A hot, sweltering summer day. Heat waves bounced off the asphalt parking lot outside of sickbay, MCRD San Diego back in mid 71. Our platoon received another mysterious series of inoculations and one by one we ran back outside to our respective place in formation. One of our recruits commits an infraction somewhere along the process. The DI steps outside obviously annoyed. He belts out, ON YOUR FACES...pause...Push Up Position! Red'Dee...pause...Begin! If hands were eggs, ours sizzled, fried and became well done. That evening in our tin hootches, 62 of us stood at attention atop of our footlockers prepared for hygiene inspection. Enormous blisters and broken skin covered the palms of our hands. Our platoon commander asked nearly each one of us about our hands. Each and every one of us responded, Sir, slipped down the ropes, sir! Loyalty.
SGM, USMC (ret) 0369

I Am Currently Serving

Dear Sgt Grit, Marines, and Readers,
I am currently serving as a Drill Instructor aboard MCRD Parris Island, SC. After reading letters from several of your subscribers, I felt the urge to write and inform the readers on what I see every day.

The Recruit Training Order 1513.6A list 8 times you can touch a Recruit. All Drill Instructors spend 12 weeks at Drill Instructor School learning the RTO front to back. There is NO gray area! Recruits will frustrate you, that's the nature of the beast. However, as a member of a Drill Instructor TEAM, you have to know when a hat is getting to his/her boiling point. That's when being a "Marine, first and foremost" kicks in. That's when either the Senior Drill Instructor, or an other Drill Instructor comes in and relieves the situation. We take care of our own by letting that Devil Dog go have a smoke to calm down, or go get something to drink. Yes, for the safety of the Recruit, but more importantly to protect the career of that Drill Instructor. Like I said there is no gray area about the 8 times to touch a Recruit, and violators will be dealt with accordingly.

Recruit Training is suppose to be stressful! That is why Drill Instructors act the way we do. There are No, I say again, No stress cards here. Heck, OIF I and II were pretty darn stressful. We are tasked with turning young 18-19 year old civilians into United States Marines in a short 12 weeks. With the current situation in the world, a lot of these young men will find themselves in very dangerous situations within a years time. The American people WANT a MARINE who can perform under stress. Like the quote from "A Few Good Men." 'You want me on that wall, You need me on that wall'.

Although, the image of a Recruit pulling out a stress card to a 3rd Hat is hilarious. Mine would probably eat it in front of the Recruit. I assure you and your readers that the Marines we produce today are of the same caliber, if not better than when I came through in '91. The training schedule is more intense than it was a few years ago. The PT now days is close to what you'd find at a Corporals Course. The Crucible is back to the way it use to be as well.

In closing I would like to tell the 'Old Salts' that our Corps is in good hands. To the parents of Recruits, your kids are in good hands. Finally, to the Active Duty Marines, we're sending you a good product, you're tasked with taking them the rest of the way. Lead by Example, and don't let them down.

Semper Fidelis,
Sgt Widerman, E.S.
0311/8511
Fox Co. 2nd Recruit Training Battalion

Blue Tags

Edw. [1944-1953] Hoffman's Walter Winchell info was interesting. WW always had a soft spot & respect for Marines. On his broadcasts in the early 50's he would say "to get south fast, follow the blue tags" . I still have a blue Camp LeJeune tag '2985' from 1953. I was on Iwo in 1955 for the 10th anniversary of the original landing.
It was very moving.. My boots were full of black sand. I should have saved some.
Frank Nelson 2531 Sgt. 53-56.

Moto Tat

This is my "Moto Tat" I got over 4 years ago now. I got it done in Michigan at Old Town Tattoo when I was 19. I EASed the 10th of August this year. I served with 2D MAR DIV HQBN TRK CO while I was enlisted.

Tierra McLellan
USMC/CPL

General Peter Pace

I just want everyone to understand that this dialogue is not about, 'Can we vote our way out of a war?' We have an enemy who has declared war on us. We are in a war. They want to stop us from living the way we want to live our lives... We will prevail; there's no doubt about that."
?outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Peter Pace

John Chalk

Talented Combat Artist John Chalk has issued some OUTSTANDING USMC creations... The Marine's Ring Bronze Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Statue Bronze Chesty Puller Statue Smedley Butler Statue

Could Breath Life

Sgt. Grit: I was looking over my Marine papers the other day and I saw this note in my files.

R.C. Switzer, 277072 USMC.
One of the most influential men in my life. More important to me than my father.

Gunny was a man among men having survived the Bataan Death March and the Japanese brutality in confinement for the entire length of the Pacific Campaign. We served together in Korea 1954-1955 near the DMZ, B Co. 1st Motors, 1st Marine Division, proud truckers who carried the best fighting men in the world.

Gunny could breath life into a run down engine with the correct tool or if need be a branch of a tree. I owe Gunny much- he more then helped me become a man and he showed me that you can always do what you have to do - no matter how difficult - there is always a way and there is no quit. Thanks Gunny, where ever you are. 53 years later and still in awe of your immense spirit.
Semper Fidelis, Joe Tirrell

Felt The Message Loud And Clear

Subject: Marines and Soldiers Returning from Iraq not allowed into Oakland Terminal

On September 27th 204 Marines and soldiers who were returning from Iraq were not allowed into the passenger terminal at Oakland International Airport. Instead they had to deplane about 400 yards away from the terminal where the extra baggage trailers were located.

This was the last scheduled stop for fuel and food prior to flying to Hawaii where both were based. The trip started in Kuwait on September 26th with a rigorous search of checked and carry on baggage by US Customs. All baggage was x-rayed with a backscatter machine AND each bag was completely emptied and hand searched. After being searched, checked bags were marked and immediately placed in a secure container.

Carry on bags were then x rayed again to ensure no contraband items were taken on the plane. While waiting for the bus to the airport, all personnel were quarantined in a fenced area and were not allowed to leave.

The first stop for fuel/food and crew change was in Leipzig Germany. Troops exited the aircraft and took a bus to a reception area in the terminal, where there was a convenience store, phones, Internet and restrooms. As we excited the bus we were given a re-boarding pass. Three troops remained on the plane with the rifles and pistols. There was no ammunition on the plane and the bolts of the rifles had been removed. After about 2 hours troops re-boarded the plane and flew to JFK in NY.

At JFK the procedure was similar to Germany, 3 troops stayed on the plane to guard weapons while the rest deplaned. At the gate we were each given a re-boarding pass and spent about 1.5 hours in the terminal, at which time we re-boarded and flew to Oakland.

As we came in for the final approach to Oakland a Lieutenant, who served in Afghanistan with the same unit in 2006, mentioned how when they landed in Oakland they were not allowed in the terminal. He said, they made us get out by the FED EX building and we had to sit out there for 3 hours. He also indicated he was almost arrested by the TSA for getting belligerent about them not letting the Marines into the terminal.

Well the same thing happened again. This time we did not park by the FED EX building, instead we were offloaded near the grass that separates the active runway from the taxi ramp, about 400 yards from the terminal. When we inquired why they wouldn't allow us in the airport they gave us some lame excuse that we hadn't been screened by TSA. While true, the screening which we did have was much more thorough than any TSA search and was done by US Customs.

Additionally, JFK didn't seem to have a problem with our entering their terminal, nor did security in Germany. It felt like being spit on. Every Marine and soldier felt the message loud and clear, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN OAKLAND!

If you have any questions please contact me via email at brandonsharding@yahoo.com I'll provide my cell phone if you want further details.

Chaplain Brandon Harding
1ST BN 3D MARINES
H & S Co

Match This One

Let-em match this one! It is my memorial tac to all vets, of course especially brother Marines. Ricky Bailey at G.A.S. tattoos in Longview Texas is the master tattoo artist.

