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AmericanCourage #219 04 FEB 2010
Print | ONLINE STORE
Although the technique may not be correct, SSgt. Kip Cashman's
niece and nephews pay honor to his service in Afghanistan this
past Christmas.
Remember, it's the thought that counts.
Always proud of our son
Mike and Lynn Cashman
Grit,
I just wanted to share these photos from my friends' wedding last
August. The groom, [now] Sgt. Alexander Behnke, is on the left,
and my father, Sgt. Phil "Akabu" Coffman, is on the right. I'm so
proud of them and I love them both!
Thank you again to them and to every Marine out there - past,
present, and future! You are the reasons I can lay down and sleep
safely at night, and I am so proud to live in a free country with
such amazing guardians!
Semper Fi!
Kate Coffman
And I Quote...
"[A] good moral character is the first essential in a man, and
that the habits contracted at your age are generally indelible,
and your conduct here may stamp your character through life. It
is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only
to be learned but virtuous."
--George Washington
Sgt. Grit
I thought y'all might like to see a couple of pics of the
quilt/comforter I had made using bandannas purchased from your
catalog. Semper Fi.
Greg Reeves
Sgt. of Marines
1968-1972
I read Kevin Sullivan's letter about his father being honored by
the Koreans for his service and it brought back a memory.
About two years ago my father Cpl Frank Valtierra was invited to
a luncheon being put on by the Korean Embassy in L.A. When we
arrived we found quite a few veterans there but found out later
that the majority were Army, some Air Force and just four or five
Marines. We had a great time enjoying traditional Korean music,
dances and food.
At the end the veterans were all asked to line up. There were
three gentlemen, two from the embassy and a mayor of a Korean
town. They greeted the Army vets first and shook their hands and
thanked them for their service.
When they got to my dad, the first in line of the Marines they
asked him his service and where he served and he answered:
"United States Marine and I fought at Chosen." At that all three
men bowed and thanked him for saving their country. The mayor
bowed a second time and said that the only reason his town was
saved was because of the Marines at Chosen.
This was repeated for each of the Marines. The Army guys look a
little p-ssed off. Not to take anything away from the Army guys,
I feel that anyone who makes the sacrifice of going to war
deserves our utmost respect but as one Korean said: "Every time
the Army retreated the Marines advanced in spite of their smaller
numbers.
I had never seen my dad cry but that afternoon he and the rest of
the Marines all shed a tear. My dad is now in his late 70's and
time has taken its toll but he is still a United States Marine
(always wears a hat and jacket I got from Sgt Grit).
Thank you, not only for your high quality merchandise but for
your weekly newsletter.
L.M. DeLaCruz (Doc Hollywood)
U.S. Navy Hospital Corps, FMF, 1st Mar. Div.
75-81
I really love your newsletter. Your newsletter would have been a
great compliment along with Stars and Stripes and the Sea Tiger
while I was in Vietnam.
My first Birthday Ball took place at the California Club in San
Francisco in 1968 when I was stationed at Marine Barracks,
Hunters Point. The guest of honor was none other than Pappy
Boyington. Unfortunately, I was plagued with the Hong Kong Flu
but nevertheless, I proudly participated with the color guard
during the celebration.
During the "present arms!" command, I was swaying as I lowered
the American Flag. Mr Boyington assisted me by bringing the staff
up to its proper position. He could see that I was ill and after
the ceremony he suggested that I find a comfortable place to rest
and to not partake in the celebration (drinking). I regret never
getting his autograph and I definitely regret never taking
pictures.
GySgt John D. Foster
USMC 1966-1979
The Marine Corps recently pulled out of Iraq. How about some
stories about Afghanistan?
Sgt Grit
I wanted to tell you of the death of a true Marine Hero, my
sweetheart, MSgt. Troy Gary Mitchell (retired). He served 22
years and during that time was in Operation Desert Storm, Bosnia,
Mobile AL (where he did body recovery for the Amtrack that went
into the bayou), Okinawa, Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune and the
Pentagon (he was present on 9/11). He was 44 years old and my
husband for almost 25 years, daddy of 7 boys and "Pops" to a
little grand-daughter.
After retiring, he became a locksmith and started his own
business "Mitchell's Lock & Safe" in Jackson, TN. As in all
things because of his honesty, integrity and self-discipline his
business was growing and doing well. On October 28th, 2009, he
was working on a customer's car switching out a faulty ignition
at 9:30 am. A 15 year old that was given a gun by a 24 year old
robbed him at gunpoint and shot him in the face. The next night,
October 29th, as it became clear that he would not be here much
longer our family sang Amazing Grace around his bedside and he
marched into Eternal Glory.
