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Semper fi
Sgt Grit
New Stuff
War On Terrorism Expeditionary Ribbon Bumper Sticker
War On Terrorism Service Ribbon Bumper Sticker
Scrapbook Paper - Marines
Scrapbook Paper - My Boy Serves His Country
Scrapbook Paper - Marine Corps Logo
Scrapbook Paper - USMC
Scrapbook Stickers - Marine Gear
Scrapbook Stickers - Marines
Scrapbook Charms - Marine Corps Medallions
Scrapbook Charms - Marine Corps Insignias
Marines Standup Medallion
Sgt Grit,
I recently wrote you about a young Marine Sgt. from Orlando,
Kenneth Conde Jr.. He was a young Marine Sgt. that was leading
his platoon through the streets of Ramadi, when they were
ambushed. During the fire fight, Sgt Conde was wounded in the
shoulder, but her refused to quit. He recovered enough from
the wound to resume the fight, but fell once more. He was
attended to by the Company Corpsman and he then returned to
the battle. This happened in April. He could have come home
at that point, for he had a get out of Iraq free card, but
he did not use it. He wanted to stay with his men.
I saddens me to say that as I was reading this mornings paper,
I saw where Sgt. Kenneth Conde Jr. had been killed in combat.
He was scheduled to return home in September.
His Dad, a former Marine, said that he understood why his
son would not leave Iraq. In his heart he wanted his son to
come home, but young Sgt. Conde did not want another leading
his men.
I say to the parents of Sgt.Conde, God Bless and our thoughts
and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. To Sgt.
Conde's platoon, who are part of the Mobile Assault Company,
2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, I say keep Sgt Conde's
spirit and dedication alive......it is the Tradition of the Corps.
Semper Fi,
Sgt. D.J.Tasker USMC
1962-1967
MA'AM, YOU ARE MOST WELCOME
Dear Marine and Friend,
Tonight enjoyed a nice dinner with a fine crew that serve
to assist in performing some good work to protect our Nation.
Most of which served in the US Navy. This was in New London, Ct.
We were in a nice restaurant. They had a five piece band.
The band was great. During the break, I walked up and asked
them to play the Marine Hymn. They play several songs, then
stuck it up!!! I walked forward, stood at attention. Next
thing I knew, had four standing beside me. Marines. The
restaurant was full of applause. But!!!!!
I went back to my table after the chat with the Marines.
Was sitting, when a young lady came up and asked me a question.
Now, I am over 50 and she was close to my age. She asked, "When
the Hymn is played, does she stand"? I asked why. She said her
Daddy was in the Marines and died for the Marines in Battle.
I stood. And said, "Ma'am, you are most welcome to stand anytime
with the "Corps". Marines and your Dad will be proud for you to
stand when the "Hymn" is played. In fact, all will look upon
you with respect." "You are family".
Marines, you each are a special breed. Sgt. Grit. probably
is tired of my letters, yet, each day there are those in life that
appreciate the history, the tradition, the honor you each have
displayed for over 228 years. In a restaurant tonight, a young
lady heard a song of tradition, a song of pride. Marine Corps!
She asked a question. Her question was answered, right or
wrong, it was answered.
Sgt. Grit. Know you are one "fine" Leatherneck". You allow
me to speak to your Marines. I pass on information that I feel
is important to the "Corps" and our Veterans.
God Bless Marines.
Semper Fi,
Steve Robertson
LAST WORDS I EVER HEARD
I recently lost my grandfather And thought I would share a story
about a Marine to the end. He served in WWll on Iwo Jima and
was always proud of his service in the corps. My father and I
took him to the VA after a mild stroke and heart attack. Once
he was admitted the nurse on duty was helping him into bed and
asked him if anything hurt. His response was "Only my pride."
He never complained about the pain he was in the last few years
confined to a wheel chair unable to take care of himself. All
due to injuries received in the war. He always held his head
up with pride and kept a Marine statue by the table where he
played cards. This was the last words I ever heard him say,
he passed away a couple of days later. For me this shows the
strength and courage that is the Marines. Something they all
seem to hold on to till the day they die.
Levi B.
I HAVE TO GO BABY DOLL
SGT. Grit;
What can I say I am the wife of a Marine SSGT Doug Kummings,
and d-mn proud of it. My husband and I were at one time a two
military family. I in the Navy and he in the Marines. I did
10 years from 94-04 active duty. He did 7 active from 95-02
and choice to go off active duty and stick with the reserves,
due to our second child being born, and he just didn't want
to miss all that again. In the past 8 years that we have been
married we have done 5 pumps between us and lets not forget
all the trips out in the field and 29 palms. It has been a
rough road but we always make it through. Last year is when
I felt the most proud in my life when Doug was called back
to active duty to Iraq. With only 3 hours notice I sat and
watched my Marine pack with ease. Like it was nothing, the
look in his eyes as he looked and me I just knew what he was
saying without speaking. As I stand crying he says to me
"I am a Marine this is my life, I have to go Baby doll but
don't worry I will be back before you know it. We have
done this before and things will be fine"
But for some reason this time was different for me, Iraq was
different. My husband is a Marine, will always be a Marine
and die a Marine. It is in their blood, and the brothers
that he has come to know are very special to us. Well some
say I am a survivor but I say NO I am a Marines Wife no more no less.
