Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Family, friends and servicemembers recalled about Jerry Coleman’s achievements, work in the San Diego community and military service in two wars during a dedication ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 3.
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Field House was renamed the Jerry Coleman Center in honor of his military service and contributions to the San Diego community as a San Diego Padres manager and long-time lead announcer.
The event was a mix of military and baseball tradition and after a presentation of colors and playing of the national anthem, those who Coleman held closet spoke of their memories of him.
“I do wonder if we might have seen a more serious side of Jerry today. He would be so deeply moved to be recognized by the Marine Corps in this way,” said Mrs. Maggie Coleman. “Jerry valued his time in the Marine Corps above all his achievements. Being a Marine made him feel special, but he never considered himself a special Marine. He was only doing his duty for Corps and country.”
Ron Fowler, executive chairman of the San Diego Padres, echoed the sentiment and described how his first impression of Coleman came from his father, who admired him for taking a break from playing for the New York Yankees to fight in the war.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jerry for 35 years. It’s still difficult to talk about him in the past tense,” said Fowler. “Jerry would have loved today for one major reason. Despite all the success he had in his professional roles that he led in his life, he was the proudest of being a Marine. And to be acknowledged like he is today on a Marine base with a building named after him, in his adopted city of San Diego, I think this would be very, very special for Jerry. This is a well-deserved honor.”
Coleman was a retired fighter pilot who flew multiple combat missions in both World War II and the Korean War. With more than 120 combat missions flown, Coleman earned many awards and medals to include Distinguished Flying Crosses.
With eulogies complete, the attention was brought to the front of the Jerry Coleman Center where his wife unveiled a sign displaying the new name of the center, then cut a ribbon to the new center signifying opening of the renamed building.
Once the ribbon was cut, those attending the ceremony flooded the building to see the tribute to the Marine flying ace.
The walls of the foyer are lined with numerous photos and memorabilia from both Coleman’s baseball and military career. His Marine pilot uniform and baseball uniform hang in a glass case and an original painting of Coleman created by a former Marine production specialist and artist is posted for all to admire.
Keeping his love of baseball alive, all enjoyed hot dogs and Cracker Jacks as they remembered about Coleman. Smiles and laughs from the attendees were abundant and it appeared the ceremony and dedication had left a lasting positive impact on his friends and family.
“Thank you all so much for coming because it really does mean so much to all of us,” said Mrs. Coleman. “On behalf of our family, thank you to the United States Marine Corps for honoring Jerry in ways he could never have imagined. To borrow a line from Jerry, and our greatest collaboration, our daughter Chelsey, ‘Semper Fi’.”