As in life, he was the same in death, giving all he had. He was
an organ donor and because of his gift of life 5 men's lives are
restored. An insulin dependent diabetic is no longer taking
injections. He was and is a true American Hero in every sense of
the word. He bravely served his God, Country and Corps. The
world is not as good as it was. I look forward to the day I see
him again. I know he'll look amazing guarding those gates of
Heaven. I miss my Marine. Kelly Mitchell
Note:
Marines and friends, now that is written with HONOR, COURAGE &
COMMITMENT!
A true Marine wife, God Bless you.
Sgt Grit
And I Quote...
"When war does come, my advice is to draw the sword and throw
away the scabbard."
--General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
A Marine Corps Supporter, you should know
By Kristy Fomin
David Bounds is a high school history teacher at Little Axe High
School in central Oklahoma. He has been with the school system
there for 28 years. David has a special passion for the Marine
Corps which he talks abundantly about to his classes. His love
for the Marine Corps is as genuine and as strong as any Marine
has for his Corps.
David's love for the Corps started when a few of his family
members had joined and prompted David to join also, however, due
to an auto accident, David was not qualified to join. This did
not deter David from continuing to spread the good word about the
Marine Corps. He recalls a story of when his brother in law sent
for him to visit at New River where he was stationed. His
brother in law arranged for him to go on a forward march and run
a PFT with the Marines. David did both and passed the PFT.
He was approached by a Female Marine during a hydration break,
who asked, "Who are you?" He told her that he was vacationing
with his brother in law and was asked to come along and check out
the training and that he gladly accepted. She replied "This is
what you wanted to do on vacation?" He laughed. That Female
Marine had no idea that to David, this vacation was was a dream
come true.
David continues to talk about the Corps in conjunction with his
history teachings. His love for teaching and love for the Corps
combined has encouraged 44 students to join the Marine Corps.
Now that is recruiting at its finest. David works closely with
the Marine Corps recruiters today and attends many Marine Corps
functions. We recently sat at the same table during the
Commandant's luncheon here in Oklahoma City. I asked David
about one of his most memorable moments and he told me about
attending his first Marine Corps graduation ceremony at MCRD San
Diego. For anyone who has attended one as a spectator, Enough
Said!
I have worked here at Sgt Grit for 4 years and am very happy to
say that I have the privilege to know David Bounds. One of the
Marine Corps' greatest recruiters and just a great person to call
a friend. Here is a final message from David: "The Marine
Corps has proven to be the #1 fighting force in this nation from
the very beginning. The Marines have been on the wall defending
us in many wars and operations. Even when we are not engaged in
battle, you will see Marines there helping their nation."
We salute David Bounds. (Marine at heart)
The family of Marine Staff Sgt. Matt Ingham comfort one another
as his casket arrives at the Altoona-Blair County Airport in
Martinsburg. on Monday, Jan. 18. Sgt. Ingham, 25, Altoona, was
killed in action in Afghanistan.
Altoona Mirror Article: Marine died 'with his boots on'
Sgt Grit,
I am writing this as a proud father. This week I am taking my son
Andrew to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Andrew has
been accepted to Annapolis and to the Air Force Academy. He has
narrowed his choices to those two schools. Andrew is trying to
decide whether to play football at Navy or Lacrosse at Air Force.
This kid is a natural born leader. He would do well in our great
Marine Corps. Most likely he will pick Navy so he can follow his
father into the greatest warrior organization God has ever
created, hoping to be a Marine Fighter Pilot. He has grown up
knowing that besides his brother, sister and him, I am proudest
of having earned the title Marine. Whether he chooses Navy or Air
Force he will be a credit to either and to our country.
Semper Fi. & God Bless our great country.
Manuel Zaldivar
Corporal USMC 1979 - 1985
The photos are of me with VFW Post 1037 Waupaca, Wisconsin
Memorial Day 2009.
Cpl Tim Vallery 24th. MAU, U.S. Marines 1982-1986.
And I Quote...
"...we must now determine to be enslaved or free. If we make
freedom our choice, we must obtain it by the blessings of Heaven
on our united and vigorous efforts."
