Original Items: Only One Lot of 2 Available. During WWII, the Raiders conducted clandestine operations like facilitating amphibious warfare, securing beach heads, and improving land navigation, according to the Special Operations Forces Report. Because they had to be stealthy, the Marines relied on their paddles to sail their way behind enemy lines.

Eventually, the Marine, his rifle, and his paddle became a single, unified force with the ability to overcome any obstacle and defeat all enemies. When a Marine left active duty or was killed in action, his boatmates would contribute to refurbishing his paddle by sanding, polishing, and decorating it with unit symbols, quotes, and messages.

The Marine Recon paddle thus acted as a way to commemorate the Marine’s grit and blood.

The paddle was then presented to the Marine at a paddle party, during which his fellow Marines celebrated his heroic deeds and took turns sharing his most gallant – and not-so-gallant – moments. As this unique breed of Americans relished their special bond, the paddle was finally handed over to the Marine or his loved ones.

The paddles in this grouping:

- Operation Just Cause Task Force Semper Fi 60” Paddle: From 1988 to 1990, the Marines were an integral part of Operation Just Cause in Panama. They constituted only a small fraction of the forces deployed during the operation in December 1989, but for over two years, the Marines in Panama were on the front lines, in foxholes. Going to Panama was a courageous and professional decision, as it meant putting oneself in harm's way. Despite the conflict being labeled as low-intensity by planners, it was a very intense and personal experience for many Marines. Their courage, endurance, and professionalism were put to the test and they emerged victorious.

Task Force Semper Fi was the name given to Marine Forces Panama and its attached units under 90-2. Their primary mission was to support the attacks by defending the western approaches to Panama City. This included the Bridge of the Americas, which connected the east and west sides of the Pan-American Highway over the Canal.

- 2nd Marine Division Recon Battalion “R.K. Brown’s Bastards” 60 ½” Paddle (2nd Recon Battalion): The 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (2nd Recon) is a reconnaissance battalion in the United States Marine Corps. Located at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the battalion falls under the command of the 2nd Marine Division and the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF).

2nd Recon specializes in reconnaissance and surveillance, although its personnel are also trained in close quarters battle (CQB) tactics and other special missions. Recon Marines are sent to various schools to learn various special skills including: Scout Sniper, Jump, Military Free Fall, Combatant Dive, Ranger, various civilian run schools (i.e., McMillian sniper school), and other Department of Defense (DOD) and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) sponsored schools.

An excellent pair of paddles that come more than ready for further research and display.