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You asked about sea duty stories...here's mine. Went to P.I.
December 1959, most memorable Christmas I ever had to say the
least. Out of P.I. on to I.T.R. then Sea School.
Out of Sea
School assigned to the U.S.S. Little Rock CLG 4. After many
shake down cruises due to the fact the missile house was a
little heavy for this light cruiser, adjustments were made and
we had a ship we could be proud of. In 1961 we made our Med
Cruise and became part of the Sixth Fleet. Now you know the
background here's the story...
The Commanding Officer of our Marine Detachment heard the Fleet
Marine Force was having landing exercises and thought that his
Marines should be part of the action. We got the word that we
would be included with the real Marines in this mock invasion
somewhere off the coast of Greece. I think we were suppose to be
about the hundredth wave in. I guess they didn't want us
screwing up the real Marines.
The big day arrives and we are all psyched up. Down to the mess
decks to pick up our C-rations, what C-rations none on board
what have you got cookie how about some peanut butter, jelly and
crackers? Well ok but don't tell the real Marines. So we pack up
our backpacks hoping our jelly cans don't show and careful not
to crush our crackers. General Quarters sound and we head
topside to meet our landing craft. We are set to go with our
starched utilities, lumpy backpacks, spit shined boots and Gong
Ho attitude. What's the ships band doing topside? Over the side
men onto the cargo net hit the landing when it's coming up, hang
on to your rifle, don't crowd the net finally all on board.
Coxswain cast off and please stop laughing. What's that music
from the Halls of...
Now men when we hit the beach don't forget come out screaming
and set up a perimeter. Out we go screaming and yelling
perimeter set, why is everybody looking at us? Maybe because we
are in the center of Headquarters and this area has been secure
for three days. Anyway we get shipped off to some remote
location that few if any Greeks knew about. In this Theater of
Operations we are in the upper balcony behind a big pillar. Well
a least we have our peanut butter and jelly. Our area was so
secure the only noise we heard at night was the cracking of our
starched utilities.
War games are over and as much as we hate to leave we have to
get back to our ship. Our landing craft is waiting at beach some
real Marines waiting to wish us well, who said bellhop? As we
head back to the ship my thoughts of the last few days go
through my mind and I'm wondering how the h&ll am I going to get
the jelly stains out of my utilities. Then I hear the ships band
playing from the Hall of... and I know I'm home. If that
Coxswain would just stop laughing
Fast forward 1962 now with Second MarDiv. Eighth Marines that's
right I'm now part of the real Marines. We are now on the U.S.S.
Boxer off the coast of Cuba, something about missiles. I'm a
fire team leader just waiting for the word to join this Theater
of Operation. Only this time we are center stage opening act. No
cargo nets this time, we have choppers up deck ready to take us
in something about vertical envelopment. This show never opened
I heard we lost our Russian sponsor. I thought I would never say
it but I was happy to see Jacksonville again.
I finished my tour at Cherry Point. I guess the Air Wing needed
us real Marines to keep the rats from taking over the empty
hangers we were guarding.
The bottom line is being part of the Marine Corps was probably
the best thing that ever happened to me. I wouldn't change it
for the world.
Cpl. Bill Finkel 1883821 Sir.
6th Annual GriTogether
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Then It Was John Wayne
Ok enough already about the ammo dump blowing up.
Who remembers the night in 68 when somebody dropped a flare onto
a jet fuel tank? The thing burned for about two or three days
sending a column of smoke straight unto the air for a couple of
miles. Afterward the cruise book took note of it with the
caption "I shot a flare into the air. It fell to earth. We ALL
know where!"
I was walking guard for VMFA 542 at the time. That's right.
Walking. Like one of those clay thingies in a shooting gallery.
Later Charlie flipped a couple of rockets our way. I remember
being Joe Cool taking my time to the bunkers. That is until
shrapnel rattled off the building I was next to. Then it was
"John Wayne, kiss my ***!". Talking to some grunts years later I
found out that was said a lot back then. Like to hear from
anyone in the squadron from back then. Semper Fi,
Jim Martin
Smile From Ear To Ear
I just wanted to share a little motivation with all my fellow
Marines. Every day my 2 year old son finds a way to make his
father very proud, and when he started singing the Marines Hymn
to me, I had a smile from ear to ear and a tear in my eye. It
would be great if you could put the video I took of him in one
of your upcoming news letters.
