Some of you have suggested that I am exaggerating when I say that a US Marine never retires, they are simply not currently on active duty. The story below is evidence that what I have said is true. I only quoted part of the story, I recommend that you read the full story. Hmm, btw, the 19 year old got the worst of it, according to later news reports.

83-year-old WWII vet fends off teen robber

Updated: Wednesday, 08 Sep 2010, 2:17 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 07 Sep 2010, 10:43 PM EDT

YARMOUTH (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – Yarmouth police say an 83-year-old World War II Marine Corps veteran fought off a 19-year-old man who broke into his home and attacked him with a glass candlestick.

Police say the suspect broke into the home at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday. The homeowner fought back and yelled to his wife, who called police, prompting the suspect to flee.

He was picked up a short time later, with blood on his shirt and items allegedly stolen from the home. Alan Menchin was held on $10,000 bail after pleading not guilty to charges including assault and battery at his arraignment Tuesday.

The homeowner needed treatment for cuts and bruises. He asked not to be identified out of concern for his safety.

Lt. Steven Xiarhos said he was proud of the veteran for fighting off “a punk.”

Yarmouth Police released the following:

On Monday, September 6, 2010 at approximately 8:23PM the Yarmouth Police Department received a frantic emergency 911 call from a woman reporting that her husband had just been violently attacked by an unknown male during a home invasion on South Street in the Bass River portion of South Yarmouth. Yarmouth Police Dispatcher Patrol Officer Kevin Antonovitch was able to obtain and broadcast a description of the suspect as Yarmouth Police Patrol Officers Raymond Scichilone-Mark Noone-Paul Mellett-Sean Brewer-Sean Gannon-and K9 Officer Mark Thibeault as well as members of the Massachusetts State Police responded to the scene.