Photo By Lance Cpl. Jose Villasenor | U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Joshua Chambers, operational planner, Operations Division,...... read more read more
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CAMP H.M SMITH — The legacy of retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Justice M. Chambers is woven into the very fabric of Marine Corps history. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and sacrifice – qualities that not only defined his service but also left an indelible mark on future generations of Marines, including his own great-grandson, U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col. Joshua Chambers.
Born in West Virginia, Justice Chambers overcame childhood polio and, despite the threat of never walking again, became a standout athlete at Marshall University. His physical and mental resilience made the Marine Corps a natural calling. As an officer, he quickly earned a reputation for his rigorous training and unwavering standards.
That dedication to excellence would serve him and his men well in the brutal campaigns of the Pacific.
During the battle for Tulagi – a critical first step in the Guadalcanal Campaign – Edson’s Raiders were tasked with clearing entrenched Japanese forces from the small Solomon Island. The fighting, which began on August 7, 1942, was marked by intense close quarters combat.
Then a company commander, Chambers was wounded early in the engagement but refused evacuation, making his way to a field hospital. It was here that he faced an enemy counterattack.
Under the cover of night, Japanese soldiers launched an assault on the hospital area, seeking to overrun the weakened defenders. Recognizing the danger, Chambers took command. Ignoring his wounds, he moved among the injured Marines, encouraging them to fight. Some fired from their stretchers, while others helped reload weapons or passed ammunition. His leadership turned what could have been a massacre into a decisive stand that saved lives.
"If there was still a breath in him, he was going to ensure that he took it to the enemy," said Lt. Col. Chambers, recounting his great-grandfather's actions. For his bravery on Tulagi, Justice Chambers was awarded the Silver Star, embodying the Marine ethos of never surrendering – no matter the circumstances.
Chambers faced opposition when he asked to return to the fight, but he was committed to returning to the Pacific. His defining moment came at Iwo Jima, where he commanded the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment.
Tasked with securing the right flank at the rock quarry, his unit suffered devastating losses from machine gun fire. However, Chambers refused to relent. He led from the front, personally directing rocket fire and repositioning Marines under heavy enemy fire.
"Every gain that they made was paid for in blood, sweat, and tears," said Lt. Col. Chambers.
On the third day of battle, Justice was wounded and evacuated. His leadership was instrumental in securing a critical foothold on the island. For his actions, Justice Chambers received the Medal of Honor from President Truman.
The values he lived by – grit, tenacity, and unwavering commitment – became part of the Marine Corps’ enduring warfighting spirit. His influence extended far beyond his own lifetime, shaping not only the Marines he led but also future generations, including his family.
Growing up in Austin, Texas, Lt. Col. Chambers was immersed in tales of his great-grandfather’s heroism.
“I grew up with bedtime stories of my great-grandfather and the Marines in the Pacific,” he said. “These were the heroes I looked up to.”
For Lt. Col. Joshua Chambers, the Raiders, Iwo Jima, and the sacrifice of those who fought before him became more than just history – they became a calling. Determined to uphold his family’s legacy, he joined the Marine Corps. His journey led him to Force Recon and into key leadership roles, where he carried the same principles of resilience and leadership that had defined his great-grandfather’s career.
Now serving in the Pacific as a planner in Operations Division, G-3, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Lt. Col. Chambers has forged his own path as a leader and strategist in modern warfare.
His experiences in the region where so many pivotal battles were fought have deepened his connection to those who came before him.
"Walking the same battlefields, feeling the weight of history, and knowing the sacrifices that were made here – it changes you," he said. "It reminds me every day why I wear this uniform.”
Lt. Col. Chambers carries a deep sense of pride in the Marine Corps and the Pacific theater. He believes history is a guide for the future.
"History is important. When we look at the battles and the Marines of the past, they give us clues of what we can do in the future," he said.
Whether leading Marines in today’s dynamic environment or instilling core values in the next generation, Lt. Col. Chambers continues to embody the ethos that has long defined the Marine Corps.
"The spirit of the Corps doesn’t change. Whether it’s Iwo Jima, Fallujah, or wherever we fight next, Marines will always answer the call."
To him, the legacy of one Marine does not end when the battle is over – it is carried forward by those who continue the mission.
"Marines fight and they win. With every breath that they have in them, they fight," said Lt. Col. Chambers.
The courage of Col. Justice Chambers set that example. His story continues to inspire Marines across the Corps, proving that one individual’s leadership and sacrifice can impact generations.
As long as Marines stand ready, the spirit of warriors like Justice Chambers will endure — a lasting testament to the Corps’ unbreakable commitment to honor, courage and commitment.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2025 23:47 |
| Story ID: | 494435 |
| Location: | CAMP H.M. SMITH, HAWAII, US |
| Hometown: | AUSTIN, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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