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Hey Grit
I got out in '62 as an E-5 0331 and went back to school and
finally ended up as Pathologist. During my interview for medical
School one of the board members said "I see here that you were
in the Marine Corps for four years and were a Sergeant in the
Infantry. Did you enjoy it?" "No, Sir I did not." They all sort
of chuckled and he asked "would you do it again?" "yes Sir, I
most certainly would!" That is part of a personal identity you
attain and never lose. I guess they liked my answer.
William Hosack, M.D.
Sgt.(E-5)USMC
58-62
On His Rear
Sgt. Grit,
When I left home for my Junior PLC course out at Camp Upshur,
MCB Quantico, in July, 1963, I was six feet tall and weighed
about 160 pounds. When I returned home in August after six-
weeks, I weighed 180 pounds of solid muscle, and that was the
only time in my life that I had what is now referred to as a
"six-pack" for abdominal muscles. Incidentally, I'm back down to
about 165 these days. During the Senior course in '65, I was
able to do more, physically, but my muscle tone has never been
as good as after that first summer. Maybe it was because we did
everything, including the morning PT's "daily dozen", in boots
and utilities, rather than in tennis shoes and shorts.
The only experience I remember with pugil sticks was as a Junior
PLC. Needless to say, I was no "Charles Atlas" (does this
comment make me "Old Corps"?), and I was paired off against
another candidate who was probably a first-string lineman for
some major university. Picture a tall "PeeWee Herman" VS
"Godzilla". At least, that's the way I felt at the time.
Back then, after we were handed our sticks, we stood back-to-
back until the whistle blew. It was to be "best of three"
rounds. At the first whistle, I pivoted to the right and
proceeded to look like one of those wobble-head dolls in the
back window of somebody's car, from the repeated blows to chin,
then top of head, chin, top of head...until I hit the deck.
Which seemed like weeks, but was only seconds. On my feet again
and waiting for the next whistle, I thought, "We're trained to
pivot to the right in "right face" and "to the rear march," and
in formation we always face right before marching to any
destination. He'll expect me to come from that direction." The
whistle blew, and I pivoted to the left, swung the stick...and
"Godzilla" hit the deck. (Sorry, but after forty-four years, I
don't remember his real name, and I mean no disrespect. He was
actually a very decent young man.) Everyone in attendance was
surprised:
the sergeant with the whistle, my platoon mates watching,
"Godzilla", and most of all...me. As he got to his feet, his
surprised expression changed to determination, and I knew I was
dead meat. Since we only have two sides to pivot from, I had no
other surprises for him, and the match ended as everyone had
expected. But I walked away with the satisfaction of knowing
that I'd knocked him on his rear end one out of three.
Semper Fi!
Tom Downey
Once a captain, USMCR; always a Marine
1963-76
Vietnam: Dec66-Dec67 (6 months as art'y FO for L-3/7)
Reserves: Aug69-Oct75 (Corpus Christi, TX unit--XO of "C", then
CO of "D", 4th Recon Bn; combined and re-designated as C-1/23
in 1972
37 Years After
Hi!
I don't feel the "need" to show off any of my tattoos, but here
are two different shots of one I had put on last year: 37 years
after I got back from Vietnam. Until I got that one, I hadn't
gotten a tattoo, for almost 45 years!
Dave Quinn
Former U.S. Marine (Vietnam, 1970)
Iwo Jima Sand
Sgt. Grit:
Just received my packet of sand from Iwo Jima. I
will be forever grateful for the opportunity to possess this
piece of something so sacred to the Corps.. I shall guard it,
and treasure it until I am assigned to stand my watch at the
Gates of Heaven.
I wanted you to know that when I opened the
envelope, I had tears in my eyes as I thought of all the brave
Marines that gave their lives for this small sample of sand. God
Bless you and all my Brother Marines, past & present.
SEMPER FI:
R.W. Hanks Sr.
D/1/1 68-69
Note for Iwo Jima Sand Recipients:
We at Sgt Grit would like to extend a HUGE thank you to:
Greg Seago USMC
2nd Tanks Bn Tow Co.
1975-1981 and 1987-1990.
He gathered the Iwo Jima Sand that we were able to distribute
at Purple Beach, near the airfield, on March 11, 2007.
If you did receive some sand and would like a "Certificate of
Authenticity" that you can print out, please email
alally@grunt.com
Team Semper Fi
Hi,
My name's Brent Hopkins and I'm a reporter with the LA Daily
News. We just published a story about some pretty interesting
Marine vets that I thought the Sgt. Grit users might find
interesting. If you'd like, here's a link:
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_6474790.
We also did a video:
http://lang.dailynews.com/socal/dnvideos/semperfi.mov
and blog post:
http://www.insidesocal.com/crime/2007/07/marines_in_the_line_of_fire.html
Thanks for your consideration.
-Brent
Boondockers
MCRD SD from 1/28/60 to 4/20/60 Platoon 213. We were issued our
gear in driblets. First issue was maybe 3 sets of utes, 2 red
sweat shirts, covers, gym shoes and 1 pair of boondockers rough
side out. We smoothed the rough with a bottle or spoon and it
was polished black.
Our final issue included the complete seabag right after 3 weeks
at Matthews rifle range when we got our high top boots also
black. I used to roll my socks over the top of the boots so that
when bloused the boot polish didn't mark the ute trousers. Was
that SOP?
Cpl Smialek of Marines 60-64
Full Metal Jacket
Many individuals, military as well as civilians, have no idea as
to what a Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) is. Bill O'Reilly, of Fox
News' The O'Reilly Factor, misused this term in one of his
books. No, it is not a full length jacket made of some sort of
metal. The title to Stanley Kubrick's extraordinary movie about
Marine bootcamp and the battle of Hue City, RVN, had nothing to
do with metal jackets. An FMJ refers to the "jacket" of a
bullet, round or projectile, usually an armor piercing. I
became very familiar with FMJ's when I was issued the 7.62mm
M-14 in 1966 at PI and again in the land of the big puddle. A
great weapon, especially at long range. So now we all know what
a Full Metal Jacket is. Right?
