Executive Order 558

In time of peace any enlisted man of the Marine Corps, serving in his first enlistment, who is not undergoing punishment or under charges, and who is not in debt to the Government, may after one year from the date of his enlistment in the Marine Corps apply for the privilege of purchasing his discharge.

An enlisted man wishing this privilege will make application to the Commandant of the Marine Corps through official channels, giving his reasons in full for desiring his discharge. In general, no reasons will be considered as sufficient to warrant discharge unless it can be shown conclusively that these reasons did not exist prior to enlistment.

Upon the receipt of an application made as prescribed herein, and fulfilling the conditions given, the Commandant of the Marine Corps may direct the discharge requested at his discretion. The price of purchase will consist of the travel allowances due on discharge, which will be retained by the United States in all cases, and in addition thereto the following:

When an enlisted man of the Marine Corps makes application for discharge by purchase on account of dependency of a near relative, and shows in connection therewith that a state of destitution exists, that he has to the extent of his opportunities and ability made contributions to the support of such relative, but that these contributions have proved insufficient to relieve the destitution, the Commandant of the Marine Corps may, in his discretion, remit such part of the purchase price of discharge as may seem proper and necessary by reason of the inability of the enlisted man to pay the full amount.

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 * February 4, 1907.