--George Washington
My father was Roscoe Sizemore. He enlisted in the Corps. in
Louisville, Ky. in 1958 at 17 years old. He went through boot
camp at Parris Island and was so tough he not only didn't lose
anything, he gained 17 pounds of pure muscle. I guess running up
and down those Kentucky mountains kept him in shape. He was
eventually assigned to VMF 312 out of Beaufort, SC and trained as
a jet engine mechanic. He served all over the world and was
discharged in 1962. Dad proudly wore the globe, eagle, and
anchor tattoo he received in Subic Bay, PI all of his life. He
was a true Marine in all aspects of his life: Honorable, Honest,
Strong and Loyal. Dad died of lung cancer on August 9.2007. I
will never forget how proud he was of his service to his country.
Thank you for the providing this forum.
Richard Sizemore
I was touched with sadness when I read of the passing of SSgt V.
R. Mendoza (American Courage, 01/20/2010). I never personally met
the man, but (then)Sgt Mendoza recruited my son in 2006, and my
son and our entire family will be forever grateful. The Corps
took my bright but bored and somewhat disenfranchised son and
showed him how to be a man we all now respect and admire.
Honor, courage, commitment, duty, integrity, pride,
responsibility, motivation - I could go on - are no longer merely
abstract constructs to my son, but rather they are solid concepts
and a way of life. SSgt Mendoza would have probably been too
modest to take any credit, saying instead that these values were
already present and the Corps merely brought them to the surface
and honed them to a fine edge. In the big picture the distinction
is irrelevant, but I firmly believe that my son's life has been
forever changed and enhanced by SSgt Mendoza's influence. God
rest his soul.
Brent Combs
Oceanside, CA
(proud dad of Cpl Bryant Combs, VMA-311, MCAS Yuma)
View the Newsletter Archives:
http://www.grunt.com/scuttlebutt/newsarchives/
Dear Sgt Grit:
In December my boyfriend and I took a trip to Bethesda MD. He is
one of many Vietnam Veterans who a participating in the Vietnam
Warrior Head Injury Study. The study has tracked Vietnam
veterans who had combat head injuries for the last 12 years. The
result of this study are being used to help treat our soldiers
who are now dealing with those types injures.
Robert is an inspiration. With the exception of a limp you would
never have know that he had been pronounced dead with an open
head wound and extensive injures to both legs and arms from 3
hand grenades. His story and this study will help current and
future generations of our soldiers.
While in Washington D.C. doing a little sightseeing we visited
the WWII Memorial to offer our respects and thanks to those who
served and those who died, the Korean War Memorial, my father was
in the Navy served on the USS Midway in Korea, and of course to
the Vietnam Memorial.
When we were exiting the metro it was
raining and beginning to snow. There were gentlemen selling
umbrellas, one looked at Robert and said he doesn't need one he's
a Vietnam Vet and a Marine. Amen! I am attaching these
pictures.
I love my Marine, who is stubborn, strong and caring and most of
all a survivor. I also want to thank all those who had served,
are serving and will serve. Because of those courageous men I
continue to enjoy the freedom they fight to preserve.
And I Quote...
"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary,
too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious."
--Thomas Jefferson
Get this quote (Quote # 308) on an AmericanCourage T-Shirt
http://usmcshop.grunt.com/Products/Marines/AmericanCourage/Quotes/Default.aspx
Don't know if any of your saw the Jeopardy show today but it was
Celebrity Jeopardy and Pat Sajak from Wheel of Fortune was one of
the contestants. He was playing for his favorite charity and he
won $55,800 which is all being donated to the Vietnam Veterans of
America. Three cheers for Pat!
John Wear
Note:
Pat Sajak served as an Army Vietnam veteran.
From the Sgt Grit Facebook:
Me and a couple of my buddies thought we would be funny. One of
our guys went on leave for a couple of weeks and we thought it
would be funny for April Fool's Day to call him up and tell him
up and act like our Company Gunny and tell him that there was a
situation and he needed to figure out a way to get back as soon
as possible. It's a good thing we couldn't hold it in for very
long, because he was packed and getting ready to leave for the
airport with his mother crying because they didn't know where he
was going or what was going on. Needless to say, he was a little
p!ssed and his mother had a few choice words for us also. What
would the Corps be if you couldn't mess with your brothers.
Semper Fi!
Landon
-----
Marine No.. Marine Mom prank...Oh yeah! When my son was at MOS in
Pensacola it was close to Easter. So of course the "Easter Bunny"
sent him a package. He was in class and a SSgt (I think) walked
in calling his name. When my son answered, he was asked how it
was possible that he knew the "Easter Bunny", my son was all
"WHAT?" Till he saw the return address and knew it was just his
mother being funny.