Joseph Alvino
Sgt of Marines - 66-72
Iwo Sand and Basilone
Sgt Grit,
I received an envelope today that contained a letter and a bag
of sand. The sand is a sample of the most sacred ground in
Marine Corps history, the sand of Iwo Jima. A few weeks ago I
hurriedly answered some questions in your survey, then waited to
see if I would be one of the first 400 to answer correctly. As I
now hold this sample of the sharp course black sand in my hand,
I cannot help but feel humbled in awe of the price that was
paid. Thank You Sgt Grit, I will display this honorably. You may
be reading this now and thinking, this just sounds all too
cliché. But there are 399 other people out there that know what
I am talking about. Marine Corps history abounds with the names
of places such as Tun Tavern, Tripoli, Belleau Wood,
Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Hue, Beirut,
and Fallujah. Due to the stark moonscape of black sand, the
imposing Mt Suribachi, the gritty inch by inch battle, and an
unforgettable photograph, Iwo Jima holds a place in Marine Corps
history like none other. That flag was raised and flew over this
sand I am now holding.
One of the questions of this survey that may have stumped some
of the Sgt Grit readers was "What Marine Medal of Honor
recipient was killed on Iwo Jima?" Now, twenty-seven Medal of
Honor citations were awarded to men that fought on Iwo Jima. But
one Marine shipped out to fight on Iwo, ALREADY having received
the Medal of Honor. So in my gratitude to having been given a
sample of this sacred ground, I would like to present the answer
of that question. Gunnery Sgt John Basilone, recipient of The
Medal of Honor, fought, bled, and died taking this sand from the
Japanese.
John Basilone was born in Buffalo, raised in Raritan, N.J., and
was a former light-heavyweight boxer. He enlisted in the Army
when he was 18 and served in the Philippines, where he picked up
the nickname "Manila John." He was honorably discharged in 1937,
but, anticipating World War II, he enlisted in the Marines in
July 1940.
On October 24-25, 1942, Sergeant Basilone was in charge of two
sections of heavy .30-caliber machine-gun platoon attached to
Co. C, 7th Marines, 1stMarDiv. They where defending position on
the Tenaru River at Lunga Ridge, a narrow pass to Henderson
Airfield on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
A wave of Japanese soldiers knocked out the machine guns on his
left. Basilone lifted a machine gun and its tripod - 90 pounds
of weaponry - raced 200 yards to the silenced gun pit and
started firing. Japanese bodies began stacking up in front of
the emplacement. Enemy soldiers attacked his rear. He cut them
down with his pistol. Short of shells, he dashed 200 yards amid
a stream of bullets to an ammunition dump and returned with an
armload of ammo. Flares lit up more swarms of grenade-tossing
attackers. Basilone fired till heat blistered his hands and kept
shooting. He also repaired machine guns during this attack,
while holding together his men, some fighting off malaria as
well. Bodies piled so high in front of the pit, his weapons had
to be reset so the barrels could fire over the piles of corpses.
At dawn, 38 enemy bodies lay stacked outside of the pit.
Basilone was everywhere at once, clearing jams, calming nervous
gunners, replacing parts, and repositioning guns. John Basilone
inspired all who saw him that night: and for this he was awarded
the citation for the Medal of Honor. John Basilone went to the
hospital to visit his men before he was able to even clean up
from the battle. He was barefoot, black-faced from combat, and
still had his .45 stuffed into the front of his belted trousers.
When he later received the nation's highest decoration, John
Basilone replied modestly, "Only part of this medal belongs to
me. Pieces of it belong to the boys who are still on
Guadalcanal. It was rough as h&ll down there."
Basilone was a hero. He toured the country and met Hollywood
starlets. His picture made the cover of Life magazine. The
government offered to make him an officer and let him spend the
rest of the war stateside training troops and selling was bonds.
His response: "I ain't no officer, and I ain't no museum piece.
I belong back with my outfit." He said farewell to his new wife,
Lena Riggi ,also a Marine, and joined the 1st Battalion, 27th
Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. Ending up at Iwo Jima.
Under heavy artillery fire on February 19, 1945, the invasion
ninety minutes old, he single-handedly took out an enemy
blockhouse. "C'mon, you guys! Let's get these guns off the
beach!" he yelled at the gunners just behind. Minutes later, an
artillery round impacted in the middle of his platoon, mortally
wounding him and killing four of his men. He succumbed to his
injuries an hour-and-a-half later.
Sergeant Basilone was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and
Purple Heart, making him the only enlisted Marine in World War
II to receive all three medals. This is the story of just ONE of
the 26,000 Americans that were killed or wounded on that island.
All of a sudden this black sand that I, and 399 others, have the
honor to hold means so much more, doesn't it?
G. Cagle, Sgt USMC 79-83
My New Hat Pin
Dear Sgt Grit
About 2 weeks ago I finally had the chance to go to your store.
As I entered I was shocked at all of the Marine Stuff, I was
there for a couple of things I saw in the Catalog. An Embassy
Guard hat pin and a couple of Shirts, Well that same night Me
and my wife went out to eat at one of the local Casinos just
South of OKC in Norman, As we got our Dinner and picked our
table an Older Gentleman was sitting next to us and said I
really like your cover, (USMC) . turned to the man said thanks
were you a Marine also, The Man replied 31 yrs in the Corps, I
proudly shook his hand and thanked him for Serving our Country,
He told me every unit he was in Dates in all , And then told
me He was a Embassy Guard for 8 yrs, I told him I was also a
Embassy Guard from 1982- 1986 and showed him my new Hat Pin I
just got that Day, Looking at My wife I proudly took off my
cover Removing the embassy Guard Pin and Handing to my wife told
her to pin it on the Mans Security Jacket lapel
I thought that Man Was Going to Cry, it sure did make my day,
Just seeing that Marine of 31 yrs Chest out and telling me Thank
you and was going to go show all his buddies.
