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AmericanCourage #222 18 MAR 2010
Print | ONLINE STORE
My Grandpa Thomas served in the Army in Europe during WW1. My
Dad was in the Navy serving on the Flattop Saratoga during WW 2.
I'm a former Marine served with the 1st Marine Division, FMF
Pacific. I was stationed just south of Chu Lai in 1966.
In the fall of 1963 I had the displeasure of telling Dad that I
was not going back to college for my sophomore year and wanted
to join the Navy. After some time of Dad trying to convince me
that I should stay in school, he gave up. Then to my great
surprise he told me "son you are not a Navy guy, you are a
Marine."
We left Mom crying on the front porch as he drove to the Marine
recruiters office. The rest is history. How he knew I'll never
know.
M. Thomas
2066696
USMC
In This Issue: among many other stories you will find many
responses to the word Go-k and other slang terms used. An OLD
Captain finishes the Mud Run, 'knowing' recognition at the gym,
a little girl saluting, and the oldest Marine flag raiser.
Happy reading.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
I am a proud Marine mom, who for a couple of days decided I was
mad at the Marines. My son was supposed to get a pre-deployment
leave in April, then ship out in May. They are leaving any day
now for Chile to help with the earthquake victims. I thought
after all I did to raise a man good enough for the Marines to
want him they should care about my feelings at least a little
bit. I finally stopped being selfish and came to realize that
not only will this help the people of Chile, it will help our
boys to be able to help save lives before going into battle. If
other Marine moms get frustrated with some of the decisions
made, remember the Marines have been around a long time and they
know what they're doing.
Sue Carter mother of LCpl. Michael A. Gregory
Sgt Grit,
I have been reading all of the discussion about Old Corps versus
New Corps and had an event occur last night that put the whole
issue to rest in my own mind. I enlisted in the USMC in
December 1972 and was sent to Parris Island for boot camp and
then onto ITR/ITS and points overseas.
I currently am a nurse tech in a emergency room in a north Texas
hospital. Last night an ambulance brought us a gentleman that I
got to do the normal inpatient workup on (vital signs, EKG,
general information, etc.) During our discussion he told me
that one of his eyes was false and that he had lost it on Iwo
Jima with 2/26. I immediately showed him my USMC tattoo on my
upper arm, we shook hands warmly and swapped Semper Fi's with
each other, along with a couple of sea stories.
From that moment on, as long as he was in the ER, I saw to his
needs and even some extra things that we don't normally give to
patients in the ER. This valiant warrior was eventually
admitted to the hospital and it was my pleasure to take him up
to his room. As we exited the ER into the main part of the
hospital, all of a sudden he started to speak/sing the words,
"And when I get heaven, St. Peter I will tell, another Marine
reporting sir, I've served my time in h&ll", which, of course,
is the same song we were taught when I was at Parris Island.
So, then the two of us were moving through the hospital singing
all of those verses, "You can have your Army khaki, and your
Navy blue, I've got a different uniform I'll introduce to you,
His uniform is unlike, any you've ever seen, the Germans called
him Devildogs, his title is Marine, he was born at Parris
Island, the land that God forgot, the sand was 14 inches deep,
the sun was blazing hot, etc.... This Marine still remembered
the song he was taught some 65 or so years ago and it is exactly
the same as the one I was taught in 1972/1973.
So, for all those knuckleheads out there who still think there
is some kind of difference between Marines from one era to
another, I say this: BULLSH-T! That WWII Marine who fought at
one of the most horrific battles of our history was no different
than I am or any other Marine that I served with or meet during
my work. I have also had the pleasure of having another Marine
in my ER, some weeks back, who served in William Barber's
company at the Chosin. We got to talk quite a bit about his
experiences. Once again, just like last night's experience,
there was no difference in Marine experiences other than those
specific to the combat they had experienced. I truly believe
now that Marines are Marines no matter when they served. To all
those Marines out there, both past and present and future, I say
SEMPER FI and carry on!
Bob Tollison
SSgt 0369
Sherman, TX
The Pacific is airing now on HBO
On my Blog I have posted some of my favorite observations about
the first episode of The Pacific, and will do so Monday morning
after each episode.
I invite you to add yours.
The Sgt Grit Blog will fill your need for a daily dose of the Corps.
The Facebook page is also growing and is a lot of fun.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Sgt. Grit,
I'm Tony Packowski, I ordered all those SSGT. items from you.
They were a gift to a Former Marine who was in Korea in the
forgotten war. I gave the items to him on his birthday and you
could see the swelling in his eyes when I gave them to him. He
was so proud and thankful to get such items like that, that he
could hardly talk. He is my uncle ,and he is 81 years old. After
his b-day party, the thing he could say all night is thank you
and BOY! do I really like these things.
The party went well, and as everybody left, I was the only one
there and as I was leaving, he grabbed my arm and said, Thank
you Tony, and gave me a hug. Then when I was at the door to
leave, he said, Hey Marine! I turned around to look at him and
he said, "SEMPER FI BROTHER" and then I left knowing that I made
his day.
