James R. Martin

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. My military adventure began In 1953 when I joined the California Army National Guard. I went on active duty in 1956 with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC, as an MP. During my time with the 82nd I completed Jump training and the Ranger Course. I think I was the only MP to go through  Ranger school at the time, Fun. I was then able to transfer to the 77th Special Forces Gp., at Bragg, as a light weapons NCO. Then I had a short break in service. I returned to service at Fort Benning, GA with the Ranger Department, as an instructor, assigned to the 2nd Ranger Co, Dahlonega, GA. After some time I joined the 187th Pathfinder Team back at Benning. We were told it was the only active Pathfinder unit at the time.