Dear Grit, I just had to pass on something I couldn't help but say. At one of our faculty meetings, the principal was bragging that we are sending the 'cream of the crop' to some of the finest universities in the US. I had to say that the 'cream of the crop' had already been sent to Iraq. Keep up your website. It inspires me and fires me up.
A Marine wife.

She Noticed My

Dear Sgt Grit;
Just a little note for my fellow Marines. I stopped at a local Starbucks today for my special Vente Soy Vanilla Latte. (What a drink for a Marine?). As usual I had on my retired Marine cover. I was chatting with the nice girl that prepared my order about being retired second careers and things in general. She noticed my hat and asked what was my favorite job, I replied, "Being a United States Marine" my standard reply to referring to the Corps. She smiled and said, "That's not a job, that's a calling, thank you for your service."
Semper Fi
Jerry R. Hattox
GySgt USMC (Ret)
1954-1978

Only Three

They say a photo is worth a million words. I say this is worth a countless number of words, but only three strong words. HONOR.. COURAGE..COMMITMENT..

From The Rear

This isn't a movie quote but from one of Major Gene Duncans (ret. USMC) books:

A bunch of Marines were sitting during WWII and watching a movie outdoors. It was an old flick with Bette Davis as the starring role. Atone point in the movie, she shoots a man several times with a .38, and then screams and cries "Oh my god! Oh my God I've shot him! Whatdo I do??" At this point a Marine's voice from the rear of the theater piped up: "Police up your brass and move to the fifty-yard line!" Typical humor indicative of a Marine!

-Jeremy L. Doxey
Cpl of Marines 1992-1996

He Answered

In the movie The DI, Jack Web was asked what his perfect women would be like. He answered with: A tall blond who owns a liquor store.

That is my favorite quote in a Marine movie.

Mike Miller
corpsman 2/1 67-68 Nam

Remember the MIA and POW in your prayers.

Clearance Clothing - Marked Down Even More

Tons of clothing - at GREAT prices... USMC shirts, caps, pants and more... See all sale items...

Drew Us A Diagram

As a young Marine Cpl. station in V N with 11th Motor Transport I remember a time when a number of us were required by a certain Bn. S-3 Major to rearrange the bunker on our line. He drew us a diagram with all of the requirements he wanted. We worked on them for three days, then he came up in his jeep and started yelling and screaming about who we had turned the bunkers out of alignment by at least 5 degrees and wanted all of them redone. While he was yelling, I crawled down the hill and took his jeep back to the CP and parked it in the middle of the other vehicles. He had to walk back to the CP, something he was not used to.............I am not sure if he ever found out who took the jeep, but he never came back up the hill and we didn't move the bunkers.

Oh the memories

R. E. Buzz Powers
1stSgt Retired

This Plate says it all

I had this license plate on my truck and it says it all.

CWO3 Paul DeLaricheliere
Henderson, NV
1971-199

I'm Sure She Thought

Sgt. Grit

In the late 1940's and early 1950's I would spend many hours with a very good friend of mine and his father Col. Walter J. Baker who was at that time the commandant of the Michigan Veterans Facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the colonel would tell us stories of his battles as a Marine and how he lost his left thumb in a bayonet charge at Belleau Wood in 1918 carrying his 1903 Springfield 30-06 which in his words was the only rifle in the world, and this is where Marines got the nickname "Devil Dogs" which came from the German word, Tufelhunden, also he echoed the words of Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Daly which were "Come on you sons a b!tches, do you want to live forever"?

After hearing his stories I too was caught up in the pride and enlisted in the Corps in 1956, went to boot camp platoon 135 and Radio Telegraph
School M.O.S.
2533 in San Diego, Calif.

While home on leave before going to my duty station at First ANGLICO FMF Pac. Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii it was the colonel's turn to ask me questions about the new Corps as he called it, also how I liked the MI Garand rifle which to me was the only weapon on earth having had to sleep with it in boot camp on a few occasions.