I just thought you would like to know that we all are still
Brothers after all these years. It made me feel proud and
honored.
I like your comments that you get from other Brothers, and I
read every one. You will be hearing more stories like this in
the future I'm sure. But for now, Be good, Take care, And may
God Bless you and yours.
Tony (SKI) Packowski,
"SEMPER FI BROTHER"
And I Quote...
"[A] wise and frugal government... shall restrain men from
injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to
regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and
shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.
This is the sum of good government."
--Thomas Jefferson
New Braunfels and Canyon Lake, TX
On September 19, 2009, the second annual 17.2 Mile Wounded
Warrior Run was held in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The
run/race began in a light rain, however, it ended on a sunny
morning. The course consisted of many curves, with some hills,
as it stretched along the beautiful Guadalupe River (home of the
finest river tubing in Texas). This year we added a Military
Trophy for the military team who would place first in the event.
Being Marines, we assembled our military "team" the night before
(we wanted to "adapt and overcome") and we almost took the
trophy home!
We placed 2nd (of military teams), 3rd place over all, of twenty
nine teams, with an outstanding time of 1:57:57. Our team
consisted of "salty" Marines (in their 40's and 50's), L - R,
Sgt. Scott Glazener, MSgt Oscar Gutierrez, Sgt. James Eastland
(in the orange shirt and the "race coordinator"), MGySgt Joe
Sepulveda, Sgt Diaz (the youngster of the team) and SSgt R.A.
Ramirez.
The first place winning team consisted of Army soldiers, in
their 20's, who are an actual running team on a local San
Antonio military base. However, I guarantee you, they felt the
heat and the pressure of the USMC! Incredibly, our first leg
runner, MSgt Oscar Gutierrez, not only ran a fast starting time
for our Marine team, he also completed the entire 17.2 mile
course in a super fast time. As well, his wife ran the same
course in an outstanding time. Marines, we let everyone know
we are always prepared for battle, even in the shortest notice!
A SPECIAL thanks to Sgt Grit and his staff for the outstanding
purchase price of our race shirts (see the photograph). The
event was for a wonderful cause, we asked Sgt Grit to step up
the plate and they did without hesitation. I have to admit "we
looked great" in our Sgt Grit shirt and the other teams could
NOT touch the anchor and globe!
Oooooraaaah!
For more information about this annual September event, in the
Texas Hill Country, please log onto our website at
https://www.signmeup.com/65684
Sgt Grit:
Every year we send you a picture from our chili cook-off.
Here is the picture from this year's cook-off.
We are the founding chapter here in Illinois.
We have 4 chapters. Us ( Central Illinois ) Northern Illinois,
Southern Illinois & Eastern Illinois. We just keep growing..
By the way we will have our quarterly visit to the Danville, IL
VA Hospital in May... Be asking for your donations soon...Thanx
Semper Fi....
Todd Fingerle
aka "Fingers" LMCI
Sgt Grit,
I really enjoy the newsletter, especially the pictures, so I
decided to send my own. I joined the Corps in 1979 and after
boot camp went to NAS Memphis for Avionics school. There I met
two guys from back home, New Hampshire for me, Massachusetts for
them, but home just the same.
We spent the better part of 1980 in Memphis and then received
orders to different bases. I went to MCAS Beaufort, SC., Jay
went to MCAS Cherry Point, NC., and Mark went home to NAS South
Weymouth, MA. We kept in touch over the next 8 years and then
contact kind of fell off as it can over time.
Through a fluke Facebook encounter we linked up again and made
arrangements to have lunch. What a nice time we had looking
through old photographs and reminiscing about Memphis.
I purchased challenge coins and had them custom inscribed to
commemorate the reunion. After all, thirty years is a long time!
We had such a good time we're going to make it a regular event.
So, here are my pics from that day, hope you enjoy them.
Jeff Strayer
Sgt. USMC, 1979 - 1987
And I Quote...
"There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human
nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism."
--Alexander Hamilton
Sgt Grit,
I served with our Corps from 1970-78 and was on active duty from
1970-74, the highlight being a platoon commander with 3/8 from
1971-72 and a taking part in a NATO overseas deployment where,
tragically, five of our Marines were killed in a helicopter
crash. In honor of the Corps I was determined to remain fit and
active as best I could during my aging process and have an
annual adventure (includes a 30,600 feet HALO skydive, a great
white shark cage dive, flying the L-39 military jet, a trip down
the Amazon River and catching a piranha, etc). Last September
the adventure was taking part in the Marine Corps Mud Run with a
team of "youngsters" (who I made honorary Marines for the day).
While in Columbia, SC at the Marine Corps Reserve Center doing
the Marine Corps Mud Run, we helped to raise about $200,000 for
the Marine Corps Foundation supporting families of Marines
injured and killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. There were 1,800 4-
person teams (ours was named "Fortune Favors the Brave" - the
motto of 3/8) taking part.
