Custom Aluminum Casting
Cast in the Crucible
Built for Marines
A retired United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant hand casts aluminum chevrons, tying the foundry crucible that shapes metal to the Marine Corps Crucible that forges recruits into Marines.
Custom Aluminum Casting
Cast in the Crucible
Built for Marines
A retired United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant hand casts aluminum chevrons, tying the foundry crucible that shapes metal to the Marine Corps Crucible that forges recruits into Marines.
Coral City Foundry
Get to know us
About me
I am Terry Lee Dressel
After years serving as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, I traded my rifle for a crucible. My mission now? To handcraft each USMC chevron with the same discipline, pride, and precision expected of every Marine.
I know what those stripes mean. I’ve earned them. And now, I forge them so each one is more than a chevron… it’s a story.
The Marine Behind the Metal
How marines Are Made
Recruit Training often called boot camp lasts 13 weeks. Recruits train at MCRD Parris Island or MCRD San Diego, depending on where they enlisted. The training builds strength of body, clarity of mind, and steadiness of character.
It culminates in the Crucible, a 54‑hour field exercise that tests everything: endurance, teamwork, leadership, and resolve. On the far side of that fire, a title is earned: United States Marine.
Numbers That Actually Matter
I like to say...
“In metalwork and in the Corps, the fire does not destroy. It reveals what was strong all along.”
As a marine:
23 years, retired at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant
Active 1983 0341infantry 3rd battalion 5th Marines. Reserve1987 3521 Motor transport MWSS 471, Active 1989 6017 Aviation Aircraft Mechanic VMFA 314, VMFA 531, VMFAT 101. 1994 8411 Marine Recruiter 9th Marine Corps District, 2003 Marine Forces Reserve New Orleans. Retired 2006.
All the experiences, mos's , duty stations, deployments the hardest job I ever had was recruiting, the most rewarding Job was recruiting, the place I think I made the most impact on the marine corps was Recruiting. I was given the task of finding future marines, a. task the allowed me to directly impact the lives of those I had the privilege to share the Marine Corps Legacy.
144 - Recruits sworn in and sent to earn the title.
7 - Years recruiting Marines because belief demands action.
14 Meritorious Mast, 3 certificates of Commendation 2 Navy Achievement Medals on those 7 years
But of all the Awards, earning the status of Centurion Recruiter was my proudest achievement .
The Marine Behind the Metal
How marines Are Made
Recruit Training often called boot camp lasts 13 weeks. Recruits train at MCRD Parris Island or MCRD San Diego, depending on their recruiting district. The training builds strength of body, clarity of mind, and steadiness of character.
It culminates in the Crucible, a 54‑hour field exercise that tests everything: endurance, teamwork, leadership, and resolve. On the far side of that fire, a title is earned: United States Marine.
Numbers That Actually Matter
I like to say...
“In metalwork and in the Corps, the fire does not destroy. It reveals what was strong all along.”
∞ - Hours at the bench making chevrons worthy of the uniform.
144 - Recruits sworn in and sent to earn the title.
7 - Years recruiting Marines because belief demands action.
FAQS
How do I order something?
You need to reach out to Coral City Foundry via email: [email protected] to put a request in.
How do I order something custom?
When you order something custom it can go two ways.
1. You can submit your own rendition that is 3d printable and we will 3d print it for you and then we will begin casting.
2. We design your rendition into a 3d CAD drawing. Once approved we 3d print it. Then from there we cast it.
How long before i can get my product?
Stock items are cast in limited quantities and available until sold out.
Custom orders are scheduled based on availability. Depending on the complexity it will take from 2-6 weeks
Do you whole sale?
Yes. Provided a predetermined quantity that can be made over a set time in batches.
Example: 15 castings 4 times over 4 months. 60 total castings.
Get In Touch
Located In The La Crosse Area
Email: [email protected]
Please leave a detailed email describing your request.
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