This sword is one of my most prized possessions.
It was presented to me by the Staff Noncommissioned Officers of the
Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron - 18.
     I served with that unit at Marine Corps Air Station (H), Futenma
on Okinawa, Japan from June of 1986 to June of 1991.

Noncommissioned officers of the Marine Corps are the only NCO's in any branch of the regular United States Armed Forces who still have the privilege of carrying what is considered to be a commissioned officers weapon. The Marine NCO sword rates as one of the oldest U.S. weapons still in use (second only to the Marmeluke sword). While limited by regulation to "when in charge of troops on ceremonial occasions," the sword is part of our intangible "esprit de corps."      - - - The Marine Corps Noncommissioned Officers' Sword represents another proud tradition of the world's finest fighting force. Sword Manual If you can find pictures to illustrate the manual before I do please Let me Know. Back to Top