The course was 4.25 miles long and included 30 obstacles--from
jumping up and over 5 foot concrete ledges, muddy hill climbs,
rope swings over mud pits, climbing a 10 foot wall, a combat
cargo net climb, 25 feet up-and-over ladder obstacles, climbing
over logs in the water, crawling through water pits with netting
6 inches above our heads, a 25 yard swim through a 14 feet deep
mud pit, log walks over mud pits, multiple mud pit runs, etc. My
teammates were ages 27, 17 and 15 and I kept up with them every
step of the way and even led them through a number of the
obstacles.
I ended up with multiple abrasions and bruises on both legs and
even fell 5 feet off the combat cargo net onto my back (just
knocked the wind out of me for a minute fortunately) and I had
to live on Tylenol for several days, but it was great fun and
made money for a terrific cause. I may be 61 but the Marine
Corps tells me that "pain is just weakness leaving your body" so
I am (must be) pretty darn strong. I just wish it didn't hurt so
much :)
Most people know me well enough by now that they know just how
much an impact the Marine Corps had on my life. Eleanor
Roosevelt once said that we should all, "Do one thing every day
that scares you." The Mud Run was that one thing for 2009. I
also love the quote by an anonymous person who said that, "Life
is an incredible adventure or it is nothing at all." That's the
way I've tried to live my life and hope never to have to give up
on that. We'll be back again to do it September 25, and flying
the CH-46 helicopter is on that list for 2010, too.
OOHRAH!
Jim Hill
Former Captain, Still a Marine
With all due respect to Mr Ryan the kid is a kid. I'm not
saying everything he's doing is correct or excusable but he's a
16-18 year old kid. We all did dumb things at that age and
thought half of them were super cool while we were doing them.
Even after entering the Marine Corps I know I made stupid
decisions characteristic of a 19-23 year old American male.
Today the internet just gives folks the chance to be stupid with
a wider audience. I wish the young poolie luck and hope he
becomes a recruiting poster worthy Marine...or just a good,
solid, reliable Marine. Either way he'll be a credit to the
Corps, the country, and himself.
Andrew Mathias
Cpl 7011 97-01
Who was most definitely not a poster worthy Marine but did his
job correctly and reliably and is proud of his service.
P.S. While the Marine Corps remains the same and Marines do as
well, times change. I have the greatest respect for previous
generations of Marines. I sat on the side of a runway and went
deaf in peacetime. I didn't fight in Iraq, Hue, Kuwait City,
Guadalcanal, Chosin, Belleau Wood, or anywhere else for that
matter. That said folks, take off the rose colored glasses. 20
or so year old Marines are still of the same stock as most 20
year old kids and they're as a rule smarmy, belligerent, self
important, and know it alls. Being in the Marines just gives
them an opportunity to both screw up bigger or realize they
don't really know everything but still have the Marine swagger.
My husband and I went to the gym last night as we always do and
we noticed a couple of Marines that also frequent this gym.
One of them is an older Marine, who always wears his Marine
Corps ball cap. I often wear something Marine Corps and so does
my husband.
Last evening I was on the elliptical machine, wearing my Cannon
Cockers shirt with my husband's unit information on it, and I
saw this older Marine in the room again. He walked behind me on
his way to another machine and belted out a loud devil dog pride
cry. A lot of the people in the gym looked up, but seemed
confused.
I knew what he meant and I simply smiled and nodded my head. It
occurred to me at that moment, as it has many times before, that
we were the only two in the room that understood that. Although
I am not a Marine, my husband is; it felt outstanding to know
that only a few knew what that meant and that the Marines are
truly an elite brotherhood for the few and the proud. Oorah!
Kristy Fomin,
Marine Wife
And I Quote...
"I like Marines, because being a Marine is serious business.
We're not a social club or a fraternal organization and we don't
pretend to be one. We're a brotherhood of warriors - - nothing
more, nothing less, pure and simple. We are in the azs-kicking
business, and unfortunately, these days business is good."
--Colonel James M. Lowe,
Commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico. 2004
Hello, Sergeant Grit!
I've been interviewing Vietnam Veterans-- especially Marines--
since the age of seventeen. My first book, "Camouflaged Heroes"
was published when I was nineteen, and it just took off from
there. A little over nine years later, and I'm still in the
business, writing my second book on what it was like for our
combat vets in Nam. I've found that writing biographies for our
Marines is my life's calling, and my life has been enriched by
it. I'm humbled that so many have put their faith in me, and
trusted me with such personal and painful experiences. Marines
are a big part of my life, you could say.
