1stSgt John Lord joined the Marine Corps in 1965 and, after recruit training at Parris Island, SC, was assigned to Camp Lejeune, NC. In 1966, he was transferred to the 1st Military Police Battalion in Camp Pendleton, CA and deployed with that unit to Vietnam, where he was transferred to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines.

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Upon returning to the United States, 1stSgt Lord was assigned to Marine Barracks, Charleston, SC. In 1967, he was ordered back to Vietnam and joined "K" Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in April 1968. Upon returning to the United States in May 1969, he was a Recruiter with the Officer Selection Team, Portland, OR. In 1972, he was transferred to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines in Okinawa, Japan.

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1stSgt Lord changed his MOS from Infantry to Freight Transportation and was assigned at Camp Butler, Okinawa, until October 1973, when he was transferred to Force Troops, Camp Lejeune, NC. In May 1976, he was reassigned to Camp Butler, Okinawa, until June 1980 when he transferred to Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, GA. 1stSgt Lord was transferred to Marine Barracks, HI, in July 1981 and assumed duties as 1stSgt for Guard Company Lualualei in November 1982.

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1stSgt Lord's career awards include the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation (3), Meritorious Unit Citation (3), Good Conduct Medal (6) with Silver Device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (6), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

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1stSgt Lord is married to the former Alinda Norris of Whiteville, NC. They have five children: Jud, Kevin, Bryan, Scott, and Sally.