Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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BATTALION LANDING TEAM 3 1 -r -It W

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Lieutenant Colonel Philip D. Tracy Commanding Officer Battalion Landing Team 3 1 Lieutenant Colonel Philip D. Tracy enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 1966. He served as a field radio operator in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division from March 1967 to April 1968. He was honorably discharged in April 1969. Returning to civilian life. Lieutenant Colonel Tracy attended Western State College. Gunnison, Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1974. After completing The Basic School, Quantico, Virginia, 2ndLt. Tracy was ordered overseas to serve with the 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa. Japan, as an 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in January 1976. Following his tour in Okinawa, he served at the Marine Barracks, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, where he was promoted to Captain. Returning stateside in November 1978, Captain Tracy was assigned as Commanding Officer, Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In March 1981 Captain Tracy was assigned to the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Fori Benning, Georgia. Upon graduation, he served as a Tactics Instructor. In February 1983. Captain Tracy was assigned as a Company Commander and later, the Operations Officer for Officer Candidates School, Quantico. Virginia. He was promoted to Major in August 1984. Major Tracy attended the Command and Staff College from August 1985 to June 1986. Following graduation he transferred to Camp Pendleton. California, where he served as the Operations Officer for the 1 1th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Lieutenant Colonel Tracy assumed the command of Recruiting Station Dallas on 9 July 1988 where 1991. Lieutenant Colonel Tracy transferred to Headquarters, Marine Corps in July of 1991 where he was assigned as a Special Operations Action Officer, Special Operations Low Intensity Conflict Branch. He attended the National War College, Fort McNair. Washington D.C., from August 1992 until June 1993. He assumed command of 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in July 1993. Lieutenant Colonel Tracy ' s personal decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Lieutenant Colonel Tracy is married to brmer Jeannette Bailer of Cleveland, Ohio. They have four children; Lisa (20) Valerie (17), Jill 3), and Michael (10).