SEMPER FIDELIS
Jim Dumser, Jr FOX CO 2/25 '97-'05
Note:
I understand your pride. Shortly after my oldest daughter took
up the harp I insisted she have her instructor teach her the
Marines Hymn. She was to shy to ask her instructor. She taught
her self in less than one day. I immediately called my Vietnam
buddies and she had to play for each one while I held the phone
next to the harp. She even surprised me by adding it to a
recital.
Sgt Grit
Corpsmen Never Forget
Every time I hear news on the television that one of our
servicemen was killed overseas it brings to mind my time when I
served as a corpsman with 2nd Bn 5th Marines in 66 and 67 in
Vietnam. Our Battalion had lots of Marines killed and wounded
and I personally was involved with providing medical care to
many of them either in Hotel Company or while at the Bn Aid
Station. The Marines depended on their corpsmen to perform their
duty when the time came. Far too often, many of the wounded had
horrific wounds from mines or other high intensity explosions
and our best was not good enough to save their lives.
Heroic acts during these times left the corpsman to ponder their
own mortality when nothing worked. We all knew things would
happen that we could not control and all we tried to do was save
a good buddy's life. We knew most of the Marines we took care of
as we lived among them for months and considered them our
brothers and at times cared more for them than our own family
members. Combat does that to people.
Most of the corpsmen serving with grunt units were young,
usually 19-22 years of age and some older. Our medical training
was adequate at the time but not enough when things got really
sour. We were expected to provide emergency medical care that a
trauma trained surgeon would be hard pressed to perform under
the circumstances. When our best failed and we lost a Marine, we
were the first to know it, many hours before their family would
receive word. I remember thinking I let my Marines down when I
was unable to save a friend. It haunted me then, it haunts me
now and even more on the day when they died. It never fades for
memories last forever and I remember every wounded and dead
Marine I took care of. I am sure many others out there feel the
same way. Marine corpsmen never forget and I just wanted to
express my thoughts because Memorial Day is almost here.
Roger Ware
2/5, 66-67, Vietnam
Passed The Word
I was assigned to PLT 283 2nd.Battalion { two story wooden
barracks } on Parris Island from September to December 1957.
Now to my fire watch story. During about my tenth week of boot
training, I was included on the fire watch roster that placed me
one relief prior to the guy responsible for waking up the duty
DI, who just happened to be our senior DI. He gave special
orders, to the first fire watch member to pass on, that he
wanted to get up 30 minutes earlier than the usual wake up time.
When my watch was over I went right to my rack. This is were the
"fun" really begins", the lights go on and there standing in the
center of the squad bay is SSGT. Dickerson in a T shirt with
blood running down his cheek and his eyes on fire yelling "fire
watches get your F--KING MAGGOTTY A--S to my house NOW and line
up in watch order".
One by one he calls each in to his house asking each guy if he
passed the word, I am by now sh--ting bricks, now its my turn,
he screams in my face "did you pass the word maggot? " I reply
"SIR, I think so, SIR".The next thing I know I'm on the deck and
he is punching the living SH-t out of me and the only I could
think of what a way to start the day at PI. Then he drags what's
left of me back to the squad bay and turns my F--k up into a
teachable moment stressing that Marines in combat can get killed
when some {me} Sh_T BIRD fails to pass the word. This the best
part of Marine boot training. It teaches you important lessons
in such away that you will never forget.
SEMPER FI
Bob lLake LCpl
Marine Barracks
Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Va
Wish You Were Dead
Sgt. Grit,
I am sure all Marines remember being talked to by the chaplain.
The entire series was present including what seemed like every
Drill Instructor at MCRD San Diego lined up across the back wall
of theater, the chaplain was giving his pep talk and trying to
keep everyone motivated. At the end of the talk the chaplain
asked were there any questions. This recruit stood up and stated
"Sir the Drill Instructors have told me that they are gonna kill
me and I need your help." The Chaplain smiled and said I am sure
they won't kill you but you might wish you were dead." By the
time we departed the theater I know every Drill Instructor at
MCRD was there and that poor guy was surrounded by them yelling
and screaming and pointing, the guy was in tears and I am sure
he p!ssed his pants. I never seen that poor guy again. I don't
know if they killed him but they may have buried him alive.
