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At age seventy-one, I can still walk 40 miles non-stop in
slightly over eight hours without training! I wrote to the
Commandant and asked permission to join up with the boys in
Iraq. All I need is a forty five and the King James version of
the Holy Scriptures! So far, no reply. I had hoped to relieve
some Marine with a family but it never happened. Believe me,
there are enough retired Marines out there to take over the job
with no problem! Semper Fi!
Happy Birthday
I would like to take this opportunity to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to
all Marines, past and present. May God bless our beloved Corps
and may we never turn our backs on Him.
Gary L. COON
MSgt USMC (Ret)
1970-1994
November 10th, 1967
Sgt. Grit,
Thought you might be interested in the attached photos. November
1967 - Birthday-in-the-Field. We were somewhere south of Con
Thien. The cake was brought in on a 6X. The Col. cut the first
piece and the Top cut the rest. There was enough for everyone in
2/9 to get a piece. As the cake was being brought in a Birddog
flew overhead and popped red and blue smoke from its wing tips.
What a sight.
The other two shots are of the Moon scape in the area. Farther
down the line the Lt. and I got into a heated argument. Like in
WWII, the GI Joe cartoons, where they come upon a wall with a
window in it. All the glass was broken except on section. The
question was, "Are you going to brake it or am I?". The Lt. and
I spotted a beautiful bird on a dead tree. It did not belong
there, not with death around us. The bird flew away as we tried
to decide who was going to shoot it. Strange times, strange
memories.
Happy birthday to all and Semper Fi.
John Halpin, Sgt.
Viet-Nam - 2/9
Happened on 23 June 1968
Returning home from a combat zone can be a very joyous occasion
for most military personnel, but for those who were in actual
combat, the experience of homecoming can be quite different.
This was especially the case for Vietnam veterans, who returned
home alone after a couple of days upon completion of their tour
of duty. I'm sure many Vietnam veterans experienced a
homecoming similar to the one which follows.
30 June 1968: I've been taking Darvon for a week now, but
there seems to be no relief from the excruciating pain. My head
feels as if it is about to explode and I can't even remember the
flight out of Kadena AFB in Okinawa by GOVAIR to MCAS, El Toro,
CA. Prior to 23 June 1968 I had the normal short timer
fantasies of how it was going to be, booking on that silver
freedom bird back to the "world." It had been a long 18 months
and I had made it out of that h&ll hole, Vietnam. To this very
day I cannot remember the flight from El Toro to JFK
International Airport. Even more baffling is I can't recall
what airline I flew to JFK on or how I got to the Long Island
Railroad on the last leg home.
What's happening here? What I can remember very vividly
was what had happened on 23 June 1968. At approximately 0200
the concussion from a NVA rocket had thrown me through the air
landing head first in a trench line, which had been dug by the
engineers only days earlier. This occurred at the Quang Tri
Combat Base and I was in transient to fly out to Da Nang at 0600
and then on to Okinawa. I had already turned in my weapons and
782 gear and I felt really naked. To make matters worse, as I
was getting up, another Marine in full battle gear jumped on top
of me, crushing my head against the wall of the trench. Bleeding
profusely from the forehead and scalp I could remotely hear
another Marine say jokingly say, "Hey buddy, you get to get a
Purple Heart your last day in country." I immediately replied,
"they can keep it, I'm outta this f#$%^&g place in four hours."
A couple of Marines carried me over to the BAS and the Corpsman
cleaned me up the best he could. Charlie figured that Quang Tri
would be easy pickings since it wasn't secured by the grunts of
the 3rd MarDiv. They were wrong.
So I'm sitting on the train with my feet resting on my
seabag and looking at my reflection in the window. Where am I?
I look around and there are only a few people on the train this
early in the morning. No one even gives me a glancing look. Am
I invisible or am I really sitting here? They have to see the
uniform, right? Oh well, welcome home. What did I expect
anyway. These people didn't know or even care what I had seen
and done in the past 18 months. After all, they were engrossed
in their own dull, uneventful world and my presence did not fit
into their daily monotonous routine. We were told in advance
how we were going to be treated when we got home. I finally get
to my destination, Island Park. Am I really here? I throw my
seabag over my right shoulder and step off the train onto the
platform. I'm really home! Or am I! As I cross Long Beach
Road onto Arlington Walk, I notice that the bench we used to
hang out around had been removed. I found out later that it was
removed in order to deter drug addicts from loitering. And this
is small town America. As I make a left onto Quebec Rd., I stop
a moment to switch the seabag to my left shoulder. Everything
seems so serene and tranquil this early in the morning. I never
remembered it being that way before going to Vietnam. I finally
reach Julian Place and I pause to shift the seabag onto my right
shoulder. As I get closer I can see my mom taking out the
trash. My eyes begin to swell as she recognizes me. I dropped
the seabag and rushed into the safety of her open arms. I was
finally safe at home and with overwhelming emotion I began to
cry for the bad dream was finally over. Or was it? I had mixed
feelings about leaving Vietnam. I knew my brother Marines were
fighting for their lives and at the same time it was an immense
feeling of relief that I had made it home virtually unscathed
physically and mentally. So I had thought at the time. Four
months later I was back in the land that God had forgotten. I
was "home" once again. Wannabes will never understand this
story.
Semper Fi!
Joseph Alvino, Sgt. of Marines
66-72
Reading of the names
Sgt. Grit: I have the honor of being one of 1933 persons picked
to read the 58,000 (+/-) names on the Vietnam Memorial at
Arlington National Cemetery between November 8, 2007 and
November 10, 2007. Each person will have 30 names to be read in
front of the 'Wall' at specific times. I will read my 30 names
at 0830 November 10, 2007. Happy Birthday Marine Corps. I did
a little research on the 30 names and found that 28 were Army
and 2 were Marines. Also out of the 28 Army Personnel, 2 were
recipients of the Medal of Honor. There were 244 Medals of
Honor recipients in Vietnam. 153 recipients are listed on the
'Wall' and I will be reading the names of 2 of the Medal of
Honor recipients. Former Marine Corps Sgt. Dick Hoezee
(1966/1970), Semper Fi.
I'm the one wearing the ribbons
Pfc. M.A. Perkins, USMCR, reported to B-1-7 directly from the
family nursery farm in Minnesota during August 1950. No service
records came with him but it was soon obvious that boot camp was
not part of his past service nor was any form of military
courtesy part of his past training.