What he didn't know was why that wonderful flat rate box weighed
about 25 lbs. The SSgt dropped it with a large thud on his desk
and told him to open it up. As my son started to open it he
realized there was Easter Grass sticking out. So he was trying to
open it slowly and carefully knowing it would more than likely
explode everywhere. SSgt, didn't like that it was taking so
long... He grabbed the box and dumped it out of my poor PFC's
head! There was grass and candy flying everywhere, 5lb packages
of Jelly beans...Solid Milk Chocolate Bunnies...Plastic eggs with
parachutes and lastly a wind up bunny that clucked like a
chicken.
Needless to say, there was a lot of fun in that classroom that
day and it followed him throughout the base for the rest of the
day! Mom's one and only prank and it was a good one! One he
actually approved of after the headache wore off from all that
stuff hitting him in the head!
Mary Grace
-----
While at Lejeune, as a 2841, found a neat little trick with the
handsets that the wiremen used when running line. These were the
handsets with the lever on the side that when pressed rapidly
would generate electricity that ran along the comm wire to the
phone on the other end.
Lots of fun with these, attaching them to guys hands, feet, neck,
etc while they were sleeping. But the BEST application we came up
with was while we were on an Op on Sardinia in '86. We were in
the field for about 2 weeks and after getting all the comm
established we built a toilet seat out of some wood we had with
us. We rigged it so that we had one wire leading to each side of
the seat (left and right, not top and bottom), with about 500
feet of comm line running back to the CoC. We also had a spotter
scope that we could use to determine when the victim was properly
positioned and were able to give them a nice jolt.
Scott
-----
 Check us out on Facebook for more great stories.
Trivia & prizes weekly. Add us as a Friend & also become a Fan.
And I Quote...
"Let me not mourn for men who have died fighting, but rather let
me be glad that such heroes have lived"
--Gen. George S. Patton Jr.
My husband was in the Marine Corps. from Sept. 1962 thru October
1966. He was diagnosed in March '09 with a very aggressive form
of prostate cancer and unfortunately died on Sept 7, 2009. I
believe that the training he received in the Corps is what got
him through the pain and courage to fight to the end of his
illness. He showed courage beyond belief that I did not know he
possessed and he said he drew on his boot camp training, Nam,
etc. to help him not only with the pain, but the knowledge that
he was leaving his family behind which was his greatest regret.
I want to thank the Corps for making him into the man he became
from the greatest fighting organization on this earth. I was
proud to be his wife and have been blessed with 42 great years of
being married to a man who was one great, handsome "MARINE".
SEMPER FI!
Mrs. Albert R. DiNocenza, Jr.
Bolton, CT
I saw on your Facebook page that you asked how people have used
their Sgt Grit gear. Here are some pics of my Dodge Charger. I
pulled off the Charger, R/T, and HEMI badges and replaced them
with Grit Gear.
Semper Fi,
Joe Michaud
GySgt (ret)
Sgt. Grit,
I am the mother of two fine men who both have the honor of being
called United States Marines! My oldest son, Cpl. Jonathan
Rolfes, served from 2003 to 2008. Jonathan fought with 1st
Recon. in Iraq for three deployments. His claim to fame is on
the internet following a mishap with a Camel Spider! You can
actually see his bite/wound at:
http://www.camelspiders.net/camel-spider-bite.htm
My other son, LCpl. David Rolfes, joined the Marine Corps in
2008; just months after his brother got home! David is currently
on his first deployment overseas in Afghanistan. He is serving
with 1/6 2nd Marine Div., H&S Co., Motor-T Platoon. Before
leaving to Afghanistan, David went out and got himself a new
tattoo. The tattoo is an image of a soldiers hands in prayer
while holding his precious rosary. I wanted to share with you
the shadowbox picture frame that I painted; using the image of my
son, the United States Flag, and his tattoo. I am very proud of
both of my sons.
Semper Fi,
Janet Carlisle
And I Quote...
"It is to me a new and consolatory proof that wherever the people
are well-informed they can be trusted with their own government;
that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice,
they may be relied on to set them to rights."
--Thomas Jefferson
A Sufficient Thank You
Some years ago I was invited to the retirement ceremony of my
former company commander in Vietnam, Col. Jim O'Kelley. (As it
turned out I was the only one attending who had served with him
when he was a 1st Lt. in country.) We were at the reception
which was held at the officers club at Ft. Meyer and Col.
O'Kelley had pictures and memorabilia in the hallway outside of
the dining area.