I was 17 when I went to boot camp, I didn't know anything about
anything. However my SDI (SSgt. Wheeler) seen fit to make me a
squad leader. One day we were in formation waiting to go to
chow. When one of the Drill Instructors yells "Montoya get down
here." So I run down to where the DI is. He says "What is wrong
with this recruit?" I look him up and down and I can't figure it
out. The DI says look at his feet, I look down and see his boots
are on the wrong feet. The DI's made that guy walk around like
that all day long. It was a lesson learned he never put his
boots on the wrong feet again.
Semper Fi
Sgt. Montoya
1985-1992
Nick Names
In the early 60's at P.I. the battalion nick names were:
1st batt.---"Dodge City"
2nd batt.---"The Twilight Zone"
3rd batt.---"Disneyland" (the new brick buildings)
I have no idea when these nick names started or if they have
been changed over the years only other Marines can answer that
so all you alumni from P.I and S.D. from the "Old School" to
today send in the nick names they were using when you were in
boot and list either P.I. or S.D.
and also what year you went to boot and the Women Marines must
have some nice nick names for your batt./company also.
lcpl joe lacey
plt 127 p.i.
may-aug 1961
Wear That Title
Are you kidding me? Did I read that right? Is someone whining
about being called a BAM? You're a Marine. If you're a good
one, you've been called much worse than that. Do you really
think that those German soldiers meant the term "devil dogs" as
a compliment? H&ll No they didn't! But you wear THAT title with
pride, don't you? You don't mind being called a "jarhead" do
you? BAM is just another title. I don't know that anyone
really means it in a derogatory or demeaning way. It's just
part of our colorful vernacular. If you want to call me a
"spam", whatever that means, go for it. As long as the "M" is
capitalized, I could care less.
When did the Corps get all 'touchy - feely' anyway? Maybe you
should have raised this issue with your D.I. on day one of your
training. I'm sure that he or she would have taken you aside
and taught you some nice coping techniques to help you find your
"happy place" when your feelings were hurt. All of this would,
of course, be done out of hearing of the rest of the platoon,
because your D.I.'s always put your privacy above all other
concerns. Or maybe that is the Air Force. If you're so soft
that being called a BAM is going to do irreparable damage then
maybe the Corps isn't for you. If you've already earned the
title, then wear it, and all that it entails, with pride
-Keith Dunn-
0311 69 - 72
Insulting
I would like to thank Rodney Riffe for his two cents worth on
explaining that calling a WM, as we were called, a BAM is
derogatory and demeaning.
I served from 1969 - 1971 and always found it insulting. Of
course most of the men would say "I'm just kidding" if you made
any remarks back about it. It is nice to know that some one
actually understands it! Thanks.
Semper Fi
Sgt. Peggy Blum (now Brigham)
Into The Front Seat
Sgt. Grit
I always enjoy reading the letters that appear.
With regards to letter #2, from Jean Tweedy, I enjoyed her
comments and must believe that she was a credit to the Marine
Corps.
I just wanted to say that when I returned stateside from
Guadalcanal in May of 1943, I was amazed at the Women Marine's
who were driving the trucks that met us at the dock in San
Francisco.
All of us felt that for a Woman to Join the Marine's they must
have first passed a Beauty Contest. Some of them were just a
little rank happy, as I recall when I climbed into the front
seat with two of them, I was politely told that I had to be a
Senior NCO, I explained that I held the rank of a Staff Sergeant
and was asked where my stripes were. When I mentioned we did not
wear stripes in a combat area, they were a little amazed. I
recall that someone vouched for me and they did let me ride with
them. I had only been overseas for 9 months but had almost
forgotten how beautiful a woman could be.
With regards to Jeff Howard and his regarding his Mother,
letter. #4. If I had met her, before I met the Girl of my
Dreams, I could have easily been his Father. His Mother was
another one of those startling good looking Marines. yes, we
used the slang word BAM, but never in the presence of a Woman
Marine.
M/Sgt. Howard J. Fuller, USMCR Ret.
1940-1946 Active
SQUAD, Right About, MARCH
Re: The eight man drill. I went through PI in the middle of
1960 and we used the eight man drill as well as other column
movements. I don't ever remember using it after boot camp but
that was a long time ago. What I do remember is that: 1. You
had better learn every position or you were lost.