Don Sabourin
SGT USMC 81-86 PI Platoon 2044 June of 81
Embassy Duty 82-85 Leningrad, USSR and Ottawa, Canada
It Touched My Heart
Sarge
I am 100% Disabled Korean war Vet and would like to tell a
little story of a Marines Heart.
After much combat in Korea, The truce comes and we stagger back
off the hills, muddy and bloody. The Red Cross has some little
wagons set up with donuts and coffee ( Which they made us pay
for)
Anyway this was along time ago and needless to say we were not
too fond of Orientals then, in fact very bitter toward them.
After we got some tents set up in the rear and settled down a
little. I was slightly limping with my right leg ( Shrapnel )
Any way as you know you have to stay in shape in the Corps, so
we go on a hike down the muddy roads. There on the side of the
road I saw a little Orphanage and little Korean children ragged
and hungry eyes staring at us. It touched my heart. And I
thought these little fellas aren't to blame.
After we got back to our tents I wrote to my Home town news
paper. I am originally from Fort Worth, Texas and live in Mesa
Az now. It was the Fort Worth Star Telegram and told them of
this and what I saw.
I hardly ever got any mail from home so I never went to mail
call, but one day one of my buddies came yelling at me to come
down, that I had mail, so I strolled down and boy was I
surprised. There was seven truck loads of cloths, toys and you
name it for these little children.
Our Captain get hold of the head of the orphanage and they all
wanted me to come down when they delivered these things, so I
went. And these little children hugged and hugged me and put on
a little program in my honor with their little costumes and all.
It made heart glad. Marines are ROUGH AND TOUGH, BUT THEY STILL
HAVE HEARTS. As they say a Marine can be your best friend or
your worst enemy. I thought you might enjoy this story. And God
Bless our Troops....
Billy N Barnett S/Sgt. USMC 1947- 1959
Weapons Co. 3rd Bn. 1st Marines, 1st Division.
P.S. My Mother had the article in the paper and it was almost
half of the front page. Sadly it was lost at her death. I was
only a Corporal in Korea.
Semper fi God Bless and thank you
Battle Jacket
I served in the Corps from Jun 1957 to Dec 1959. Went through
Parris Island, Plt 166. I was issued a Battle Jacket, Not a Ike
jacket.
I never heard anyone call the short jacket a Ike jacket. The Ike
jacket was for army troops. Marines wore battle jackets.
God Bless our Marines everywhere.
Patrick Arata
Cpl of Marines
1957-1959
What A Man
Sgt. Grit,
A while back you asked for suggestions for a catalog cover. I
submitted Chuck Lindberg, (First Flag Raising Mt. Suribachi) and
you added him to the cover. I'm sure you know that he went to be
with the Lord and Chesty Puller, three weeks ago.
His funeral at Fort Snelling was beyond awesome.
I had the pleasure of meeting Chuck at his home a couple of
times. He was quite a guy to talk with. One of the things that I
always tell people about him, was his humble generosity. While
talking with him he said "you guys in Vietnam sure had it
rough". I remember looking at him to see if he was giving me
some....he wasn't. So being a Marine I asked him if he'd
recently hit his head. Stating "Chuck you made 3 island landings
one being on Iwo Jima and you happened to climb Mt Suribachi".
He just smiled and nodded his head. What a man. The two fly-
overs that they had and all of the Marines past and present was
a sight to see. One old timer there said the first time he met
Chuck was when he (Chuck) helped to get him on a stretcher after
being hit.
Thanks for your time..Ted.
Pvt Hercules
After reading several of the "Old Corps" Marines' reflections,
many of my own came rushing back. Having joined the Corps on my
17th birthday, they were very timely in getting me a reservation
at MCRD San Diego. Arriving on 14 March 1964 at 1900 hrs, the
"fire-eating dragons" descended on us like a pack of starved
wolves. (Little did I know that ten years later I would be one
of those starving wolves) I think the one thing that will always
stick in my mind is the "night of terror" in Receiving Barracks.
Of course it started with the infamous yellow footprints.
However, there was some levity thrown in here and there. In
those days, everything we were issued was shoved into a fart-
sack. The d*mn thing must have weighed 75 lbs! The recruit
standing in front of me was rather short. I only remember his
last name being Greene. The DI boomed at us to pick up the fart-
sack and put it in front of us. While the rest of us were
grunting and struggling to comply, Greene picks his up and holds
it straight out in front of him. Of course the DI homed in on
this like a H&llfire missile bellowing "Who the h&ll are
you....Pvt Hercules?" From that moment on and for the next 14
weeks that was the only name I heard used for Pvt Greene. (Poor
guy wound up being the "House Mouse" as well) As for the gear, I
remember it well. Rough-out combat boots, wool greens, Trops,
khakis and satin utilities (buttoned all the way up and un-
bloused for the first ten weeks). Dress shoes were brown, soon
to be dyed black as was the visor on the barracks cover. Buttons
on the greens were brown and later m-nued black. Eagle. Globe
and Anchor was brown and a little different from today's. I'm
sure the Marines of today have the same memories. Semper Fi to
all who earned the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
D. Morgan 2066616 1964-1986
First Sergeant USMC Ret.
First Tattoo
It didn't take me long me long to get my first moto tattoo Sgt.
Grit. The great guys at Riverside Tattoo in Oxford,AL drew this
EGA up for me and my buddy I went to boot camp with. I am with
4th Battalion 14th MAR,1371 Combat Engineers Support Co.
Semper Fi- LCpl Jereme Haynes
I'll Go With You
I was stationed with MAG-16 from 69-70. Radio tech. We working
the mid watch, and nature gave me a call.
I guess these guys thought I said I was going to the mess hall
for mid rats. What I said was... "I'm going to take a s*#t.
Well, Lewinski says I'll go with you. And Charlie Workman says
Bring me back a sandwich.