While I was standing there observing the activities, a young man
of oriental descent came up to me and asked what all the material
and celebration was. I told him that it was the Colonel's
retirement. He asked about the pictures and I told him about the
ones from Vietnam. I pointed out the pictures of the Colonel and
the young man asked how I knew this. I pointed to a picture of
me and told him I was there also. At that point, the young man
asked if he could shake my hand. I acknowledged his question and
stuck out my hand. Grabbing my hand, he said, "My parents were
Boat People from Vietnam, and I want to thank you for what you
did." At that point it became really hard to swallow, with the
big lump in my throat.
Fast forward a couple of years later when I was researching
material for my Memorial Day sermon and I wound up in a chat room
with some veterans and others conversing about Memorial Day.
This "Individual" challenged me on my feelings about Vietnam and
my remarks that we really had the war won until the politicians
and news media gave it away. The "Individual" said he had
refused to go into the military, and that we got what we
deserved.
He then asked a question, "How many Vietnamese have thanked you
for going to war in their country?" My answer, "Just one!" Then
I asked a question to the "Individual", "How many Vietnamese have
thanked you for being a draft dodger?" There was no reply.
Rev. Norman (Mickey) Ryan
D-Co. 9th Engineer Bn., 1st Mar. Div.
Vietnam 1967/68
Chaplain, 9th Engineer Battalion, Association
Sgt. Grit Customer
I just wanted to write in and tell everyone who may read this
that i am so proud of my dad. He is going to be 52 years old this
year and enlisted back in to the army national guard to finish
out his 7 years for retirement. He posted a story on sgt grit in
2008 about our family and how they inspired him and i just want
everyone to know that as a military brat and Marine wife soon to
be army wife(husband switching branches) that i couldn't be more
proud of my family!
Sincerely
Jessica Susnik
Marine Wife
Semper Fi
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:
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
And I Quote...
"The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time; the
hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them."
--Thomas Jefferson
My brother is a SSgt stationed at Camp Lejeune. He used to be in
the Anglico unit and is now Recon. When Force Recon re-activated
in 2008 he was privileged to become a part of the unit. Says
he's old (he's 28, so that makes me laugh a bit) and can only
have this honor for 2-3 more years. Anyway, he sent me this picture the other day and I thought it was pretty awesome.
Thanks and God Bless the USMC.
Leslie
FLSG-A Khe Sanh 1-30-1968
The President of the United States of America takes pride in
presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Jesus
Roberto Vasquez (MCSN: 2126694), United States Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving as an Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Technician with the Ammunition Company, Supply
Battalion, First Force Service Regiment/Force Logistic Command in
connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam on 30 January 1968.
During a mortar and rocket attack at the Khe Sanh Combat Base,
several rounds landed in the ammunition supply point, igniting a
stack of ammunition. Sergeant Vasquez, unhesitatingly rushed to
the burning munitions and assisted in fighting the fire.
Observing an 81-mm. mortar round burning and aware of the
proximity of his comrades and the possibility of detonation, he
lifted the round in an attempt to throw it into a deep crater
where its lethal effects would be absorbed should it detonate. In
his attempt to throw the round, it exploded, mortally wounding
him. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal
devotion to duty, he was instrumental in saving his comrades from
further injury or possible death by absorbing most of the impact
with his own body. His great personal valor reflected great
credit upon himself and enhanced the finest traditions of the
Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
Here is a tattoo that I designed for my son who is on an
Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crew.
Proud and Arrogant Texas Marine Mom
And I Quote...
"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military
service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living."
--John F. Kennedy
I served proudly in the Corps from 1959 to 63, spending all my
time at Camp Pendleton with the 1st. Recon Battalion, 1st. Marine
Division. Most all wars games during my tour there, although we
were battle ready if the call ever came. As a radio telegraph
operator using a jeep radio, my tour was fairly easy.
After being, discharged, I married, went to work for a petroleum
engineering firm in Texas. In 1966 when Vietnam was being a big
issue, I tried to re-enlist but they told me I had to many
dependents. You could have shot me in the head after hearing
that. I was ready to go kick b_tt.
I was one who gave some, but there are those who gave all. My
heart and prayers go to the Marines who have been fighting and
still fighting to continue to keep our nation free.
Semper Fi to all Marines, Ole Corps and new Corps alike.
Cpl. Robert N. Aycock 1811175
Cpl McNally needs to check his history. My Grandfather, PFC
Roland F. Stanton served with 6th Marines in France. He earned
two Silver Stars while there, and I have his original Fourragere.