"Yea tho I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, I fear nothing, for my Marines are with me"!
~The Texas Top

Semper Fi (Always Faithful)
Fratres Aeterni (Brothers Forever)
"Top" R. Plumlee, Sr.
Master Sergeant of Marines (Gold Wing) Airborne (Retired)
Still Lean, Mean, And Always A Marine!
"Attitude Is Everything"

The "Texas Top" says-----"Never Forget"!

Impress Him

Dear Sgt Grit,

My wife just gave me your great Get Off My Bus T Shirt. It brought back wonderful and terrifying memories of that first night on the island. We pulled up about 12:30 A.M. A Gunny stepped aboard and welcomed us. Did you men have a nice trip he asked? Before I had a chance to know it was a trick, he exploded

NOW You Got 30 #%&*^& SECONDS To Get Off This &*%#&*#$ BUS And GET YOUR FEET On Those YELLOW PRINTS!

I thought I would impress him by jumping out the window. It didn't work. I'll spare you the details!

Jack Thomas
Former Sgt. of Marines

Like Everyone Else

I didn't know Sgt Major Kellogg personally, but I did serve under him as a member of TOW plt, HQ/3 at Kbay, Hi in the late '80's.

I was told that once he won the MOH, he would stand wall locker inspections just like everyone else.

However, when everyone else was pressing uniforms and shining boots and brass to put into the wall lockers, he was busy clearing out his locker. Then when he was "ready," he would hang his MOH from the horizontal rod with the locker doors open.

To my knowledge, he never -- EVER -- failed an inspection.

Jeff Henig
TOW plt, HQ/3, 3d MAR DIV
Not as lean, not as mean, still a U.S. Marine...

Airborne

Back in the state of Georgia I was sitting around in a Boy Scout Camp (CAMP TOLOCHEE) with some of my scouter friends talking about our military service when a good friend of mine mention that the best trained soldiers in the world are the Airborne. Immediately everybody looked at me and they said: Get a hold of this guy!,, Listen to that, Dan Muñoz!,, What do you have to say!

I agree with my friend and immediately answered: Well he's right! ...and somebody reply, Why is that?
and I add: Because we are not soldiers......! next question was--What are you then?

Everybody remain silent when I said... We are MARINES!

Semper Fi
Cpl. Daniel "Dan" Muñoz
1991-1996 HQSPTBN 2ND MARDIV

'Testicular Envy'

Sgt. Grit,

While at the VA Hospital Tuesday PM, I was in the waiting room there for my cat-scan with this small, old man. He commented on my Marine ball cap and I found out he was a WWII Marine. He joined in 1944 and was in the battle for Okinawa. He said he was injured by one of the last mortar rounds of a particular battle. He told me he was down deep in his foxhole when a mortar round hit just outside his hole. Although he wasn't hit with shrapnel, the concussion threw him twenty feet in the air, ruptured both his eardrums and, because he landed head-first with his helmet on, he damaged nearly all of his spine. He was evacuated to a hospital ship and his war was over real quick.

I asked this WWII Marine Veteran why his generation was so quiet about all that they had done. He told me it was the way things were back home that kept them quiet. Nobody wanted to hear what the Heroes had done. Instead, the ones that stayed home only wanted to talk about how much sacrifice they had to endure (rationing, long work hours, etc.) and didn't seem to want to listen to what the War Veterans had to say. When I asked him if he thought it was 'testicular envy', his old, bright blue eyes lit up and he began to chuckle. He said, after all these years, that had to be the reason the Veteran's stories from WWII were ignored by the civilian population of our country and why he and his fellow WWII Veterans stayed quiet for so long.

We continued our conversation until he was called in for his exam and I didn't see him again. Forgot to get his name though d*mmit, but will remember his old wrinkled face, bright blue eyes and his soft but solid 'Semper Fi' he said to me for the rest of my life.

Semper Fi Marine,

Tony Glass
USMC Sgt
1974-78

I Did Something Better

Sgt Grit,

I have been reading the news letter for quite some time and now I would like to add my experience.

I was at the post office and noticed a beat up older pickup truck with a shinny Semper Fi sticker on it. As I was walking in a heavy un-shaved gut came walking out wearing a USMC base ball cap. I didn't say anything to him just then, but when I came out he was still sitting there in his truck. As I got into my car he shouted Semper Fi to me. I returned the greeting. It was easy for him to spot me since I have MOPH plates and the MIA/POW sticker along with the Eagle Globe and Anchor on my car.

This guy was down and out flat broke and hurting, so he said. After talking to him for a while nothing was setting off the red lights. As a good brother I helped him out and wished him well and also told him of the local Marine Corps League and Solders and Sailors office in the next town. He said he had tried to get help from them but it didn't work out. (red light on low glow)

To make a long story short he claimed to be a former Lt 01 "infantry" grunt who was special "BLACK" Ops. That did it for me. I asked his MOS and he spits out 0000. (BIG RED FLASHING LIGHTS) Claims he was ordered to be captured and spent six months as a POW until he could find a certain Major to assassinate. DIDN'T I SEE that in a MOVIE?

Here is the kicker, he claimed he was awarded the MOH, or CMOH if you prefer, in a "secret" ceremony at the White House where the Vice President handed it to him.

OK now I'm ready to drop him where he stands but,, I do something better. I got a hold of the district CID unit of the Judge Advocated Office and had an investigation started. It turns out this poser washed out of Air Force Boot after ten days with a DD. He was also later arrested for second degree murder and was out on parole.

The best part,,,

He was re-arrested for violation of parole and his sentence vacated. They put him away for twelve years, NO parole. They also tried him on criminal impersonation and illegal possession of the MOH. That gave him another fifteen years. Last I knew he was locked up in a federal prison doing hard time.

One that didn't walk and was made to pay the price..

G L DeDominicis dedom
2011699 Sgt 62-69
RSVN 66-68

Semper Fi Tattoo

LCPL Daly Golf 2/6

Best Piece

I was at PI in 1993. When we went to the range our SDI offered a pack of M&Ms to whoever scored the highest on qual day. It was not a regular pack like you would purchase at a gas station but a small Halloween trick-or-treat size. On qual day, it was given to the recruit with the high score along with a razor blade. He was told he had to share with the whole platoon and had to cut them into 88 equal size pieces and hand them out. We each got a tiny morsel of M&M. As soon as the last recruit got his morsel in his mouth, our heavy went nuts! He informed us that he though we were all disgusting because we knew the rules from day one and NO CANDY was near the top of the list. He took us to the pit for a l-o-n-g time so that we could pay for our transgression. That was the best piece of chocolate I ever ate.
Ray

Birthday Ball Coming Up

Be ready for the best celebration yet! Get some gear to pass out to your buddies...and make it a Birthday to remember... 232 Years Birthday Ball Coin Birthday Ball Cigar and Tube Marine Corps Cummerbund White Nylon Gloves Enlisted Waist Plate All our Birthday Ball Supplies

We Probably Protected

Hey Sgt Grit. Just a line, to let you once again know how much, I really enjoy your Newsletters, I read each, and every one, and when I finish them, I drop them off, at the VA Clinic here, in Huntsville, Alabama. Where, I am sure, that they are enjoyed by others. This newsletter, really hit Home, because I, like Rusty Hoeck, Can relate to Standing in the Rain, as an eighteen year old Marine, on 25 September 1945, at the Tsingtao China Racetrack, and participating, in the Surrender of Japanese Troops. It is something, That I think about quite often. I believe, that at the time, I did not really understand, the importance, of the event. But in my later years, knew, that We really did something of truly heroic. My family, (My Brothers, Charley, Henry, George, And Joseph were all in the Pacific area At the same time.) Charley, Henry And George, on Guadalcanal, and my brother Joseph, campaigned, in the battles of Iwo Jima, Bougainville, and Vela La Vela. Myself, being the youngest, did not reach the pacific, until early 1945.