Diane Kummings, Murrieta CA
Semper-FI
WALKING FOR CHANCE
Our group "Walking for Chance" is a group of family and friends
of Marine Lance Corporal Chance R. Phelps who was killed by
enemy insurgents in Iraq on April 9th 2004. Our group was
selected to run the Marine Corps Marathon. on October 31,
2004. 100% of the proceeds of our efforts will go directly
to the Chance Phelps Memorial Fund to send Brunton binoculars
to Chances' fellow Marines in Iraq.
You may sponsor our group by pledging any amount of money for
each mile that our group completes in the 26 mile Marine Corps
Marathon. Please visit us at http://www.walkingforchance.com
and read about Marine Lance Corporal Chance R. Phelps and our efforts..
Please share the link and God Bless America.
Semper fi
Walking for Chance
LAND OF THE BIG PX
This is directed to the Marine mom who complained that her son
was deployed after only five months of training.
I guess she would have really been pi$$ed off a little over
50 years ago when Marine reservists were activated to go to Korea.
At that time you didn't have to go through boot to be in a reserve
unit. So, many of the Marines sent to reinforce the forces around
the Pusan perimeter in South Korea had much less training than
she is complaining about. A lot of "snapping in" with weapons
was accomplished from the fantails of the ships carrying the
troops over. Then, from the Pusan area, some of these reservists,
remember with very little training, landed at Inchon and proceeded
to the Chosin Reservoir.
A postscript. Then, when returned to the Land of the Big PX,
those who had not been to boot camp were ordered to attend same.
Semper Fi,
Bob Rader #1405534
DAD WAS SO IMPRESSED
I was in the Marines 1963 to 1966. I was stationed in San Diego,
Memphis, Beaufort, Chu-Lai, and Philadelphia. Anyway, I grew up,
and got old, and had children. One of my boys joined the Marines,
like I did. I am so proud of him. He is staying in as a career.
He is a Sergeant stationed in Japan, with his wife and two little
girls. It is nice to have a child follow. I joined because I
noticed how my Dad was so impressed by the Marines Uniform. My
dad wasn't in service at all. He said he was to young for one
war and to old for the next one. I joined the Drill Team in
Memphis and made dad proud. I was proud to get out of Viet Nam alive.
Pat Eccles ex-PFC
THE STREETS WERE SWAMPED
Hey Sgt. Grit,
Speaking of the OORAH thing...I was at the Nam Vet's Parade in
Chicago a long time ago. The two Marine divisions marched one
behind the other, the !st, then the 3rd. The streets were swamped
with people watching us go by. Many of the guys were doing the
OORAH thing, but it sounded like a bark, no kidding, these Marines
were barking ala Bellau Wood. It sounded great, and the crowd
loved it. By the way, 67-70, Nam 68-69, Golf 3/11, 1st Mar Div,
a 105 battery that called Hill 10 home, for what it was worth.
Yeah, I was in the 11th ,like you, and can't hear worth a d-mn
anymore. And the Lord said, "Let there be Marines." ...and
all the fish arose from the sea! Semper Fi!
Larry Binns
E 2/13
G 3/11
THE CORPS IS BETTER BECAUSE
Sgt Grit,
I've been out of the Corps for 7 years. I often check the USMC website
and your newsletter for Marines I've worked with over the years. I
perused a recent issue of the Marine Corps Times. In the issue was
the posting of the GySgt's list.
I found two Marines I served with at 1st Tank Bn in 29 Palms. When
I was a Sgt they were two salty L/Cpls and the best of friends. I
know that they both had moved on to other assignments after I left,
but lost track of them over the years. It was a pleasant surprise
to see their names on the list. Never have I met two better radio
operators. The Marines under their charge will no doubt benefit from
their vast knowledge and experience. The Corps is better because
these two Marines serve. I am proud to have known them in my life.
I would like to congratulate them on their accomplishment. To GySgt's
(select) Arthur H. Bork and Rodney Harris. Semper Fi and Congratulations!!
Keep up the good work Devil Dogs. I just hope that one or the other
get your newsletter and read this. They deserve it.
