Marvin Black, of Atlanta, Georgia, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, first flew in an airplane, a Piper Cub in November 1942 as a member of the Civil Pilot Training Program. He was accepted into the U.S. Navy as a flight cadet in December, 1942. Upon completing flight training, he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and awarded gold Naval Aviator wings. Marvin was 19 years old.

In December 1944, having completed combat training, and then flying the legendary, gull winged F4U Corsair, he was deployed to the South Pacific. In January 1945 Marvin reported to Marine Fighter Squadron 115 in the Philippine Islands. VMF-115 was known as "Joe's Jokers", named after Medal of Honor winner, Joe Foss. Marine Air in the Philippines flew in support of Gen. MacArthur's retaking of the islands from the Japanese. While stationed in the Philippines, Marvin flew 84 combat missions throughout the islands.

After the surrender of Japan, Marvin's squadron was deployed to China under "Operation Beleaguer". The mission was to protect U.S. interests, assist in the surrender of the Japanese, and in supporting Chiang Kai-shek's government against the communists. Marvin flew 25 missions while stationed in northeastern China.

For his wartime service, Marvin Black's decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, plus 2 gold stars, the Air Medal with a silver star device and 3 gold stars, a Navy Presidential Unit Citation, an Army Presidential Unit Citation, and a Navy Unit Commendation with a gold star.

In 1950, Marvin was recalled to active duty during the Korean War with the rank of captain. His assigned squadron, VMF-242, then based at Marine Air Station El Toro, and having distinguished itself during World War II in the South Pacific, was not deployed to Korea. Besides continuing combat readiness, his squadron flew F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs for the flying scenes during the filming of the John Wayne movie "Flying Leathernecks".

Over the ensuing years, Marvin remained in the Ready Reserve. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1961 and assumed command of VMF-351. The squadron began flying jet aircraft, the F9F Cougar, and later the FJ-4 Fury (F-86 Sabre). Marvin became a full colonel in 1966.

In 1971 Marvin was retired from the active U.S. Reserve Forces, having served his country for 29 years. He had accumulated 2,456 hours flying 19 different military aircraft. He formally retired from the Marine Corps in 1984. Marvin had not yet retired from flying, however. He had begun flying his own private civilian planes in 1965, first a Piper Twin Comanche. Then to the larger Piper Aztec, and later to the high performance Beechcraft Baron. In 1987, at the age of 63, he obtained and flew the turboprop Beech C90.

By 1989 he had 3,267 hours flying military and civilian planes. Marvin's favorite airplane of all was the F4U Corsair. At 65, he put away his wings, and concentrated on serving the construction industry in various volunteer rolls, and later raising cattle on his farm.

Marvin Black was blessed with a long, healthy, and active life. He passed away in his beloved North Georgia mountains at the age of 97. He loved airplanes and flying, the military, and he was a warrior and patriot.