I am sure, that Rusty, must remember the long nights of pulling Guard Duty, to protect the Japanese troops, from Chinese retribution. I remember, the times, that while They the Japanese Troops, had to go from one building to another to be fed, we had to Fix Bayonets, and form two lines/files, and the Japanese, would pass, from their billeting Building Through our position to the Chow Hall. As I think about it from time to time, We probably protected them for quite some time, before we had the means to send them back to Japan.

The Chinese had no great love for the Japanese, because of all the Atrocities, that Japan inflicted on them. One rarely hears, anything these days, of the R^pe, of Nanking, A Chinese city, or of the Biological Testing Camps, were the Japanese, tested Various Chemicals, on American Prisoners of War.

Well Sgt. Grit, to continue, I ended up putting a little over 20 years in our beloved Corps, and retired. On 30 June 1965 as a SSgt. Will close for now, and who knows, my drop you another line later

I remain Yours Truly
John F. Morash Sr.
Semper Fi......

P. S. And may God Bless, Protect and keep all of Our Troops Save, and grant them a speedy return Home to their Loved Ones.

Found My Senior Drill Instructor

Sgt. Grit:

Always enjoy your newsletter and look forward every Thursday morning to reading every single submission. One caught my eye on 27 September from LCpl Charles Harden. We share a few things, one being Parris Island and the other being my hometown of Dublin, Georgia. Two places in this world hold a special place in my heart - Dublin and any Marine Corps base. My wife and I travel as much as possible and she knows that if we're on U. S. Highway 17 in North Carolina or South Carolina, we're going to stop at LeJeune and Parris Island. I-95 in Virginia requires a stop at Quantico. I recently found my Senior Drill Instructor, SSgt Paul A. Rossano, made contact and we've emailed and talked over the phone several times and plan to visit in the near future. I'm glad I had the opportunity to thank him for helping to make me a Marine. I too remember the "uniform adjustments" made occasionally and balancing my M-14 on the back of my outstretched hands and praying that I wouldn't drop it. Sixty years old now and like LCpl Harden, not a lean but still a Marine. I am thankful to be part of such a brotherhood and to know what it feels like to wear that revered emblem. Every Marine Corps commercial makes me proud and hearing the Marine Corps hymn and the National Anthem still causes my eyeballs to sweat, even in winter. Thanks to all my fellow Marines for your service and thanks to you LCpl Harden for continuing to serve as a Laurens County deputy sheriff. Oh, and we visit my Mom in Dublin about once a month, usually on a Saturday. If I'm moving a little fast and we happen to meet professionally, cut me a little slack, OK . . . . .

Semper Fi

RBell
Platoon 184, C Company, 1st Bn
Parris Island, Class of 1966

Just Below My DI's

May I add my 2 cents worth about the Corpsman/Marine issue. It seems to me that the Corpsman rates just below my DIs. Without either one, a h%ll of a lot us wouldn't be here today.

That earns them "Marine" in my book.
Semper Fi Doc

Wes Bland
Sgt 1967-71
RVN 1968-69

Mid-Rats Near Phu Bai

Sgt. Grit...

The title of the last newsletter being "I Survived" made me think of a couple of things I did there in Vietnam to make the time a little more pleasant... I got a counterfeit "visitors pass" to the Air Force chow hall at DaNang. Having an assignment to the air base there as a Marine you had to chow down at the Marine mess area. The Air Force chow hall was like eating in a restaurant... it even had ice cream!

Second, the Marines required you to be E-6 to get consume liquor at their enlisted clubs in 'Nam, even if you were 25 years old! The Air Force allowed E-4s, which I was at the time, that privilege at their e-clubs. I spent a couple of nights at those flyboy watering holes.

One funny incident I observed at a mid-rats near Phu Bai, although it may not have seemed so to the victim... a squad had just come back from a patrol in the boonies and was going through the chow line. It turned out he knew one of the guys serving up the food and asked if he could procure a few eggs to take back out to the field with him. The Marine on chow line duty went back and brought out a dozen eggs. The eggs were soon lodged in the many pockets of his friend's jungle utes. The hungry Marine got his tray and had it filled with food when one of his squad buddies walked up behind him a gave him a quick pat-down that squashed all of the eggs in his pockets, from chest to thigh. We all got a howl over that as the guy stood there with a full tray in his hands and eggs running out of the utility vent holes. If that Marine reads this, I apologize to him for laughing. But, it sure was a hoot to watch his face as he stood there helpless.

J.Wallace
Nam 1969-1970

Iwo Jima

I went to Iwo Jima on a historical tour in March of 2005 and collected a bit of sand myself. After I made my own display's I had some left over and found some little bottles and passed them out at work to some fellow MARINES. OOHRAH and Semper Fi....

Ron Montgomery
Sgt/USMC 85-97

Am I One

I have been reading all the good stories for a few months now there must be something wrong with my memory! I served from 67 to 71(12-67 to 12-68 in Nam) and don't remember much. Am I one of the lucky or unlucky ones? But I do remember the yellow footprints( and the voice in the night saying you'll be sorry) and SSgt. Blue and Plt.1008. Changed my life for ever! Oh ya who could forget Khe Sanh. Its just the names and faces are gone.
Good Luck to all Marines
Simper Fi
Kelly Cpl. USMC 67-71

Most Respected

hello Sgt grit here are the 3 most respected medals in the world. they are displayed in every Marines museum in scranton pa.

S F dom

Sticks

I enjoy reading about times in the Corps years ago. The memories come back -- Tent Camp 2, Ike jackets (that's what we called them), dungarees, etc. What I haven't seen discussed are swagger sticks and "short timer" sticks. I recall officers carried the swagger stick and then the privilege was given to SNCOs. Short timers in Korea carried their own sticks, plus you usually could tell how long I guy had been their my his 'stache.

In '56, just before I got out, I recall being issued a green "ascot" type scarf, something like the doggies were wearing at that time. Hope this stirs the pot a little and brings back memories to other old jarheads.

Semper Fi,
Bob Rader #1405534

Walter Winchell Jr....More Rumors

Sgt Grit,
About 20 of us were sworn in July 1952 In New York City. Walter Winchell Jr. was put in charge of our records on the train ride to Parris Island. When we arrived we were assigned to the 4th Batt. Plt 485.
After a day of close order drill in the hot S.C. sun, we came back to our Quonset hut and Walter Jr. went psycho he was screaming and hollering. S/Sgt Luiz our Senior DI came and quieted him down. He was taken away and never returned to our Plt
Years later I was reading A Bio about Walter Winchell and stated that he had a son that joined the Marine Corps They found out that he was only 16 and was discharged. It said he committed suicide when he was in his 30's. As far as I know he was the only Winchell relative who went into the Marine Corps.

Bob Werner 52 to 56 1338383

Okay, someone out there must know the REAL story of Walter Winchell's relative who died while at P.I. First it was a nephew who drowned in the swamp; then it was his son who killed himself; the story I heard was that he was in the butts at the rifle range and decided to "have a look"?caught a 7.62 round right between the eyes.

Gary Nash
Former 0302

PX Opens At 0900

Sgt Grit,

While reading your 27 Sep, 2007 newsletter, I came across a name I haven't seen in slightly over 40 years. If Sgt Jack Drea is the same John R Drea from Plt 358 at MCRDSD. We not only went through Boot Camp together, but wound up in Weapons Plt, K Co, 3 Bn, 1St Marines. After training in preparation for being a transplacement Battalion, we were to board the USS Breckinridge to disembark in Okinawa via Hawaii and Yokohama, Japan. Prior to boarding we went to Tijuana for our last stateside Liberty. If that Cop had been a little younger and weighed a lot less, we might have been long time residents of their wonderful Jail.

