LOCAL NEWS

Utah Marine credited with starting the famous ‘Oorah’ saying

Nov 11, 2022, 10:43 PM | Updated: 11:05 pm

OREM, Utah — Lots of people are getting ready for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other winter-time holidays. But for John Massaro, he feels it is important to not forget about Veterans Day.

“It means a lot to me because so many of my family members served. We used to celebrate it when I was a kid when it was Armistice Day and they would bring World War I veterans to our school,” he said. “For me, Veterans Day is everything.”

His love for the military led to a 31-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Massaro, who is 92 years old and lives in Orem and St. George, remembers going to a Navy recruiter in his hometown in Ohio. However, the Navy said he would have to wait a few weeks to serve, so he went to a Marine recruiter who said he could leave the very next day.

Eventually, Massaro was sent to Korea for the Korean War.

His enlistment ended while he was on the ship to Korea, but he didn’t tell anyone at first.

“The Sergeant Major said if anybody has any problems. I told him I don’t know if it is a problem or not, but my enlistment ran out aboard the ship,” Massaro said.

The Marines were about to send Massaro home, but he said no way.

“I didn’t come 5,000 miles for nothing,” he said with tears in his eyes. “All my buddies that laid down their life for the United States of America. If I would’ve come home, I couldn’t look at you or anybody in the face today.”

Massaro stayed.

After the war, one of his military assignments was to Clearfield. It’s where he met his future wife.

He decided to make the military his career and eventually was promoted all the way to become the 8th Sergeant Major of the entire U.S. Marine Corps.

It was a position right under the commandant.

“I found I liked it,” he said. “It was an honor.”

For all his military accomplishments, though, Massaro’s biggest mark in history might be known as the Marine who started the famous “OORAH” chant, which is still used today. It was written about in an article in the Marine Corps Times.

“I know that. I know they credit me with that, but I really don’t take any credit for that,” Massaro said.

He says it came from the arroogah sound the horn made in submarines, which he also served on. That sound became a greeting between Marines.

“All of us probably used it to some extent. And I really can’t honestly tell you how it got from arroogah to oorah. But somehow, it did,” he said with a chuckle.

Massaro won’t take the credit, though, because for him, it was always a team effort.

“I had a great career, and I had a great life,” he said. “I was blessed with all the assignments I had, the Marines I served with, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

It’s why Veterans Days remains as important to him as any other holiday.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

8 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

8 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

9 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

11 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

11 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Marine credited with starting the famous ‘Oorah’ saying