This Spring of 2008 I took my wife of 48 years to visit family in Calif. and while there we visited M.C.R.D. San Diego where I'm sure she thought I had stretched the truth about the agony of the grinder, the D I's sweet words and boot camp in general. While there we met Lt. Col. Thomas A. Richards USMC retired, he is the Executive Director of the Historical Museum there. He told us of several changes such as no more Quonset huts for the boots, no more radio telegraph school, sea school and part of the grinder by the theater is now a parking lot, I saw no more green utilities, no spit shined boots, no boondockers and of course no MI Garands, wow am I ever feeling my age, I did buy a T shirt at the gift shop that sums it all up, it says "MARINE" "The older we get the better we were"

Old Col. Baker comes to mind now and then and how things had changed from WW I for him and from my time in the Corps to now. I try to stay up on things as I am a life member in the Marine Corps League Detachment 708, Spring Hill Fl. it is great to go to our meetings and talk about the old Corps over a cold one, also I will be 74 years old in a couple of months and I have found no matter how many years ago you were in the Corps you will always find a Marine who is older than you, been more places than you, kicked more butt than you and will call you a boot.

I want to close by saying GOD bless and good luck to all the Marines who came after me, all those that are in now and all the young ones yet to come and wear our uniform. Semper Fi

Donald (Bo) Bodenshot 1120096

"You ain't gonna believe it" stories

Well, this is one of those "You ain't gonna believe it" stories

December 1970, there I was, radio man at LZ Hope (Bob Hope show Danang). This Phrog drops in the LZ with the Golddiggers (Dean Martin show) and shuts down. Crew chief door drops down and these absolutely gorgeous creatures start down the steps. I, being the gentleman that I am, stood at the door and gave them my hand to help them down. Got one of their photos and had one of them sign it, have kept it since. Today at the Wall a guys tells me that 2 of the Golddiggers will be there to sign autographs about 12:30 and shows me their picture. One of them was on that Phrog 38 year ago. I told her about the photo and that I will bring it back tomorrow and she is going to sign it for me. I am in heaven man! Larry Zok

Pictures and additional stories follow on the Sgt Grit Bulletin Board:

"You ain't gonna believe it"

Larry Zok's Memorial Day Pics

From Michelle (Golddigger)

This Is My Way

Sgt Grit and staff,
Attached is an updated photo of my truck for you to add to my previous submissions. Since my last email, I contacted a company which makes reflective vinyl stickers for boat names and had them make this for me.

I feel the need to stress the point of the cost of freedom to everyone by any means. This is my way. If my truck makes people think of and hopefully appreciate our Marines and our troops, if even just for a few seconds, then I've achieved my goal. Plus, I'm so d*mn proud of our guys and girls out there this is my small way of thanking them daily.

God bless our Marines, Semper Fi and thank you, Joe

Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller

The drawing you see below is of a statue we are going to have built, and which will be erected on the grounds of the National Marine Corps Museum at Quantico. It will be the first ever done to honor one of the greatest Marines ever to wear our uniform, LtGen Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. This is a call to arms to all who have ever said the immortal words: "Good night Chesty, wher- ever you are". Let your fellow Marines, friends, relatives, and all others know of this worthwhile endeavor. All of the people involved in this project are former Marines including the sculptor.

Please send your tax-deductible donations to:

"Chesty" Puller Statue Fund
Canyon Community Bank
(Catalina Branch)
P.O. Box 37170
Tucson, AZ 85740

(for tax purposes we are a 501(C)19)
Seagoing Marine Association

Son and Grandson

We all had tough Senior Drill Instructors, those we will never forget. Mine was SSgt Carney. Just before going to Vietnam in 1964, I was sent to Schools Battalion at Del Mar. We had a Change of Command Ceremony and I was told to assemble H&SCo for the ceremony. I thought it would be just students. As we formed up I was surprised to see a rather large formation, but didn't give it much thought - just get this thing over, right? As I started the march to the parade ground I heard this voice from the rear of first squad, "Zimmerman, you better not F$#%k this up."I turned around and saw HIM. A chill ran down my spine like I was back in boot camp. We spoke briefly after the ceremony and he hadn't changed a bit.

Now, some 47 years later, I am in Iraq assigned to the U. S. Army in Iraq doing site exploitation and forensic evidence collection. It's quite an adjustment, to say the least. I have a son, Sgt Randy Zimmerman at Camp Pendleton who's done two tours here, and a grandson, Cpl Drew Uhlman, who is on his second tour now. I hope to catch up to my grandson here in theater. For those old Marines, I was part of the First Pioneer Battalion at Camp Pendleton and the 3rd Pioneer Battalion on the Rock. Back then we did "Floats", not MEUs. Vietnam '65-'66.