Upon arriving at the Port of Naha, Okinawa on 1 Apr 1965 (20 years to the day, after the WWII Landing) we stepped off the ship and became Weapons Plt, B Co, 1 Bn, 9th Marines and they got on as Weapons Plt, K Co, 3 Bn, 1St Marines. B Co spent a couple of months as the host Company at the Counter Guerrilla Warfare School in the NTA (I think we were being punished for our bad behavior in Kin Ville) before shipping out to RVN. As we were the first Battalion of Marines into the Da Nang area there was a lot too do, but do it we did. Even made the Russian Newspaper for our visit to Cam Ne. I can still feel being hit by hot 20mm shell casings and the heat from the exhaust from the low flying Phantoms. They were so low, if you stood up the engines might just suck you in.

If you are that same Drea, Welcome Home and a job well done. The first time someone thanked me for my service was 2-3 years ago and he wasn't even born then. I don't know about you, but when we landed at 0430 at MCAS El Toro, the SSgt that was there said "No one is allowed off Base in Uniform. Anyone with Civilian Clothes, change into them. If you don't have any, the PX opens at 0900. Welcome Home Marines." That very same comment was shown on TV many years latter. On "Major Dad" I think.

I was so ticked off by the welcome home by the SSgt and the attitude of the civilians at the time, I decided that I didn't even want too be around them. I took a different path than you. I decided to stay in the Corps.

After three years as an 0331, four years as a Tank Commander and four years as an EOD Tech, I was selected for a permanent Warrant Officer program. I called it quits after 27 years. Retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, but advanced to Captain on the Retired List. 3 years of my 6 ½ years as (Temp LDO) Captain was as the Ammo Officer at HQ 1st MARDIV and dual hated as the I MEF Ammo Officer. That was a little more than I could put up with. I forgot how hard it was to deal with Infantry Officers above the rank of Captain (Someone told me that in order too make Major you had too have a lobotomy. I thought they were joking at that time, but now, not so sure). There just too many Colonels in a Division HQ. But that is a much longer story.

Semper Fi,
Leonard C Long III
Capt/CWO4 USMC Retired
(Enlisted)0331,1811,2336 (Officer)2340,2305

Highlight Of Boot Camp

I arrived on Parris Island on 9/30/57 and let the thumping and A-- kicking begin [stories for another time]. We were initially issued 3 each, sets of utilities, 3 covers [herringbone and some from WW2 and the Korean war], pairs of work socks, sets of skivvies, 1 pair boondocks and 1 pair boots. We also got our 782 gear and M-1 rifle. In addition to 1 bucket and 1 bar of laundry soap. Then off to the PX for health and comfort items which was deducted from our pay.

At about the 9th week of training we were measured for our dress uniforms which consisted of 1 green blouse, 1 green battle jacket [never referred to as a "Ike Jacket"], 2 pairs each of green, tropical and khaki trousers, 2 each tropical and khaki shirts, 3 pairs dress socks, p!ss cutters {which I never wore but only laid out for "junk on the bunks"} and a barracks hat and a pair of brown dress shoes. A week or so later we picked up our dress uniforms and shortly thereafter we were allowed to wear our greens to evening chow a few times, passing the rest of the boots in greens was a highlight of boot camp.

I wore my battle jacket throughout my 3 years in the Corps and after they were not issued anymore [around mid 59 or early 60] they were a prized procession and I sold my jacket for $!5.00 when I got out in 1960, could of gotten more but I sold it to a good buddy.

SEMPER FI
BOB LAKE

And His Reply Was

" Thanksgiving dinner " Sgt. Grit, I'm writing about a phoney Nephew that was canned from the Marine Corps awhile back. My sister-in-law had a gathering for a Thanksgiving dinner at her house. She put the real spread on, turkey, ham and all the trimmings that goes with it. I was there with my wife and two of my three sons. We were seated and about to eat and my wife asked my Nephew a question about the Marines and his reply was "what the f... do you know about the Corps. Yes, you guessed it, over went the table about twelve feet long, food, broken chairs and glass. My brother-in-law and wife locked their self's in the bathroom and called the police. We stomped his sweet a$$ to an inch of his life. The state police came in and the place looked like a meat grinder was used. He was arrested on a outstanding warrant and the police thanked us and left with him in the back seat. We never tasted a touch of food that day and left shortly after. Yes, a "Marine" got to kick one of those phonies *sses for a change!
LCpl Roy Domster 61-65 1964823

Having Noticed Only

Having noticed only "old salts" giving there thoughts on boot camp changes thought I would throw my two cents your way. I went through Diego in 2000. While it certainly wasn't what it was (being a third generation Marine I heard all about it) there wasn't much differences. Maybe it was just the platoon and company I was with but I can recall many times DI's smacking recruits for what ever reason they had at the time, or "adjusting" a rifle to a recruits face. H&ll even getting called out on the parade deck and clocked for not being in step. Not to mention all the time on the quarter deck or in the sand pits (I'm sure that will start something else from the PI Marines) True it wasn't as in the open as it was in the old days and the senior DI said he would not tolerate it (even though he did it just as much, but it still happened, and it was nothing compared to the "tree line counseling" that sometimes was needed in the fleet. And I can also remember many times not only holding footlockers out while squatting like a chair, but also the humorous attempts at rifle manual with them. And no, we didn't have stress cards or time outs or anything like that.

Not that I am complaining about any of it. If it were not for those three Marines, we would not have become ready for the stresses and our duties further down the road. We are Marines, not accountants or cops or any other BS civilian job. Even with everything the DI's put us through it still could not completely make you ready and appreciate real combat, but d*mn without them we wouldn't be as close as we are when we get there.

Semper Fi
P. Williams
2/10, 1/10
2000-2004
Do not fear the enemy, for your enemy can only take your life. It is far better that you fear the media, for they will steal your HONOR.

A Bunch Of 0311's

I found 1stSgt. Jason James E. Leverette's story bring back many memories since our Battalion K3/5 relieved his Unit in 1964 on White Beach and became Bravo 1/9.

What was more interesting is that our Gunnery Sergeant's name was H.H. Leverette!

The 13 months we spent training on Okinawa, Mt. Fuji and the Philippines was the best training one could ask for. Although at the time I don't believe those were our comments-more like eat the apple and .... the Corps.

But then what else would you expect from a bunch of 0311's.

I still have the Battalion book that we purchased that depicted our entire tour from Camp Margarita through our training in Okinawa etc.

I look at it often and pay tribute to the finest Marine's that I served with; of which many paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

Semper Fi to all and God Bless The Corps
Joe Henderson
Sgt 2057604

Throw Him Out

Sgt Grit,
I can't wait each week to read the newsletter. This letter will be for the old timers and the new kids on the block. I reported to MCRD 18 October, 1948. Platoon 101, Rifle S/N 1014625. I retired from PMTC, Pt Mugu January 1991. I served with Marines from WW2 (one of our sgt's was a prisoner of the Japanese), Korean war, and Vietnam. During that 42 year stretch, working with the Fleet as a Weapons Tech Rep, I met a lot of Marines, I could tell NO difference between a 1948 Marine and today's Marine!

I have been back to Korea several times since 1950-51. On two of the trips I took my wife. the last time was mid-November. I pointed out to her what a nice day it was when we arrived,(beautiful Fall day, wind from the North at about 25 miles per hour and 20 degrees outside). She was impressed, when we returned to the Philippines, where we were stationed at the time, she did not stop shivering for a week!