Semper Fi
Howard J. Cooper
Sgt/USMC
1st Tank Bn, Comm Plt 92-95
60'S MODEL
Sergeant Grit, brothers and sisters,
Enjoyed another fine newsletter just now, and must comment on
Tom Godwin's story regarding wearing a cover indoors. This is
one my pet peeves, guess I'm just an old f*rt, but everywhere
you go nowadays you see men of differing ages wearing their
cap or hat indoors, even in presence of ladies. When I was
at MCRD in '61 we were told that one never wears their cover
indoors, unless armed. My parents before this had told me
that one never wears his hat in the house, and always removes
it in the presence of a lady. I don't know whatever happened
to either of these practices. I will ditto what brother Godwin
says about receiving an admirable glance when observed removing
one's cover entering a doorway, you will certainly receive
admiration from me. Thanks for letting me get this off my
old fat chest. Semper Fidelis and God Bless our fighting
men and women.
A. Dorney, '60s model.
COULD IT BE
Former Marine Glenn "Sam" Bass asked in your June 24, 2004 news letter:
"I'm curious, why does the tag on the utility blouse say,
"U.S.Marines", wouldn't it be better to say U.S. Marine?
Glenn "Sam" Bass
HMR (L) 163, Cpl. 1958 - 1963"
Could it be because its Semper Fi, rather than Semper I.
Mike Jackman
Sgt '65-'68
Semper Fi
SCOTLAND
Sgt Grit,
I enjoy receiving your online newsletter and thought your readers
would like to know about, "We few, we happy few, we band of
brothers"- the Marines of the Marine Corps League's London
Detachment over here in the United Kingdom. My name's Richard
J MacDonald, I grew up in Scotland before moving to California.
I graduated from San Diego with Plt 1105 in February 1991, before
joining MWSS 472/3, MAG 46, 4th MAW, MCAS El Toro and MCAS Miramar.
I now live back in Scotland and have become an active member of
MCL Det 1088, one of the few overseas detachments in the Marine
Corps League. We are always on the lookout for new members and
if anyone reading this knows of Marines living in the UK or in
Europe, please send me an email. Our Honorary Commandant is
Gen Krulack, 31st CMC.
Yours Aye & Semper Fi, Mac. scottishjarhead@fsmail.net
Dear Sgt Grit
Today's newsletter stories of Marines who received their draft
notices after they became Marines reminded me of what I did
recently on behalf of my son. My son had entered the DEP last
July, reported to Parris Island in late January and graduated
on April 16 (HOTEL Co.). Ever since he was a sophomore in
high school he'd been receiving glossy brochures from the Naval
Recruiting Office about once per quarter, including the time
he was at PI. Well, one lovely tri-fold flyer arrived after
his graduation and 10-day visit home, while he was at MCT.
In an attempt to do my part to save the trees, I decided to
do something. I wrote a note on the flyer saying, "Joseph
graduated MCRD Parris Island on April 16 and is now a US Marine.
Please remove him from your mailing list. Thank you, Proud
Marine Mom." And I signed my name, enclosed one of Joe's
graduation photos in dress blues, put it all into an envelope
and mailed it back to the Navy. I hope somewhere that some
Navy recruiter got a chuckle and maybe even posted my note
and Joe's photo on the bulletin board as a reminder that you
can't win 'em all. The Marines got another good man.
It was so worth the 37 cents!
God Bless the US Marines and all who serve!
Diane (Proud Daughter of a Navy Officer [deceased], Proud Sister
of a Marine Officer [deceased], Proud Stepdaughter of a Marine
Officer [Retired], and now . . . Proud Mother of a US Marine
[PVT, active duty, attending MOS school])
NOW THAT'S TRAINING
Sgt Grit,
Once again, this newsletter is the best one! I always want
to write that to you ! But then the subject is MARINES, so,
of course it's the BEST!
I am getting ready tonight to fly to visit my son in Pensacola.
I started to read Sgt Grit's newsletter when he was in Afghanistan,
thank GOD, and you, I had it!
I was just remembering when I went to San Diego to see my son
graduate from Boot Camp. I went a couple days early to take advantage
of everything they had for the families of the recruits, plus I
couldn't wait to see my son!
A most impressive sight for me was after the 5 mile run the day
before Graduation. The parents and friends waited, I don't remember
it being very long, before the recruits were back from their 5 mile run.
It was September in San Diego. I know they must have been hot & tired.
But when they stopped, when "halt" was called, there was not one
movement! It was like looking at a painting! I gasped, looking for
someone swaying, or heaving breathing, there was none! Except for
silent sweat, and a soft Southern California breeze, nothing moved!
I thought, now THAT IS TRAINING!
Even in the heat of the day, I got a chill of excitement.
The only thing better was the part of the Graduation when the
recruits were called Marines for the first time, and they all
answered at the same time!
Oh yes, something really special here!
Very Proud Mother of a Marine!
Barbara, Sacramento California
DO YOU REMEMBER
Sgt. Grit;
Cold beer never tastes better than when it is free (or stolen).
During a lull in the battles in Korea around June or July of
1951, the Fifth Marine Regiment moved into "Corps Reserve" at
a location on the East Coast near the now destroyed town of Inje.
