Sgt Grit's Other Marine BS Page Volume 3

Marine Corps Officer Candidate

Story: I was a Marine Corps photographer stationed at Quantico, Va. assigned to photograph officer "candidates"' training at OCS. This candidate was experiencing the "Quigley Special".
Date: Photo taken by Cpl. L. Gene Furrow on 23 June 1978.

A USMC 100-Year Family Tradition

I am writing to thank you for the posters that you sent to my brother, Virgil Campbell. I am one of the proud recipients. I had seen that poster at the VA office also but didn't have the foresight to see where it came from. I do have your catalog now and will be ordering other items. The Marine Recruiter in Kenai, Alaska told me that he would hang one in the office over there if he had one so I asked Virg to pass one on to him too. Virgil gave 3 to other former Marines today. You have made a lot of people happy. Semper Fi and thanks again.

The first photo is me in 1960 and the second one is my son, Lcpl Forrest Elge, who is now stationed in Okinawa at Camp Foster. He is in the engineers.I hope I didn't send these before. I am so proud of him though. We have had Marines in our family continually for 100 years now. Thank you again and Semper Fi.

Clara Elge

A Marine Family

I have 5 albums with all Marine Corps pictures at www.webshot.com. The user name is grannyelge. The first one is of our 100 year Marine Corp family. Our grandfather SgtMajor John Evans, served in The Spanish-American War, Samoa Insurrection, Chinese Boxer Rebellion, Philippine Insurrection, Nicaragua Campaign, WWI and the Cuban Insurrection. That was quite a record. Our great uncle, Msgt. Greag E. Meriwether, enlisted in 1911. He was a bugler with field music and was only 15 years old. He knew many illustrious Marines personally including Chesty Puller. I am including a couple more pictures of these too men. The 1st pic. is my grandfather and the "Champion Wall Scaling Team" Mare Island, CA 1913. Photo #2 is Greag E. Meriwether in 1915 and the last one is Msgt Meriwether again as the oldest Marine. I think this one was taken in either 1951 or 54. If it was in Barstow then the Commanding General was named Cloud or McCloud. I am not sure.

Thank you again. Clara (Campbell) Elge

The Quietest, Strongest Marine Hero I knew

Read and enjoy all your News Digests about our outstanding Marines, their families and friends. I would just like to mention another great Marine, an unsung hero of mine and many others, TSgt Donald J. Lupo, formerly of Detroit, MI. Perhaps other subscribers to your News Digest knew him as well, whether from World War II or Korea, and I'd like to hear from them. Especially if they are aware of any surviving members of Lupo's family (I don't think he was married), as I have several pictures of Lupo I'd love to share with them. I first met Don in May 1952 when, also a TSgt, I joined him as one of the three ATA Section Leaders in Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines in Korea. (The third section leader was TSgt Glenn Corbett, and our Platoon Leader was Lt. Hammond).

Don was a WWII veteran with maybe as many as four Purple Hearts from the Pacific campaigns. Though not a particularly big man, he was rugged and powerful, and one of the strongest men I'd ever met. I actually saw him pick up the front end of a 6-ton truck, and of the several pictures I took of him, I have one of him carrying me and another Marine (Cpl. Dick Feldman) on his back. Don always wore a big smile, and not only went to Catholic Mass every time it was available, but would practically grab me by my "stacking swivel" to go with him, ready or not. I saw him angry once, when someone I will not mention by name got into a dispute with him involving Don's ATA Section. Everyone, except this guy, knew that Don defended his men unequivocally and forcefully, and with little or no effort, Don picked this guy up and tossed him the length of our tent! No more arguments, ever!

While we were on the MLR, both Don and our platoon leader suffered very minor wounds while on a patrol. Don was so embarrassed with his (I recall it involved his thumb), that he did not want to accept a Purple Heart for it. But he was in formation a few days later when an assortment of awards were presented, and both he and the Lt. had Purple Hearts pinned on them. We kidded Don for a long time about his "wound," but more often than not he was usually the one that sheepishly brought it up, agreeing with our good-natured harassment.

Don was great at training new replacements and even seasoned veterans in Weapons Company, whether it was in mine clearance, heavy machine guns, mortars or 3.5" rocket launchers. I personally learned a great deal from him, especially his leadership abilities. Except for that one, very rare "dispute" I mentioned above, Don was overwhelmingly friendly and a highly respected individual, especially by those who knew him on a daily basis, including his ATA Section and the men in the Battalion's three line companies that our ATA sections supported. He was a cool, calm and collected Marine who many of us said had no fear, at least none that we ever saw or sensed.