Funny Story; I was assigned to COM FAIR West PAC, At Cubi Point, the Marine Barracks was across the street from the "O" Club. One day the C.O. of Cubi Point, Capt "Red Horse" Myers, called the Duty Officer in and told him the enlisted Marines were dressing in Civvies, and sneaking into the O Club, and he wanted the practice stopped! The Duty Officer protested that if he asked a Naval Aviator, dressed in Civvies, for his ID Card he would get punched in the nose. "Red Horse" told him to use his head, go over to the O Club and if he saw a neat young man standing quietly at the bar having a beer, and minding his own business, throw him out! he's a Marine.

Now, the "Sky Club" down at the "Hill" where the Mud Marines were located, was somewhat less formal!

I Imagine you Vietnam MEF vets could tell some interesting stories about that place!

Jim Reed S/Sgt USMC, 1948-52 and 1954-55.
Fleet Weapons Tech Rep 1956-91

Works Every Time

Sgt Grit,
Please tell "One Up Me" you should see the look on the faces of the men who get "one up'd" by a WM. Not to mention the fakers who KNOW I'm telling the truth but they are not and just can't seem to answer my questions! I've gotten so many "Oh s--t" looks I've lost count.

By the way, one of my favorite things to do is to ask someone wearing a USMC shirt where they got it and who's is it. The conversation is answered something like this "... it's mine, I was in the Marines," (denotes a FAKER) To which I say, .."really - real Marines would never say I was in the Marines..". To which I'm asked, "How would you know, your dad or boyfriend or someone..." and I happily reply, "No, I am a Marine and I did my 8 years.....where were you stationed and what was your MOS?" Did I mention I usually have that "Oh s--t" look by this time? Works every time!

Jean Kammler
Sgt, USMC
1988-96

They Choose Marines

Hey Grit,
One of this weeks letters was about the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in Iraq. Boy do those ladies get around! They made a stop at the "Footprint to Freedom" back in '83 and put on one heck of a Variety show for us. I found it ironic that the only guys they called out of the audience and up on stage with them were JarHeads. We were the minority of Service members on the island. Yet we were the ones they called into action! I asked one of the ladies after the show about all the Jarheads on stage, she said they choose Marines because they can trust us to take care of them if something happens.
Semper FI!

T.Hanauer
'81-'84
2/9 E Company
Weapons Plt

Handed Me Twenty Dollars

Sgt. Grit,
When I joined the Naval Reserves I was told that there was a special bond between MARINES and there Corpsman. I never knew how true that was until the day I had to tell my MARINES that I was relocating to the Atlanta area. Up to that point I had gone MARINE regs and was given my Alphas and my EGA and tried with my every fiber to do my best for my MARINES. It was at this final gathering that a Cpl. got up and told me that he spoke for himself and the rest of platoon in that I was more of a MARINE than some Marines that he knew. That in it's self floored me and to this day I will never forget the feeling of pride and humility that I felt. I went on to serve in OIF and obtained my combat action ribbon and two more NAM's.

I have since moved on and continued my career in public safety. Just last week I was in New Mexico in a class on terrorism when there was a mix up with my credit card that left me stranded for a short time in the middle of no where. While speaking with the desk clerks of the hotel that had accidentally messed up my card, I noticed that one woman had an EGA on her name tag. I asked if she was a MARINE or if one of her family was serving. She explained that her husband and son were both MARINES. She asked me if I was a MARINE and I explained that I was a Corpsman who served along side of MARINES. While we were getting the problem straightened she approached me after going into the office and handed me twenty dollars. I told her that I could not accept the gift as I knew the credit card situation would work its way out. She insisted and stated that as a Corpsman who had taken care of her MARINES it was now time for her to take care of one of there own and that the MARINE Corps. never leaves a man behind. Once again the Corps managed to make me swell with pride and humility.

Some say that I carry to much of the MARINE Corps with me in my daily life and my job as a Lieutenant for the Fire Department. To tell you the truth I don't really care what they think, my time with the MARINES has meant more to me than most anything I have ever done. To this day I stand tall at the playing of the MARINE Corps Hymn and call all the MARINES on the birthday of the MARINE Corps.

This evening I got another swelling of pride when my 5 year old boy called me at work and recited the Pledge of Allegiance word for word and in perfect grammar. My oldest has already publicly stated he wants to be a MARINE. Like any parent I do not want to my kids to go off to war. However, if they so chose I will stand at the review and hand over my EGA to my kids knowing that there is no other organization that I would rather have them serving.

Semper Fi
Doc T
Lima 3/23, Bravo 1/25

He Said He Was

Had an open house Saturday and the guy made a comment about the EGA rock that I had in the patio steps. He said he was a Marine and then I showed him one of your catalogs and also my shadowbox. I was almost ready to call and order a red cup for him (as is my tradition when I meet other Marines) and then He blew it. He asked what I did and I told him I was in the FDC at 11th Marines. His answer was that he could not discuss what he did. I had never heard that in person before.

When He left, my wife asked what he could have been and I told her that all Marines are riflemen with a side job like radio or tanks or something. She asked if he was a CIA or intelligence or something like that. I told her to think about me and my friends for a while.....Intelligence was out.

SSgt Huntsinger
68-74

10 DI's

Sgt. Grunt, I sure enjoy this newsletter. I have two stories to tell. First- I joined the Corps in July 1950, when I was 18. I was in Plt. 33 MCRDSD we had about 10 di's altogether because Korea had started. There was cpl. puckett, cpl. parrish, cpl. morgan, pfc van ert, pfc weiland and about 4 others. Our sdi was t.sgt. jc dozier and he was a good one. About our 8th week he had us drilling on the parade ground and we were sharp. The base band started playing the Marine hymn, so sgt dozier marched us close and yelled " strut you sons of b$*&^s strut and strut we did. I'll never forget his cadence ' 3 4 to your lell, 3 4 to your lell'.
Second story- I was in radio school in the fall 1950 froc 8 mcrdsd, two guys were comparing who had the toughest boot camp pi or sd. They got into a fistfight, a great fight, clean. pfc Casey was from Queens, NYC, PFC Murray was from Kansas, it went on for about 10 minutes. Murray won, but as far as the toughest boot camp, that's determined by the drill instructor. Semper Fi to all Marines past and present, and Gods blessing on the USMC.
C.B. Feeny sgt 1126964 mos 2531 50-54

Would Have Been Worse

Great newsletter. One of last month's letters commented on how everyone seems to have been special forces, seals, etc., etc. I've run into that too only the bozo claiming credit for a dangerous unit said he was in First Force Recon in Vietnam. Well, I was, and he wasn't. He couldn't name the CO, the first sergeant or any of the guys. So, I hit him with the ultimate....I took out my Force Recon ID card and asked him if he had one too. You can't belong to that organization unless you're nominated by someone already in who knows you're for real. The guy couldn't leave fast enough. As for the whiners and wimps that seem to surface in receiving barracks. I was in boot camp at MCRD San Diego in 1964. I had three great DIs who taught us how to be Marines the right way. In fact, one hit me so hard it knocked my jaw out of alignment and I had to spend a week or so in the Camp Pendleton hospital until the Docs could put it right. You wouldn't believe the bleeding hearts that came to see me trying to get me to identify the DI that hit me. My response....None of your business. I survive Vietnam with a few scars but it would have been worse except for my DIs.

Ron Hill
L/Cpl of Marines
1964-1972

Bled The Same

Thank you, Mr Lukic for "insightful" letter about Corpsmen in Vietnam. I was up in the "I CORPS" with 2/3 in 1967-68. Every once in awhile, I look at old maps and remember certain locations that still bring chills up and down my spine. I don't talk much about the experience because it revives a lot of bad memories that I've had to live with.

