George R Scharnberg

Col. George Robert Scharnberg USMC (Ret.) May 1, 1925 - April 1, 2017. His long, accomplished march ended peacefully with family by his side. Born in Port Arthur, Texas to Lester and Mamie Scharnberg, George met his future wife Margaret in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania where they were married in 1949. He joined the USMC Reserves in 1943, and was commissioned upon graduation from Villanova (BSc in Engineering) in 1945. He so loved his time in the Reserves that he switched to active duty in 1951. He later graduated from the US Army War College in 1969 and received his MBA from Pepperdine University in 1976. Col. Scharnberg is a veteran of WWII, Korea (1st Marine Division), Vietnam (2nd Battalion 9th Marines) and served his country for 33 years. His career awards include The Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" ('65-'66), Combat Action Ribbon, the Meritorious Service Medal (’69-'71), with "gold star in lieu of second award" ('71-'72) and the Legion of Merit (’75-’76). After his second tour at Quantico Maj. Scharnberg served in Frankfurt, Germany as the Officer-In-Charge of Region I, Europe, Marine Security Program from 1960-1963. Following this he served as Division Plans Officer at Camp Pendleton for 2 years. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel and assumed command of the 1st Bn, 5th Marines (which was re-designated the 2nd Bn 9th Marines) upon arrival on Okinawa and prior to debarking for Vietnam. From 1969-1971 Col. Scharnberg worked as Assistant Head of G-3 Operations - coordinating and developing detailed plans and directives for the redeployment of 18,500 Marines from Vietnam to various Pacific bases. Reassigned as Head, G-3 Operations “He planned and implemented Trans-Pacific Key Grasp I, II, and III . . . the largest movement of Marine aircraft across the Pacific ever attempted.” From 1971-1972 as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 for III Marine Amphibious Force he was cited for his work in developing a viable force in readiness for support of US interests in the Western Pacific. This included responding to rapidly developing situations in the India-Pakistan War and support of the Republic of Vietnam after the onset of the North Vietnamese offensive across the DMZ in April 1972. His final tour of duty in Coronado, CA as Chief of Staff to Commander Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, was "unique in its vast magnitude of responsibilities". Col. Scharnberg was awarded the Legion of Merit and recognized as “one of our foremost Naval experts in Amphibious Warfare . . . and expanded that knowledge to fully encompass all aspects of Naval Surface Warfare” -Emmett H. Tidd, Vice Admiral USN. George was "especially concerned with the problems of minority groups and insists on full implementation of the equal opportunity programs." - R S Salzer, VADM USN After his retirement from the Marine Corps, George served as the manager of the MCRD Credit Union from 1976-1979. He was instrumental in developing guidelines to help young Marines establish good credit and learn about financial responsibility. George later joined Planners Independent Management as a financial advisor. In 1998 George and Margaret moved to Casa de las Campanas in Rancho Bernardo. He served a term as the President of the Resident's Association and also served on the Financial and Dementia Care Unit design committees. Both George and Margaret enjoyed boating, golf, international travel, and their family. His ability to inspire people and his terrific sense of humor will be sorely missed. Col. Scharnberg was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth “Betty” Brockett, and infant son James Robert. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret R. Scharnberg, daughter Debra and son-in-law Calvin Le Fevre of The Woodlands, TX, daughter Sandra Schumacher of Julian, CA, granddaughter Victoria and husband David Lamb of TX, granddaughter Sarah and husband Daniel Driggs of NYC, grandson Phillip Le Fevre of TX, and two great-granddaughters Vivienne and Devin Lamb. A short ceremony will be held at Miramar National Cemetery with full honors on Tues., May 2, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.. Attendees must arrive by 11 a.m.. Col. Scharnberg supported the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to either of those fine organizations. His family wishes to thank his 'extended family’ - the wonderful residents and extraordinary staff at Casa de las Campanas for their dedicated care and friendship to George over the years.