Pfc. M.A. Perkins, USMCR, was assigned to the 60 MM Mortar squad
and quickly developed into an excellent gunner. He further
honed his gunner's skills at the Inchon Landing in September
1950 and really reached new heights at Chosin in North Korea.
Pfc. M.A. Perkins, USMCR, was one of the only two Marines from
B-1-7 Mortars to walk aboard ship at Hungnan to continue
fighting the war in South Korea.
Pfc. M.A. Perkins, USMCR, left Korea with the rank of Sgt. And
was assigned to Quantico where his 60 MM Mortar expertise was
utilized to help train the young Marines to become 2nd Lts.
Sgt. M.A. Perkins, USMCR, was briskly strolling toward the Main
gate for liberty decked in the uniform of the day with two rows
of new campaign ribbons shining on his chest when he met a
Captain. "Good morning, sir" was his greeting.
"Sgt., don't you salute Captains?" was the response his greeting
received.
Sgt. M.A. Perkins, USMCR replied sincerely, "But sir, I'm the
one wearing the ribbons."
Sgt. M.A. Perkins, USMCR, received one of those missed lessons
in military courtesy that remains with him to this day.
Semper Fi,
MSgt "Pat" Burris USMC Ret.
Shake The Hand Of A Man
Many of you know that I served with Sgt. Grit in Viet Nam and am
considered by many to be his best friend. I always say that I
knew Sgt Grit when he was a Lance Corporal!
Because of him, I have had the best day today in many years.
I called him to just shoot the breeze and one of his employees
who answered the call said there was a message for me from a
fellow Marine. I took the number and then asked for a name. She
said it was from a 1st Sgt Lackey. I was sort of lost because I
only knew one Lackey, a Staff Sergeant. He was my senior drill
instructor in 1968 at San Diego. I called the number and asked
for 1st Sgt Lackey. He responded by saying: " Is this
Huntsinger?"
It was indeed my senior drill instructor and he had heard me
mention his name in one of the newsletters. After 40 years, I
was talking to the man who had made me a Marine.
We talked about His famous phrase, which I still use to this day
but cannot use here. He remembered making me the guidon and
relieving me of that duty some five minutes later for, let me
paraphrase here, apparently not being able to walk in a straight
line. I reminded him of how, before our final inspection, he
flooded the showers and used Wisk to get us clean.
The great man that I remember was still that, a great man. He
did not demand respect, he Commanded it
At the end of our conversation I received the greatest
compliment of my life. He asked me to go to the Marine Corps
Ball with him. I had to decline for family reasons but I can
absolutely guarantee this, next year I will be sporting a high
and tight with dress blues and medals and will be able to sit
next to the man to whom I owe so much. It will be my honor to
shake the hand of a man of honor, courage, and
commitment....1st Sergeant Floyd Lackey.
SSgt D. J. Huntsinger
68-74
P.S. He never laid a hand on me, but that stare made me wet my
pants a few times.
Returning from China and First Liberty
Guess you can call me one of the lucky guys as rather than
being shipped to Guam on the LST leaving China we flew directly
to El Toro California. After three days of medical test and
other inspections of a personal nature we were allowed liberty.
With spit and shine shoes three of us were at the O. D. desk
with a three day pass. The Officer of the Day started to laugh
and would not let us out the gate. "Out of uniform" was part of
his enjoyment as we had the true old uniform and worse of all he
said "that john brown belt has got to go! Where have you grunts
been."? The Ike jackets were in and as we were up for discharge
there was no way we were getting new uniforms. Back to the
barracks a Gunny was surprised to see us return. He got red in
the face and marched up to the O.D. gate with the three of us in
toe when he found out why we were not allowed liberty.
I learned fast just why this Gunny got his rank as the O.D.
was backed in the corner and his face turned white. We were
given an additional pass and were on our way in about the time
it takes to relate this note and never were stopped by the Shore
Parole.
The Officer of the Day was not on duty when we returned to the
base three days later however there was a direct order to
correct what happened. Five days later I was discharged and I
still have my john brown belt ---that will not fit!
Corporal Stewart Shotwell
First Marine Air Wing
China Marine
594852
Dragon Gunner
I would be honored to have you post my tattoo on your page. I
was a Dragon Gunner 0351 & I wear this one with pride! Semper Fi
Always Marines!
Charlie Devil Dog Pittman
Cpl. USMC 79-85
The meaning of 782 gear
Howdy there Sgt Grit, it's the 26th and with no today's update
reread the 24ths and thought the second time around it was twice
as good.
Many moons have crossed many mountains when I thought of, but
have never asked, this question of you. And maybe to all the
fine audience you have now as I had short tours as a DI, a rifle
range coach, even a split tour in organizing not one, but two
reserve units the 104th at Fort Lee VA and then the 98th here in
Clarksburg. And since for ever the questions has been asked me
of a word of terminology, such a boon docks, slop shoot, and all
the rest. But I have never been able to pin down the meaning or
the originality of the term "782" gear, which included all that
a Marine needed for survival.
Being only 75, out there in the world of former active Marines,
especially those of you with the grey matter, that made you
commissioned officers, or more importantly 1stSgt, Sgt Maj, and
yes DI's, does any one have a definition? I no longer have a
Marine bible, "the guide book for Marines" Request an answer
even if it is a here say one, thanks in advance, and Semper Fi
to all
Nile E White
Figured It Was Time
Well after seeing all of the Ink on your sight I figured it was
time to go out and get another Marine Corps tattoo.
I proudly served my time with the 1st Battalion 7th Marines in
29 Palms back in the Mid 90's.
Thanks And keep on fighting the good fight.
Semper Fidelis,
Kevin DeFord
Palm Coast, Florida
USMC 1996-1999
Skin For Them All
Gentlemen,
These pictures were forwarded to my family as soon as I was
done. This tattoo took 8 months of brainstorming. I come from a long line of heroes and service members. I don't have the
 skin for them all but I can at least represent the two men who
mean the most to me. My father as a man and as a Marine in
Vietnam, my turn (twice) in the sands of Iraq and my best
friend, my brother in Afghanistan. This small symbol is a
representation of our bond and love of this country. Please
display this on your website as proudly as I do.
Thank you,
SSgt Thornton Ben W.
USMC
Packed In Cosmoline
Sgt Grit I enjoy your newsletter very much. Brings back a lot
of memories. Particularly the stories from some of the old
timers. I went through MCRDSD in Jan 1942. Graduated Mar 1944
Plt 177. DI's Sgt J. Richmond, Cpl W Brady and Cpl J Prewett.
