History of the Richard L. Pittman 
Marine Corps League Detachment #1231:

In the fall of 2005, approximately 15 former Marines met to discuss forming a Marine Corps League Detachment.  At the time, our goal was to muster 20 able bodies required to form a detachment.  By February of 2006 we had more than enough members signed up and we were granted a charter.  We decided that our detachment would be named for someone who had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.  That person was Richard L. Pittman, a native of Urbana, Illinois.  Corporal Pittman served with the 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division and was killed in action February 21st, 1945 while participating in combat operations on Iwo Jima.  In the month of May 2006, officers from the Department of Illinois Marine Corps League came to Champaign-Urbana to install the officers and present the detachment with our charter.  They were Department Commandant Ruffner, Department Chaplain Syrdahl, and District 4 Commandant Edwards.  As of 2008 we are 75 members strong and look forward to growing.  The Richard L. Pittman Marine Corps League Detachment #1231 is located in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.  We meet the third Thursday of the month at 1900 at VFW Post 630, 1303 East Main Street, Urbana.

The members of Detachment #1231, are a group of former and active duty Marines who share their pride and spirit in our Nation’s Marine Corps.  Our members come from all walks of life and many different periods of Marine Corps history, but share that special bond as brothers and sisters of a unique band of warriors who have served or are serving our Nation at home and abroad.  We are not a veteran’s organization that sits around telling war stories and how it was in the “real Corps”.  Our main purpose is to share and build upon that special bond between Marines by supporting other Marines, past and present, along with their families in time of need.  Please explore our website to see what we have to offer.  We ask you to join us and rejuvenate your Marine spirit.  Your families are also welcome.

We continue to take service to country and fellow veterans seriously.  Membership brings with it many benefits and not just getting together as veterans, but more importantly, AS MARINES!  During our meetings we discuss issues concerning our Detachment, general membership, volunteerism, national affairs, veterans, and community service/fundraisers.  Just like you, we’re “Still Serving America”.  To join us, or if you need additional information, please contact us or fill out our online application and mail it to us.  Semper Fidelis.