2. A good sense of pride in successfully completing the
movements. ["SQUAD, Right About, MARCH", did look good on the
parade deck, back alley, or main street.] Finally, was this
just not one of the many ways of teaching (and learning) command
and control and unit integrity? Not by any means to belittle
the phrase, but we were "Gung Ho" before "Semper Fi" became the
main call word.
SgtMjr(ret) RL Lowe
Note:
I am aware of era call:
Gung Ho
Semper Fi
Oooohrah
Any other you can remember?
Sgt Grit
Desert To The Sea
Grit,
I've been busy lately and out of touch, but faithfully reading
every issue. To update -------
1. The wife and I were at the Kennedy Space center in
February 2009 and I had my Grit USMC cover on (Red in color). A
gentleman came over and introduced himself and his sons after
inquiring about the hat. Turns out he was a Guadalcanal Marine
named PETER JACQUES. He was in the 3rd division, wounded on
another one of the Solomon Islands, was in a hospital for a year
and then discharged.
He went on to college at USC or UCLA, graduated then tried to
get back into the Corps. Failing that he went into the Army and
retired as a Lt. Col. In the Quartermaster Corps.
2. Another WW2 Marine that I see on a regular basis at a club
meeting in my hometown of Indianapolis is Henry "Hank" Warren.
I'll get the straight skinny on some of his exploits and send
them along for a later issue.
3. I enjoyed the commentary on the rifle range, the shooting
positions and the scoring. Looking back I think my assignment to
the 5th Marines had something to do with my expert qualification
with the M-1 and the Colt 45 and some land navigation skills,
but I had forgotten the scoring. I was quite impressed with
Major James Murphy and his 247 out of 250. My best was 230+ and
there were several of us in 4-58 Basic School that were that
good. 247 is incredible.
Oh to be 22 again!
4. I'd like to hear from some of my classmates from Basic
School Class of 4-58. (PS: I still have the yearbook and some
pictures.)
5. Commentary from the 5th Marine "DESERT TO THE SEA" 150
hike from 29 Palms to Camp Pendleton in March of 1960 has slowed
way down recently. I know more than 7 of us survived the event.
How about the rest of you guys? We need to hear from Gunny
Walker, Gorton Cook, Tolson Smoak, Jim Linane and all my guys
from the 2nd Platoon just to name a few.
That's it from here!
Cooper out.
Bernie Cooper
Lt. of Marines
2nd Platoon, H Co.
2nd BN. 5th Marines
1st MarDiv.
1958-1960
We Don't Passout
Thought you might like to see a couple of pictures of 3rd
Recruit Training Battalion, "Eye" Company, Platoon 3137 at MCRD
San Diego. Formed 7-24-69, First Training Day, 8-4-69,
Graduated 9-30-69.
Platoon Commander: SSGT. David L. Noakes (Ret. SGT. MAJOR)
Drill Instructor: SGT. Curtis A. Kauffman
Drill Instructor: SGT. Alfred W. Schultz (we were his first
platoon and he loved making us do PT!)
I'm third from left second row from the top. My starting weight
was 220 and graduated weighing 180.
The B&W is Schultz making sure we don't pass out after taking
shots during the first week of processing.
Semper Fi,
Jon Rodgers
Almost Ambushed
I regret that forty some years I cannot remember all the facts,
but what comes to mine is the medevac during the evac of the
myself & three others outside of Khe Sanh June 26, 1967, What I
can recall is the pilot was killed when we crashed into a
mountain, myself & one other survived both of us wounded. We
took the 50 caliber off the tripod and worked our away from the
crash site. Early in the morning we were almost ambushed by our
own. From that point my mind is blank.
I was with India Co. 3rd Bn. 26th Mar.3rdMarDiv.. If there is
anyone that served with me or can remember us, please contact
me.
Arnold Ramirez
Retired USMC
kungfu08 [at] att .net
You Marines Get Over Here
Hey Sgt Grit:
I was in 87 - 91, we were definitely not called BAM's except by
ill guided young Marines who were trying to act like they were
old Corps. I just used to laugh at them. We were called WM's,
but I think at the time it was more of a gender distinction for
description purposes.."I need the wm's to clean the female
head", "take this down to the wm barracks", etc. I can't recall
ever something like "hey you wm, get over here". I believe that
would have been "hey you Marine or Cpl, get over here". Just as
when describing different Marines, "he was a dark green Marine,
or he was a light green Marine", etc...If there were a bunch of
Marines standing together (male & female) we wouldn't have heard
"Hey you wm's and you Marines get over here", it would have just
been "you Marines get over here".