My serial No. 369396. Standard uniform issue WW 1 helmets
Springfield '06 rifle.
I remember being issued rifle which was packed in cosmoline
[grease] It took us 2 days to clean them up with kerosene.
When we had them cleaned [no leaking grease] we then were given
a Lewis Machine gun to de-grease. How many Marines today can
field strip a Lewis and reassemble it in 10 mins.? Magazine
included.
I served guard duty with Sgt Otto Linderman, [an Icon in the
Corps]. Being a youngster I did not appreciate it at that time.
He was a true Marine and a good mentor. He gave a set of dress
blues to go home on leave with. I had them altered to fit my
lean frame and still have them. Inside the sleeve is his name
and date of issue, 1932 Marine Corps depot Albany Ga. I also
had the privilege of receiving mortar familiarization with Sgt
Lou Diamond. Went overseas as a replacement in C co. 1st Bn.
1st Marines 1st Marine Div. Peleliu Okinawa. China
Sgt Arthur Dreves
Boot Camp Humor
We were having a class on hand to hand combat, and the drill
instructor Cpl. Reynolds picked on the biggest guy in the
platoon by the name of Paul Masucci.
Cpl. Reynolds told Masucci to be on guard cause he was goin' to
come full blast at him. Masucci, flips the Drill Instructor and
now he is really mad. "Protect your self at all costs. You got
me mad and watch out." Once again Masucci flips the Drill
Instructor who now says to Masucci "do you know anything about
hand to hand combat?"
"yes Sir: I was an instructor."
"Why didn't you tell me."
"Sir, you didn't ask?"
The platoon 224 burst out laughing and the Cpl. said "you guys
think that's funny. Two laps around the parade field."
That's a true story. Happened in 1952 and I never forgot it. My
name is Michael Sunder Thanks for letting me relive my youth.
I Do Not Have Whiskers
As a member of Platoon 198, formed in May, 1951 at MCRD, San
Diego, I wanted to share a memory of boot camp...one I delight
in telling...and with 25-years as a news reporter, I told it
many times!
I was a slight, blond haired blue eyed boot from Capital Hill
High school, Oklahoma City. I had never shaved, except as a 6-
year-old messing with my dad's shaving gear. We, of course,
were required to shave daily in boot. One day at inspection I
was asked if I had shaved that day. I replied, "no sir, I do
not have whiskers." The DI had me go before the platoon.
reached into his pocket and pulled out a straight-edged razor,
whisked it across the grinder a few times (to sharpen it?) and
told me to shave!. Sadly, I found out I had whiskers and pulled
them out one by one. Needless to say, I shaved every day
thereafter!
Lee Butler
Cpl. 1951-1954
Sea School
Marine Detachment
USS Valley Forge (CV 45)
A Story By James Taylor
"Once a Marine"
As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart
of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of
his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door
open. The old man was looking at the engine. I put my
groceries away in my car and continued to watch the old
gentleman from about twenty-five feet away. I saw a young man
in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm, walking
towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too and
took a few steps towards him. I saw the old gentleman point to
his open hood and say something. The young man put his grocery
bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade and then
turn back to the old man and I heard him yell at the old
gentleman saying, "You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car
at your age." And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his
car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot. I saw the old
gentleman pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow as he went
back to his car and again looked at the engine. He then went to
his wife and spoke with her and appeared to tell her it would be
okay. I had seen enough and I approached the old man. He saw
me coming and stood straight and as I got near him I said,
"Looks like your having a problem." He smiled sheepishly and
quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself and
knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking
around I saw a gas station up the road and told the old
gentleman that I would be right back. I drove to the station
and went inside and saw three attendants working on cars. I
approached one of them and related the problem the old man had
with his car and offered to pay them if they could follow me
back down and help him. The old man had pushed the heavy car
under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his
wife. When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my
help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated
engine) I spoke with the old gentleman. When I shook hands with
him earlier he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had
commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I
nodded and asked the usual question, "What outfit did you serve
with?" He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine
Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. He had
hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after the war
was over.
As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the
mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man
reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I
would just put the bill on my AAA card. He still reached for
the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and
address on it and I stuck it in my pocket. We all shook hands
all around again and I said my goodbye's to his wife. I then
told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the
station. Once at the station I told them that they had
interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the
old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused
to charge me. One of them pulled out a card from his pocket
looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both
of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves.
Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one
of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given
to me and I said I would and drove off. For some reason I had
gone about two blocks when I pulled over and took the card out
of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long, time. The name
of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under
his name........."Congressional Medal of Honor Society." I sat
there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and
over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself
and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come
together, because one of us needed help. He was an old man
alright, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and
courage and an honor to have been in his presence.
James Taylor
If you were not stirred
August 23 saw the 50th Reunion of 1-57 Basic School at Quantico.
Of the 327 Graduates, 70 had passed away. 62 attended, many with
their spouses. It might have been the smartest group of officers
in Marine History since only one was killed in action. He was
hit by small arms fire exiting a copter in Viet Nam.
1-57 furnished a bunch of Company grade Officers in Viet Nam and
produced a one star and a two star General. Lots of stories at
the cocktail party on Thurs. Some true.
Friday we were guests at the Sunset Parade at 8th and I. If you
were not stirred by that Drill Team and Marine Band you are
already dead.
The Iwo Jima vets were at the same Motel and over coffee we
heard stories of the real heroes of the Second world War. Very
few did not have the Purple Heart.
Saturday we had a Banquet in the new Marine Corps Museum. What a
magnificent structure, surely one of the great Military Museums
of the world. No Marine should pass the chance to see it!
General Magnus the Asst. Commandant, gave an inspiring speech
and the whole weekend was a class act.
The general impression was the Corps is turning out top level
Officers. Their training is the best in history, their armaments
and weapons top grade and the morale is, as usual, Marine
quality. It was good for some of us old guys [real service
numbers not social Security, pre OOorah, pre yellow footprints,
M1, BAR and 45 1911 qualified to see the modern Corps and
realize the same spirit exists that served us so well in the
past.
Ron Donahue 1st Lt
Never mention the other four
Mr. White,
I come from a family who considers military service a given.
Of 21 first cousins, 17 of us became Marines, and we never
mention the other four, except to shake our heads sadly now and
then.
I was part of the seventh generation of our family to become a
part of the Corps, though having a Navy WAVE and a Marine DI as
parents, the 'leap' from High School to Boot Camp was not that
great a leap.