Loren Zimmerman (SSgt)
1961-1969

Before And After

I just wanted to drop you this note. I have been trying to find the right tattoo artist that could fix my tribal band and turn it into an incredible Marine Corps Tattoo. I have been looking for about 10 years for the right artist. In Pittsburgh PA I found such an artist. His name is Cliff and is the owner of Angry Moon Tattoo.. Here is the before and after.

He is going to be redoing my jump wings over the next few weeks and I'll send you a picture when I get them done.

Semper Fi
MSgt Craig F Hodgkins

Over The Winter

Here is a pic of a bike I put together over the winter. I got most of the idea's from stuff in your catalog. I am a 22 year retired Gunny. Thank you for all your support to Marines past and present.

Michael Munoz
Semper Fi

Movie Quotes

Sergeant Apone: "All right sweethearts, what are you watng for? Breakfast in bed? Another glorious day in the Corps! A day in the Marine Corps is like a day on the farm. Every meal's a banquet! Every paycheck a fortune! Every formation a parade! I love the Corps!"
~ from the movie "Aliens" (these are Marines of the future, of course)

Listen to the sound clip


Philip S. Lee, Corporal of Marines

Sgt Grit, I didn't hear it in a movie, but I always quote it! And that is: To error is human, to forgive is divine, neither of which is Marine Corps Policy.
1stLt Richard C. Anaya, USMC (Retired)
1958-1978 San Diego, CA 92111

The best Marine movie quote of all time:

"Life is tough, it's tougher if you're stupid"
--"Sands of Iwo Jima"

Semper Fi
RM

In the movie Battle Cry, circa 1957, the battalion communications chief, a MSgt, (played by James Whitmore) said the following to the newly promoted battalion commander (played by Van Heflin)..."Congratulations colonel." Van Heflin replied, "How did you find out about that? I just found out about it myself." Whitmore, a no-nonsense Comm Chief said, "A communicator's job is to communicate!"

I was then a brand new PFC, 2531, radio operator in C-1-10 at Camp Lejeune and I lived the rest of my 22 years of active duty, and 30+ years of civilian business by that quotation. As a matter of interest, I actually met James Whitmore on the sidewalk of the Ford's Theater in Washington DC about 1990, or so, when he was the lead in a stage production of "Everything I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" When I mentioned his role in the movie, he recalled the line and was very pleased to know that it had a long-term effect on a real Marine.

I really enjoy this newsletter Sgt Grit! Its value to the Marine community is priceless.

Semper Fi

Joe Featherston
Major, USMC, Ret.

I Looked At Him

Went to Monterey for a municipal solid waste symposium and after the show there was a "hospitality room" that was put on by one of the vendors. One of the attendees there was an Army fellow and he knew that I was a Marine by common knowledge and my Marine Corps Vietnam ring I got from you. He came over to me at the bar and asked if I knew why the Navy had Marines on their ships. I said I did not know and he very happily said: it was because the FDA would not allow sheep on board. Everyone at the bar looked at me and had the look on their face of Oh h&ll, it’s not going to be pretty. I looked at him with a slight grin and calmly replied that I had the utmost respect for his Army. After all it takes quite a man to wear a uniform taken from the girl scouts, a green beret.

He sort of smiled and went away. I still got it!

DJ Huntsinger, SSgt

JFK Showed Up

I was there--got there 5 Jun 63-- JFK showed up and wanted to see a platoon from each week of training--we were in receiving barracks--fell out on the grinder in floppy covers, yellow sweat shirts, long untrimmed web belts, sloppy utility trousers and white tennis shoes. At first, all 13 platoons were in a big circle, 1st week, 2nd week, etc. directly across from us was the Honor Platoon graduating that week. What a contrast!jfk walked around the circle and actually spoke to a recruit from each platoon. We then formed into the formation shown in the picture- --i think he actually laughed at my platoons attempt to move into formation. Thanks for the memory, Sgt.

John Stevenson USMC 1963-1967.

