The Real Hero from the Silver Screen: Vietnam War Marine Machine Gunner Phil Downer visits MCAS Iwakuni to talk about Resilience and Self-Improvement

240620-M-HB515-1006.JPG Photo By: Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett

Jul 11, 2024

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan - Phil Downer, a former machine gunner with Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, during the Vietnam War, currently a professional speaker, addresses a crowd of U.S. service members at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 20, 2024. Downer’s former company during the Vietnam War was featured in the movie "Full Metal Jacket”. Downer now travels all over the world to share the practical steps to a resilient life and the pursuit of excellence by covering topics such as core values, leadership, and recovering from trauma. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

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