The Illustrious Career of Tim Woolley, Gunnery Sgt., USMC (Ret.)

This is a press release from VFW Post 2207:

Woolley in Somalia

During an illustrious 22‑year career, which began with a young man simply wanting to join the Army and jump out of airplanes, Tim Woolley went on to accomplish more than most people could ever dream of.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17, still in high school, and waited to ship out until graduation. During Boot Camp, his leadership potential was immediately recognized—he was selected as a platoon squad leader and graduated as a meritorious Private First Class (E‑2).

After completing Advanced Infantry Training, he attended Military Police School and was assigned to Naval Air Station North Island, where he served for two years as a gate guard. He was promoted to Corporal (E‑4) just before deploying to Okinawa, where he joined the storied 1st Battalion, 9th Marines—“The Walking Dead.” There, he was promptly assigned as a squad leader for Bravo Company, 1st Platoon.

Never content with being “just” an infantry Marine, Woolley pursued specialized skills including rappelling, rope systems, and raiding craft operations. After reenlisting, the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion sought a qualified Rappel Master to train Marines conducting covert raids behind enemy lines. Woolley was selected and assigned as the battalion’s Rappel Master at Camp Schwab, Okinawa.

He later returned to the 9th Marine Regiment, where he was promoted to Sergeant (E-5), and deployed for seven months with a Marine Amphibious Ready Group patrolling the Western Pacific. Upon returning, he attended Naval Gunfire School in the Philippines. During this period, he responded to the crash of a C‑130 off the coast of Luzon, helping rescue at least one surviving crew member.

Woolley then completed Mountain Warfare School in Pohang, Korea, before rejoining his unit and returning stateside to the 7th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton. Never one to avoid a challenge, he next attended Drill Instructor School in San Diego. After his tour as a Drill Instructor, he again served as a Military Policeman before returning to the infantry as a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

He reported as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms; deploying once more with a Marine Ready Group.

He recalls that “everything was normal until 1988,” when he and other Marines were assigned as Wildland Firefighters during the historic Yellowstone fires, which consumed nearly 800,000 acres—the largest wildfire event in the park’s recorded history.

His next assignment took him to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, where he taught rappelling and amphibious raiding to Marine Amphibious Reconnaissance Scout Swimmers.

In December 1992, now a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7), Woolley led the first element of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines into Mogadishu, Somalia, in support of Operation Restore Hope. He and his Marines participated in combat operations and were present during the events surrounding the tragic Black Hawk Down incident.

Following Somalia, he returned to Camp Pendleton as a Company Gunnery Sergeant, responsible for 980 Marines—a role typically overseeing only about 100.

After a year, he received orders to the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic, where he taught riverine assault craft operations. He later served with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, training Marine officer candidates in amphibious mission planning and execution, including water jumps, submarine egress, and high‑speed cast and recovery operations.

After twenty‑two years of distinguished service, Woolley retired to spend more time with his family, including his two children.

Since retiring from the Marine Corps, Woolley has devoted countless hours to supporting fellow veterans, volunteering at community events, and quietly assisting those in need. His lifelong commitment to service—both in uniform and beyond—embodies the highest ideals of the United States Marine Corps.

Schools and Qualifications

Woolley completed an extraordinary list of elite military schools, including:

Scout Sniper School

Drill Instructor School

Mountain Warfare School

Jungle Environmental Survival Training

Jungle Warfare School

Expeditionary Warfare School

Military Police School

Naval Gunfire School

Navy Scuba Diver School

Airborne School

Awards and Decorations

His awards include:

Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation

Meritorious Unit Commendation

Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal

Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (five stars)

Navy Scuba Diver Badge

Marine Parachutist Badge

Rifle Expert Badge

Pistol Expert Badge

Mogadishu near river

USMC Riverine Assault Craft

Woolley’s Marine Reconnaissance Team at 3rd Recon Bn

Mogadishu