Once a Marine, Always a Marine: SIG SAUER Salutes POW-MIA Recognition Day
Last updated: June 7, 2026 · Originally published: September 23, 2019
September 20 wasn’t “Storm Area 51 Day” for SIG SAUER…
While American social media was alight with foolishness about Area 51 on September 20, SIG SAUER was honoring POW-MIA Recognition Day. In addition to saluting one of the Vietnam War’s unsung heroes, Major Jose Anzaldua, USMC (Ret.), with a commemorative 1911 crafted by SIG Custom Works, the gun manufacturer has also released a short documentary, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine: The Story of Major Jose Anzaldua.” It’s a story of a lifetime of dedicated service in the face of all adversity.
Major Anzaldua volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968 at the height of the Vietnam War, and served until his retirement in 1992 after 24 years of service. On January 23, 1970, Corporal Anzaldua was taken prisoner of war and imprisoned for 1,160 days in a jungle POW camp, as well as prisons in North Vietnam, including the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” He was eventually released on March 7, 1974 during Operation Homecoming.
Maj. Anzaldua’s commemorative gun reflects his struggle and his indomitable spirit. The commemorative 1911 POW pistol is engraved in 24k gold, with right slide engraving highlighting the Prisoner of War ribbon inset, with USMC Eagle Globe and Anchor and “Major Jose Anzaldua” engravings. The left slide engraving details features engraved oak leaf insignia representing the Major’s rank at the time of retirement and a pair of dog tags inscribed with the date, latitude, and longitude of the location where Major Anzaldua was taken as a prisoner, and the phrase “You Are Not Forgotten.”
The 1911 was, of course, the type of sidearm carried by Maj. Anzaldua as well as other Vietnam-era troops. This high-polish DLC finished version is chambered in .45 AUTO with an SAO trigger. A holster was provided by DeSantis Holsters as part of the presentation, which is a replica of the holsters used by U.S. Forces during the Vietnam War inscribed for Major Anzaldua.
Don’t miss SIG SAUER’s video feature, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine: The Story of Major Jose Anzaldua,” to honor Major Anzaldua’s service!
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I don’t care what uniform he wore, Sig cannot award every POW that was able to return. His family stood up and approached Sig with this idea and Sig chose to honor the Major. There is no question, this MAN Stood Tall in Hell. There is no doubt, there are many out there that are deserving, but just as the MOH award goes, if the award is not submitted then it is not awarded. Is that the fault of the man, should we chastise those that have been awarded? I say Semper Fi Major and thank you Sig for taking the time, money and resources to honor this Hero. And by the way I did not serve in the Marine Corps. I gave my 20 to the US Coast Guard and am damn proud of my service. Semper Paratus Major and to Sig Bravo Zulu!
I believe the ARMY and AIR FORCE had POW’s why choose the Marines?
I do not agree with the once a Marine always a Marine. I know of several of these people who claim to be Marine Veterans but totally support Communism. How is that possible. They are die hard Democrats, who are Communist now. Any REAL Marine would not be a starch Democrat. Same with Paratroopers, you cannot say you love this country, support the US Constitution and be Democrat, supporting what the Democratic Party has become, a Socialist Democratic party, heading to Communist.