Colonel James C. Brennan’s journey from a childhood in Suffolk County to a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps was the focus of a recent episode of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, hosted by local historian and commentator Richard V. Acritelli.
Brennan, born in Brooklyn and raised in Coram after his family moved to Long Island, reflected on growing up in what was then a largely rural community of woods, farms, and sod fields near Port Jefferson. He attended Catholic schools, including St. Anthony’s High School in Smithtown, where he ran cross country and track under coach Don Buckley. Brennan credited the school’s rigorous academics and strict discipline with shaping his character and preparing him for military life.
That influence was reinforced at home. Brennan spoke about his grandfather, a 20-year Army veteran who served with the Third Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio during World War II. Wounded at Anzio, his grandfather later served as a translator in England due to his fluency in German. “He showed me the power of service, sacrifice, and resilience,” Brennan said, describing the legacy that inspired him to enlist.
Just three days after graduating high school, Brennan reported to Parris Island for Marine Corps basic training. He recalled the challenge of adapting to life among recruits from vastly different backgrounds, an experience he said taught him how to lead and communicate across all levels—a skill that later served him well, even while working as a liaison to Congress.
Brennan went on to earn a business degree from Lynchburg College, advanced military education at the Naval War College, and served in both combat engineer and artillery units, including assignments at Camp Lejeune and Twentynine Palms. The conversation will continue in Part Two of the hmTv series, highlighting further chapters of his service and advocacy for veterans.