Jazzland

Court St as I remember it in 1962 -1965 Take the vomit comet from Camp Lejeune to the bus station in Jacksonville, then the first stop was Jazzland then on to Birdland where Paul Peek and the Peek a Boos were performing or maybe they were at Jazzland. I can't quite remember. On a side street I always went to a place called Under the Double Eagle...there were other places but these are the ones I went to I almost forgot the hamburger place were you could set down and eat . In the 90s long after I got out I went back to Court Street buildings were still there but it was hard to tell what was where. I did go to the Marine store in the Jacksonville mall and an older salesman and I shared a lot of memories of the old Court Street. When I drive from Maine to Fla .on 95 my car pulls to the left at Quantico, Camp Lejeune and Parris Island . I have to stop at each just to walk the ground. And let my mind wander Back. So many great memories. All Marines I talk to remember things in there own way I hope some share mine .
Cpl Edward J. Libby 1992065
I-3-8 3rd Plt
And 2nd Recon Blt at Montford Point

Boot Camp Is Boot Camp

In response to LCpl Carrafa as to where "Boot Camp" is, as a 1956 recruit at MCRDPI, I thought I was in H&ll. As a D. I. at MCRDSD, My recruits knew where they were. Just look across the end of the SD International Airport & you can see all the lovely civilians sun bathing, drinking beer, coming & going as they wish, etc. Boot Camp is Boot Camp no matter which MCRD you had the PRIVILEGE to go thru.

J. Howell SSgt of Marines '56-'67 1563414

Between Wars

Reference Cpl of Marines Formby for the Marines between wars Korea to Viet Nam. I remember the incidents that had come close to combat, but never thought much about it. That was what we joined for. Even in college afterwards meeting with guys who stood on those deadly fields the conversation wasn't how close we cheated death but rather "job talk".

The combat briefing for the invasion of Cuba lingers; our tasks as NCOs, keeping the Beachhead secure, insuring all enemy combatants were dead etc. Santa Domingo & protecting the National Colors. Nicaragua. The 1st Marine Brigade landing in Viet Nam. Retribution in Kaneohe & Kailua for the 7 Marines badly beaten by the local punks seemed more deadly then the above.

But the Korean and occasional WWII vets were there to remind us of who we were. Our uniforms were still the same as theirs with the exception of leggings. The good old M-1 was THE weapon although I preferred the BAR. The sidearm shot .45acp. Herringbones were not unusual. The cover only had 3 flats.

So I guess if we have to have a patch it should be an ice cream cone against a field of clouds cause it sure was great duty.

Lima Echo Cpl of Marines

Well Done

Ref Cpl William Formby (PHD-Congrats) letter of "At Any Cost" / Cold War / Viet Nam "ERA" vets.

Well done my brother---they are a whole crowd of us "Lost / Forgotten" Marines wandering around out here. I was aboard the U.S.S Shadwell--LSD-15 (HMM-262) just off the coast of Gitmo the same time you were on Gitmo) We had just returned from the "Med" and helping evacuate some civilians from Beirut a couple of months before. From there to "The Rock" (Okinawa) Hq-4/12, then back to CONUS to B/2nd Recon and down to the Island of Haiti So the OAS could over throw the local government (Trujillo)

If memory serves--We were winning when our tour was up. I won't attempt to embellish your fine letter as you have said it all, just a Simper Fi-&-Well, Done Marine.

Sincerely;
Cpl. Henry H. Hight 2533 (Radio Telegraph / Communications)
1961---1965

He Glanced Up

Sgt. Grit,

I have a funny story. A few years ago, my eldest son was attending UC Davis and we attended a UC Davis vs. Annapolis collegiate wrestling match. After the match the UC Davis team had just edged out the Midshipmen wrestlers from Annapolis and won the dual meet. The stands had emptied out quite a bit and I was just standing on the second row of the bleachers. Just then a squared away Marine Major, who I had seen on the sidelines of the Navy team, walked in front of the stands. He didn't look happy as his team had just lost. Just before he passed in front of me, I gave him an "aoorah." Without losing a step, he glanced up at me with his serious look, put his head and eyes back down and gave me back a good "aoorah" while continuing to march straight ahead. Only two Marines who speak the same language could understand that exchange.

My youngest, son, is a Corporal in the 1BN/12th Mar Reg in Hawaii. He returned from Iraq last October and served as a Humvee commander conducting convoy operations throughout Iraq. His unit is returning this October. I'm very proud of him and his unit, as they did a great job. My hat is off and am very thankful to the Marines who are serving their country, especially at this time of war.

Joe Strangio
SGT 74-78
Marine Barracks, Guam
1ST and 2ND FSSR

To This Day

CPL. D.E. Smith:
Just to let you know how small this world is, Your SDI Gysgt Panickowski who graduated Platoon 3082 on Oct. 21, 1983 became my Series Chief Drill Instructor for series 3084 - 3087. The series graduated from Hotel Co., 3rd Bat. on Sept. 14, 1984. Gunny Panickowski was known for his words 'shut your scuzzy filthy sewers' and 'I'd recycle the whole series if it were up to me'. He and my SDI SSGT Rozman had good affiliations. Gunny Panickowski will be well remembered and known for his lack of sense of humor and his lack of desire for a recruit (PVT for 3rd Bat) to run to him to report during Fire Watch.