A few years ago, I met my dear friend, Jim, who is one of the
few Walking Dead who served in Nam that we have left. I was the
first one he spoke with about the war, and the first one to see
his photo album he'd put together over 40 years ago.... Anyway,
a couple of weeks ago, I decided that it was time for me to go
see where my family has been; I am going to Vietnam, and I'm
going to see Khe Sanh, Con Thien, Quang Tri, Marble Mountain,
The Rock (I'm hiking up Razorback!)... Basically, I'm touring I
Corps. Upon mentioning it to Jim, and asking if he would
accompany me, he said yes! I never could have imagined that he
would go, and frankly, neither did he. This is a man who never
used to talk about Vietnam until about six months ago, and now
he's going back... And he's asked a few friends he served with
to go along. They'll interview with me while there, and I'm
going to do some writing as I see these battlefields for myself.
We're in agreement that these stories are important, and so are
the Marines... These stories need to be told! So, there you have
it... A 25 year-old biographer and a few good 1/9'ers. Going
back to Vietnam.
Semper Fi!
Karen Cadonau-Scott
8 Year Old Girl Made The Marine Cry
(True story, that just happened to me, a local veteran)
I took my wife and 2 of my sons to Clearwater Veterans
Appreciation day 5th Annual Events on 11/7/2009 at the bright
house field. (a 2 hr Drive away)
I was in Uniform, and had a great time. I met Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, Civilians, Vets, SEALS, Pj's, Rangers and so on.
Watched the Coast Guard Silent Drill Team (from D.C.) and High
School Drill Teams. Met Rear Admiral D.B. Lloyd (Coast Guard)
and his staff. Thanked him and the local Mayor, Shook hands and
thanked the members of the Silent Drill Team.
Had a GREAT time.
As we were getting ready to leave, and getting some drinks out
of the trunk, for the long drive back home, a car stopped behind
us, and a gentleman and a young girl got out. The man stated
that his daughter had something to say to me.
I got down on a knee and said "yes ma'am"
The girl said "Thanks for being my soldier" and handed me a
challenge coin. One side says thanks for being my soldier and
the other side has "I salute you" and has her name and date of
birth. (She's 8 yrs old)
When I finished reading it, I looked up and this little girl was
saluting me.
I stood up, came to attention and returned this little girls
salute. I then turned and saluted the dad.
The girl then gave me a hug. They got in their car and left.
I got in my car and cried for 10 min. My wife and kids didn't
say anything.
That little girl from Tampa (Ms. Wieser), and what she did that
day, means more to me than any of the brass and big wigs that I
met that day.
GOD BLESS our YOUTH
Semper-Fi
SSGT T. E. Laudenslager
U.S.M.C 1983-1996
Sgt Grit, There is a song called Surfer Joe...it has the following phrase...Joe joined Uncle Sam's Marines today they stationed him at Pendleton not far away, they got off his long blond locks I am told and when they went on maneuvers Joe caught cold.... that being said I was stationed at Horno next camp up the road from San Onofre and AIT(?) not sure if that is the correct term or not.
Anyway I had to cover as a corpsman some of the ..shall we say...remedial hill climbing exercises. And I actually treated a young Marine who went out for an exercise with what was thought a cold but that I later diagnosed as pneumonia. His name was Joe and he had been a surfer and was a blonde. Any way that is my West Coast Marine story.
He was out there humping with the other Marines in his platoon in spite of having pneumonia...impressive but foolish. I medevacd him to the base hospital as soon as I thought he had it.
Dennis aka Ol' Doc Herdina HM1 FMF 1968 to 1994
Always forbidden on occasion mandatory MAHALO Dennis
And I Quote...
"If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself..."
--Tecumseh
All of the men & women who are fighting for us needs to know
that we as Americans Thanks them for what they have done for all
of us . My little 10 yr old son was asked who was his heroes, He
said the people who fought for all of us to be free & gave their
lives to save ours that's who everyone should be thankful for.
Because they gave up their whole world to help the people they
don't even know. My little boy tells everyone that he wants to
be a Marine because it's his duty to give back to the ones who
lost their lives & are still fighting for us to protect us from
harm's way.
Paula
Sgt Grit, I was in the Marine Corps in 1958 to 1961 and never
once did I see or ever attempt to wear my cover with the strap
over the bill in the middle above the bill.
Today on the Lets Make a Deal a young Marine was in his dress
blues and his strap was in the middle above his bill? If it is
a new regulation I will accept that but if it is a Marine trying
to be a smart a*z then he needs to called on it by his CO....
I know we tried to tweek this and that but to be on national TV
I feel it was a disgrace to the uniform and the United States
Marine Corps to be out of uniform as far as I am concerned.
The program was aired March 4th 2010 and Wayne Brady is the
host...
I enjoy the things I have purchased from you and will continue
to do so and love looking forward to your weekly article.
Semper Fi
Mike Conners
Plt. 305 MCRD 1958
1804621
Sgt Grit,
I lost my beloved Marine brother on St. Patrick's Day of 2006.
I live over 2,000 miles from his final resting place and got the
idea that since I can't decorate his grave on Memorial Day, I
would find someone locally who had no family and decorate that
Marine's grave in my brother's honor.
I've been wondering if anyone else might have the same situation
and be interested in "adopting" a grave? I would be willing to
set up a listing of people who would like to participate and
maybe there would be some matches. Regardless, I will continue
to decorate my adopted Marine's grave in honor of my brother,
MSGT Kenneth E. Boyle.