Thankfully, neither got what they asked for.
Semper Fi my brothers.
CPL. T.K. Flynn 2538215
Jan. 69 Dec 70
Thanks Fellas
Dear Sgt Grit,
The other day I got up to go to work and upon leaving
noticed that someone tried to tear off my driver side mirror,
they left the housing dangling and took the mirror. I just
sucked it up and thought "What the heck"? I just got in the
Tahoe and headed off to work. Upon departing my vehicle, I went
around to the back and noticed that someone used a sharp object
to scrape off my Marine Corps decal. This really ticked me off!
I got to work and told a couple of co-workers about what
happened. I then went on to order a replacement mirror and left
it at that. At days end before leaving work I headed back to the
Tahoe and low and behold someone had replaced my 4" round Marine Corps decal (Sgt Grit P/N: D16M) with a new one. This is the
only form of publicity of any sort that I have on my vehicle and
proud of it too. Thanks fellas who ever it was for the
replacement decal and Semper Fi!
Eloy Cruz, formal Corporal of Marines.
Just Stuttering
Just love to read the salty stories of past experiences in the
Corps. It brought back my first "funny" experience after boot
camp, circa 1951.
I was assigned to Weapons Training Battalion on PI. After about
a week on board, I was assigned guard as supernumerary for the
night. As I sat in the guard office, CWO Carpenter, a big
Marine, came bursting thru the door, holding his nose. Those in
the know, ran to him as he cursed. When he took his hand from
his nose, he had the telltale signs of the crosshatch pattern of
the butt plate of an M1 and a trickle of blood. He then
excitedly began his story of the incident that brought this
about.
Seems he had approached a boot guarding one of those shed "on
line." It was around midnight and as he got close, the boot
started challenging CWO Carpenter, but didn't know the proper
procedure; stumbling through the "Halt & Who Goes There." It
didn't come out right after a few frightful attempts, just
stuttering.
CWO Carpenter then firmly stated, "You don't know what to say,
do you!" The boot returned with, "No G..D..n it, but you better
not move !" At which time Carpenter advanced, and the boot
delivered a "straight on" butt stroke to the CWO's face.
I never heard what became of the boot, the CWO left for the
dispensary.
Clint Johnson
1157807 XSgt
Rifle PT
Grit,
Somewhere between June 27 - Sept. 14, 1984. Parris Island,
Hotel Co. 3rd Bat. Plt. 3084.
Drill Instructor Sgt Moore gets irritated with his platoon and
orders everyone on line to grab their rifle (M-16 A1) and stand
at attention. He then orders rifle PT at every position. Every
rifle position is held for at least 5 minutes and the most
difficult positions a bit longer. After realizing we were
seasoned enough by then to carry out our orders without fail, he
then kicks quite a few spit shine boots all over the squad bay
in extreme disgust. After all is done, he looks at his platoon
while walking away saying 'if you tell the Senior what happened,
go ahead, I don't give a sh!t!.' and proceeded to walk away
towards the Drill Instructor House.
The next day, we were ordered 'school circle' on the quarter
deck. SDI SSGT Rozman walks in, looks at his platoon and says
'if I can get rid of Priv's, I can get rid of Drill Instructors
too.' That was his way of saying Sgt Moore was fined and
suspended from Drill Instructor Duty for ordering the platoon to
do rifle PT in the barracks when only the SDI is authorized to
do that. I believe upon condemning Sgt Moore for doing
something unauthorized, he was probably noted for showing such
loyalty towards his SDI. Sgt Moore was replaced by SSgt
Rawling. The only problem was that it was the middle of summer
and drill instructor school was backlogged to the point they had
to take one DI from each platoon in our series and send them to
Receiving because of the avalanche of guys coming in for recruit
training. Don't forget, during that time, President Reagan was
building the Defense indefinitely due to our relations with Cuba
and the Russians. And because of this, the Marine Corps offered
Contract PFC's after boot camp by having Poolee's sign up 2 guys
while on the DEP and after 4 years a $30,000 re-enlistment bonus
with duty station of choice depending on SRB evaluations. But
they also froze promotions because of overstaff in the military.
So, all that advertising kind of backfired in a way. In all
honesty, SSgt Rawling was not ready to graduate from DI School.
He was not convincing at all. But they had no choice. SSgt
Sightler was getting overwhelmed and needed help. So out of 3
DI's :SSgt Sightler, SSgt Smith, and Sgt Moore, SSgt Sightler
lasted the whole time. SSgt Smith was sent to Receiving
Barracks and as mentioned Sgt Moore fined, suspended and
replaced by SSgt Rawling. I don't know if this is a good or
bad ratio, but Plt 3084 went from 61 Priv's at the start of
training down to 47 Priv's at the end. At least one Priv was
sent home before training even started. He was too much of a
'rock' for the DI's to even work with. And another pissed in
his bed. The rest were recycled. I guess in all honesty after
everything that happened, SDI SSgt Rozman did a fine job making
due with what he had. He was very lenient when it came to his
priv's needing to be recycled. If he knew you could work on
your own problem in time, he'd rather let you graduate and let
you do just that. I guess that's what caring about your men is
about. Just being there for them when they're dealing with
problems is better than other alternatives that could be
utilized. We graduated in the morning of Sept. 14, 1984. 1st Lt
Scarano order the SDI's to dismiss their platoons. After I got
my sea bag and headed out, I realized something; after the DI's
and SDI's take 5 days uncharged leave, it starts all over
again:) During our training, our plt was in the Chapel with Sgt
Major Fratterelli giving us a briefing of the Fleet. At the
end, he said one thing that stuck to me for life: 'if you have a
problem, talk to your Chain of Command. We've heard EVERYTHING!
I congratulate you on your outstanding performance' he snapped
to attention 'OO-RAH'.