Second, shooting competitions. I was series high shooter in
boot camp. After arriving on Okinawa it was decided that the
boots would do their yearly quals at that time, rifle range, gas
chamber, pft...so it was off to the rifle range, qual day shot a
244. I was taken from Comm Co and sent to H&S and earned an
8531 MOS as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor. I will say with
pride, not bragging, that I have had some great rifle scores on
the range, both rifle and pistol, highest on any given qual day
a 246 rifle, 381 pistol (9mm).
What I will brag about was the ability to teach Marines, both
old and new, how to shoot better with their weapons. I loved
this job. It was up at 3:30 every day to drive from Kinser to
Hansen to be on the line before sun up, but I LOVED it. I had
very few Marines who had trouble with receiving assistance from
a young (female) PFC/LCpl...one old Gunny, but that's a story
for another day...
One of the Marines I was fortunate enough to coach was Col
Michael Wyly. The Col had never shot expert with his pistol
before... after Monday firing, I asked if he had a few minutes
that we could go over some mistakes he was making with his
shooting. He stayed for a while and also on Tuesday. By
Wednesday, he was shooting sharpshooter, which he was ecstatic
about! Wednesday evening, I came down with some kind of bug
that put me on bed rest. Thursday my NCOIC took my place on the
range. The Col shot expert! My Cpl explained the tradition of
giving your rank insignia to your coach. Col Wiley said he knew
of the tradition, but that LCpl Keim deserved it.
I was just happy hearing the story! But lo and behold, the next
week on the rifle range a young Marine came looking for me, it
was Col Wyly's driver, he gave me an envelope. Enclosed was the
attached letter. This was one example of why I loved coaching
Marines on the range. Yeah, the shooting was great, but helping
Marines progress in their shooting still gives me a warm and
fuzzy!
Semper Fi!
Michelle R Christman (Keim)
Cpl of Marines 87 - 91
1500/4600 MOS Reunion
Sgt Grit
Reproduction/Lithographers 1500/4600 MOS are having a reunion
in Branson, MO., June 23-27 2009, all hands, all years.
Contact Dave Zeferjohn at 785-783-3936, cell 808-782-6131
or e-mail dazef03 [at] cox .net. for info.
This is a very informal gathering, just a group of Marines doing
what Marines do, sharing stories and experiences. Always
remember our motto "Reproduction is FUN".
Sgt Grit I have enjoyed your newsletter from day one, keep it
going.
Semper FI,
Dave Zeferjohn
"Mustang" 53-74
1409473/087158
2531/1534/1521/1502
Long Overdue
Sgt. Grit Sir,
Please find attached Official Citation for Marine Commendation
Medal for Valor while serving in South Vietnam with U.S. Marines
(1966-67). I was originally recommended for this medal in
October, 1966. But never received it. Yesterday history caught
up with me and the long overdue medal was presented at the
Marine Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tn.
Semper Fidelis,
Elbert L. Gatlin Sgt. of Marines
Aircraft Taking Off
In SD we didn't have any sand fleas but my platoon was housed in
metal Quonset Huts (without heaters) next to one of the active
runways by the San Diego airport. I went through boot camp in
November and December of 1965, winter time here in the land of
Sunshine and Beaches. It was so cold at night we slept, when
there wasn't aircraft taking off or landing, with our uniforms
and field jackets on. We could see the jets taking off and we
would wish that we were on one no matter where it was going as
long as there wasn't a Drill Instructor on board. I guess we
all have memories of our boot camp days no matter if we were SD
or PI boots. The thing most sacred in our hearts is that we are
all Unite States Marines.
Bob T.
Most Riky Tik
I was sitting outside my hooch, at Marble Mountain, late 1968 or
early 69. I had a clear view down towards the showers and out-
houses ( the polite name ). A Marine was going to the showers,
wearing only a towel, and stopped off at the out-house to do his
business. What he was doing was fairly clear since the door and
upper half of the walls were just screens. I could not hear what
happened, but from his actions I can guess. He lifted the lid,
turned and ran through the door, fell and did a high crawl at
high speed. He had gotten about twenty feet from the door when
green smoke billowed out of the out-house causing myself, and
others with me, to nearly die laughing. Tough humor for tough
times.