This is on the banks of the Soyang River, a peaceful slow moving
stream unless it rains. Marines caught up on "Admin Time",
training and cleaning weapons, haircuts, etc. A few days R&R,
swimming in the river, and believe it or not once in a while a
movie. Marines know that the movie was a real thrill, laying
on the ground or sitting on your helmet, and nobody went
anywhere without their (or someone else's) T. O. Weapon.
One night, as we were heading to the movies, we spotted an old
well in the rubble of the town. Leading down inside the well
was a series of Communication wire, common in those days.
With some trepidation and fear of booby traps, I tugged on
the wires, and soon brought to the surface a spent artillery
casing filled with beer!!. Ice cold beer! Whoopee! Bonanza time!
We stole that beer, dropped the now empty casing back in the well,
and took off at a high port for the movie, just in case we had
been spotted.
Last week, as I was making some arrangements for a funeral service
to be conducted in California, I called one of the Marine Corps
League Detachments, and explained to their Commandant that one
of the members of the Pappy Boyington Detachment in Idaho had
passed, and asked if they could assist the widow with some League
representation. They willingly complied. When we started
chatting about our Marine experiences, we came to the subject
of Korea, the dates, and the locations. Can you imagine my
surprise when he asked me "Do you remember that old well in
Inje where we used to cool down our beer?"
Brad Robinson
WAS AT MY SIDE
MERCEDES, I AM A RETIRED MARINE AND A DISABLED VET. WHEN I WAS
IN VIETNAM IN 1968 I WAS WOUNDED TWICE AND THE CORPSMAN ATTACHED
TO MY UNIT WAS AT MY SIDE IN A HEARTBEAT. I HAVE ALSO SPEND MANY
MONTHS IN VARIOUS HOSPITAL AND I WAS ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF BY THE
NAVY NURSES. I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO ALL OF YOU.
GOD BLESS,
GYSGT W.A. BATTAGLIA
USMC RET'D
SO THE TAG WOULD SAY
I need to be respectful to my elders, but Cpl Bass needs to remember
that the focus is not on the individual, it is on my platoon,
Rifle Company, etc, so the tag would say the plural "U S Marines"
because we never represent ourselves first.
"Now this is the Law of the Jungle
as old and as true as the sky;
and the wolf that shall keep it may prosper,
but the wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk
the Law runneth forward and back-
for the strength of the pack is the wolf,
and the strength of the wolf is the pack."
Elizabeth
80-84
ASTOUNDED
Sgt. GRIT;
I am the proud grand-father of a Marine. He is presently a Senior D.I.
at MCRD San Diego,( A Gunny Sgt.)
I am proud that perhaps I had some influence on him. I served in
the Corps as a fighter pilot WW II , (1942-1946) and Korea,
(1950-1952). I was astounded at the degree of training the "Boots"
receive today. The Corps can be very proud of the progress they have made.
Former Captain Tom Houchns
Semper Fi
EASY OR ECKO
Hello Sgt Grit,
Thank you a million times over for your great and outstanding
newsletter! You are doing a great service to many people all
over the country, we enjoy reading the many heartfelt letters
you receive. Although I hate to ask this question, and please
understand that it is not intended to be in a negative fashion,
but I had a question concerning a letter that was sent from
Iraq, by Col. Kyser, the Commanding Officer from 2nd Battalion,
2nd Marines. My question is have they changed or reverted back
to the old "Easy" Company from "Echo" Company? Or was this a
typed letter to your website and possibly someone from old just
made a mistake? I ask this because in the letter it referred
to "Easy" Company twice as the Col was defining the missions
of each company within the battalion.
I thought the letter was outstanding, and very emotional to
read the Colonel's feeling as he described how he felt giving
the medals to his men. A very noble thing for him to say and
I admire him for allowing us to read what his feelings were.
I'm only curious as to know if the Marine Corps has made these
changes to the company as I knew it, "Echo" Company!
Thanks Sgt Grit and keep up the fine work!
Mike Angelo
GySgt USMC (ret)
STIRRED MY COURSE
Dear Sgt Grit:
After nearly 24 years I was honored to be able to make a
return visit to the MCRD in San Diego this past March while
in California on business. The emotions it stirred in me were
quite unexpected. I was accompanied by my sales Manager who
is not a Veteran but said that he too felt very special that
day for being able to share this experience with me. Long
dormant memories flooded back and it felt as though it were
only yesterday, and I could still hear the melodic cadence
calls of SSgt Lewis echoing across that hallowed ground. Of
all my life experiences I can think of no other that has so
profoundly stirred my course through life. From my days with
Platoon 2042 at the depot to my times with Bravo Company, 2nd
Tank Battalion, nothing in my life short of raising my son
has had more impact on who and what I am.
As I stood in the parking lot of the Depot museum a Chaplain
approached and All he said was "How long has it been?" I told
him almost 24 years, his answer was, "Welcome Home"
The enclosed picture is of me having the honor of standing
with this fine group of young drill instructors who are the
finest example of America's best. To have them call me Sir
was The greatest honor any ole Marine could ask for.