Semper Fi
J.S. Elliott
0311 Basic Infantry '84-'88
Parris Island
Camp Pendleton
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
I'm Going To Lead Men Someday
Sgt. Grit,
I teach high school English, and for some reason this past year
it was more necessary than usual for me to delay reading your
newsletters as they arrived, in order to take care of paperwork.
Before I realized it, they were "piling up" in my inbox.
Consequently, I am just now catching up. With your indulgence,
I'd like to reflect on some of the things I've read so far.
One Marine commented on "saluting everything that moved," which
reminded me that we PLC (Platoon Leaders Class) officer
candidates were instructed to salute all automobiles bearing a
red base sticker, since that color was issued to officers.
Enlisted personnel had blue ones. One candidate took some
ribbing after he saluted a garbage truck, which bore a brown
sticker. He said he was taking no chances.
Somebody mentioned being at Parris Island in 1955 when the
incident occurred involving the drowned recruits, and how their
recruit training changed immediately. During my six-weeks Junior
PLC course at Camp Upshur aboard MCB Quantico in the summer of
1963, my company took a forced march with full field gear before
we were completely acclimated to the heat and humidity, and in
my platoon, three candidates literally dropped out from heat
strokes. They collapsed as we ran along a power line trail up
and down hills on our way back to Upshur, and I had to jump over
them. They never returned to the platoon. The word going around
was that one had died and the other two were hospitalized for a
month, then "NPQ-ed" (Not Physically Qualified) from the
program. After that, all conditioning hikes were more like
"daisy-picking" strolls.
Several people shared instances when they either had their
"position corrected," were "thumped," or in other words, were
hit by DI's. We PLC's didn't have DI's; we were trained by a
platoon sergeant and one "sergeant-instructor." (Same people,
different title.) Especially during the Junior course, we
sometimes accidentally ran into a sergeant's fist.
Another form of "correction" involved our "chrome domes," helmet
liners painted with aluminum paint. We generally wore them at
all times while outdoors, except for early morning PT. We used
them to mark our places as a formation while involved in
activities such as the obstacle course or while eating in the
mess hall. For such infractions as entering a building while
"covered" but not "under arms," or for nodding off during
classroom instruction, our platoon sergeant or sergeant-
instructor would order us to hand him our chrome dome, tell us
to "bend over," then thump us on the "gourd" (head) with it. I
was so rattled the first time it happened to me, that I put the
thing back on when he handed it to me, so he let me go through
the drill again.
I can't remember if you have already published this story (I may
be having a "senior moment" at almost age 64), but my most
memorable "correctional" experience occurred during my second
week in the Corps. We candidates could DOR (Drop-On-Request) at
anytime, and many did, including athletes in much better
physical shape than I, from major colleges and universities, who
chose not to accept the harassment--one on our second day there.
I decided over the first weekend (we had on-base liberty from
1200 Saturday until 2200 on Sunday) that I had made a terrible
mistake, and fully intended to DOR as soon as possible on
Monday. During that morning's PT, my mind was so occupied with
thoughts of quitting, that I got out of rhythm during pushups,
sit-ups, etc. I was ordered to do extra sets of each exercise
and then try to catch up with the rest of the company. That made
me angry, and I decided that I would not quit--they would have
to kick me out!
Some time later I was called into the platoon office. When I
reported to my platoon commander, Lt. _____, he said, "I hear
you want to quit."
(I don't know where he heard that--must be psychic!) "No sir!"
"Oh, so you're going to be a leader of men someday?"
"Yes sir!"
"Go over and tell the Second Platoon Sergeant you're going to
lead him someday."
"Aye, aye, sir!"
(About face, step to the right as in marching, halt in front of
the desk. Left face in front of that sergeant, whom I did not
know--I was in 1st Platoon.)
"Second Platoon Sergeant, I'm going to lead you some day!"
He had been watching me from the time I entered the office, and
was leaning back in his chair, while tossing and catching an
aluminum canteen encased in a cover. I soon found out that the
canteen was full.
He motioned with his finger for me to move between his desk and
his wall locker and to assume the position of "the little pink
bench"--squatting as if sitting. Maintaining that position for
any length of time made it extremely difficult to stand, let
alone to walk, when allowed to move from it. I remember one
candidate, Tom Hicks, crawling across the company street from
the platoon office Quonset hut to our squad bay Quonset hut,
yelling, "Open the door!" as a sergeant counted down from twenty
in a loud voice.
"So, you're going to lead me someday?"
"Yes sir!"
"What is there about you that is going to make me want to follow
you?"
I had no clue. I hesitated.
Smack! Alongside my left temple came the full canteen! My head
bounced off the wall locker on the right side, and I suddenly
had difficulty thinking clearly. I wonder how I would have felt
if the canteen cover had not padded the blow a little.
"Well?"
"An education, sir!"
"I have four years of college. How many do you have?"
"Two, sir!"
Smack! again, and recoil off the wall locker! Thinking became
more difficult.
"Try again."
"I'll get experience, sir."
"I have twelve years. How much do you have?
"One week, sir."
Smack! the third time, and recoil off the wall locker! Who am I
and what am I doing here?
"Try again."
"I don't know, sir"
I expected another blow, but instead he said, "I don't know,
either. There's just something about a leader."
Then he said, "In Korea, the Chinese Communists brainwashed some
American servicemen into staying in China after the ceasefire,
but none of them were Marines. Do you know why?"
"No sir."
"Because we put them through so much h&ll during boot camp that
the Chi-Com's couldn't do anything to break them. Now, I bet you
think you really made an a$$ of yourself, don't you?"
"Yes sir!"
"Well, you didn't make as big an a$$ of yourself as you think,
or you'd be crying right now."
"Thank you, sir."
"Get out of here."
"Aye, aye, sir." And I stumbled out on wobbly legs.
For the next three days, there was a spot in my vision where I
couldn't see. But that was the closest thing to a compliment I
heard, either that summer or two years later during the Senior
course, and I took pride in hearing it.