I can only assume that someone booby trapped the lid with a
smoke grenade, and hearing the sound of the pin coming out or
the spoon coming off, encouraged the Marine to leave most riky
tik.
Sgt. Bassett
1966-70
Camp Elmore
Sgt. Grit,
In (a bit delayed) response to Earl McDowell's question, "Anyone
reading this news letter remember Camp Elmore at Norfolk, Va?"
in the 12Mar09 newsletter:
My last duty assignment before being released from active duty
on 1Jun69, was as Assistant S-4 and Bn Embark Officer for H&S
Bn, HQ FMFLant, Norfolk. The battalion was quartered at Camp
Elmore. I was there from January of '68 until my EOAS. A few
weeks ago, I did an online map/sat. photo search for the camp
and discovered that it no longer exists. (At least, I couldn't
find it, and as an old art'y FO, my map skills were pretty good.
By the way, a greeting to my radio operator on Operation Desoto,
Bill Stansbury: good to see you joining in on this newsletter. I
wonder where you got that picture of yourself.)
My wife and I rented a house a block north of Little Creek Road,
just north of the Azalea Gardens and a little west of Little
Creek Amphib Base. Many days, as I drove to Elmore, I would pass
the battalion XO, LCol. Siler, who often jogged into work. With
stop-and-go traffic, he would then pass me, and so-forth, often
arriving at the front gate before I did.
I enjoyed my tour at Elmore, and with my EOAS date approaching,
I requested an extension, if not augmentation into the
"regulars," but found myself one of those 100,000 Marines who
were sent home to join the Reserves, if they so desired, when
the Corps down-sized back to its authorized manning level as
part of its withdrawal from 'Nam.
So, yes, Earl, there are at least two of us besides you who
remember Elmore. Through Sgt. Grit, I've also heard from Sgt.
Jim Donegan, who also worked in the "S-4 Shop."
In addition to the features located at Elmore that Earl
mentioned, there were barracks for Headquarters Company, Service
Company, MP Company, and WM Company, and various office
buildings and shops. There was also a small PX just inside the
front gate, and, as I remember, an indoor pistol range.
Semper Fi!
Tom Downey
Once a captain, USMCR; always a Marine
1963-76: PLC candidate, '63 and '65;
Basic School Class 4-66 (Mar-Aug66);
FAOBC 5-66 at Ft Sill (Aug-Oct66)
Vietnam, 4Dec66-18Dec'67:
"I" 3/11: FO for "L" 3/7 for 6 months, then Btry FDO;
AFDO for 3rd 8" Howitzers my last 4 months
Reserve unit, Corpus Christi, TX: XO of "C" 4th Recon;
CO of "D" 4th Recon; CO of "C" 1/23 after the
two recon companies were combined and re-designated
My Brother And I
Sgt Grit
Here is a photo of our platoon 252. My brother and I are at each
end of the third row up.
L/CPL Dale Landon 2008036
BS Both Ways
I went to boot camp 3 months after my older brother. Out of
boot camp in April 1957 to ITR and into the same Company my
brother had been in. Went to get my first Liberty and Liberty
Card in 3 1/2 months and the CO says, "I had an Olson in here
three months ago, any relative?" Now I wanted to see the
sights, not BS. But I had to say "Yes Sir, He was my brother."
Now the Lt has to take me out to the next room, to a bunch of
pictures, of about 250 men each, and ask me, "Which one was your
brother?" He... I had never seen the pictures, but I pointed to
one of the Marines and said, "This one Sir" He said, "I think I
remember him!" BS both ways I'm sure, but I got my Liberty
Card! Some things you never forget!
Bob Olson 1957-58-59
Haven't You Ever Seen
I was a recruit at MCRD San Diego, Ca. (03/1964) Platoon 328 K-
Co. Our platoon was quarantined with spinal meningitis, so we
had to eat last in the mess hall. On one occasion we arrived too
early and came in on a platoon of Woman Marine (Boots), in the
recruit mess hall. Their female drill instructor yelled and
screamed at them, What's the matter girls haven't you ever seen
a group of swinging d--ks before? NOW GET UP and GET OUT NOW!
not long after that we were taken off of quarantine and never
seen them again.
