Norbert Malecki, USMC Combat Correspondent, Dies at 90

Norb Malecki

The Joe Rosenthal Chapter has lost its former longtime Secretary. GySgt Norbert Malecki passed away May 5, 2018, at his home in Benicia, Calif., just weeks after his 90th birthday.

Born in Chicago, Norb, as he was known, served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and then as a civilian journalism and photography instructor—a Marine Corps career totaling 42 1/2 years of service.

Norb was a dedicated Chapter Secretary, dotting “i’s” and crossing “t’s” in meeting minutes for decades. Although he never used email or connected to the Internet, Norb managed to create and print colorful and entertaining newsletters for his fellow CCs. He was a Life Member of the USMCCCA and a favorite bartender at its conferences.

Norb married Keiko Harada, a model in Japan. They were married 52 years until Keiko’s death in 2016. They now rest together in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, Calif.

Norb is survived by his daughter, Michelle, of Benicia. He will be sorely missed by his friends and fellow Marines.