I did not graduate at the top of my class in either the Junior
course or the Senior course. I was in the bottom half of those
who stuck with the program each summer (about half from each of
my platoons in both courses did not graduate), but I made it.
And it may be that that incident helped me survive the cut
during the Junior course. At least one candidate, maybe a couple
more, in my platoon that summer made it all the way to the last
week, only to be declared "Unsat" and removed from the program
before being allowed to hear the general call us "Marines" on
graduation day.
Semper Fi!
Tom Downey
Once a captain, USMCR; always a Marine
1963-'76 "for pay purposes"
Vietnam: 4Dec66-18Dec67 (6 months as art'y FO for L-3/7,
including Operation Desoto)
Reserves: Aug 69-Oct 75 (Corpus Christi, TX unit--XO of "C" and
CO of "D", 4th Recon; combined and re-designated as C-1/23
in 1972)
Thumbs Up
Sgt. Grit
I was a very great day when I found your web site. I enjoy
reading what others write and it usually brings back memories
that I can really relate to.
I must send in my part.
Last year I attended a meeting in Long Beach CA and my brother
is a prior Marine and he meet me and 2 of my friends traveling
with me for the meeting at LA international.
We made a point to go to MCRD San Diego and just visit and see
the old grinder. When we arrived at the gate the Marine MP
waved me up and I explained who I was and why I wanted a visitor
pass to get on base. The young Marine politely told me to come
back on Sunday and I could get in, I explained that I would not
be able to come back on Sunday because of my meeting. The young
man then said Sir thank you for your service turned around and
said I have something in my eye but if you get in any trouble
you are on your own. With that I said thank you for your
service and I won't get in trouble.
The very first thing I drove to was the old receiving barracks
by the base theater and yes the yellow foot prints were still
there. Instant memories going from having hair to not having
hair, my first meeting with my Drill Instructor. I have to say
I was a medrep (very overweight 369lbs) so the DI had a hay day
with me. My platoon was the last platoon to stay in the q. huts
by the grinder. They were torn down and my platoon was the
first ones to stay in the new hotels by the chow hall. Needless
to say I did not pass the first PT test and I made my way to the
fat farm. I lost and I made it through boot camp with no
problem. I went home weighing 168lbs. but back to my day at
MCRD.
After looking at the old receiving barracks I drove to the
Grinder and low and behold platoons were out there drilling,
God I did not know I would ever miss the call from a Drill
Instructor. One of the people traveling with us was a 5ft 7
very attractive long blonde hair woman and old enough to be any
of the recruits mother but could pass for 30 easy. I tried to
get her out of the truck just to see if some young recruit would
make the mistake and look at her but she would not get out.
We then drove around back by the O course and when I made the
corner I saw a DI bent over a young recruit making it rain, the
DI saw me and he backed up and I could tell he was trying to
figure out who I was, I gave him a thumbs up and he smiled and
went right back to making it rain. Memories again.......
I made it back to the hotel and where I stayed while I was in
boot camp. Great view of the airport every night. While I was
parked I had 5 DI's come up to the truck and you could tell they
wanted to know who I was and what I was doing there, one staff
Sgt. In his burley voice asked if he could help me and I again
explained to him no, and I pointed to the 2nd story and said in
1970 my rack was right by the 3 bay window and I had not been
back since then and I was just remembering. All of the DI's
instantly smiled shook my brothers and my hand and said welcome
home.
The best part of being there was just talking with the DI's
about how things have changed for the recruits to what we had
back in 1970,
I could go on more but I don't think everyone wants to go to
sleep.
Thank you for having your column for us old Salts.....
L.J. Cowan CPL USMC
7th Marine
I would like to give you my heartfelt thanks for the
opportunity in winning in your Iwo Jima sand contest. I am the
7th Marine in my family, Two in WW ll, Two in Korea and Three in
Vietnam. My uncle who is 87 years old and in failing health is
now living with me was a PFC, Light Antiaircraft Fire Control
Man with the 9th Antiaircraft Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He
participated in the consolidation of the Solomon Islands,
Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal, and in action against the
Japanese on New Georgia and Guam. On 19 Feb 1945 his younger
brother landed on Green beach at Iwo Jima with H Company, 2nd
Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division. He
was WIA on 20 Feb and evacuated from the Island on the 22nd of
Feb. He died of his wounds on Aug 26th 1945 and is buried in the
Veterans Cemetery on Cape Cod, MA. My uncle has asked me if I
could go down to the Cape and put a small amount of the Iwo sand
on his grave which I said I would. I hope to get there on the
28th of Aug on the 62nd anniversary of his death. Again, Thank
you so very much for giving an old Marine a chance to say good
bye to his brother one last time.
Semper Fi---Joe
5 Ft Of That Ash
i did not get Iwo ash as i said that i was buried from shelling
when my buddy was killed next to me killing lunsdford and
dorsechuck. me and red were wounded and buried under 5 ft of
that ash next to no one air field.i comp 3rd batt 24 Marines 4
Marine div 4th machine gun platoon. 4th machine gun squad. i
pushed my body out of that hole. then dug out red who was
bleeding from his chest. i got shrapnel on my left side. would
have liked to have that sand or ash as we said it was to show my
grandson. i am in the book of flags of our fathers. am in bad
health now. got nothing from Iwo as we were sent to the hospital
ship. then back to the states. in Sarasota fla now if you have
any sand left i would like to touch it before i die thanks;
guy
castorani.
Overwhelmed
Hey Sgt. Grit,
I can't tell you how excited I was to be one of the lucky 400 to
win sand from Iwo Jima. As I read the letter and held that
little packet of history in my hands, I was overwhelmed by so
many emotions. I felt honored to own such a precious part of
Marine Corps history, I felt excited and wanted to tell everyone
I knew, but the strongest emotion I felt was awe. I thought of
my brothers who gave all on Iwo Jima and I just cried. Sgt.
Grit, thank you for that contest. I plan to purchase a print of
the flag raising, have it matted and framed and have the sand
incorporated in the final product. I will cherish it forever!