GHill
An Hoa Ammo Dump
I was on a radio relay shot at An Hoa when the ammo dump in
DaNang went up. Even though we were about 30 miles away it was
still a spectacular sight.
I can't remember if it was before or after the DaNang dump went
up but sometime that same spring the ammo dump at An Hoa went
up. Here are some photos I took of the explosions that night. I
used an engineer's stake for a make-shift tripod and took a long
exposure. Several times that night a huge blast went off and
night turned into day. The picture of the shrapnel is what we
policed up around our hootch and radio bunker. The toe on the
right will give you some idea of scale.
Bill Wright - Sgt.
1st Mar. Div. - HQ. BN. - Comm. Co. - Radio Relay Plt.
'68 - '69
From Boot Camp
Sgt Grit
I have enjoyed your web site for a few years now. I thought I
would send you a couple of pictures of my boot camp time. From
boot camp I went to amtrac school at Camp Delmar at Oceanside.
Then to 3rd Mar Div at Camp Gifu in Japan, where I was put into
a Anglico plt as a radio operator and forward observer, and we
went to Iwo Jima but this was Feb 56 Then the 3rd Mar Div moved
to Okinawa in March of that year. When I returned to the states
I spent my last 14 months in the PX at Parris Island S. C. Met a
bunch great men in the Corps and have been able to find a few of
them that I served with.
Cpl. Bernie Caldwell.
P.S. That was before crossed rifles were on the chevrons
Muddy Waters
The recent medal for bravery that I received for actions in
Vietnam along the banks of the Song Vu Gia River while trying to
save a wounded Marine has received an invitation from Pat Boone
to meet him while he is in Chattanooga this month. The
connection between Mr. Pat Boone and I goes back to his
wonderful song "Moody River". This song was playing on the radio
at the time I was serving in Vietnam. It was my favorite song.
In the song the words go: "Moody River Your Muddy Waters Took My
Babies Life". But when I hear the song The words I hear are
"Moody River Your Muddy Waters Took My Buddies Life". It was
along the banks of the Song Vu Gia River just south of DaNang
when on October 13th, 1966 that my Marine Buddy L/Cpl. Perry L.
Poole was severely wounded. Despite my efforts and Doc Harpers
to save him, he died three days later from his wound in a
hospital in DaNang.
Back in 2005 I started to email with Mr. Pat Boone. I told him
how much the song means to me. And he was touched by my words to
the song. Mr. Boone told me then that his song "Moody River"
would from then on have a new meaning for him. I look forward to
meeting Mr. Pat Boone later this month.
Semper Fidelis,
Sgt. Maddog
Mortar Platoon
Sgt. Grit:
Attached is a picture of the 3/26 Marines mortar platoon. Taken
in Okinawa 1966, just before deployment to Vietnam. I was a
member of that platoon during transit and for a short while "in
country". In Vietnam I was transferred to L/3/26 where I was
given an M79 and became a grenadier. In the photo, the Marine
second from left, first row standing, is a Sgt. Armstrong who
earned the Navy Cross during action around Con Thien on Sept.
7/8, 1967. Same area and time, I believe, that L/Cpl. Starkey
mentions in the latest Sgt. Grit newsletter.
Regards,
Cpl. Charlie Carter
L/3/26
Summer Of '65
Sgt. Grit,
In catching up on back issues of the newsletter, I have seen
several boot camp platoon photos this weekend. That reminded me
of my own OCS platoon pictures, particularly the one from Senior
PLC's during the summer of '65 at "Mainside" Quantico, which I
have attached.
Our platoon commander was Capt. Fitts (left side, front row).
The Platoon Sergeant was SSgt. Yoder, and Sergeant Instructor
was Sgt. Mauty (both on the right side, front row, from left to
right). That's me in the next-to-top row, far left--the only one
with eyeballs straight ahead, instead of looking at the camera.
On the far right side of the same row was my bunk mate, Pete
Grimm, who was Art'y Liaison Officer for 3/7 when I was FO for
Lima 3/7 in '67. The candidate holding the platoon sign was
Leonard Dornak, later KIA in Vietnam as a lieutenant (named on
The Wall). Straight above "Candidate" Dornak in the top row is
Fred Cuny.