Like you, I was humbled by the honor of being a part of
history, but there is one thing that I would like to tell you,
that separates the two of us.
Each time I put on that uniform, each and every time, I
remembered those who wore it before me, and I felt awed by it.
I felt this way, because of you, and those like you, who made
being a Marine, a very tough act to follow!
Thank you, sir, for giving us the history of service, that
makes us all reach further, and carry on longer, just to keep
up!
Know that you are honored and respected, and yes, loved, by
those of us who had you and your generation to guide us.
I am reminded of the birthday cake ceremony, that always
brought tears to my eyes. The passing of a single piece of
cake, from the oldest Marine to the youngest, as if to say, "Ok,
I've done my part, its time for you to step up and take the
lead."
My service was no where near as eventful as yours, sir, but
like you, I feel blessed to have even been a small part of the
history of our Corps, when men such as yourself, showed us the
way.
Glynis Sakowicz,
7th generation Marine, out of uniform 20 years and counting
Our officers are different
I just read the note about General Pace leaving the note cards
with his stars under the names of his platoon who were killed.
I have never been so moved. This act epitomizes what a good
officer is made of. We don't hear much about how our officers
are different from other services. How ingrained they are to
think first of their men.
Drew McFadden, USMC 61-65, 0802
Vote for the D.I
Jack Webb starred in the 1957 release of The D.I. It was one of
the things that inspired me to ultimately join the Corps.
Recently, I have been trying to get a copy of the movie but have
found that it is no longer in distribution. I visited the
website of Turner Classic Movies, www.tcm.com, to try to get
some information and found all I wanted and more. The movie is
in fact out of distribution but it urges those visiting the site
to cast a vote to potentially influence the distributor to began
distribution. My feelings are that many were inspired by this
movie and perhaps some would like to go to www.tcm.com and cast
their vote. Those interested would go to the website and click
on "movie data base", in the space provided type "The D. I." and
hit the go button. A screen of title matches appears with The D.
I. among them. Click on the title and more information appears
to include the opportunity to vote for support of re-release.
The more votes we can generate the greater the chances we will
have to own a copy.
Semper Fi
Tom Brennaman
USMCR 1966 -1972
My first tattoo
Sgt Grit,
I have read your newsletter for about a year now both enjoy and
anticipate every issue. I am a 61 year old Viet Nam Veteran, I
spent 13 years in our beloved Marine Corps and never got a
Tattoo. Well last week my son and my daughter finally talked me
into getting one and I would like to share it with you, my
"Brother & Sisters" and all of your loyal readers. My time was
spent at H&S Bn, Support Co, MHE Plt, RVN, as a Heavy Equipment
Mechanic at ASP1 behind "Freedom Hill" from Jan 1970 till Dec
1970. Keep up the good work and May GOD BLESS you and your
organization and ALL of our troops who have or are now serving
OUR Glorious Country.
Here is the Tattoo that I am so very Proud of.
Semper Fi
Louie W Goodner
GySgt USMC
(Unassigned)
Rude awakening
I arrived at MCRD SD on 13August1960 (at night) in a cattle car
to the yellow footprints. My story about boot camp goes about
the same as all the others. My senior DI, GySgt Williams, SSgt
Reaper and SSgt Tavarossi took charge after processing.
Needless to say, rude awakening. Gunny Williams did not believe
in hitting recruits but we paid for it in other ways. We were
in Quonset huts at MCRD right next to the grinder and 6 men
tents at Camp Edson for rifle range. There were quite a few
DI's who carried swagger sticks. Ours did not.
The one different story I have is that there were 6 of us
(Mexican/Americans) in Platoon 276 and would speak Spanish. Our
DI's heard about it and tried to stop us but we persuaded them
not to, so we had to teach the Platoon how to speak Spanish.
Taught them how to say "The smoking lamp is lit, Aye Aye Sir".
SSgt Tavarossi being Japanese/Hawaiian did not like it and we
had to learn how to say "Good Morning" in Japanese. All in all
boot camp was not hard.
Then we went to ITR at Camp Pendleton, that was a whole
different story. There the hits and all the other stuff went
on. Had to spend Thanksgiving day with a rifle inspection. One
instructor carried a cut down cue stick that and was not bashful
about using it.
About Corpsmen. As a grunt, 0311, they are Marines. They
protected us and we protected them.
Served with L/3/5 in 61, went to Okinawa and became L/3/9. In
1962 we became 3rd Expeditionary Brigade in the north part of
Thailand during the Laotian Crisis. Marine Corps history books
have us using blanks and running training exercises, bunch of
lies. We carried live ammo, run combat/recon patrols in the
jungle. Some of my friends say that we went into Laos and
Cambodia, I do not know for sure. Would not surprise me as were
less than 30 miles from Laos and Cambodia and would fly in
helicopters for 30 minutes to an hour, get inserted, run patrols
and picked up and back to Camp Rama at Udorn Thani. Marine F4s
provided air cover for us until the Air Force got there, bad
story.
Came back to the States to C/1/5 for a year and then sent to
Barstow. That took all interest in me staying the Corps. Going
from grunts to a warehouse.
While living in Albuquerque, I joined the Reserves which was a
grunt company and later designated a Recon company. That was
fun. Also went on active duty as a Recruiter in El Paso, Texas.
I have not met any wannabes but have met two former Army
airborne troops who had nothing but respect for Marines. One
fought in WWII and jumped with the 101st (Puking Buzzards) on D-
Day. He did not feel that he was strong enough to have served
in the Corps.
Hope someone who served with me sees this and gets in contact.
I am in contact with about 6 Marines who were with me.
Proud to have served and proud to be a Marine.
Semper Fi
Frank D. Briceno
USMC 1960-1964
USMCR 1971-1976
SGT
Swagger Sticks
Swagger Sticks: Early in my career, I bought a "Cruise Book,"
3d Marine Division, 1955-56. One of the early pictures shows
Maj.Gen. Thomas Wornham assuming command of the 3dMarDiv. All
of the general staff officers are carrying swagger sticks,
except for the Navy staff officers. I bought the book because
I wanted a yearbook type remembrance of my early days as a
rifleman/scout with Recon Co, 3dMarDiv. (This was long before
the Recon Battalions.)
LtCol Edward P. Craft, USMCR (Ret.)
Don't take my word for it
Dear Sgt. Grit.