I knew Don for most of 1952, while with W-1-5 and later H&S-1-5. I lost touch with him when I was reassigned to 1stMarDiv Hq. and then E-2-5 in March '53 when OP Vegas was taking heavy casualties and the call went out for volunteers. Don remained with W-1-5 and I heard several versions of what happened to him. But after all these years, I met two former W-1-5 vets on the internet who served with Don after I did, and finally learned exactly what happened to him. Former Marine Karl Gross, also wounded while with W-1-5, remembers Don and has great respect for him. Ralph Fly, was the Navy Corpsman in Lupo's platoon and was with him when he was hit. Fly was in Korea Nov.'52 to Nov.'53, and was with W-1-5 on the MLR, then went to Battalion Aid and finally to Easy Med. Fly told me he "was with Gunny Lupo when he took an almost direct hit from a 60. He seldom wore a flack jacket while on the MLR and he took multiple serious wounds. As much as I wanted to and hard as I tried, I could not save him. He died a few days later after being evacuated. He was my hero and I thought he was the greatest of all Marines. I considered him my best friend. The legend was that he had already received 8 purple hearts. Gunny taught me, a Navy Corpsman, a lot about weapons and how to read military maps. Gunny really loved being a marine and he was a good teacher. Gunny was a man that had absolute confidence in himself. If he was ever fearful, he never showed it" Ralph Fly was thrilled with the picture I sent him of Don Lupo, saying he would treasure it forever.

I guess it goes without saying that not every Marine has to win one of the big medals to be a hero. In fact, almost every one who earned the Medal of Honor or Navy Cross gave magnificent credit to Marines like Don Lupo, who were heroes in so many other ways to so many of us. I am attaching a photo of Don and I taken in mid 1992 (Don is on the left). Semper Fidelis, Marines. and God Bless Don Lupo, Marine hero!

Gerald F. Merna
1stLt USMC (Ret.)
Potomac Falls, VA
Korea (52-53)
Vietnam (66-67)

Washing The Wall

I went in to DC this AM to visit a few old friends at the Wall and found a group from the Silver Springs MD Vietnam Veterans of America washing the Wall. It turns out that different local Chapters from Virginia and Maryland take turns with the duty each Saturday morning starting at 6:30AM. I plan on returning soon to participate. Attached are a few pictures I took today with the digital camera.

Semper Fi
Harry

MCL Displays in Scranton

Here are a few snap shots of different displays at the MCL in Scranton PA.

1st pic.....chosin reservoir,
Korea 2nd pic.....chosin reservoir, Korea

3rd. pic.......Henderson field, on the canal
4th pic.......Tawara

5th pic......Tun Tavern
6th pic......tank???
7th pic......sword??

Dom Denunzio

Honoring Women From WWII

pic #1.....Denunzio from the MCL in Scranton took some WM to DC.

Pic #2......honoring women from world war 2, Korea, Viet Nam. gulf war and in peace time.

The women are from District 15, Department of American Legion. their names are as follow:..

Women Marines from PA. chapter 3 , from left :.....Anee Kish, Shirley McAndrew, Virgina Swartz, Joyce Severs, Anastasia Techky, Doris Keeler and Margaret Thomas

Anybody Remember Private O.Possum?

Attached is a photo of Pvt. O. Possum, a member of platoon 328, MCRD Parris Island, which finished boot camp in July 1962. Could you post it, I'd like to know if anyone else remembers him.

Bill Chambers
Former Drill Instructor

Old Corps and Future Corps

A picture of Grandpa & Grandson. After reading your newsletter story about the proud Grandfather who would play the Marines Hymn on the car horn (that he procured from your website) when he would pick-up his grandson at school, I had to get the horn. I may have gone a little overboard but he loved it so much (he's five and knows all the words) he recently dressed in the "Blues", that I wore at my Father (SgtMaj) & Step-Mother's (LtCol) wedding, in a local parade and proudly played our Hymn to the delight of the crowd. The Horn is now back on my car, although it took some effort to get it off the Bike. Your Newsletter, the story and Horn made for one very memorable event. There is over 120 years of USMC Service in my immediate family. I Thank You and just wanted to let you know, that what you do "Still Makes A Difference".

Tinker

Parris Island 1943

I, with a small group of WWII Marines visited Parris Island, October 25, 1999. I asked around, where was the 5th Bn. located? No such thing now-never was according to present day Marines. No one even heard of the P/B huts (Post Barracks). The rough wood one story sheds that were our barracks. They had no idea what an old dog tag looked like. I said that I was discharged November 1945 in Second Pay Grade- "Oh PFC?" - No, Tech Sgt. I did notice there is an Engebi Street. I was involved in the landing on Engebi Feb. '44. I don't know if any records exist of my Parris Island. It seem that over the years many old records were destroyed. I was in Plt 191, 5th Bn. March/April 1943. We drilled on sand. We were out in east no place. The head was a big wooden place. The "toilets" were long troughs covered with boards which had seats cut out, maybe 20-25 side by side. Running water passed under you carrying away deposits. You watched very carefully at the end where the water came from. A group collected there? WATCH OUT! A large mess of flaming toilet would be passing under your rear end. It is not the Parris Island I remember.