Semper Fi, Pfc Mark Yasaitis, 1980 to 1982
Sgt. Grit,
You may already have this one: http://www.usmc.mil/moh.nsf. My hero on
this list is Karl Taylor. I knew him only briefly. When I read his citation,
I said that this is what we are about. I can only imagine his selflessness
and dedication to his Marines. I sometimes tell SSgt. Taylors story when
people ask, " What's so special about being a Marine?"
Semper Fi!
Barron, T.B. (former) Capt. USMC
094528 - Old Corps - No SSN for us.
DIRTY MAGAZINES
Sgt G,
Marines in Trouble:
Soon after being transferred to a new duty station, my Marine
husband called home to tell me he would be late - again. He went
on to say that dirty magazines had been discovered in the platoon's
quarters and they had to discipline the whole squad. I launched
into a tirade, arguing that many men had pictures hanging in
their quarters at our previous post, so his new platoon
should not be penalized for something trivial.
My husband calmly listened to my gripes and then explained,
"Honey, dirty magazines:
the clips from their rifles had not been cleaned."
Semper Gumby (always flexible)
Frederick C. Montney III
MSgt, USMC Retired
PEOPLE OF THE WORLD
Dear Sgt. Grit,
My husband joined the Corps in the 50's and proudly served his
4 years. Last year, his son gave him a cap that states, "Once
a Marine, Always Marine". Whenever he wears it, inevitably
someone will throw him a "semper fi" if not actually getting
into a conversation with him. One young man even thanked him
for serving! It makes me proud to know he served our country
for the protection of our precious freedom! The people of the
world could take many lessons from our Marines and one in
particular - it is this unity, this fierce pride, this common
bond of the Marines that makes them so strong and so successful!
EXPLAINS EVERYTHING
i just wanted to comment on the
picture of the injured marine
posted on the iraq BS pages. first let me say that i hope that
god was with him and he made it through his struggle and quick
and painless and possible. second, i want to say something
about the person holding his hand. he could've been a friend
of years months or even days but just the fact that it was the
hand of a fellow marine explains everything. marines have a
bond that no one can possibly be able to explain unless that
person is a marine. i feel it and im overwhelmed with pride
when i see a flag in someone's yard or a sticker on their
vehicle. its a wonderful feeling.
semper fi
cody miller, ohio
SON'S BEST FRIEND
Everyone say their prayers for the family of the latest Marine
casualty. Lance Corporal Tim Creager. He was my son's best friend.
My son is also a Marine and was in Iraq from March 2003 to October
2003. Tim was a wonderful young man that we have known since 4th
grade. Eagle Scout, honor roll every year of school, 4 year
scholarship to the Citadel, black belt TaiKwondo and a
sweetheart who only wanted to be a Marine.
Prayers please
PFC DI'S
Sgt. Grit,
I have read and heard about DI'S in WW 2 who were PFC'S,
some being assigned immediately after recruit training. Do you
have any info as to when this practice stopped? I'm assuming
it only happened because of a manpower shortage as a result of
the war. It's just hard to believe an 18 year old PFC who had
not even been in the fleet yet could hold the position of DI.
No offense intended to anyone who was one of those DI'S.
Sgt. Matt Kirk
HQ Btry 1/12
86-91
TO PROTECT HER GLORIOUS
Sgt. Grit,
I wrote this version of the Marines Hymn a few months ago.
I know it will never be adopted, but I figured there are other
popular verses that have been written in times of war as well.
The verse about no better friend or foe is attributed to Major
General J.N. Mattis in his letter of March 2003 to the 1stMarDiv
when he said "Demonstrate the world there is No Better Friend,
No Worse Enemy than a U.S.
Marine.
For your readers:
At the start of the millennium
As Band of Brothers we attacked
In the sands of far off Afghanistan
And in cities of Iraq
For the honor of our country,
To protect her glorious scenes
No better friend or foe, they'll ever know The United States Marines
S. Dilcher
Sgt. USMC, 88-94
THE FLIGHT: a joke
A Baptist was seated next to a Marine on a flight to Memphis, Tenn.
After the plane was airborne, drink orders were taken. The Marine asked
for a scotch and soda, which was brought and placed before him.
The flight attendant then asked the minister if he would like a drink.
He replied in disgust, "I'd rather be savagely raped by brazen whores
than let liquor touch my lips." The Marine then handed his drink back
to the attendant and said, "Me too. I didn't know we had a choice."
Mike.
MARCH TO THE CASKET
Sgt Grit: You have a SUPER staff working for you. I have been
for the last two months trying to get your newsletter back on
my receiving list through my provider EV1. After a couple of
strong emails to every one connected to EV1 and with Ashley and
Ann Lally help I am now back on line with your newsletter, you
should give those two a Medal of Semper Fidelis, because they
were just that.