So, after all these years of graduating with a series under his 'guidance' your Platoon photo of him brought back some strong memories:) To this day, I have no clue as to which road everyone took whether it was to stay in the FMF, go into combat with Casper Weinberger in charge, or simply serve their time and go about their business. But I must say it was fun while it lasted.

Semper Fi, CPL and thanks for the unexpected fine memories:) PFC J.S. Elliott (Reagan froze promotions during my tour of duty due to overstaff in military. That's what I was told, anyways).

0311 Basic Infantry

Plt. 3084 SDI SSGT Rozman, SSgt Sightler, SSgt Smith, Sgt Moore (later fined and suspended for doing rifle PT in barracks), replaced by SSGT Rawling. Infantry Training School (ITS) Delta Co. 1st Plt MCB Camp Pendleton, California Plt Cmdr SSGT Schumpert, SGT Smith, CPL Agnew Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Leeward, if I remember correctly) Plt Cmdr SSGT Reynolds Squad Leader LCPL Smith, LCPL Garcia Contract for 84-88. Early discharge under proper authority after taking personal problem up chain of command. Honorably Discharged upon given option by Capt. RC Daniels, Officer In Charge- Marine Corps Admin Detachment, Newport, RI. I've regretted my decision since.

Patted Me On The Belly

Sgt.Grit,
I really love your not as lean not as mean still a Marine t shirt. This past December my wife patted me on the belly, and said she was going to get me one for Christmas. That kinda woke me up to the 234 pound not as lean Marine I had become. I stewed over it for a couple of weeks, and on 15 January, I decided to do something about it.

To make a long story short, I have dropped 54 pounds so far, and this morning, I bench pressed my former weight - 234 lbs! Not bad for a 47 year old former Marine. Thanks for the inspirational t shirt.

I'm ready to re enlist.
Semper Fi
Jack Thomas.
Former Sgt. of Marines.

Not as Lean Not as Mean T-Shirt

Three Years Later

I entered the Marine Corps in October, 1951 and went straight to Parris Island. At that time the 'Old Corps' was anyone who had gone through WWII. Three years later they talked about our generation and we were called 'the Old Corps'. The Old Corps is anyone that went through Boot Camp one year before you did.

But, boy, I sure do remember those sand fleas. Anytime we were standing at attention in the chow line or wherever, the sand fleas would be eating on us. We absolutely were forbidden to reach up and slap at the sand fleas. I remember one recruit from my platoon who did and the Drill Instructor stood in his face and chewed him out. I vividly recall that he told him, "Those sand fleas have to eat too!"

Allen
Parris Island, 1951

Little Bit

Sgt. Grit,
Talking about Court St. in J'ville, I was stationed at New River (VMO-1) from Oct. '54 thru Oct. '56. I was really shocked at the changes made in the downtown area a few years ago on a trip we made there. I think it was about 10-12 years ago we made a vacation trip down there. I was just wondering if anybody remembers the little hot dog stand on the main drag ran by a cute young girl called "Little Bit" and her helper by the name of Frank. Of course the stand had been razed along with the other bars, etc. After asking around at some of the current businesses of the possible whereabouts, someone told me she now (at that time) worked at a bar on the outskirts of town. I dropped in on a chance she might be there and found her working. She had changed since I last saw her some 40 years earlier.

I guess the old saying, "You can't go back" holds true!

Tom Harp
Sgt. USMC 1953-1959

We Did Our Jobs

To the Marine that was in VMF-333 in Gitmo in '62', you should have been in a hole in the ground on the fence line, eating C-Rations and bathing in your helmet for 3 months. We did our jobs as Marines! And by the way-we did have some of "THEM" come over the fence, but we sent them back, but not in the same shape as they started.