Caron
leighs_mail@charter.net
Sgt. Grit,
When I was a kid growing up in Roanoke, Norman Woods was my
next-door neighbor. I still remember those "herringbones" that
he wore so proudly:
This obituary is from the Roanoke, VA Times-News:
Norman Alaric Woods, 83, of Roanoke, Va., passed away at his
home Sunday, January 17, 2010. He was a member of the Virginia
Heights Baptist Church and a United States Marine veteran of
World War II, serving on Iwo Jima, where he received a purple
heart for injuries he received.
Semper Fi,
Jim Doss
MOS 1371, Sgt. of Marines 1970-1976
I served for 35 months in the Pacific during WW2. I lost my
hearing and have been wearing expensive hearing aids. With the
help of an American Legion Service Officer I applied for VA
assistance to get new hearing aids. My current ones are 7 years
old and one is in for repair. My hearing aide specialist wants
me to buy new ones but I cannot afford them - they are too
expensive. The paper work has been in Phoenix for such a long
time I believe they are ignoring me. My Service Officer told me
to see him if I get turned down. I believe the VA in Phoenix
are awaiting for me to kick the bucket so they won't have to
deal with the issues. At my age I won't be around too much
longer. I guess that is the solution for WW2 Vets - wait for
them to die off and they won't have to be dealt with.
Marion B. Stults
USMC, S/N 450010
I love Sgt Grit. I will always regret I was never able to
serve. Someday I hope to meet a Marine to marry. They are the
best.
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I greatly enjoy reading your newsletter and rarely do I come
away dry-eyed. I never had the honor of serving in the Marine
Corps, but my Father did. He was in the Third Marine Division
and spent 3 years in and 13 months in Korea as a combat
engineer. He was a Sergeant, Donald Lee Sherman, and
epitomized the fact that there are no ex-Marines. He
celebrated the birthday of the Corps every year with a lunch at
his workplace.
I asked him once, in my state of blissful ignorance, why he
joined. He seemed kind of puzzled that I would ask, and his
answer has stayed with me since. He said he joined to kill
communists. Plain and simple and probably very alien-sounding
to a lot of people now days. Made and makes perfect sense to
me. Because of him I am steeped in the traditions and lore of
the Marine Corps. He has gone on to his reward now, Semper Fi
Dad!
There was a letter and pictures from a Mike Riley who had made
a return trip to Vietnam. Mr. Riley saw some communist
soldiers drive up in a pristine Marine jeep and he was musing
about the origins of the jeep and if the US abandoned
equipment. I remember reading an excellent book, Flashbacks:
On Returning to Vietnam, by CBS journalist Morley Safer. In
this book Mr. Safer recounts seeing a very large fenced in area
in a large South Vietnamese city which was packed full of US
military equipment, helicopters, wheeled vehicles, etc. Mr.
Safer stated his handlers did not really want him to see this
area and that he found out it was being sold as scrap to
various foreign countries. Japan was named as a large buyer
and we are probably still buying automobiles from the Japanese
made from this material. I would refer Mr. Riley to this book.
Thank you,
Chuck Sherman
Beaumont, Texas
Sgt. Grit,
My son graduated from Parris Island January 22, 2010. I am so very proud of my son. Here are some pictures of My Marine...PFC Childress, Christopher, B.
His grandmother and Great grandmother are also in one of the pictures.
I will always be a faithful and Proud Marine Mom.
I Love My Marine and one of the PROUDEST MARINE MOM...
Semper fi!
Stephanie Rutledge
Proud Marine Mom
And I Quote...
"Thoughtless, dilettante or purblind worldlings sometimes ask
us, 'What is it that Britain and France are fighting for?' To
this I answer, 'If we left off fighting, you would soon find
out.' "
--Winston Churchill
My son proudly served six years in the Marines and now works in
the defense industry. He still refers to himself as a Marine
with pride, once a Marine always a Marine is the right way to
think, all Marines who served with honor have earned this
right. What about the parents I am still proud of my son's
service but don't want to belittle a active duty parents place
by keeping my Marine Corps stickers ect on my truck. How can I
still show my support and pride in the finest group of young
people I have ever had the honor to meet and call my friends?
thanks for any feedback on this subject.
Richard Cartie EMT-PARAMEDIC and proud USMC supporter.
Note:
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Once a Marine Dad, always a Marine Dad.
Keep the decals. You are not detracting from anything or
anybody.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
And I Quote...
"All of it is clear to a person who has understanding and right
to those who have acquired knowledge."
--Proverbs 8:6-9
Dear Sgt Grit,
I am a 70 year young MARINE.I was in the Corps from 1960 to
1964, Like the saying goes "once a MARINE always a MARINE"
In 2005 I went to Iwo Jima with Military Tours. I'm enclosing
an article and picture an incident that took place on Mt.
