allowed to take in his Office. When I recently learned of his death, I felt the loss, I truly miss “the man” a soldier’ best friend who was concerned about his men, and kept them up to par and readiness as soldiers. I like to upload that picture I have of him if possible, let me know how I can do this.