Betty Jane (Kilby) Hensley

Betty and Joseph Hensley
Betty enlisted Into the Marine Corps in December of
1943 in her home town of Duluth Minnasota. After
graduating from basic training at Camp Lajeune, North
Carolina in July, she met Joe while on leave. Betty was
then transferred to Norman, Oklahoma in August, for
Machinist Mate school. While stationed in Norman, Betty
and Joe were married on October 15, 1944. Before
leaving the Marine Corp in November of 1945 Betty
spent some time at El Toro Marine Corps base in
California.
Joe enlisted in the Marine Corps in June of 1941 in his
home town of Miami, Florida.
During WWII, Jos’s duty was training gunnery personnel
on Liberty Ships but his real passion was in
communications.
While stationed in Alanta, Georgia, Joe’s two daughters
(Kathy and Donna) were born. From Atlanta, Joe was
stationed in Arlington Virginia, Hollywood, Florida, and
Korea. While in Korea, Joe was a combat correspondent
where he carried combat gear and a typewriter.
After Korea, Joe was stationed at El Toro where he was in
charge of toys For Tots among other assignments.
Joe’s next move was to Pico Rivera, California so that he
could be close to Hollywood movie studios to act as
technical advisor between Hollywood and the Marine
Corps. While in Hollywood, he mingled with movie
producers, directors and actors. Joe even played a small
part in the movie “The DI” with Jack Webb.
In 1960, Joe was transferred to MCRD, San Diego as the
editor of the weekly newspaper the “The Chevron.” One
of Joe’s subordinates accredits his success in journalism
to Joe. The subordinate was Bob Long who went on to a
career in national network news to became the Vice
President of CBS National Network News.
While at MCRD, Joe did temporary duty in Okinawa while
Betty and the girls remained in San Diego. When Joe was
to be sent to Guam as his duty station, Joe made the
decision to retire.
Master Gunnery Seargent, Joeseph Gray Hensley retired
March 31, 1968 after 27 years in the Marine Corps.