Surabachi. I'm the MARINE with the blk leather jacket (EGA
patch I purchased from Sgt. Grit.) raising the American flag;
thus becoming the oldest MARINE to raise the flag on Iwo Jima.
Also enclosing a pic of one of the 13 times I ran trips back to
the Holy Land (Parris Island)
Please note guidon flag was purchased from Sgt. Grit. Keep up
the good work.
Semper Fi
Mel (Blackie) Meszaros
L/Cpl 1884405
Terminology for the Enemy:
There seems to be some aversion to slang terminology for one's
enemy. A recent reference to g__k, I'll use the politically
correct spelling for this exercise, was considered derogatory
and it was suggested it shouldn't be used. This brings to mind
an episode that may shed some light on why this term was used.
The morning of February 24, 1969 a flight of two UH-34D helicopters was cruising up from Phu Bai having just refueled at Quang Tri when they received a call to pick up a young man who had camped overnight about 6 klicks from FSB Cunningham. He had either a blister from hiking in the woods the day before or had been shot in the head last night. I forget which.
We passed through a canyon with steep, granite walls and a river flowing just below us on our way to Cunningham. It was overcast and cold as usual this time of year so the cloud layer sealed the canyon above. At 0820 we were on our way to help a Marine in distress. Upon arriving, we became the chase plane and our wingman landed as close as reasonable so the injured Marine's friends could help him to his ride.
While double parked, our wingman started to hear the sound of firecrackers and little holes appeared in the helicopter. It was well known that the boys in the neighborhood were a precocious bunch and would pull pranks on visitors. It seems the week before in the middle of the night these same kids set off all kinds of fireworks at Cunningham to the point where the Reaction Platoon had to shoo them away and clean up the mess. Anyway, once the young lad was loaded we proceeded to the nearest hospital.
While passing back through the canyon some individual, I'll call him Charles, must have borrowed his Uncle Ho's hunting rifle and started shooting at us. Talk about disruptive behavior. So why would someone use a term such as g__k , zip or any of a litany of slang to describe these poor unfortunates?
Let me summarize. The Vietnamese Captain I shared some Johnny Walker Red with in Hue was not a g__k, Tony the ARVN officer who lives near here who fought to the last and ended up in a reeducation camp is not a g__k and those 3000 Vietnamese who were murdered in Hue were not g__ks. Those nephews of Uncle Ho are any f__ing thing I want to call them.
Wayne Stafford
USMC 66-70
RVN 68-69
I have been wanting to answer the submission from Krystle
Hunter that was placed into the March newsletter. She sighted
the use of the derogatory word "Go-k" as racist and there was
no place in this culture for its use. I want to respond to her
as a Viet Nam veteran, and I speak only for myself. I have used
the words: Gooner, Go-k, Slope head, and many others. I offer
no excuse but read on and realize the reason. Whether you were
in DaNang, Khe Sanh, Dong Ha, or wherever, a different language
was used. The language that was used was called "reality".
Where we were was our reality. They were not our friends. We
had no one there to stop the artillery to correct our language.
There was no one there to stop the ambush to say: "don't yell
into the radio that there are Go-ks in the wire". Each and
every combat veteran has used what you have deemed "racist"
statements. World War II was J*p, Towel-head has been used
lately". Is it right? Absolutely not, but it was their reality.
Of all the scars, both physical and mental, we do not need to
have racist added to our resume.
That being said; as I have been back for forty years,
"reality", my language has changed. I agree that name calling
is totally inappropriate. Most of the veterans that I am in
contact with are good, honorable, committed men. They do not
use racial epithets because it is wrong. They are in a
different reality.
I would also like to point out another aspect of her
submission. She said that the editors of the newsletter should
have replaced the word "Go-k" with "the enemy". Why? The editor
let the submitter speak his mind. That is called FREEDOM. If I
do not like a person's language or demeanor I simply walk away
or don't listen. I have not the right to make them change just
because I do not like what they say. Sgt Grit has a newsletter
for all to speak their mind, and he lets the original,
uncensored words be printed. It stimulated conversation.
I just disagree with you on this subject but I still have
respect for you for being a Marine Wife and a Marine Mom.
SSgt DJ Huntsinger
Sarg;
Just finished reading the letter from Krystle Hunter taking you
over the coals for the word/term "Go-k". I don't recall this
ever being used in a derogatory manner. It was an
identification of the enemy. I know they didn't care for it,
but no one seemed to care at the time. This was in both WWII
and Korea.
Edwin Tate Gysgt ret'd
.
It's a shame political correctness has reared its head in your
newsletter - I guess the end is near. Marines, especially
Vietnam Marines are not always politically correct, and we do
not mean to offend anyone but I think we may expect a pass
because we are talking to other Marines and not daughters of,
or Mothers of Marines. The Corps belong to "Warriors" and they
are better now than ever - thank God (whoops religious
reference - is that offensive also)?