I don't spend a lot of time writing "Letters to the Editor" so
to speak but I must make a counterpoint. I am sick and tired of
the hearing crap about Corpsmen not being Marines. I agree. They
are not Marines. They are MARINES. Don't take my word for it. Go
visit the new Marine Museum at Quantico and look at the Medal of
Honor wall. Not only does it honor each and every Corpsman was
has been awarded the Medal of Honor, it also honors Signalman
Douglas Munro of the U.S. Coastguard. Signal Munro died while
saving countless Marines. In every case, the Corpsmen were
awarded the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of Marines. In
most cases, they died doing their duty. To say that these men do
not deserve to be called Marines is ludicrous. They served their
country and cared for their Marines with pride. Robert Bush,
William Holyburton, Fred Lester, Frances Pierce, George Wahlen,
Jack Williams, John Willis, Douglas Munro, Edward Benfold,
William Charette, Richard Dewert, Francis Hammond, John Kilmer,
Donald Ballard, Wayne Caron, Robert Ingram and David Ray were
Marines to the core (no pun intended).
While I'm at it, let me remember:
We didn't have yellow foot prints.
I don't know what OOHRAH means.
We didn't have hip pockets.
We didn't have Lance Corporals.
We didn't wear gabardines.
We didn't have short sleeved shirts.
We wore dungarees with marker pen stripes.
The Phonetic Alphabet was: Able, Baker, Charlie etc.
We had serial numbers.
We wore Battle Jackets which were sometimes referred to as
Ike Jackets.
We wore a "P" Cutter with the Battle Jacket.
We wore a Marine Corps Emblem not an EGA.
Boy, that sure makes me sound old. Whoa Nellie, I am old.
Best Regards,
Kern, G. D, Sgt. 1190828/2533
Tribute to Omarfrog
I lost my husband almost 10 yrs ago. His first love was
U.S.M.C., second love was wife and family and third love was
American Legion. We were married 36 yrs. Due to remark made by
his mother in law, we started collecting frogs. Since his call
sign in Korea was Omar, he became Omarfrog on the computer. I
coped for a long time pretending he was on his 2 week active
training. Last Dec, to celebrate my 65th birthday I decided to
keep him near my heart and designed this tattoo.
"Betty" Mummert,
widow of Gunny John E. Mummert
How do they turn corners
Sgt Grit: Recently it was our pleasure to host the Marine Corps
Band, PISC at our Annual Apple Festival. The band's appearance
was arranged by our local recruiter Ssgt Brandon Hampson, RSS
Chillicothe, Ohio.
After the parade, we were asking them what they thought of
coming to Jackson, Ohio?
First thought: where the h&ll is Jackson Ohio?
Second thought: Are we playing in a corn field?
Third thought: Where are you going to put 50,000 people?
Last thought: we want to come back.
These kids took the time to talk to two children whose fathers
were at Parris Island; talked to any parent or relative who has
sons or daughters serving overseas and tried to put anyone at
ease.
The gentlemen in charge of the parade stated there were just as
many people here as showed up for the Ohio State Marching Band
two years ago. These kids were given a rightfully deserved
standing ovation all around the parade route.
In a nut shell, if anyone thinks the Marines of today do not
measure up to those of the past they are sadly mistaken. FYI,
the most comments received was "how do they do that movement to
turn corners?" Our thanks to the Marine Corps and this band for
their participation.
Arnold Tripp
GySgt (ret)
Veteran Service Officer
Jackson County Ohio
Find As Many As I Could
Dear Sgt Grit
A few years ago I decided to find as many of our Plt. and D I's
as I could. Our Plt 356 was formed June 14 1957 with SSgt Joe
Curley as Senior DI. Sgt Tom J Hayek as Junior DI. Also there
was a Sgt Carson at the start but he wasn't with us long. I
advertised in "Leatherneck" and heard from S/Sgt Joe Curley. I
met him in Branson Mo. last year. I found Sgt Hayek through the
internet. I visited him and his wife Peg this summer. I have
found several of our Plt members. Recently in the "St Joseph
News Press" from St Joe Mo. there was an article about 5 class
mates that joined the Marines and left for boot camp same time
as I did. So I called one of them. I guess they were in Plt 358
of our same series. As to the question as to when we arrived at
MCRD gate It was after midnight. Dale Hartley 1607484.
Never a dispute with the Seabees
Some have written about the bound between Marines and Navy
Corpsmen.
I would add that while stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Marine
Barracks "61"-"62" I observed that although the "Jarheads" were
always spoiling for a fight with any "regular" "Swabbies" who
dared to come up to the EM Club at Marineside, there was never a
dispute with the Seabees who were also stationed on the island.
They could come to our amphitheater, club, PX and we could go to
theirs without incident. There was a respect afforded these guys
that other Navy personnel did not get.
Wm. Joseph, L/Cpl. "60"-"64"
I Froze
In late 1967, our platoon (Echo 2/9) was returning to Camp
Carroll after a long op in the bush. As we were nearing Carroll
at a far distant, I noticed some men wearing white up at the
camp. I asked one of our Marines who they were and he eagerly
explained to me that those guys were on mess duty and we would
have a hot meal waiting for us when we arrived. Sure enough,
when we arrived we unloaded our gear, got cleaned up and headed
for the mess tent. I could not believe who I saw serving mashed
potatoes. Non other but my drill instructor whom I hadn't seen
in 14 months. I was really surprised that he remembered me. I
didn't know whether to shake his hand or hit him. SSgt Myron
Brookshire completed his tour on the drill field and returned to
his primary MOS which was a cook.
Almost 40 years later I thought about Brookshire and assumed
that he too was with 2/9. Perhaps H&S Co or HQ Co.
Anyway, with the help of my brother-in-law who's a PI, I located
Brookshires address and phone number. I wanted to call him and
thank him for making me a Marine and also invite him to a 2/9
reunion. I dialed his number. One ring, two rings three rings
and there's his voice. His very distinctive voice instructing me
to leave a message. I froze. The flashback of SSgt Brookshire
bellowing orders in my face over came me and I froze. I hung up.
When my heart stopped racing and I got my composure back, I
thought to myself. 'I'm 58 years old. I'm not afraid of that
'old man'.
I dialed again. I got that very distinctive voice message again
and I froze again. I hung up and wrote him a letter. After
several weeks had passed, I assumed that he just didn't care to
relive the past or he just didn't remember me. Why should he
remember me?