C.D. Crutchfield
Sgt USMC
Cuba 62, 2 tours NAM, Taiwan, Dominican Republic, 2 years Drill Instructor, Parris Island

Same Boat

In reading William Formby's article in the 22 May 2008's newsletter concerning those of us who served after Korea and before Vietnam. I fit in the same boat with him and many others. I have been advised that because I was with C-1-6 and we were send to Gitmo in early 1961 to provide security on leeward point. Everything was ok with us getting liberty (base only) every third day until early April and then we were either on post, on standby or locked and loaded on the fence line. We had no idea what was going on and then someone heard on a radio that Cuba was being invaded and Castro said he was going to take Gitmo and throw out the Americans. I have been told that for that service that I am entitled to the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal as well as anyone who was at Cuba between the dates of 1/3/1961 and 10/23/1962. I have send once for an amended DD214 requesting this medal but had no luck. If anyone has any suggestions about how I can get this taken care of. William Formby may be entitled to this also.

Jim Moore
L/Cpl USMC 1959-1963

Constant And Forever

I'm writing this to show the brotherhood of Marines is a constant and forever thing. On Wednesday of last week a bass boat was discovered on the banks of the Susquehanna river in Pennsylvanian with the motor still running . It belonged to Lance Corporal Chris Johnson . Johnston had been wounded in a firefight in 2004 at Fallujah Iraq. He was recovering after having his right arm amputated . Johnstons lieutenant from Iraq flew in from California to aid in the search for the missing Marine along with several more Marines form other locales. This shows what the brotherhood stands for ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE and that when a brother Marine needs help another Marine will always be there to help and share bullets or beer.

bob elmer
lance corporal USMC
class of 1965

Entry Was Smooth

Had to make a sudden trip to Savannah, GA, because of a family illness, so had no chance to inquire or plan visit to PI. Just drove out there anyway. Other than confusing road signs and poor Rand McNally road maps, which made it difficult to find (I finally did what any good MARINE would do, improvised, stopped at a convenience store and asked directions from a guy pumping gas.); my first visit to PI since departing in March, 1963, was a delight. Entry was smooth, and we were able to drive all over the island. Just missed a change of command ceremony. The people in the Visitor's Center and the Museum were most helpful and courteous. The young MARINES with whom I spoke were very patient as they listened to an old man talking about memories of 45 years ago. I was able to identify my old First Battalion parade deck, but had to search the museum pictures to find my old wooden barracks with the four squad bays. Collected a bunch of free posters at the Visitors C enter to bring back to the other old men in my MCL Detachment.

Lamar Reynolds
Commandant
Commiskey-Wheat Detachment 1073
Marine Corps League
Hattiesburg, MS

Adventure 2008

I realize there will come a day when I am no longer able to have an annual physical adventure like I've been doing every year. I'll get older, less strong, less flexible, less fit. But, that day is NOT today! My adventure for 2008 was to run the Obstacle Course at Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, where Colonel Mike Gilman (retired) and I shared the struggles of becoming a Marine officer. Having remained close friends all these years (over 37 years now since we attended OCS), Mike Gilman agreed to share this adventure with me. And, it was a good thing, too, since we encouraged each other to go every step of the way.

I have rope burns on both lower legs and very sore chest and arm muscles (my 4 mile running course 3 days a week and weight lifting program at the gym each week was simply not enough to overcome the challenges of this "O" course). With a determination to make the Corps proud, though, we got over every obstacle, jumped "the red wall" and climbed to the top of the rope. Pain really is weakness leaving your body as we both felt strong in heart at the end of the course. As my Marines would say, ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING."

I've attached 9 photos of the course adventure from beginning to end (thanks to our wives, Nancy and Sallie, for the photos and the laughter which just made us run harder!). The last picture was taken in front of The Basic School HQ where Mike and I spent 6 months learning to become infantry officers and leaders of men. I may be "Old Corps" but I still bleed Marine green and that pride I'll take to my grave.

Semper Fi!
Jim Hill
Former Captain, Still a Marine

Short Rounds

Platoon 252 went though Camp Matthews in 1964 ! We were the last series to go there, Qualified with the M1 Garand ! Who can forget the WW2 Tent Camp ! Graduated from Boot Camp and was issued the M-14 , I am glad it wasn't a Garand, but that was the Rifle that won WW2!

R.G. Oveson
USMC 64-68, 75-77
11th Marines

I was at Geiger in '58 with Second Amphib Recon. Company, FMF and remember a lineup of bars across from the smaller "back" gate that was called "the second front." I remember watching the PM (Provost Marshall) truck picking up drunks for a night in the brig on a Saturday Night. They just moved from body to body....and shoved them in the back. There, they slept it off and probably got some company area restriction, after an office hours with the CO or XO of their outfits. Quite a sight....