The Navy Corpsmen that were assigned with us, bled the same red blood as did the wounded Marines. They also retrieved wounded Marines while under enemy fire-----that which I'll never forget. We Marines considered those Navy Corpsmen the closest thing to a doctor, and in my book, they "STOOD NEXT TO GOD".

Thanks, Doc------I'll never forget your deeds!

Roland Larson,Cpl, USMC (1964-1968)

P.S. I think that you did the right thing by "biting your tongue". Me, I would probably have ripped the guys heart out!

Misinformation Floating Around

I think there may be some misinformation floating around about what boot camp is now like. I graduated from PISC Plt. 3026, L Co., 3rd Btn. in April, 2000. And before I left for SC, I heard rumors about "stress cards", no swearing, no hitting, limits on punishment PT, etc.
But, at least in my experience, none of those rumors were true. No stress cards. Swearing everywhere (even some new ones I never heard before!). And while there were no closed-fisted punches thrown, there was plenty of shoving, open-handed "pops", and I for one was forearm-choked (my throat hurt for a week after that one).
Quarterdeck sessions that lasted 2 hours. This was all good to go in my book. None of my fellow recruits considered this abuse -- it was exactly what we signed up for.

I realize my experience is now 7 years past, so maybe things have changed since then, but I sure hope it hasn't.

Cpl Eelman
USMCR 2000-2006

Green Overcoats

Sgt Grit,

I am amused by all of the replies regarding "ike " jackets. It was sharp, squared away and you looked great in it and a h&ll of a lot better than the blouse that was also issued to us.

My biggest complaint, which I haven't seen published yet, was those d*mn bulky Marine green overcoats.

I remember going home from LeJeune to Boston on the train in the wintertime wearing that coat. It weighed tons, looked like h&ll and it had a small strap in the back that was supposed to fit in the "small of your back " but always ended up between your shoulder blades. It was " hotter than the hinges on the gates of h&ll " and took up half of the room in your sea bag.

I'd like to hear at least one favorable comment from your viewers relative to this beloved overcoat.

Respectfully submitted,
George Maling -Sgt. Korea '52

I Will Hit The Beach

Sgt. Grit:

I must have missed newsletter #156, but I read #157 and 158, and I still can't believe all the garbage I am reading about these mothers (and probably fathers) who sign their son's Marine Corps enlistment papers; But the minute life starts getting a little rough in boot camp, Junior calls, e-mails(?)or writes Mom - who had likely instructed him to do just that - and says get them off my back, or I want out of here.

I read two very interesting letters from Marine Moms "Mama Dawg" and "Karey", and they both seem to have a real understanding that their sons are in the Marine Corps. Someone must have had some appreciation for what lie ahead, please tell me they did!

Mothers - pray for your sons and daughters as they enter any branch of the military; write them, encourage them to stay the course, but if they are boots in the US Marine Corps, leave them in the very capable hands of their Drill Instructors; these are seasoned, qualified and schooled Marines. They have one thankless and tough job to do; they do it a lot more efficiently if you directly or indirectly stay "off their cases".

I enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1943, in Atlanta, GA., one month after my 17th birthday. I had two older brothers, who were already in the Army Air Corps; we were supposed to report to Parris Island MCRD, but were told their quota was filled; off we went to San Diego; we had one DI, and one Asst DI; boot camp was 7 weeks long. I think that, after about one week, most all the guys in Plt 743 would have gladly walked home. Why? Because all our worldly pleasures had been taken from us, and we were to learn really quick whether or not we had what it takes to become a "Marine". Was it easy? H&ll No! But then we were never lead to believe it was going to be otherwise. No one ever promised us any "reward" for performing as we were expected to. Day after I got my dog tags, I went alone to the PX(Post Exchange back then) and purchased my first ice cream in 7 weeks; I didn't have permission; my DI caught me as I returned to the area; He ordered me to his tent(yep - no Quonset huts; no barracks - 6 men to a tent)with my M1 rifle; laid it across my fully extended arms(palms down)and went back to his desk. As you older jarheads know, that rifle weighed 9 1/2 pounds.

The DI's could lay hands on you then; it never happened to me, but I was the recipient of his "swagger stick" on several occasions - it deserved each instance too. One time he put a crease in my pith helmet. Thanks to Cpl. W.J. Fulton, I survived boot camp. That training helped me greatly to survive the Okinawa campaign, and 6 months North China Occupation post-war. But there is more - much more. The Marine Corps instilled in me a sense of self-confidence, of can do; it taught me discipline, self-restraint, a sense of right and wrong, a respect for My Corps, My fellow Marine, My God and My Country. As someone said" It was the worse time of my life and the BEST". You know what? At the time, we thought they were feeding us terrible food, but looking back, the food wasn't supposed to taste like it came from the Waldorf-Astoria - it was designed to give us the four food groups, and to keep us healthy. I never had an ounce of fat on me.

One last point, if I may: In a recent letter, some fellow suggested that if you don't like the way boot camp is being run, you have a right to have it changed! Say What? Oh, Yeah! Today Sergeant, I don't think we ought to have close order drill. O.K. You heard the man - no close order drill today. Whoever he is, and whomever you are, leave the Corps alone; if you can't stand the heat, get the h&ll out of the kitchen(paraphrasingHarry Truman, I think.)

Thanks Sgt Grit for punching my "TS" Card. Whatever positive traits I possess to date, I give most of the credit to my 3 years in the United States Marine Corps. To each and every one of you now serving, have served, and love our Corps, I want to share something told me during WWII; it was about the greatest compliment I ever received "Broome, he said, I will hit the beach with you any day".

To all you mothers, wives, sweethearts of Marines - Keep the Faith. Your sons, daughters, husbands, wives, boy or girl friend have gotten ,or are getting the very best military the world has to offer. As one gentleman said, if it were easy, we would all be Marines. " - The Few, The Proud, The Marines"

Semper Fi
James D. Broome, Cpl.
1943-1946
495285

BOOT CAMP 1964

I would just like to add the following statement to the boot camp controversy. Regardless of what we thought, what we did, what happened and what anybody thinks. Regardless of all that happened during those 13 weeks in Platoon 135 at P.I. in 1964 I will always remember - As the bus pulled out on our way to Camp Lejeune, those D.I.'s were standing there saluting us as we left. That one statement by these D.I.'s says it all.

Thank you - Sgts Chepenick, Roach, Knight, Argazzi and Green

John J. Cihak
1st Recruit Trng Bn - Platoon 135
Parris Island 1964
SSgt - Vietnam Vet 68-69

The Big E

It's true that Oceanside was temporarily Off-limits. This was around 1948. However, it was not official. As I recall, there was some problem with the local schools treating the children of Marines differently from civilians. I don't remember the details. There was an editorial/comment in The Pendleton Scout about Marines supporting each other. It was recommended that Marines go elsewhere on liberty. We did. We skipped Oceanside and went to San Diego or San Clemente and points North.

There were no known official reasons to place the city Off- Limits. MajGen. Graves Erskine, ("The Big E" as we referred to him), Commanding General of Camp Pendleton & 1st Marine Div. did not officially issue the order.

Nevertheless, if a Marine was seen in Oceanside by the MP, he was questioned as to his destination. I was stopped several times on the way to the station to catch the train for Los Angeles. A couple of times, I was trying to hitch a ride on 101 outside the gate (this was very common then) when I was picked up by the MP wagon and transported North to the San Clemente line where it would be easier and safer. Several businesses failed, I believe Mom's Leatherneck Shop was one of the survivors.