May all of your readers keep our brothers over seas in their
hearts and prayers. I pray that God will keep them safe and
bring every single one of them home SOON!
Semper Fi,
Diane Sollers
USMC
96-98
Worse Duty
received my first sgtgtitnews was outstanding joined the first
time 29sep50 till 28sep54 first duty was Marine barracks rodman
canal zone next was experimental 4th Bn 8th Marines got orders
for 33rd draft war ended 2 days after getting to camp delmar
was put in fox co. 2/4 was sent to camp nara jp. came back got
out shipped over 2 months later then was wpns instructor at 1st
itr . next was e-2-9 on Okinawa was mg sec. ldr. next was wpns
co at Quantico. left there jun 58 for sea duty on uss newport
news ca148 tillsep60. then h&s 1/2 as 81 mortar sec ldr. got
out may61 went back may67 chased prisoners for 2 months at
Pendleton worse duty any one could have. next back in e 2/9
again in RVN. next from dec68 till feb69 wpns instructor 1st itr
joined e 2/9 nine again 8apr69 wia 23apr69 medically retired
jan70. now i work with GEN RAYMOND DAVIS YOUNG MARINES at nas
atlanta . am also jr vice of greater atlanta mcl # 647. wore
boondockers & leggings hate the leggings. pay was 75.00 a
months. hope i didn't bore you to much.
SEMPER FI RUBEN .B SCOTT 1138959/0331 SGT USMC RET.
Up-Side-Down Chevron
Dear Sgt. Grit:
I just finished reading this week's newsletter and the lead-off
letter from Robert L. Duke. His words, "I nearly broke my
hand..." struck a nerve.
I honor every person's right to freedom of speech and
expression, but last night, while watching "So You Think You Can
Dance" on TV, I felt rage that someone would dishonor the
uniform of my Marine Corps.
One of the "judges" was wearing a modified version of a Dress
Blues jacket, with Lance Corporal chevrons on each arm. Except
the stripes were sewn up-side-down (crossed rifles above the
chevrons) and they were attached just above the woman's wrists.
When I saw this pompous woman's flagrant fashion statement, I
"saw red" and felt that her up-side-down chevrons represented
the same (to me) as our nation's flag being flown up-side-down.
I wanted to call the TV station and FIND the website for the
show, in order to voice my angry disdain. My wife, who is always
my "voice of reason" reminded me of our first amendment rights.
Her logic also made sense, when she said, "If you let them know
that it made you angry, they won't care...But, they will
consider you another person they can add to their number of
viewers.
I too, wanted to break my hand, or something else, but instead I
think it broke my heart to see this insult promoted on national
TV. I thought about the angry, opinionated letters that have
been sent to you, in the past and I asked myself, "Is it ME,
who's thinking is opinionated, screwed up and irrational?"
Semper Fi !
JJ Haight, 60-64
Is There A Law
On Wednesday, 25 July 2007, my wife was watching "So You Think
You Can Dance."
She told me that I needed to see something and what I saw made
me sick. One of the female dance judges was wearing our Dress
Blues Coat. It had no emblems to identify the coat, however, it
did have the buttons and it had LCPL chevrons upside down around
the wrist of the sleeves.
The reason I point this out is to ask this question -- first
some background on the past.
While stationed at Marine Barracks Long Beach, CA in the early
70s, word made it to the Marines stationed there that an
individual was seen out in downtown Long Beach wearing one of
our Dress Blues coats with Sgt chevrons. Needless to say, we
went looking for him. To someone's luck, we never found him.
One of the Marines did some research and found out that there
was a law against anyone but Marines wearing our uniform or
parts thereof. In fact, I think they even got Leatherneck to
print a copy of that law.
My question, is there a law that makes it illegal for anyone
except for a Marine to wear parts of our uniform? If there is,
could you print a copy of it in your newsletter or tell me how I
can get a copy? I am not going to go looking for bad guys or
bad girls who wear our uniform or parts thereof, I just want to
see if I am right in memory or just going old in memory.
Thank you for your assistance on this matter.
Respectfully,
Gary L. COON
MSgt USMC (Ret)
1970-1994
SEMPER FI
More 'Think You Can Dance'
Sgt. Grit,
I'm just trying to get the word out.
I was watching Fox's "So you think you can dance" with my family
the other night and was offended by what I saw.
One of the judges, Mia Michaels was wearing a Dress Blues jacket
with a Lance Corporals chevron upside down on her lower right
sleeve.
I emailed Fox with my disgust and wanted to inform other Marines
who may be offended as well and ask them to email Fox. I have
already emailed a bunch of my buddies but I figured contacting
Sgt. Grit would be a good way to get the word out.
Fox's email address is: askfox@fox.com
Thanks
Cpl. Davis
Lima 3/5
86-91
I Was Speechless
Sgt. Grit,
Just wanted to express my thanks, I was one of the fortunate
recipients of a bag of Iwo Jima sand. My father and my father-
in-law both served in the 4th Marine Division during WWII. My
father was involved in taking and holding Tinian and my father-
in-law fought on Iwo Jima. I was speechless when I received my
bag of black sand, it has become one of my most prized
possessions. Thank you for the opportunity to acquire something
that is held sacred by Marines young and old, it is sincerely
appreciated.
Semper Fi
Joseph Polette
USMC, Sgt, 1971-1975
Marked Man
When I went to boot camp I was A marked man. My senior DI
was my brothers platoon Sgt. in Nam. My series Gunny was
in my brothers platoon & my DI was in my brothers platoon when
got there my DI showed me A picture. He asked do you know this
Marine? Like A fool I said yes! that's my brother & he
replied o no its not. Even tho it was! From that on til
grad. day { I was on the sh&t list }
Semper Fi
Cpl. Steve Lacy
My Dad
Hello,
I was just flipping through my dad's enlisted records and
while reading the message from "Gunner in a Tank," I about fell
out of my chair when he mentioned, "Captain Edward Bollard."
