November 11, 2023
Celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday to Highlight a Conversation on “Selfless Service.”
CHARLESTOWN, MA (November 7, 2023)—The USS Constitution Museum welcomes Colonel Todd Desgrosseilliers, USMC (Ret.), for a breakfast and program on Monday, November 13, at 8:00 a.m. EST.
Colonel Desgrosseilliers joins the Museum for the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday, where he will speak on the value of selfless service through inspired leadership. He is a decorated veteran who served in Iraq twice as a battalion executive officer and later battalion commander. As Officer-In-Charge on two separate occasions, he acted with complete disregard for his safety to protect his Marines while leading them under enemy fire. His bold actions include shielding them from a grenade explosion with his own body, exposing himself to direct enemy fire to drag an injured Marine to safety, and remaining in the open, despite being wounded by shrapnel, to lead his Marines to overcome insurgents. He was presented with the Silver Star Medal, the nation’s third-highest military decoration for valor and gallantry in combat.
The event is also a tribute to LT William S. Bush, honoring his memory as the first U.S. Marine Corps officer to die in combat while serving aboard USS Constitution in the War of 1812. A native of Auburn, Maine, Colonel Desgrosseilliers was commissioned to the U.S. Marines aboard Constitution. He will draw on his combat experience to consider LT Bush’s story and brave actions.
Tickets are available to the public. This event is supported by the Colonel Drew Ley Fund. This event is the culmination of activities throughout Veterans Day Weekend at the Museum, including a special tour of USS Constitution for veterans on Saturday, November 11, and free admission for military veterans and their families all weekend long. For more details, visit usscm.org.
About Colonel Todd Desgrosseilliers, USMC (Ret.)
Colonel Todd Desgrosseilliers is a retired Marine Corps infantry officer with 31 years of service. Enlisting in 1985 and serving in the infantry, he received his commission in 1990 after earning the rank of Sergeant. Colonel Desgrosseilliers served as the Commanding Officer, The Basic School (2012-2014), responsible for educating newly commissioned or appointed officers in the high standards of professional knowledge, espirit-de-corps, and leadership to prepare them for duty. He also served as Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2005-2007), deploying the Battalion to Iraq in 2006-2007, where they conducted counter-insurgency operations in Ramadi and Fallujah during the “Sunni Awakening.” He fought in Operation Al FAJR in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004, where he was wounded several times. His military awards include the Silver Star Medal and two Bronze Star Medals for Valor. After his retirement, Colonel Desgrosseilliers led the nonprofit Project Healing Waters for five years as CEO, serving wounded Military Service Members.
About the USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution by offering award-winning exhibits where all ages can have fun while learning and exploring history together. The Museum’s mission is to engage visitors in the story of Constitution to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. The Museum is open seven days a week with a pay-what-you-wish admission policy, and the Virtual Museum is open 24/7. The USS Constitution Museum is a 2022 winner in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice in the “Best History Museum” category and a 2023 winner of Boston Parents Paper’s Family Favorites in the “Historic Sites & Tours” and “Museums & Attractions” categories. For more information, visit usscm.org.