Dick Vara
Sgt. USMC

ditto to the red beach Marine. we lost 10 in 1 hutch.. I was with the provisional rifle co., 1st squad 3rd platoon. stayed in tents near coc. rather be on patrol than be subjected to the 122s. hal davis (namo)

I saw a show on the history channel. WAKE ISLAND the ALAMO of the PACIFIC. The men of the Alamo fought to the death. The Marines of Wake Island were surrendered by a Naval Officer. Many of the Surrendered Marine were beheaded, and horribly treated by the Japanese. What if anything happened to the Naval Officer who surrendered them?

Sgt. Of Marines: Rodney Riffe 1968 - 1975

In the movie The Sands of Iwo Jima with John Wayne (Sgt Striker) there is a scene where John Wayne is leading his squad up Mt Suribachi and halfway up the mountain one of his men gets shot by a sniper. John Wayne shoots the sniper and goes to assist his squad member who has been shot. The Marine clutches his chest and tells John Wayne quote:

"I'm going to get a good sleep tonight"

Former Marine Corporal Joe L. Reyna, MTM Co, Maintenance Battalion, 1st FSR 70-73

I have been out of the Corps for 42 years I used WWII equipment and rations in Nam, its great to see the men and women of the New Corps, new equipment, uniforms, chow but the same values as Tun Tavern.Semper Fi,
George, PI 1962 Plt 237

Korea
Able Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines
The story of Ron Broward

Recruiters Association

Due to unforeseen problems. The Marine Corps Recruiters Association Conference and Reunion scheduled for Oceanside, CA June 12-14 has been cancelled for 2008. If anyone has any questions contact me Jim Simmons

S/T Email: jimandsally (at) sofnet.com
We are still looking for a few good recruiters to join!
Thank you

Semper Fi
Jim Simmons
S/T Marine Corps Recruiters Assoc. Inc.

Good afternoon to all as always an outstanding news letter. Sad to hear Court St. is gone did not get a tattoo but did hoist a few beers. I was a weapons instructor at 1st ITR two times have been told there is no more 2nd Front out on hwy 17.Guess that's progress. Keep up the good work.
SEMPER FI rbs

The Fourth Marines in Shanghai, China

A Veteran of any service - whether Active Duty, Retired, National Guard or Reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."

You, Paul, are such a person. That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it. They should be jealous of you!

James S. Sackett, Captain, USMC (Retired)

Cpl R Olson is from Canby, MN Platoon 317 1957.
Met a guy from Platoon 317 1960, boy was that confusing!

Just spent the morning putting new flags on the graves at our local cemetery. My wife and I found a couple old Marine's graves without flags- they won't be without anymore.

Drew McFadden,
USMC 61-65

Upon hearing a new acquaintance mention that he was in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard, I always respond "I'm sorry!" And in every case, they have looked me in the eye and said "Dear God! You must have been a Marine!" And I always grin and offer to buy him a beer after I explain what "Once a Marine" means. I've made a lot of friends that way.

Semper Fi
Sgt. Thomas D. Smyka USMC
"Super-Tech" 65-68

Sgt,
Lima 3/5 1st Marine Div. 1966 to 1971 are having our reunion in Wash DC from July 7 to the 14th. And open to all other Marines Thank you for everything

Jim D
DaJD2000 (at) aol.com

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial Flag Detail, Inc.
We, in association with the National Park Service, and Henderson Hall provide the flags flown over our War Memorial in Arlington Va. Thanks! Semper Fi !

Jim Donovan, Chair
www.iwoflags.org

Sgt Grit: I'm forwarding this to my next door neighbors whose son is in the Corps currently aboard the USS Essex off the coast of...we don't know. Like me (and my son) he quit college and joined the Corps. Why? To get our lives straightened out. Saved my butt and my son's and now this young Marine sniper I've known since birth.
Semper Fi!
Doug Thiel L/Cpl 1958-60

Yellow Footprints Pin

Battle Flag T-Shirt

Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit

Real Men Raise Marines

Marines - get your dad a great gifts this year to show he's appreciated! We have a specially designed t-shirt, mousepad, or plaque. Father's Day T-Shirt Father's Day Mousepad Father's Day Plaque

Right now - Free standard shipping on all orders placed online over $100!

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Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:

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In short...The AmericanCourage Newsletter has MORE family member stories, "support the Corps" stories from Marines, and patriotic quotes. It started after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to give supporters of the Marine Corps and American patriots a voice.

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