Over a year had passed. One day I was at the golf course and my
wife called me and asked if I knew a Myron Brookshire. I
couldn't believe it. He was at the local Denny's waiting to have
a cup of coffee with me. I raced over there. He spotted me right
away and likewise. He stood to shake my hand. I didn't remember
him being so tall. Still lean with grayish-red hair. Cowboy
boots, levis and a western shirt. He was sporting a cavalry type
hat with a large anchor globe and eagle pinned right in the
front. Should of been a smokey bear. He was still fit for a man
in his late 60's. We sat and talked for 2 hours. A fine
gentleman he was. He retired from the Marine Corps as a warrant
officer.
Myron Brookshire is now living in Arizona where he is a
spokesman for the wild mustang program with the Bureau of Land
Management.
GYSGT JOHN D. FOSTER
Echo 2/9 Vietnam 67 & 68
1st Radio Bn 2008 Reunion
San Diego, CA ..... May 15-18, 2008
The Bay Club Hotel at 2131 Shelter Island
Contact the Hotel at 1-800-672-0800, or
Rick Swan at rswan @ swanassoc .com , or
R.J. Zike at rzike @ cox .net , or
check the website at www.swanassoc.com/1stradiobn/index.htm
AnyMarine
Dear Sgt Grit:
First let me say thank you for both a great catalog and a
great newsletter. Sometimes you leave me in stitches and
sometimes you leave me in tears. I find myself wanting to go
and do just like I did 13 yrs. ago but I am older and softer
now. I have, however, found a couple of other ways to help in
the WOT.
I have traded in my M-16A2 for the postage stamp. I have
included a link to a great website that connects deployed
Marines with the folks back home. Every day there is a new
posting from Marines around the world who need supplies and
toiletries that they can't get from their PXs. I would
appreciate it greatly if you could share this link with my
brothers and sisters out there. I have also heard about an off
road magazine who sends off road lights overseas for HMMWVs. I
will add that one as well but I support ANYMARINE.COM http://www.anymarine.com/ and hope you will allow me to share this organization with everyone else.
I often think about Parris Island and reminisce with a
reservist I work with. I have lost track of my buddies over the
years but I often meet new ones and although I don't have many
stories to share, I'm happy to listen to theirs.
Lastly, Happy Birthday, Marines! 232 years and still the
greatest fighting force in the world.
Semper Fi,
PFC Flack
93-94
Attention on deck
Sarge,
Even though I am a "Cold War" Marine (1955 - 58), I weep
every time we lose a member of our Corps, especially those who
saw the worst of war and the best of the Corps. This week, we
remembered one of these heroes, Dick Thomas. Dick entered the
Corps in 1944, at the height of WW II, and after boot camp and
ITR was assigned to the 1st Div in time for both Okinawa and Iwo
Jima. He served with the 1st AND 3rd Divs. during those terribly
trying days. It was my privilege to hand-make an insignia plaque
honoring him two years ago.
Dick had a rare form of Parkinson's Disease that robbed him
of his ability to speak, but it never dampened his enthusiasm
for the luncheons we Marines (superannuated detachment, as we
call ourselves) have every month or so. In recent days he was
diminished in body, but not in mind or spirit. On October 19, he
took his final assignment in the great security detail . . . "If
the Army and the Navy ever look on heavens scenes, they will
find the streets are guarded by United States Marines ".
Attention on deck! Dick is passing by. Rest well, friend.
You've earned it.
John Tonkin
Never Say Die
Here is my Marine tat. The bottom reads Never Say Die. Hope
you enjoy it.
Cpl Alfred S. Meyer
2nd Mar Div, 2nd FSSG, 2nd Supply Bn, Supply Co.
95-99
Veteran's Day Address
As commander of our VFW Post, I was requested to give a little
speech for this Veterans Day. My thought was that I would pull
from my personal experiences.
I looked back upon the 23 years in the Corps and I think that
one instance stands out for me. I was on recruiting duty
assigned to my home town of Houston, Texas and later transferred
to Galveston, Texas to replace a retiring Marine. I was on duty
for one day at my new location in Galveston when I received a
phone call from a Sister Angelina at one of the local Catholic
schools. She asked if I could come out the next day and give a
talk on Veterans Day. Of course I accepted without a thought.
Going back to recruiting school, we had to memorize canned
speeches for different occasions that we may have to give during
our tour in recruiting.
I started thinking, what would be appropriate for a junior high
class, what would get their attention and at the same time be
informative.
I broke out the books and somehow I just didn't think any of the
speeches that we had to learn would get across what I wanted to
say. I did a little research on Veteran's Day and below is what
I presented to that group of students.
On this upcoming Veterans Day, I think that we as a nation
should look back and re-instate the meaning of Veterans Day and
what it means to each of us.
Let us take a trip back in time and look at how Veterans Day
was originated and why.
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919 with the signing
of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the
Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with
the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of
the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day,
as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the
United States in 1926 and a national holiday 12 years later.
On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor
all U.S. Veterans.
In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of
Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became
apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic
significance to many Americans.
Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its
traditional date.
What is a veteran. Where do they come from. What is the
significance of making a national holiday in remembrance of this
group of people. I will try to explain my views of what a
veteran is and why the deserve this day set fourth back in 1926.
Webster describes a veteran as a former member of the armed
services.
Somehow, to me, that answer is incomplete. It describes a job,
but what is a veteran as a person.
If you had to describe a veteran, it would be very difficult.
They did not just appear in a cloud of smoke as perhaps a
magicians trick. Neither are they a highly specialized people,
but they are a special people. Throughout the years in our
nations history, these men and women stepped up to serve their
nations call. A veteran could be a rancher from Texas, a school
teacher from New York or a farmer from Iowa. If you were to see
a veteran walking down the street, how could you identify this
person. If he or she was in uniform, the identification would be
easy, however, if this person was not in uniform, what then. It
would be almost impossible to identify these individuals as they
could very easily be your grand father, father, mother, brother
or sister. This veteran could even be the paper boy that used to
deliver your paper to you. One thing for sure, they would be
walking very proudly in the knowledge that they are a member of
a very elite organization. An organization that sets them apart
from their neighbors and families of whom they have sworn to
protect.
What I am saying is that a veteran is no different than any
other person you may see walking down the street, but these men
and women are very special indeed. When their nation called,
these men and women stood up to answer their nations call. They
left their jobs, homes, families, their secure position in life
to honor their nations commitment and possibly put themselves in
harms way. This is the creed of the veteran, to serve their
country in time of peace and sometimes in war to protect its
nations borders against danger both foreign and domestic.