I am writing in regards to the Letter from Krystle Hunter who
was upset with the use of go-ks in describing the enemy in Viet
Nam. Ms. Hunter, I am sorry that the use of the word to
describe the enemy upset you, but there are many things that
you must take under advisement. The term, go-k, slope, Victor
Charlie, plus many other so called racial slurs was used by
many or most of the MEN who fought the war in Viet Nam. Going
to suggest you put yourself in the 60's in Viet Nam, and
depending on your job what you were exposed to on a day to day,
night to night basis.
The LINE MARINES, the ones who walked the jungles, the ones who
dealt with 100 degree temps, the mosquito's, the leeches, the
arty fire, the air strikes, the booby traps, the ambushes are
the ones you need to in your mind put yourself right beside
them. Good friends blown away, shot, or shot at on a daily
basis. Also throw in monsoon season where you stay wet 24/7
for around 4 months.
The ENEMY did not play by rules like we Marines had to, or like
our government demanded, just ask the prisoners held in North
Viet Nam. Just ask them if being political correct ever
crossed their mind while they were being beaten, and things
done to them that was very much unhuman.
Believe me MAM, if you had to endure yourself, what many of
AMERICA'S FINEST has to endure, you might not be upset by the
term, go-k or other words. In Boot camp, we were called worse
things then go-k, and we were not offended, we were scared to
death of the Drill Instructors.
I spent my time in Viet Nam attached to a CAC/CAP unit living
with the Viets in a village near Phu Bai in most of 67 and 68,
and we helped those folks a lot, security wise, health wise and
became good friends with most of them, and they helped us a lot
with information about the movement of the enemy.
Look what happened during TET of early 68, for in HUE, the go-
ks, VC, NVA sneaked in and killed thousands of people,
teachers, police officers, government officials and tons of
innocent folks for the only reason they did not kneel down to
the communist government. MASS GRAVES full of Viet People who
were killed by these enemy who was just doing their job(as you
said) as directed by the Communist Government of North Viet
Nam.
SORRY MAM, all I can tell you is this fact, you had to be
there, experience it and see how ugly the enemy can be where
they have no rules of engagement, like our men had. I lived in
a Viet village for 10 months, loved the people, and we did our
best of help them any way we could, and they were not go-ks,
they were not slopes, they were human beings caught in the
middle of a terrible war, but the VC, the NVA would do things
to their own people that would scare you to death and could not
believe it could happen, BUT IT DID HAPPEN.
One last thing, Ms. Hunter, our own brave people, all branches
of the US MILITARY back then, if they managed to live to come
home, what about the things that they were called by the
hippies and such on finally being about to set foot back on
American soil. You wonder about the attitude of the men and
women who managed to survive the Viet Nam war, well based on
what many of them endured in Vietnam, and what they faced on
arriving home, hummmm, wonder what your attitude would be.
Jim "TEX" Lyles SGT. CAC/CAP ALPHA 2- 1967-68
Sgt Grit:
What gives this female/mom/daughter the right to admonish a
brother who chose to use politically incorrect vernacular to
refer to the enemy as a GO-K???? When she said what she did
about her correcting his choice of words--guess she wouldn't
like "DINK, SLOPE, or ZIP would she??? If she was offended
maybe she should "UNSUBSCRIBE" ?? I have been a customer and
reader for a long time and this is the first time I have ever
seen this type of "TRIPE" in your newsletter!! If she wanted
political correctness she should watch "OPRAH"? Your
newsletter is for "MARINES". Let her discipline her sons not
the rest of us.
To quote John McCain when he referred to his captors as "GO-KS"
during a speech---"we have Vietnamese people, but the ones who
beat me and the other POWs everyday will forever be GOO-KS" for
someone who has never been in combat, she should shut her
trap!
thanks,
R. Gallman RVN 67-69
Dear Mrs. Hunter,
I would like to thank you for letting your sons become Marines,
like your father. Sorry, but I've never met to many soft
spoken or easy going Marines in my life. When one returns from
combat, they aren't filled with love and what's politically
correct. They've had a belly full of that from the leaders of
this country trying to tell them how to fight a war and stay
alive at the same time.
When we lose friends in combat, some I wouldn't begin to
describe on this site, let alone in person or to people who've
never been there. Yes, we hold a lot of hostility inside and
it never goes away, just dims slowly with years gone by. Maybe
this site is a little too strong for your liking, try his other
site more for the civilian side. Personally I'm tired of people
and this politically correct subject, this site is for Marines
who have been there and done it. I like the fact that old and
young Marines have a place they can write and complain about
some of the old and new problems facing our brave and young
Marines.
Marines don't attempt or purposefully try and offend people.
But please remember this is our site to write what we want and
how we honestly feel. I know an 86 year old living Marine, who
made a lot of the island landings in WWII, he still has a
hatred for the J*ps. Unless you've been there Mrs. Hunter,
please let us have our site to say what we truly feel, not to
worry about this politically correct image that some people
think is nice.
Sgt (Don) Grit keep up the great work and don't filter out what
combat Marines have to say. The 1st amendment is still on the
books, unless our government has taken that one away, which I
haven't heard of yet.
