Celebrating Marine Veteran Samuel Domino's 100th Birthday

By John Gionet, Unit Commander, Orlando Devil Dog Young Marines

It is hard to imagine what it would be like to be a 100 years old, but Samuel (Sam) Domino has just done that. He celebrated his 100th birthday on July 12, 2010 at the Veterans Nursing Home in Orlando, Fla.

He is a living time-machine. He has been around for 14 U.S. presidents; lived through World War I, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and many others . . . and he also survived the depression years. Just imagine the stories and history one could learn by just talking to Sam Domino.

Domingo was born July 12, 1910, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps before his 20th birthday in 1930. He spent 27 years in the Marine Corps and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer-4 (CWO-4) in 1957. His career in the Corps included his passion for playing baseball. He played for the Marine Corps and was a part of the team that was the Asiatic Champs in 1932. His participation in WWII saw him stationed in occupied Okinawa, Japan, for 5 years. He was also a valet for Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander and Chief of the U.S. Pacific. He was also stationed aboard the USS Augusta, a heavy artillery cruiser.

Sam Domino never stopped fighting for what he believed was right. He served his country during two major conflicts and was one of the “Old Breed”. Marines read about the legends of the Corps, however, Sam Domino lived among them and was an integral part of our illustrious history.

He was married to the love of his life, Anne, for over 50 years. They had 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

The Orlando Devil Dog Young Marines were proud to present the Colors to such a distinguished and time honored Marine.