Therefore, on this upcoming Veterans Day, it is only fitting and
proper that we remember why Veterans Day was originated and why.
Throughout the years from the American Revolution to the
present, there have been men and women of all races, religions
and life styles answer their countries call.
There will always be this special group of men and women to step
forward when needed.
We should therefore, honor all veterans both past and present,
both having served and still serving in the Armed Forces of the
United States throughout the world.
We should also offer a prayer for those in foreign lands and in
harms way that they return to their loved ones safely.
I will close this with this small comment:
All Gave Some....Some Gave All
Needless to say, I received a standing ovation. Later we
saluted the flags with the Pledge of Allegiance and following
that, we said the Lords Prayer.
It would be an honor if you were to print this in your
newsletter in remembrance for all veterans both living and
passed on.
" Freedom IS NOT Free "
GySgt Robert Eastmade (USMC Ret)
VFW Post 981
Arlington Heights, IL
In the Dictionary
Howdy Sarge -
Just read the latest newsletter after coming home from my
cardiologist and am reminded of an incident that occurred on a
cold, windy afternoon in November '52. It was in Ascom City
where a bunch of us greenhorn replacements clambered off the
back of duty 6X6 to find out the what/where/when etc. (We
already knew the "why" and "how" - or thought we did.)
We were met by then-TSgt. Ted Bouknight from Brooklyn (a WWII
veteran of a few Pacific campaigns) who passed out some timely
advice. In his best Brooklyn-ese, he let us know that if any of
us were concerned about "buying the farm", we could forget about
it since that process started the day we were born and it was
now up to someone else to determine the "when".
He added that "sympathy" was in very short supply but if any of
us really had a need for it, we could find all that was
available in the dictionary "right between sh!t and syphilis".
An early version of "git 'er done"?
Thanks to that advice, the next couple months are going to go
smoother, I'm sure. I'm awaiting heart bypass surgery that's
needed to get me strong enough to have a tumor cut out of my
right lung. So, to all you parents and relatives of Marines,
this "attitude" will sustain your sons/daughters/nephews/nieces/
husbands/wives through whatever they have to face.
Semper Fidelis!
MSgt. USMC (Ret) 1952-1973
P.S. I actually chuckled when the heart doc informed me of the
heart problem AFTER I had been told about the lung cancer. Git
'er done!
Ask Yourself
Let us not forget that in the words of Chesty himself, "Ribbon
Creek was and is a tragedy." But, Sgt, McKeon was intoxicated
and off-duty when he woke his platoon after midnight for their
march through the swamps. Through his negligence towards his
duty as a DI; SIX young men were lost to our Corps and our
Country. I don't want to take a contrarian viewpoint but the
Drill Instructor in this case was mentally impaired by his
intoxication and made dangerously wrong decisions. Do I think
training in swamps is good? Certainly, and especially at night.
Would I want to be led into said swamp by a drunk? Ask yourself
the same question. And ask yourself: Is a drunken leader a good
role model? Chesty was right when he said that training should
be as close to combat as possible, but Chesty was never drunk
when he lead Marines. And I was never drunk when I lead
Marines.
Bob Duke
Sgt. USMC 1966-1971
One Little Toddler
The other evening was "Trick-or-Treat" in our neighborhood. All
along our street the grown-ups were in lawn chairs on our
driveways passing out candy & treats to the costumed kids. One
little toddler, a girl not more that 2 years old, was wearing a
"Buzz Lightyear" costume. Her mother pointed out my salty,
faded, red ball cap with the EGA on it. The little girl
immediately said "Ooorahh"!
Needless to say, she got an EXTRA handful of candy from me!
Jim Phillabaum
S/Sgt USMC 3516/3531
1963-1972
Remaining Faithful
I am not sure exactly where to send this to, whether you have a
forum specific column for this sort of thing or not. Frankly, I
am disgusted. I must say something specifically to some of the
Marines, and former Marines, that I know read this website,
concerning maintaining oneself to Marine standards. Our motto,
Semper Fidelis. This mean always faithful. What specifically are
you always faithful too? Everything that you believe in as a
person. With our married brothers and sisters in arms, this
includes remaining faithful to their significant other. So what
happens when one is unfaithful in marriage? Does this then mean
that they can remain faithful to everything else? Questioning
ones integrity on one thing starts a chain of events that only
leads downhill. Doing things such as committing adultery are a
disgrace to oneself and to the Corps, and reflect on every
single person that dons the uniform. People hear about it or see
it happening, and think "oh, he's a Marine, I bet that girl he's
with isn't even his wife." Its like one of those punishable
crimes that is severely under investigated and under punished,
and frankly it makes me sick. Marines, please take some pride in
yourself and keep you word. Remain faithful to what you believe
in. your actions reflect the rest of us as a whole.
-LCpl Christiansen
Active/deployed
Human After All
Sgt Grit;
I am 70 years old now, but still a Marine at heart. I will
never forget nor regret how tough our DIs where on us. At the
time most of us were sure we would do them serious harm first
chance we got. As it turned out I remained at MCRD after boot
camp and went through radio/telegraphers school. I had
occasions where I got back to the old boot area and visited with
my old DIs. It turned out they were human after all and were
just doing an important job, and doing it well. Making Marines
out of young boys. Turning them into men takes real talent,
determination, and pride in what they are doing. God love 'em.
Al
1956/1959
Guam
Semper fi Sgt. grit!
Once a Marine..always a Marine, ooorah! did you know that the
Marines in Okinawa are being relocated to Guam? its suppose to
take effect on the year 2012. I am so proud that they would be
station here. at one time, they were Marines station here
(Barracks Duty) but they were moved out in the late 80's. I'm
excited and happy, now I can sleep better at night knowing that
our shores and streets are guarded by the few, the proud the
MARINES! ooorah! love reading the articles all happy and
sad...salute to Sgt. Grit!
LCpl R.C.Blas, Guam, USA
Walk The Walk
I just read a few write ins and got the biggest chuckle in
awhile. I'm going back 40 years ago June, when I entered boot
camp at San Diego, MCRD at twilight hours. The names of my
three D.I.'s are still on the tip of my tongue like it was
yesterday. S/Sgt Trejo, S/Sgt Jordan and Sgt Garcia were the
three toughest people this young 17 year old smart a** ever met.