I've read several comments recently about how "oohrah" was not
used in the 60's. Actually, the first time I ever heard that
"Recon Growl" or "Tiger Growl," was on a platoon run during that
summer, and it was Fred who was sounding off. I'm not sure where
he picked it up, but it definitely sounded "cool." I expected
Fred to go far in the Corps, but that didn't happen, as I found
out later. Fred's college grades slipped, so he was dropped from
the officer candidate program. Instead, he went on the become a
major player in the disaster relief field around the world.
Unfortunately, in 1995, he was shot by Chechnyan rebels, who
suspected him of being a spy, while trying to help the desperate
people in that part of the former Soviet Union. His death made
the national news. You can read his story in a book titled The
Man Who Tried to Save the World, by Scott Anderson. When I did a
"Google" search today, I found that a movie was being planned in
2002, in which Harrison Ford was to play Fred's part. As far as
I know, it never materialized.
Semper fi!
Tom Downey
Once a captain, USMCR; always a Marine
1963-76 ("For pay purposes")
Vietnam: 4Dec66-18Dec67
Very Loud
Retired Major Bill Davis. Rambo! The machine gun I'm holding is
a 1928 30 Calweapon used in WWII, It is functional in a semi
automatic mode.
Makes a very loud noise when fired and is
guaranteed to keep suspicious characters away from your house!
Short Rounds
Sgt Grit. If one observes those Warrior Marines in Iraq and
Afghanistan - how they get the job done as Marines have always
done - one cannot tell the difference between the PI Marines and
the SD Marines. There is no difference! Marines are Marines
regardless of the sand under their feet in Boot Camp.
Semper Fi.
David Aday, Major
USMC, Retired
PI & OCS Quantico Flavor
In response to Doc Decker's email concerning the rocket attack
on DaNang in November of 1967 I was there staying at the 3rd MAF
Transient Facility waiting on assignment to Chu Lai. That was
my first time experiencing incoming. I don't remember anything
blowing up then but during TET of 68 when we were hit with
incoming for over an hour or so and they hit our bomb dump in
Chu Lai, we later heard that the bomb/ ordnance dump at (1st?)
LAAMBS Battalion in DaNang was also hit and that Freedom Hill
(327 area) was also hit.
Gene Hays
MSgt, USMC Retired
Chu Lai '67-'68
Sometimes you are encouraged about our country's future when you
see something like this. Specifically, there is an annual
contest at Texas A&M University calling for the most appropriate
definition of a contemporary term:
This year's term was "Political Correctness."
The winner wrote:
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional,
illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous
mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is
entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.."
R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret
I wanted to reply to the question about sand fleas at PI. I was
a recruit the summer of 1972--the sand fleas were terrible at
that time. I am a Woman Marine and always thought the term BAM
was very derogatory. I went through as much "challenge" and
harassment as everybody else does at Basic and feel that I
totally earned the title of MARINE. I will never will forget the
time the DI pinned on my eagle, globe, and anchor. I am a Marine
forever and very proud of it.
LCPL Jane Curtis
1972-1974
Dear Sgt Grit,
Just got done reading the news letter It warmed this old Marines
heart. The last veterans day parade I rode in was rough on me
because it was in honor of my buddy who was killed in Vietnam.
There was one woman sitting on the curb and as I rode by she
started to cry and looked so sad she touched my heart I told my
driver to stop by her and I offered her a ride after picking her
I found out that day she received the news that her son a MARINE
was killed in Iraq needless to say I lost it to her I say
God Bless you and to the rest of my fellow MARINES SEMPER FI
SGT C j Westra retired
Sgt. Grit:
I want to thank S/Sgt Merton Bushong for giving me the scoop on
the way we qualified back then. Man! Brought some good
memories. I can still smell the powder and hear the rounds
popping the target while we were down in the butts! I had an
"M-1 thumb" on qualification day and almost didn't get my last
shot at the target on shooting at 300 yards rapid fire. As I
fired my last shot, the target was coming down.
David E. Tyre...Jesup, GA...And...Semper Fi to all of you!
Makin Island
It is most interesting that, even after many years, the Corps
lives up to its belief in not leaving fallen brothers behind. I
am certain that the way this ceremony is carried out will bring
a tear to your eye. Check out the video on YouTube.
I Was Green Before Green Was Cool T-Shirt
Custom Miniature Ribbons
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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