Now, as to the wearing of Leggings in Korea. The "yellow-legs" story is partially true. A North Korean officer did report that his soldiers were afraid of the 'soldiers with the yellow-legs'. We were not ordered to remove them. We were ordered to remove our helmet camouflage covers when we arrived at Pusan in August of 1950. If you look at Marines during the Pusan Perimeter campaign, you'll see leggings, but no helmet covers. We put them back on for Inchon. I put my leggings away(I still have them) when I managed to get a pair of Army infantry boots with the ankle straps.

Don't You Quit

Sgt. Grit;

I am sure this is not the right forum but I was not able to find it. I would like to make a short comment about the many letters you have on the scuttlebutt. I am a retired Marine. 1980 to 2001. I did two very long tours in the sandbox. I would do it again but it is my son's turn as he has turned down a scholarship to a top ranked university to follow his daddy.

When I went through Boot Camp my SDI was a man that saw I was a candy A&$. I was also very resistant to change. So yes I got punched several times in fact I even had some internal injuries. But it was my fault. I was a very stubborn kid. The day I got out of the hospital after graduating The SDI that put me in the hospital was there to pick me up and help me on my way. I will forever look up to that man as he was the reason I made it as a Marine. He was the reason I am still alive. In my twenty plus years in the Marine Corps I had lots of chances to die but the training I received under the very close supervision of that GySgt kept me going and alive. There were times I could hear him yell at me when I was in the sandbox with words I won't repeat. It was a always a motivator for me to think of him as he was getting in my face and slamming his brown round on my nose.

Now my son is in the Marines. He already told me that Boot Camp was pure He#$ and he would not mind doing it again. He, mind you is a black belt in tae kwando so he knows how to fight and has some very good discipline but his fondest memory is the SDI getting in his face and yelling at him "don't you quit on me you maggot" I close with this to all those drill instructors that I drilled with and those that drilled before and after SEMPER FIDELIS Marines keep up the good work.

Retired GYSGT Rick Murray
Semper Fi and let God sort them
we will just arrange the meeting

The Replacement

When I went through boot camp at PI in 1966, I was told by the two recruiters (GySgts both) that Marine recruit training was nothing like when they went through it. After countless conversations with WWII, Korean and today's Marines, I have come to the conclusion that the Vietnam Era Marines went through the toughest boot training and the best infantry training before they went into combat. Yeah, I know, who does this guy think he is by making such a statement. I don't even want to talk about any of my boot training, for it might have an adverse effect on the moms and dads worrying about their little boy. We didn't have a ceremony at the end of training by passing out the EGA(never used that term either). We were just called MARINE and never again referred to as maggot, turd and other names not fit for print in this outstanding newsletter. After finishing recruit training at PI it was off to Camp Geiger and Camp Stonebay for ITR and Advanced Infantry Training. Home on leave and off to Camp Pendleton's Staging Battalion at Las Pulgas for more infantry training and climbing hills. Does anyone remember Mount Motherf#$%^r? If you don't, you weren't there. Next was a little excursion to Tijuana, Mexico. Don't even think about Missing A Movement. Almost everyone got promoted to PFC and then it was off to El Toro, CA for a nice long flight to Kadena AFB, Okinawa. Bus ride to Camp Hansen's Transient Facility and to drop off seabag with gear and uniforms not required to wear in the big puddle. WestPac orders were cut for Third Marine Division, RVN. Back to Kadena for flight to Da Nang, RVN(commonly called "South" if you were anywhere, but there). Now the fun begins. The door of the Continental Airline opens and it seems like someone had turned on a blowtorch in your face. Note: The airline stewardesses as they were called then were pretty humble looking. No Barbie Dolls. Next it's off to the corral, yes you heard right, and await your turn to "find" your half filled second seabag and then report to your proper liaison office. It's off to15th Aerial Port to try and get manifested on a flight to Dong Ha and this takes three days and all the while you're worrying if your assigned unit has you down as UA. Finally you get to battalion rear, pick up weapons, ammo, helmet, jungle boots and utilities,782 gear and three boxes of C-rats. Now is when your stomach gets tied in knots. You get driven, then choppered into the AOR of your unit and have to locate your platoon all the while knowing that you're a FNG. This is how it was for a REPLACEMENT. Try doing that twice. Never heard the word deployment ever used and never had the luxury of going over as a unit. Moms, this is what those mean drill instructors(Never, ever called them DIs) trained us to be prepared for. Not to disparage against any other generation of Marines, but Vietnam was the most difficult and arduous conflict America had ever been engaged in. To all my Vietnam brothers, never forget it was the United States Marine Corps that fought 80% of the GROUND war in Vietnam! I would say Ooorah, but I don't know where that came from either.

Semper Fi!
Joseph Alvino
Sgt., 66-72

Not A Pay Grade

Dear Sgt Grit;

Why is it necessary for Marines to identify themselves using their rank and pay grade. A Marine holds a rank. with that rank goes a pay grade. An NCO is an NCO no matter his pay grade. When I joined the Marine Corps it took me 2 years to make Corporal. I don't feel I was any less effective as a Cpl E-3 as I was a Cpl E-4. Holding both pay grades I was proud to be a Corporal in the USMC.

When I was finally promoted to Sergeant, the world really changed for me. We still had a few Sergeants E-4, but they weren't treated with any less respect than the Sergeants.

One of the things that really get to me is when someone asks me if I was an E-(?), fill in the pay grade. My standard reply is, "I was an NCO, not a pay grade".

What I'm really trying to say is be proud of your rank and don't disrespect it by referring it to a pay grade as the Soldiers in the Army feel they have to do.

Jerry R. Hattox
GySgt USMC (Ret)
1954--RIP

I Don't Regret

I went thru boot camp at MCRD San Diego in 1960 and I went on to do 3 tours in the nam and some other places that no one has ever heard of in 78 I was at mcrd as a D.I. and you don't make Marines by babying the young men we got I don't regret any of the things we had to do to instill espree de corps and discipline in them it was almost as hard on the DIs but we had to make it look easy I retired in 1989 as a master gunnery sgt. and still have the "Marine" out look on life, honor, courage, loyalty to the Corps,
semper fi Marines Jon R.

Move On

Sgt Grit, I have been reading your news letter for several months now and want you to know it keeps my head on straight. I was in from 1962 to 1971, served 2 tours in RVN ( 66 and 68) I was with I,3/4 in 66 and made Operation Hastings. I was on sea duty, 1st recon at Pendleton, served on the Drill field at MCRD in 69-70 and trained troops at NTA in 71 before I got out. I have people tell me to "move on" it's been to long and you've done more than serve 8 years in the Marines, my response is "it made me what I am and gave me my ethics, so back off." I still love my CORPS and always will. I was given some Iwo sand by a Marine a few months ago and shared it with one of my co-workers, also a Marine and the feeling is unbelievable for me. I feel all of my Marine brothers are with me now, as I wear a little bit in my medicine bag around my neck. Thanks to you for this publication and from all of us
SEMPER FI God bless Sgt C. M. Jackson 62-71