I will never forget what these men taught me, nor do I want to
forget it. Yes, one of the three put a a** whipping on this big
mouth young punk. Yet, the day after graduation he called me
aside and complemented me on being the craziest Marine he ever
had at MCRD. He also told me he had no doubt that I would come
back from Viet Nam alive. I still walk the walk and talk the
talk of a young Marine at 57 years old. What I learned there,
carried me through the next 30 years as a street cop for the Los
Angeles Police Department.
I'm retired now and can only thank these three men for
making me a MARINE for life and a better person.
Former Sgt Fritz McDowell # 2349865
MCRD 6/67- 8/67
Viet Nam 2/68- 6/70
2nd Battalion, 27th H&S Company
Gulf Battery, 11th Marines
MOS: 2111
Neither Of Us
I have a friend who was with the 2nd Marine Air Wing on Peleliu
during WWll. He was a stretcher bearer because the air field was
not useable. He calls me a young sprout because I served from
'54 to 58'. We were talking the other day about dress blues.
Neither of us ever saw a Marine wearing dress blues while we
were on active duty. It never crossed our minds to buy some. the
Corps has sure changed in fifty years.
Edward Spence
Sgt. USMC
Trick Shooter
How does a person go about finding info to out a fake? This
guys name is Patrick Flanigan, he is a trick shooter for
Winchester, saw him this summer at the World Shooting Complex
(Sparta, IL, during the Grand American, ATA event), anyways he
does his thing then says "I was in the Marine Corps and have
lost a lot of buddies over there". Show gets over and my son
wants a autograph, we stand in line, get up to him and I say
Semper fi brother........his reply is weak........RED
FLAG........and he's not wanting to say any thing else, h&ll I
even give him a Gatorade out of my cooler, thinking its sure hot
out here........we leave and no........see ya devil
dog........take care jarhead........no ooouugh.
Nothing........RED FLAG. So I discuss this with my cousin on
the way home, he judges people well, he smells a fake too! I
got home did some looking around on the net and couldn't find
much, time goes by and I forget about it. Now I read the
November issue of Outdoor Life and here he is giving advice,
mission on! I then go directly to his website and read his
bio........no mention of service, and its normally a rather
important time in a Marines life, so I e-mail
him........Houston we have a problem! I will try my best to
forward them, not exactly a techy, if need be. He says he did 6
weeks in boot and tore a knee up and got med discharge, because
of this injury he feels he "made it", so now he calls himself
one........Sorry bud, this title goes to only those who make it
to the end, partial doesn't count.
At this time I even doubt this story, any way of fishing for
info on this punk?
sincerely yours
Jon A Knop Cpl USMC 85-89
Chesty Would
Sgt Grit:
I went through boot camp at MCRD San Diego in 1958, but that has
nothing to do with this story..
On Friday 10-19-07, while on vacation from sunny California, I
rode down to MCRD Parris Island from Charleston SC with my
grand-daughter to pick up her fiancé for the weekend. Anyway,
she took me on a little tour of the base, and I could NOT
believe my eyes! Right there on the base was a SUBWAY sandwich
shop.... Can you imagine??? Chesty would roll over in his grave
if he even suspected something like that.
Regards, Harley Morris 1573489 Corporal of Marines 1958-1961
Combat V
I am the recipient of the Bronze Star with the combat V for
valor. It is the fourth highest award for valor when the combat
v is included. there is a another Bronze star that is given and
that one is given with out the combat V .that one is for
meritorious service and the lesser of the two awards..The other
branches of the service give this award out like it was candy
especially the air force and army.
I have met up with a number of people from other branches of the
service on numerous occasions who have this award but with out
the combat V and try to tell me that it was on the same parody
as the valor award. These people need to be straightened out as
to where the truth lies, for if it is then I am going to send my
award back to the government. please be kind enough and explain
the difference between these two awards and what it means to get
it from the Marine Corps. vs. getting it from other branches of
the military.
Cpl. Joseph A.Francis 2266894
F-Co. 2nd. 26th. Marines
3rd. Mar. Div. Nam Jan.67-Feb.68
A Little Ceremony
Sgt.Grit,
Just wanted to say thanks. The old Marine Flag that flies over my home right now will be replaced with the new one I Bought. In
the predawn hours of 10 November 2007, much to the chagrin of my
family they think I crazy for holding a little ceremony in the
wee hours of the morning I just tell them it A MARINE THING
thanks again and Semper Fi Keep up the good work.
H. B. Cpl of Marines
'85-'89 '90-'91
(High speed Low drag 2531)
Short Rounds
Thanks for helping me to remember the best and the worst times
of my life... When I look back even the worst were the best.
Semper Fi.
Gary Steuer Sgt 1963 - 1967, Vietnam '65 - '67
Has anyone noticed that the name of CMC is the same as in the
movie John Wayne "Sands of Iwo Jima" the name of Conway's (boot)
dad.
Reunion: lima three/five 1st Marine div
from July 7 to July 14 in dc
thank you jimd
DaJD2000 @ aol .com
One of my favorite Boot Camp tales...standing in formation with
one of PI's famous sand fleas marching up my neck, into my ear
then across my face with Sgt. Morse standing behind me saying
"Donnnnt Yoooou Mooooove". Oh well , memories are great.
Ken Vinal, Sgt.
1st Eng Bn, Korea 1952
Resources for
ordering your platoon photo or graduation video.
I saw something today that taught me volumes about the
brotherhood of Marines
Marine Brotherhood
Here's a picture of my latest Marine tattoo.
Sgt. Kirby Whitsel 1978--1985
Sgt. Grit, here's my one cent on the DI's being too rough.
Pretty sure this is from the mid 50's, "Let no man's ghost ever
say 'if only their training program had done it's job."
[DI motto]
I hope I never see the day Marine drill instructors can't do
there jobs.
Eugene Johnson
Cpl finnerty, mighty mouse. plt 44 1947. thank you for making
me a Marine. PFC jacques m berman 636304 usmc china Marine
and korea .
semper fi
Sgt Grit: Always enjoy your news letters. I read with amusement
the story from the Mom with a Son and an Adopted Son, one in
USAF Boot Camp, and the other in the REAL Boot Camp. I would
like to let the Mom know that the Marine Corps command is
"Forward March" . The Air Force command is "Come on guys, were
going over there"
Semper Fi and Happy 232ND.
Dave Modlin, MGySgt Retired.....
How about some stories about the 'best officer' you served with?
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Semper Fidelis
Gung Ho!
Sgt Grit
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