Every Marine who graduated boot camp at Parris Island between 1947 and 1966 has this same photographer to thank for their graduation portrait: John F. Maag, the base’s official photographer for nearly two decades, captured this exact image of Platoon 2005 standing in formation on December 19, 1958. The photo carries his credit line directly on the print — “Photo by Maag” — a detail collectors specifically look for, since Maag’s photographs are documented as the standard-issue graduation record for that entire era of Parris Island recruits.
The photograph shows dozens of newly minted Marines in dress uniform, arranged across tiered risers with their drill instructors — Sgt. P.J. Biggs, S.Sgt. W.C. Kohler, and S.Sgt. L.E. Barry — standing at attention in front of the formation. Full identifying information is printed directly on the image: Second Recruit Battalion, Platoon 2005, M.C.R.D. Parris Island, S.C. The photo remains in its original maroon USMC presentation folder, embossed in gold with the Marine Corps eagle, globe, and anchor emblem and the words “Platoon Graduation Picture.”
A well-documented piece of Marine Corps history, ready for a collector, a Marine Corps family researching a relative’s service, or a militaria display.
• Size: approximately 8 x 10 inches (photo), in original presentation folder
• Date: December 19, 1958
• Unit: Second Recruit Battalion, Platoon 2005, MCRD Parris Island, S.C.
• Named personnel: Sgt. P.J. Biggs, S.Sgt. W.C. Kohler, S.Sgt. L.E. Barry (drill instructors)
• Photographer: Maag (John F. Maag, official Parris Island base photographer, 1947–1966)
• Condition: clean image with good contrast; original gold-embossed USMC folder shows expected wear and light staining at the fold; a name (“Allen”) is handwritten in ink above the formation, likely by a graduate identifying himself
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