My second reason for being able to write you is to let you know
what the Marine Corps League here in Texas, is doing in response
to our Fallen Marines, from WWll to today's war. The Galveston
MCL Detachment #688 started a "Fallen Marine Program" to pay
honor to the Marine and especially his family. As Chaplain
of the McLemore Detachment #324. Houston, Texas, I have jumped
into this program with both feet. What the program is, during
a family viewing or wake of the Fallen Marine. a detail of
three to five MCL Marines march to the casket during a 37
second tune called Church Call. Then the Marine Hymn plays
at a slow march rate, the detail renders a slow military
salute and remain with the salute until the Marine Hymn is
finished. then Detail the turns to the family members and
presents a MCL Certificate to the family as a symbol of
appreciation for their Marines service to his Country and
to the United States Marine Corps, and a Marine pendant or
lapel pin is given to the family. If for some reason we can
not make it to the viewing, we send a card of condolence.
This program was adopted by the Dept of Texas Marine Corps
League in 2002 and it will be presented to the next National
Marine Corps League Conference. If any MCL Detachment or any
one would like a copy of the program they should go to the
MCL Galveston Detachment web site and click on Fallen Marine,
their web address is www.mclgalveston.com . It's good to be
back on your mailing list and I look forward to each one. I
also print out a copy to my best friend, who was the youngest
Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps along with two others
during WWll. Sergeant Major Barney T. Welch USMC 1940/1946.
He is now 85 yrs, not as lean or mean but still a MARINE.
Semper Fidelis Paul R. Renfro USMC 51/54
MIGHT BE THE LAST TIME
Something came to me while reading your news letter,I'd like
to share. I got my orders for Nam while on a missile shoot in
Vaquis (sp) PR in April of 69.Yeah ......I volunteered.
Went home on leave,did the usual.I&I with my buddies,one even
let me borrow his '60' Chevy Impala convertable,after I promised
him all my Stones,Doors,Bealtes albams,if I got blown away.
Now I come from a military family on my dads side that goes
back to the Civil War.My dad served in the Merchant Marines
from 43-47.And he had a 19 yr.old brother KIA on a PT boat in
44 in the Pacific. As is mentioned,come from a long line of
ancestors that volunteered in every conflict in this country
since coming over from France in the early 1840's.Maybe there's
something wrong with the Kiene's DNA that they keep volunteering!!!!
What I remember,and ALWAYS will remember is the night before I
left,was the whole family sitting around the kitchen table.I was
Mr. AJ squared away Mac Marine,until it hit me BAMM....This just
might be the last time I see my family.Then I lost it.I'll NEVER
forget how the ol man took me in his arms for probably the first
time in 15 years and said.'Just do your best in what the Marines
taught you,the rest leave in God's hands.'
Later on,remember the faulty DNA, I ended up in Somolia with the
42nd Field Hospital in 93.I was maybe two or three people in the
whole outfit that had ever been in a combat zone.And by June that
is what Somalia had become. Now,for some reason almost everyone
in the Army believes that if you were a Marine,and in Nam,you had
to have been a kill crazy grunt.My time in Nam consisted of
sitting up on top of 'Freedom Hill',hill 327 with 1ST MAW 1ST
LAAMS with not much to do,but watch the occasional firefights down
below,and a rocket now and then.And listen to some guy in my
hooch play Sgt Pepper's over and over and OVER again.,,,,,, So,
when a scared young trooper would come to me for advice.I'd tell
them the same thing dad had told me 24 years before.Trust in your
training and leave the rest up to GOD.
Sure do miss the 'ol man'.He started to really share his sea
stories as he got older. My one regret is that he didn't make
it to go aboard a liberty ship that was in Toledo Ohio in 2000.
I do believe,like for most of us,his service time was some of
the 'best years of our lives'.
Semper Fi Mac
Rich Kiene
HE ASKED ME IF
I was talking with a young Marine the other day who was describing to
me about some of the battles he was in during OIF.I was amazed about the
things he did as a Marine. As I near that big 30 before retirement, I know
the Corps is in good hands. I'm a old fart and this Marine is young enough
to be my son. He asked me if I served in OIF and I told him I was on the
Rock at the time, and did we want to join in the battle? H-ll yeah, but we
couldn't Pull all the Marines off Okinawa (due to the threat from North
Korea may be wanting to cross the 38 parallel again, only a FEW Proud
warriors left Okinawa, and that was all that was needed. I was talking
with this Marine and a former Marine who was a Desert Storm Vet
like myself and during the discussion we found we were attached to the
same unit but didn't know each other. As we discuss the different battles
I felt something from this young Marine and the former Marine, it was as we
connected as warriors the three of us. I really think we should talk with our warriors
and listen to their stories about being in battles. I try and talk to
the young guys as much as possible because sooner or later they
want be LCPL's any more but hard charging NCO's leading the way
and that makes me feel proud that our Corps has so many young battle
tested warriors to lead us in the future. I have always felt this way
give me a Battalion of Marines and I will take on the world. In closing
the young Marine earned a purple heart for wounds he received. Some days
I wish I was back in the grunts, but I know I can't run as fast as I use to,
I can't dive in fox holes head first with reckless abandon, but if I had a
LCPL beside me, I feel we could win any battle, any where, any clime,
any place.