The Irony Was That

Since the dialogue about treatment by Drill Instructors, I will finally add my stories. It was always "Drill Instructor," by the way. We would have been beaten or would have performed "many" bends and thrusts if we had uttered "DI." I arrived at PI 14 Dec 1962. A HS dropout who had just turned 17 went with me. I kept telling him stories from all my friends about the Drill Instructors beating the recruits. He would not believe me, and we bet 50 cents, a huge sum at the time, on it. He was the fist one in our platoon to be hit. We were beaten by all three drill instructors for the entire time there. Usually a punch in the stomach. I vividly recall when they caught our Right Guide sneaking a smoke. All three took him in the "House" and beat him for a long time. Everybody got beaten. The irony was that most of us preferred being hit to being made to perform PT. Bends and Thrusts were the worst. You can only do so may pull- ups or pushups until you r arms collapse, but you can do Bends and Thrusts endlessly. All Marines are of course mentally ill, since no sane person would volunteer to subject himself to the stress; but our group who chose to arrive at PI 11 days before Christmas contained some particularly weird people. Part of the harassment was playing "I'll be home for Christmas" constantly over the PA system in the mess hall. On Christmas Day we had an outstanding meal. Everybody stuffed himself on all the pies and stuff, and about half the platoon was not back in formation when the Drill Instructor got there. When we returned to the Squad Bay, those of us who had made to formation on time watched while the late ones did 227 side straddle hops. Kids were vomiting all over the place. I see comments that some recruits had Drill Instructors who did not cuss. What!??? The lore and traditions of Parris Island include the imaginative cussing by all Drill Instructors. The story is told about GySgt Ermey. When being auditioned for his role in Full Metal Jacket, he cussed for 15 solid minutes with one repeating himself. My favorite for forty years is this one: On a Sunday morning: "All Catholics fall out outside. There better not be anything but Protestants left in here. I don't want no godd*mned heathens in my platoon!" When I first saw "Heartbreak Ridge," I was delighted; telling my wife that was the first movie which actually depicted accurately how Marines talked. Then the Commandant denounced the makers of the movie, claiming that it did not accurately depict how Marines really talked.
Lamar

He Knew That

Dear Sgt. Grit,
I gotta get my 2 cents in on boot camp and the way Drill Instructors train the recruits. I went thru Parris Island in August of '68. (Platoon 3008) I was a young hard headed stubborn street tough from Philadelphia, PA. There were several guys just like me. I'd say, by my best guestimate, about 75% of the platoon were for large urban areas. We came in diddy boppin' city talkin' and left with a new and certainly different attitude. We were no longer the knuckleheads we arrived as. We were men. We were apart of something so special that would last the rest of our lives. We were UNITED STATES MARINES. We're now apart of the tradition, the history and the camaraderie. Was boot camp hard? You bet your sweet azz! I got my butt kicked, I was called some of the most creative names ever heard on God's green earth and as I went thru it I hated my most honorable Drill Instructors. I thought they were straight from h&ll and that my previous life had really P/O'd God and He put me here as punishment. But when it was all said and done, I was glad it was tough. I was glad it was hard. I owed those Drill Instructors, SSgt. J.R. Brown, Sgt. J.E.Pomeroy, Sgt. L.C. Anderson and Sgt. R.W. Kornicki(who, BTW, took a personal interest in "my development") a great debt of gratitude. They (the Drill Instructors)knew what we would be facing in a few short weeks. They knew that other Marines would be counting on us and we had to be prepared. The knew that God, Country and the rest of the world would hold them accountable for the job they had done and they wanted to be able to stand tall for a job well done. Well they can. Vietnam was on the horizon for us and they wanted us to win and to survive. My platoon was lead platoon. We had many streamers and the Gold Boot. It continued on... Our guys had several medals awarded including the MOH(PFC Bruce W. Carter,my bunky). The Marine Corps is known for its tenacity, its intensity and its high level of ability and completion in each mission it takes on...in peace and most certainly in war. It is a reputation earned thru blood, sweat and tears. God knew what He was doing when He created the Corps. He knew that, when an enemy from the likes of the fanatics and lunatics from yesteryear to the Muslim Extremist of today had to be dealt with, He could call on His Marines and we'd get the job done. Yes, boot camp is hard and the Drill Instructors are tough. They have to be. They should be because the is no other way. My youngest son has aspirations to carry the title. My hope is when he gets to ole' PI and he steps on the same pair of yellow footprints as I and my buddies did in 68' that it is as hard for him as it was for us. Because that's what it takes. I want him to be strong and ready for whatever he is called upon to do. I want his buddies to be able to depend on him and him on them. I want him to have the reference point that I have for when things get tough in life....God and the Corps. I want him to be apart of our tradition, our history. I want him to be apart of the finest fighting force the WORLD has ever known...The few, The proud, The MARINES! Ooorah,
Semper Fi,
R.Y.Booker, USMC 1968 -1971

Vietnam Era Veterans

I served in the Corps in 1966 and 1967. I served last at Camp Courtney on Okinawa. Supply Company, Supply Bn.,3rd Force Service Regiment, FMF Pac. We were in direct support of Marines in Vietnam. 6 and 7 day work weeks were the norm. My question is Why are all who served in World war I considered WW I Veterans, World war II considered WW II Veterans and Korean War Korean War Veterans but to be a Vietnam Veteran one had to be "IN COUNTRY". I just purchased one of your Vietnam Era T-shirts and I love it but I do not understand the difference. Any one?

Jim Case
2218670 USMC

Short Rounds

Sgt. Grit - the name of a good friend of mine is on the Wall - Louis L. Goers. He was a Corpsman, and every bit a Marine. He was buried in Marine Corps greens.

John "Tex" Clary, Sgt.
1st Recon Bn, Alpha Deuce, 67-69

Your current column shows two "salty" Lance Corporals from the early '60s, mugging for the camera; the pair of shoes showing in the photo look salt-encrusted. These were obviously not from serving on Sea Duty.

A Seagoing Sergeant of Marines,
Mid-'50s vintage.

Ben Stein - This is really good.

I've enjoyed reading the "sea stories" about the "Ike jackets," and the "Old Corps." How about some tales about the swagger sticks??
WW

Hoi An like you remember it. It's what I remember about my visit, it's coming back to me now. Yes, the daily clean sheets, spa, gourmet food, room service......yes it is coming back to me now. Starting at $550 a night.

I think we won the war after all. Capitalism is creeping in.
Hoi An Hotel

Well, like I said, I was glad to have a sample. It's put away with my early print of Joe Rosenthal's Iwo flag raising photo which he inscribed and signed in the late '40's. It was shown to a WW2 Marine combat photographer who said it looked like a print from an early generation negative. Joe also saw it but he signed so many of those for so many years he just didn't remember it. Anyway, the two items make a nice set.
Semper Fi
Greg

Semper Fi Marines,
My DI's kept me alive in Vietnam and other places Robert D Anderson Plt 1018 June 68-Sep 68
C1/1 RVN 69-70 my wife is African, she wears a desert camo shirt with the name: "Marine Wife" and is the proudest wife in Minneapolis/St Paul

Robert and Martha Anderson

How history takes care of everything!
When we were told to remove our leggings, NOT ONE PERSON liked the order, but as seen, history has a way of enlightening YOU! And to my knowledge that's the last time they were worn in the Corps.
SF
NC
C-1-1, 51-52, Korea
Chestys last regimental command.

Reading Cpl. Kunkel's comments on "fake Marines" really brought a smile to me. After 4 years as a grunt in 2/3. I ended up in joining, of all units, the "110 Regiment." Yep, that's right, But its not a Marine unit but the Pa. National Guard .Would have loved to have been there when you met that guy Cpl K.
Semper Fi. G.Mckruit
G2/3 1Mar.bgde
AND
2/110 inf.28 Div.

'Good' news from Iraq

Sgt. Grit,
Haight-Ashbury is in San Francisco...go figure. It appears as if the 'puds' are still around.
Gotta love the Doc's; but due to a personal encounter I also have a soft spot for the Bees .
Semper Fi
Sgt. Steve P.
'Nam 67-68

Semper Fi to all,
I am proud of today's Marines, they continue to maintain the honor and traditions of our Marine Corps.
My Grandfather served in WW1, my uncle Alva died on Iwo Jima and I served with Charlie 1/1 in Vietnam---
Times change, but the Marine Corps will always be The Marine Corps
Robert and Martha Anderson

Defending Your Freedom Since 1775

It's My Job It's What I Do - United States Marine

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

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Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:

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

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