Earl J Paul T/Sgt USMC WWII

Lest We Forget

Hanoi Jane in North Vietnam

Memorial in Humboldt, Nebraska

Dedicated November 11, 1999

MGySgt Warren Gebhard, USMC, Ret. Falls City, NE

BB-58 WWII, called back for Korea in 1950, Vietnam 68-69

Sundays Off

Here is a picture of me and the guys in the P.I that was in 89 of Sept. we were having a good time. Also, to add to the memories - I'm just remembering our Sundays off at camp swab - our barracks overlooked the softball field and walking distance from the geedunk - those Sundays off were spent playing spades outside, drinking, watching softball games and 'dropping lil' mo's' on everyone.

Gil Trevino
Cpl 1/7 88-92

Flags I Fly

MY Grandson, Jake Cross, is in preschool. He brought this picture to me a few days ago. He told me it was a picture of the flags I fly in my front yard. I fly Old Glory and the Marine Corps flag. When he is at my home He helps me show the colors and then we must sing God Bless America. He doesn't know all the words but he really belts it out. Some Patriots come in small size.

Walt McGee Old Marine
Kaufman, TX

A Vietnam Marine Grunt

A Vietnam Marine Grunt with his granddaughter Jessica . Former Ret Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen Kelly , Marine Corps League Commandant Joe Cote and Current Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen Jones. The picture was taken last August at the Raiders interment of the 13 Marines from Makin Island from WW2.

Semper Fi
LCpl Joe Cote 3rd Bn 26th Marines
5th Marine Div 0331
Machine Gunner Viet Nam 1966-1967 Grunt

Marine Mom

I am a fairly new and very proud Marine Mom from IL; son Pvt. Joseph E. Herscher is stationed at Camp Pendleton. I enjoy your newsletter & have ordered from your company.

Please find enclosed pic of Joe's niece/goddaughter Chloe Isabella Herscher, 18 mos. in a 'mini-marine' uniform - what's not to love? (P.S. Joe will receive this pic in his next box of goodies from home.)

Semper Fi, Julie Herscher

Help Me Search For My Father

I would like to introduce myself, my name is Bob Fortelny. The reason I am writing you is in hopes that you can help me in my search for my father. I believe that he may have been a Marine Raider.

Here is the hard part, I do not have a name for this Marine only some pictures that my mother left me when she passed away. I have no other information on him. I know this is a long shot but its worth a try. I would be very grateful for any information you can provide. Thank You

Bob Fortelny
3413 Timber Lake #41
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 557-3769 email: Fortelny1@aol.com

Published in Leatherneck Magazine September 1950

"It didn't take a double wedding for two Marine PFCs to get married. Cutting their wedding cake are Pfc and Mrs. William R. Wilder, Jr. The bride, formerly Nancy Olsen of Chicago, is also a Pfc. The bride and groom are both stationed at HQMC." The picture was taken June 25, 1950. The day the Korean War started.

Published in Leatherneck Magazine September 1950.
Submitted by SSgt William R. Wilder

Finding Buddies

I would like to hear from former marines that went through boot camp with me Platoon 527 at MCRD 1952. Any help would be appreciated. I am one seated 1st row far right. Sgt. Perkins knew nothing but duck walking with sea bag on shoulders. And I remember camp Matthew's well, and pulling butts. Thanks

Cpl. Loren Turner 1357757
55 Cherry St.
Newark, OH. 43055-6079

50 Meter Swim Failure

CWS-2, 50 meter swim failure, I'm pulling the Rec to the side MCIWS at MCRD, San Diego, CA 18 July 2001

GySgt Robert G Porter
Supt Bn, RTR, MCRD, San Diego, CA

Weddings - Balls

Cpl. Raymond T. Weems Dancing with Queen of Marine Corps Ball, Movie Star Rosanna Schiaffino. American Embassy Rome Italy 1963.

Marine Detachment American Embassy Rome Italy 1961. Cpl. Raymond T Weems. (upper far left standing)

A toast to the Marine Corps with the Ambassador and Marines at Marine Corps Ball American Embassy Rome Italy 1962.

Marines cross swords as Marine takes a bride, Rome Italy 1962

Reasoner Reader

This was an article published in our MCL, 1stLt. Frank Reasoner Detachment 919 newsletter in 1998. I am the editor of that newsletter, titled the Reasoner Reader. From time to time I include "secret" tid-bits in an article called 'THE SPOOK", about various members of our detachment. This one was about myself and absolutely true. I couldn't make up something like this.