Old Sgt
Fritz McDowell
1967/1970
Viet Nam
2/68-6/70
The proper Korean language word for an American, any citizen of
the U.S., is MIGUK. Pronounced mee-gu-k. (Both North and South
Koreans speak the same language) When in Korea any American is
called a miguk. Just their native word for an American.
During the Korean War opposing bunkers and defensive lines of
combat opponents were frequently within shouting distance of
one another. Besides blowing on trumpets during the night,
North Korean troops would occasionally call out loudly in the
dark, "Mee-guk, Mee-guk!" (American, American!) hoping to
localize one or more of our American troops as a target. Few
of our U.S. or UN forces fighting in Korea had studied or were
familiar with any language other than English.
Korean tends to be an especially difficult language for us
because Koreans use vowel sounds placed deep in the throat.
Vowel sounds we don't easily hear or recognize. So most of our
combat troops in the Korean War weren't linguists. But most
had sat through several Tarzan movies and were deeply familiar
with Tarzan dialogue of that period such as "Me Tarzan. You
Jane." Troops familiar with Tarzan movies quickly
mistranslated mee-guk as "I am a go-k".
Just a name resulting from that inaccurate translation. Not at
all an ethnic pejorative term. Nor intended as such. Now that
you know that you are a miguk, perhaps you'll better understand
how the term go-k entered our language. Nothing nasty or
offensive about it. Just Tarzan movie dialogue at work during
a war. Kam-sam-ni-dah.
Pfc Chuck Hines, USMC,
Platoon 203, MCRD San Diego, February 1952.
Having served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam I was
offended by Ms Krystal Hunter's letter. According to her we
must treat the enemy with Respect even though he drives cars
full of explosives into our area with the sole purpose of
killing us and many of our young Military as they can, in
today's world in Iraq and Afghanistan. During World War II the
Japanese captured our Military, then tortured them and killed
them. I, also, remember the R*pe of Nanking where thousands of
Chinese were killed with some of the most despicable horror,
reading this History should be part of every ones learning.
Then in Korea the same thing happened to Prisoners captured.
They were tortured, starved and treated inhumanely, killing
hundreds if not thousands.
Vietnam still leaves a hole in my heart when it comes to their
treatment of Prisoners of War, going back to Deinbenphu where
hundreds of French were captured, tortured, murdered and many
not returned to their homes for years even when the War ended.
We have many of the Survivors of the Prisoner of War Camps in
Vietnam still alive today who have reminded us of the Torture
they went through.
I could remind her of the torture and beheading of American
Military in Iraq and Afghanistan. I don't know of a Case of any
American Military being Treated Humanely when becoming a
Prisoner of War in any war we have been in since World War II.
Unfortunately it isn't just the Military that were Murdered but
nice people like Ms. Krystal Hunter by the enemies of
Christianity, Humanity, and our way of Life. That's the reason
our young men fight these Terrorists and their Leaders and do
not doubt that the Japanese were Terrorists as were the North
Koreans, as well as the VC and NVA in Vietnam. Even trying to
equate who was the worse, including those of today, would be
awash in my book. As to name calling, it is always interesting
to me that name calling comes up when people wish to remind us
to be nice to Terrorists. Name calling is a Fact of Life and
doesn't make a man any less of a Man, even less as a Christian.
I have heard Chaplains refer to the enemy as such during
Services being held in Fox Holes because they too were
handicapped with the terrible loss of Life and the way to
handle it or console the men under their care.
I'm sorry for Ms. Krystal Hunter because she is thinking of
caring for them rather than caring for the men that have to
fight the savages of humanity.
GySgt. F. L. Rousseau, USMC Ret.
Dear Sgt Grit-
I can't help but respond to Krystle Hunter regarding her letter
about "racial slurs" and her error in referring to the USMC as
the "core". Ms. Hunter, it is THE CORPS.
As far as calling the enemy a "racial slur" perhaps you should
read the book by E. B. Sledge "With the Old Breed: At Peleliu
and Okinawa". The brutality of the enemy described in that book
will help you understand how a Veteran could refer to the enemy
in a "politically incorrect" manner. I appreciate Ms. Hunter's
wanting to put our Veterans and Active Duty above the racial
slurs, but please, Ms. Hunter, you were not there, were you?
The manner in which one of our Veterans refers to the enemy is
likely earned and deserved by what our fine fighting forces
witnessed and experienced. I have no doubt that many of the
people who are of the same race as our historical enemies
understand what our brave Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen
were up against. Just remember this, offense can never be
given, it can only be taken. How one chooses to respond to a
verbalization is up to them, and only them. If you find the
language offensive, Ms. Hunter, perhaps you should read Martha
Stewart or Oprah rather than SGT GRIT.
However, in the spirit of being a supporter of all our troops
and their families, thank you, Ms. Hunter for raising someone
brave enough to serve.
Semper Fi,
Momma Karey
Marine Mom and WWII Marine daughter
The above person who c
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