There in my dad's service record--his WWII service was with the
4th Tank Battalion--I see Edward R. Bollard's signature nearly
everywhere. The last 4th Tank Battalion entry on my dad's
service record is dated "24 April 1945," where as a member of
Co. A, Fourth Tank Battalion, Edward Bollard recommends my dad,
Sgt. Owen Isom Thompson, for acceptance to Officer Candidates
School.
Bollard in his recommendation says, "Sergeant Thompson
participated in the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Saipan
and Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Shortly after the Tinian operation he
became communication chief of this unit and at that time new
tanks along with new type radios were acquired by this unit.
Sergeant Thompson organized the school for the operators and set
up a maintenance section which operated with most satisfactory
results. During the Iwo Jima operation, communications were
greatly improved over past operations. Much of the credit can be
attributed to the outstanding service of Sergeant Thompson."
My dad, Owen, was commissioned and served with the 1st Marines
in China and left the USMC in late 1949 as a regular
commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. As a civilian he was an electrical
engineer and died in January of 1977, after a long illness at
only 55 years old.
Of his WWII Pacific invasions dad said, "The first (the
Marshalls) was a turkey shoot; the second (Saipan) was a drawl;
and the last (Iwo) we lost!" He also often said, "The Marine
Corps only promises its members three things: A rifle, a pack,
and a hard time!"
As far as I know, my dad never attended any 4th Marine Division
reunions. I am delighted to know that some 4th Tank Battalion
members are still alive and wonder if Mr. John C. Carey
remembers my dad.
John C. Thompson
(USMC, 1971-1973)
"Hooper's Manual" from the early 1940's
Thanks for taking time to reply. I asked around and found out
that it was written by First Lieutenant Walter R. Hooper,
copyright 1943. Official title "Guide to ADMINISTRATION U. S.
Marine Corps." Has a very complimentary forward by Colonel
Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. It tells everything you would need to
know about personnel adm and many other subjects. At one time
there was one on every First Sergeant's and Adjutant's desk. It
is fascinating in a nostalgic way.
Robert Simmons, Jr.
Old Habits Are Hard To Break
I get up in the morning just before the sun, old habits really
are hard to break. I sit for a few moments and conduct a visual
recon out my porthole to the world, before I rise. Something
strange to others I suppose. I am not looking for anything in
particular, just assuring myself everything is where I last saw
it, and where its suppose to be.
Old habits are hard to break.
I see the neighbors lights are on as they begin their day and
with my eyes cover their movement out the drive way and down the
block till they are out of sight on their way to work.
I report to the coffee mess and start my first cup and turn on
my computer and comes the word a Corpsman, Daniel S. Noble has
been killed in Iraq assigned permanently to the 1st Mar Div, it
says, indeed for all time I say to myself.
I pass the word among those whom I know really do care as to
what has happened here and some three thousand times and more
before. In silence I stare at a half full cup and reflect upon a
half lived life spent at the side of Marines who needed him most
this 'Noble'. indeed.
Old habits are hard to break.
I remain confident when he went down, others rushed to his side
the way he must have done for them before, and I know that's
where someone stayed and remains as he is brought home to
hallowed ground.
That a family friends and loved ones are struck as well.
This is the thing of it war, never changes for ever more.
A young man I never knew, standing by for me and you, we Marines
know him tried and true, his casket covered in red white and
blue, I step outside upon the porch, lower my flags in his
honor.
Old habits are hard to break.
stewart resmer
Lima 4-11
RVN 69-70
Short Rounds
I am slowly thinking that the "Old Corps" has Service Numbers
and the "New Corps" has Social Security Numbers but... Marines
are the same! God Bless the New Corps, they are outstanding!
R Olson 1957-58-59 Once a Marine always a Marine!
Sgt Grit,
To R. C. Bailey Jr - he wanted to know some of the meal
blessings we said at chow during boot camp - I remember one:
"O Lord, thou who has made us and all good things, receive our
thanks and strengthen us to do Thy will."
(I remember it because it was the shortest one to choose from,
and we wanted to eat as fast as we could!)
Hank Oliver 61-83
SGT GRIT,
It is better to die standing on your feet, like a Man
Than on your knees in disgrace
A Philippine Gen. Quote
thank you for putting this out every other week. I am a former
Marine and a current Border Patrol Agent who has been battling
cancer for two years and this letter motivates the h&ll out of
me. Stay in the fight.
Sgt./Agent J. Williams
I received my small piece of Marine Corps history in the form of
small bag of dark, volcanic sand from Iwo Jima. You would have
thought it was a bar of gold. I shall treasure it and keep it
with all my other Marine Stuff.
Sgt. D.R. George, 0311,8511,8531, 1973 to 1977. Semper Fi.
HEY SARGE! I hear Japan is changing the name of the inland IWO
JIMA to IWO TO. I guess that was the original name. Like retired
Maj. General Fred Haynes said "They can call it whatever they
want......We'll stick to IWO JIMA!"
SEMPER FI
BRUCE OTIS 57-60 Am Old P.I. MARINE!
Sgt Grit,
A couple of years ago I mentioned that I'd like to have a
lighted Marine Corps emblem, not available at that time.
Thankfully, I was able to finally order one from you, received
recently. It is now in a place of honor in my front window for
all passersby to enjoy, and it works fine, an outstanding item,
indeed. Thank you, Sir! SEMPER FIDELIS
Orville B. King, USMC, WW2, Pacific.
"What we still don't understand is why you Americans stopped the
bombing of Hanoi. You had us on the ropes. If you had pressed
us a little harder, just for another day or two, we were ready
to surrender! It was the same at the battles of TET. You
defeated us! We knew it, and we thought you knew it. But we
were elated to notice your media were definitely helping us.
They were causing more disruption in America than we could in
the battlefields. We were ready to surrender. You had won!"
- General Giap, North Vietnam (memoirs)
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi, Mac
Gung Ho
Sgt Grit
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