Semper Fi
MGuns Miller
I TRY NOT TO DISTURB HIM
There's a time set aside, within our home
I call it, "The reverent hour".
When a Marine sits down to his email
And is flooded with memories, some sweet, some sour.
I try not to disturb him during this special time,
Though I've stood at the door and looked in.
I've heard him laugh, I've seen him cry
Recalling Viet Nam and the places he's been.
Sometimes he calls me to join him
And reads of what's going on
He tells me of the young men in Iraq
Who are going to battle where he's already gone.
He's a grandfather now and wears that shirt
That other men always acknowledge, when seen
You know, the one, it reads:
"Not as Lean, Not as Mean,
BUT STILL A MARINE!
So today, while he' reading, I hope he's surprised
When he reads in Sergeant Grit's letter,
A tribute to him from his very proud wife .
"I love you Staff Sergeant Ben Setter!"
YOU WON'T FIND ANYTHING IN
Received this among some other stuff from an old college
classmate and former Force Troops Recon Marine, Dr. Frank
Osanka: The Recon Marines (and maybe all Marines), have
their "OORAH" and the Army its "HOOAH"!
But what is the origin of these exclamations by troops
(can't call them words-- they are better described as sounds)?
When used they are unmistakenly expressions of verve, spirit,
morale, espirit, eliteness and sometimes derision! They are
responses, greetings, etc. You won't find anything in Navy
BuPers files. Marine Corps directives or Army regulations
prescribing that they be used. Yet, they permeate the ranks
and their origins ought to be recorded for they are as much
military lexicon as "SNAFU," "GI", "Kilroy was here", "P38",
etc. And, woe betide the commander who thinks he can put an
end to their use! They are exclusive property of those who
use them and rightfully so--for what it means to them
transcends anything a leader can do to give them unity and
a sense of belonging!
Whey did they start? Who started them? Why are they so popular
with the troops? I can't answer the question..."OORAH"is answered
below, courtesy of Gary "Buddha" Marte, (former Marine).
OK, HERE IT IS! THE DEFINITION AND HISTORY OF 'OORAH' Right
after Korea in 1953 the 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Company,
FMFPAC can be credited with the birth of "OORAH" in the Corps.
Specifically, where it came from was when Recon Marines were
aboard the Submarine USS PERCH, ASSP-313. The Perch was an
old WWII diesel boat retrofitted to carry UDT and Amphib Recon
Marines. If you remember the old war movies, whenever the boat
was to dive, you heard on the PA system, "DIVE,DIVE", and you
heard the horn sound "AARUGHA", like an old Model "A" horn.
Sometime in 1953 or 1954, 1st Amphib Recon Marines, while on
a conditioning run on land singing chants, someone imitated
the "Dive" horn sound "AARUGHA", and it naturally became a
Recon Warrior chant or mantra while on runs. It is sort of
like the martial arts yell and adds a positive inference to
the action. And this became part of Recon lexicon.
Former SgtMaj of the Marine Corps, John Massaro, was the
company gunny of 1st Force in the late 50s and when he
transferred to MCRDSD as an instructor at DI school he took
"AARUGHA" with him and passed it on to the DI students and
they , in turn, passed it on to recruits. Just as "Gung Ho"
became symbolic of the WWII Raiders, so did "AARUGHA"
become part of the new "running Marine Corps." Over time,
"AARUGHA" EVENTUALLY CHANGED TO "OORAH". The official Marine
Corps Training Reference Manual on the history of Marine
Recon is titled "AARUGHA", giving credence on the origination
of the 'POSITIVE RESPONSE' accenting anything that is meant
to be good and uniquely Marine Corps. It is part of
Marine Corps language, like "Pogey Bait", "SOS", etc.
Semper Fi,
Bob Rader sgt '53-'57
I HUMBLY REFUSE
Dear Sgt Grit,
Per an e-mail to the Sgt. Grit's newsletter of 6/25/04 relative
to the origin of the term OORAH, I submit the following.
I just talked to retired Sgt. Major of the Marine Corps, John
Massaro, on the telephone in order to congratulate him on creating
the OORAH and this was his response..
"I may be having one of my "senior moments" and I have heard
in the past that I was the one responsible for initiating this
cry but there was more than one Marine at that time that were
chanting this slogan and hence I humbly refuse to take full
credit for it." John was our platoon guide in Korea and one of
the most conscientious and religiously devout Marines I
ever had the pleasure of serving with.