Case Folder: The $100 fried Chicken
Date: November 13, 1998
Time: On or about 1730 hours
Location: City of San Ramon, in the state of California
Incident Report: (Overheard through our hi-capacity audio/telescope)

Mr. Eveler was engaged in a telecon with a female member of our MCL detachment when the conversation turned to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Eveler inquired of the lady as to her intentions of attending such an event. She responded that "I have an invitation for tonight, at the Marriott in San Ramon but can't attend." Eveler replied, "You're mixed up lady, the ball in San Ramon is tomorrow night at the San Ramon Marriott. I should know, I sent them my check for $100 two weeks ago. You better check your invitation again." A slight pause while the lady was retrieving her invitation, then, "No, I'm correct, it says right here on the invitation -- Marriott hotel at 7:00 P.M., Nov. 13th." After a few more words the telephone conversation was ended. We then heard the sound of a shower running, an electric razor humming and closet doors slamming all over the residence. By this time I had dispatched an agent to observe how a Marine adapts in the face of adversity. What he and the listener reported is not pretty. Mr. Eveler showed up at the front window half dressed in dress-blue trousers and white shirt after calling the hotel 3 times to confirm there was a ball that night; and always assured that there was. It looked as though he was waiting for someone; as indeed he was. His wife had left some time earlier to pay some bills and bring home some fried chicken.

After endlessly pacing the floor and returning to the window numerous times, along with unintelligible curses and unprintable oaths, until about 1845; after which he tore off his half-donned uniform, removed the medals and emblems from his coat: and was in the process of returning them to their display box when his wife returned. "Its about time. What the hell took you so long?" said the, by now, very subdued Eveler, followed by, "We apparently made a mistake. The ball is tonight at 7:00 P.M. How fast can you get ready? If you pull a 'Cinderella' maybe we could make it in time for the ceremony." Cried she, "What! You expect me to get a dress prepared and my hair done and be at the hotel in a half hour?" Knowing he was about to lose that particular skirmish he wisely stated, "Aw the hell with it, so we missed one. It wouldn't be the first. Let sit down and eat our $100.00 chicken."

As Eveler sat there and stared at his plate, his appetite gone AWOL, he reasoned that the chances of having two MC balls in San Ramon were slim to none. But, being the ever vigilant Marine he once again called the aforementioned woman and asked her to check the invitation again. After receiving the same response he asked her to read the return address on the envelope. "I threw the envelope away" said the lady. "DAMN !!!", said Eveler. After reconsidering his tactical position he jumped on his trusty steed and rode to the Marriott that was only 5 minute's distance. In the parking lot he asked a pair of gussied up Marines what unit was conducting the ball that night. "The reserves from Concord sir.", said the ever polite Leathernecks. Our hero fairly flew home to relay this bit of information to his wife. You see, we found out that his arrangements were made with the Marines from Alameda who were actually holding their ball the following evening.

After analyzing this case, my staff and I came to the conclusion that both he and his wife are brilliant strategists, and tacticians. Had his wife not refused to pull herself together in 30 minutes they would have arrived at a ball where there was no room for them and they were not exactly welcome. On the other hand, had Eveler not traveled to the Marriott they would have assumed they missed the ball, only to find out the following week that they really screwed up big time.

Our office's conclusion is that this Eveler guy is a Marine, who when handed a sack of crap, knows enough to fertilize the garden. Here's looking at you and be sure to always cover your six.

The Spook. Semper Fi,
Bernie Eveler,
1stLt. USMC (ret)

ONE HELLUVA PIC

IT TOOK ME A SHITLOAD OF TIME TO FIND IT ABOUT 6 MO. AGO . IT 'S MY GRANDPAS OUTFIT IN BANANA WARTIME , FEEL FREE TO CIRCULATE AND COPY IT .

"THE FREEDOM FLAG EQUESTRIAN DRILL TEAM"

This drill is a 13 minute presentation depicting the history of all 11 of our Nation's Flags to Freedom. The drill is done to "Proud To Be An American" and ending with the National Anthem. We have narrations of each flag starting with American Revolution, Remember the Alamo, Civil War and our State. The peace keepers of our Nation the 4 Armed Forces including P.O.W. MIA flag, ending with Old Glory. For More Information Contact:

Sandi Cusak: (405) 799-4962
Kimberly Green: (405) 360-1594

Grandmother, Mrs. Anna Edwards

Attached is a picture of my Grandmother, Mrs. Anna Edwards. Sometime around 1935-36 she began working as a seamstress at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA. She and a handful of other women just made American Flags and continued to do so throughout WWII. All of their flags went to the Pacific Theater, including the one/two flown over Suribachi. The other photo was taken in Nam in late 1966. I'm the one with the M-14 on the left.

Mike 3/3

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