Additionally, 6th Marines, stationed a Camp Lejeune, issue a
replica Fourragere to Marines assigned duty with them. I was
privileged to do so in 1966. The Fourragere was awarded to both
5th and 6th Marines Regiments as well as the 6th Machine Gun
Battalion.
J. Stanton
Sgt. 66 - 70
3rd generation Marine
Sgt. Grit,
With regard to Korea, I served during the Vietnam conflict. I
have no vested interest in how that war is portrayed other than
resenting how the media and historians have belittled my green
brothers and all the other service people who served there.
Despite what you may have read about Korea, IT WAS NOT a TIE!
The Communists invaded South Korea for the express purpose of
overtaking it and reuniting with the North and thus bringing the
South into the Communist bloc.
The only mandate we and the United Nations had was to repel the
Communists and keep South Korea free - our mandate didn't include
freeing the North from Communist rule.
The commies failed, and for us, mission accomplished. That is no
tie, which I mention as often as possible to the Korean War
veterans in my Marine Corps League detachment - that probably
stems from knowing how unappreciated their efforts have generally
been - outside South Korea itself - and how that feels.
Charlie Barnes
Adjutant/Paymaster
Simpson-Hoggatt Detachment (984)
Marine Corps League
And I Quote...
"It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we
are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no good man
gives up but with life itself."
--Declaration of Arbroath, Scotland, 1320
On the Marines' Hymn: In 1929 the CMC authorized the three verses
we now use. The changing of "In the air, on land, and sea;" was
added to the first verse on Nov 21, 1942. I suggest if anyone is
interested to exploring our Hymn further to contact the Marine
Corps Historical Center, Bldg 58, Washington Navy Yard, 1253
Charles Morris St SE, Washington DC 20374, the Reference Section
(HDH-2).
In addition, The Marine Corps Gazette, of Sep 1942, had a great
article on the history titled "The Marines' Hymn". The
Leatherneck, Apr 10, 1926 had an article titled "Whence Came the
Marine's Hymn?" (Note the placement of the apostrophe.) While
there were a number of verses offered over the years, but these
two seem to have lasted longest:
"From the Pest Hole of Cavite
To the Ditch at Panama,
You will find them very needy
Of Marines--that's what we are;
We're the watchdogs of a pile of coal
Or we dig a magazine,
Though he lends a hand at every job
Who would not be a Marine?
From the School of Application
To the Shores of Subic (sic) Bay,
We've avoided exertation
In the most ingenious way;
Admiration of our mattresses
It is the finest thing we've seen,
For it answers to the question,
Why the H&ll is a Marine?"
It should be obvious why this last verse never caught on. The
first was dropped for other obvious reasons. The "pest hole" was
soon eliminated, the Ditch was completed, and so few Marines
remained there; coal was soon superseded by oil (then later by
nuclear).
The Navy, God bless 'm had their own version of the above last
verse (from the Navy Book of Songs):
"It was out there on the Albany,
In the Asiatic Fleet,
The Marines were so d-mn lazy
They could only sleep and eat.
From eight bells to the dogwatch
On deck they're never seen.
Oh the question that we ask you is:
Why the H&ll is a Marine?"
I find it interesting that the Navy is so jealous of the Marines!
I found researching the Hymn fun. I consider myself a boot when
seeing some of the serial numbers cited. Mine was 1164618.
James Murphy
SSgt/CWO2/Major/Retired
I'm sure you know what they say about "opinions", they're like
Aholes, everybody has one!
As to Lance Corporal or Master corporal. I like to think of my
Marine Corps as Unique! Since the Canadians have Master let them.
We'll keep Lance and continue to be unique.
Blues, I disagree. I think it is the most unique and
distinguished of all dress uniforms in all the branches. The two
different blues complement each other nicely. All the same color
just wouldn't look right. It is based on the three "primary"
colors you learned in Grade School. So they interact properly
without clashing! Red is to symbolize the blood spilled during
some of our greatest conflicts. Originally Montezuma/ Tripoli.
Well that is MY OPINION and I got one like everybody else! Oh and
one of those other things too.
Semper Fi James, we can disagree, but we are still brother
Marines!
Choo Choo
Sgt of Marines (NLA)
1968-1974
RVN '70-71
DaNang, Marble Mountain and other interesting locations
And I Quote...
"We sleep safely in our beds because a few rough men stand ready
in the night to visit violence
on those who would do us harm."
--George Orwell
Sleep Well America My Marine Has Your Back Bumper Sticker
My DAD Is A Marine Bumper Sticker
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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