Respectively submitted,
Sgt. George Maling, Korea '52
NOT OORAH
One of my Drill Instructors at P.I., a Recon Marine, made it
clear that he did "not want to hear any of that pu**y "oorah"
s**t" !!! The proper sound was "AARUGHA"!!
He even made us stand at attention and practice it, repeating
after him several times until our volume reach an acceptable level.
I would always cringe when I heard someone say "oorah"
after that, but felt it was useless to try to correct them.
Dave Stutesman
SGT/USMC 79-83
URAAAH
Just read your article on the origin of the word Ooorah. The
first time I heard the word was in Viet Nam and it was not
"Ooorah" as now pronounced, but "Uh" as in the sound a grunt
makes when he is walking with his pack and rifle heading into
the boonies. At that time it was a short one syllable gutteral
grunt to give encouragement to the ground pounders. I was a
Marine Corps artillery cannoneer with I/3/11 (67-68) and was
more than happy to cheer them on and even pull their butts
out of the fire occasionally.
Old Artyvet
IN ALL OF MY YEARS
Sgt. Grit:
Having spent a little time in the Corps; March 1949 to January 1970,
I was stationed at MCRDep, San Diego, when "The DI" was filmed.
I was personally acquainted with many of the Marines who appeared
in the movie with Jack Webb. My last duty station was at HQMC,
when I retired as a GySgt; in all of my years in the Corps, I
never heard the expression "OOOOOHRAH". I don't think that I
was so isolated, I wouldn't have noticed if I had heard it.
So, maybe it belongs to the New Corps...
James R. McMahon
Hendersonville, TN
GySgt of Marines
KINDA DOUBT IT
Yo, Grit...couple things....having been retired 20+ years,
have noticed that when the subject happens to come up with
new acquaintances, that Sailors will note 'when I was in the
Navy,' Soldiers will say something like.."When I was in the
Army..".....if that former serviceman says "Well, when I was
in the military"......bet your paycheck he was a blue-suiter!
ironic in it's own way.......
further to OhRah, etc, and Sgt Maj Massaro/Recon/Subs, etc...
...kinda doubt it.......(then) 1stSgt John Massaro was the 1stSgt
of HqCo, RTR, MCRD San Diego around 1964-1966. As one of the
DI's in Special Training Branch, as it was called at the time,
(Motivation, CC, PCP ,aka "Fat Farm", Hand-to- Hand, etc.
( I was a plank-holder in Motivation Plt)....) we all got in
many, many ,noon time runs with Capt Wunderlich (read about
2/5 and Hue sometime)......never once heard, or heard about
"OhRah' from the 1st Sgt, who, by the way, ran like a gazelle..good
story, but in my opinion, bogus.......doesn't matter, anyway,,,still
a good story...... On last visit to MCRD, noted that there is
a pine tree ,probably 36" in diameter, across the street from
the swimming pool....about where the DI house in the
Motivation barracks was back when.....tempus fugit!
DD
SHORT ROUNDS
I was in the Corps from '64-'68. I attended a reunion of my
Basic Officer Class in Quantico last July. What a trip. I
plan to attend the 40th reunion next year. I have two sons,
one is a Major who has 15 years in an a second an E-5 who left
this morning to travel to Iraq with his reserve unit. Hope
the craziness is over by the time he gets there.
Carl Burtner USMC 1968
Hey Grit,
I was in the VFW on memorial day ,when an old guy about 75 came
up to me and said."You know why the Navy invented the Marines..
...So the sailors would have somebody to dance with. ......
And I always thought it was so they could give us a ride to the fight....
Cpl M.F.Ryan
G 2/9 65-66
To all the Marines, new and old, have a great 4th of July and
stay safe. To the Marines in Iraq, keep your chin up and come
home safe and sound OH-Rah!
JM '61-'65
To the Marine Mom who was concerned about her son only having 5
months training at Camp Lejeune before being sent to Iraq.
As an active duty Marine 57-61 and now a Jr. Vice Commandant in
the Marine Corps League, I can suggest that you just keeping reading
the Sgt. Grit Newsletters. All Marines look after each other.
They will never leave a Brother Marine out there by himself.
Semper Fi .....Pete K.
In response to Major Brian P. Bresnahan's article - Thank You to
Vietnam Vets from a Marine in Iraq. Thank you Sir for your kind
words. You sound like an Officer that any Marine would be PROUD
to serve with. And we will welcome home all of our Brothers
when the job is completed.
SemperFi and Godspeed
Ed Gruener, Vietnam Vet 1967-68
Yo Sgt. Grunt,
I'm searching for the ditty that was used to coordinate the timing
of the rounds during the rendering of the 21 gun salute. Would
you ask the 08's out there if they can provide the information needed.
Section Chief
75 pack howitzer
1950' s C Btry. 155 Gun Bn.
Peace through superior fire power!!
Semper fi
Sgt Grit
utiA
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