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Dear Grit, I just had to pass on something I couldn't help but
say. At one of our faculty meetings, the principal was bragging
that we are sending the 'cream of the crop' to some of the
finest universities in the US. I had to say that the 'cream of
the crop' had already been sent to Iraq. Keep up your website.
It inspires me and fires me up.
A Marine wife.
She Noticed My
Dear Sgt Grit;
Just a little note for my fellow Marines. I stopped at a local
Starbucks today for my special Vente Soy Vanilla Latte. (What a
drink for a Marine?). As usual I had on my retired Marine cover.
I was chatting with the nice girl that prepared my order about
being retired second careers and things in general. She noticed
my hat and asked what was my favorite job, I replied, "Being a
United States Marine" my standard reply to referring to the
Corps. She smiled and said, "That's not a job, that's a calling,
thank you for your service."
Semper Fi
Jerry R. Hattox
GySgt USMC (Ret)
1954-1978
Only Three
They say a photo is worth a million words. I say this is worth a countless number of words, but only three strong words. HONOR..
COURAGE..COMMITMENT..
From The Rear
This isn't a movie quote but from one of Major Gene Duncans
(ret. USMC) books:
A bunch of Marines were sitting during WWII and watching a movie
outdoors. It was an old flick with Bette Davis as the starring
role. Atone point in the movie, she shoots a man several times
with a .38, and then screams and cries "Oh my god! Oh my God
I've shot him! Whatdo I do??" At this point a Marine's voice
from the rear of the theater piped up: "Police up your brass
and move to the fifty-yard line!" Typical humor indicative of
a Marine!
-Jeremy L. Doxey
Cpl of Marines
1992-1996
He Answered
In the movie The DI, Jack Web was asked what his perfect women
would be like. He answered with: A tall blond who owns a liquor
store.
That is my favorite quote in a Marine movie.
Mike Miller
corpsman 2/1 67-68 Nam
Remember the MIA and POW in your prayers.
Drew Us A Diagram
As a young Marine Cpl. station in V N with 11th Motor Transport
I remember a time when a number of us were required by a certain
Bn. S-3 Major to rearrange the bunker on our line. He drew us a
diagram with all of the requirements he wanted. We worked on
them for three days, then he came up in his jeep and started
yelling and screaming about who we had turned the bunkers out of
alignment by at least 5 degrees and wanted all of them redone.
While he was yelling, I crawled down the hill and took his jeep
back to the CP and parked it in the middle of the other vehicles.
He had to walk back to the CP, something he was not used
to.............I am not sure if he ever found out who took the
jeep, but he never came back up the hill and we didn't move the
bunkers.
Oh the memories
R. E. Buzz Powers
1stSgt Retired
This Plate says it all
I had this license plate on my truck and it says it all.
CWO3 Paul DeLaricheliere
Henderson, NV
1971-199
I'm Sure She Thought
Sgt. Grit
In the late 1940's and early 1950's I would spend many hours
with a very good friend of mine and his father Col. Walter J.
Baker who was at that time the commandant of the Michigan
Veterans Facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the colonel would
tell us stories of his battles as a Marine and how he lost his
left thumb in a bayonet charge at Belleau Wood in 1918 carrying
his 1903 Springfield 30-06 which in his words was the only rifle
in the world, and this is where Marines got the nickname "Devil
Dogs" which came from the German word, Tufelhunden, also he
echoed the words of Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Daly which were
"Come on you sons a b!tches, do you want to live forever"?
After hearing his stories I too was caught up in the pride and
enlisted in the Corps in 1956, went to boot camp platoon 135 and
Radio Telegraph
School M.O.S.
2533 in San Diego, Calif.
While home on leave before going to my duty station at First
ANGLICO FMF Pac. Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii it was the colonel's
turn to ask me questions about the new Corps as he called it,
also how I liked the MI Garand rifle which to me was the only
weapon on earth having had to sleep with it in boot camp on a
few occasions.
This Spring of 2008 I took my wife of 48 years to visit family
in Calif. and while there we visited M.C.R.D. San Diego where
I'm sure she thought I had stretched the truth about the agony
of the grinder, the D I's sweet words and boot camp in general.
While there we met Lt. Col. Thomas A. Richards USMC retired,
he is the Executive Director of the Historical Museum there. He
told us of several changes such as no more Quonset huts for the
boots, no more radio telegraph school, sea school and part of
the grinder by the theater is now a parking lot, I saw no more
green utilities, no spit shined boots, no boondockers and of
course no MI Garands, wow am I ever feeling my age, I did buy a
T shirt at the gift shop that sums it all up, it says "MARINE"
"The older we get the better we were"
Old Col. Baker comes to mind now and then and how things had
changed from WW I for him and from my time in the Corps to now.
I try to stay up on things as I am a life member in the Marine
Corps League Detachment 708, Spring Hill Fl. it is great to go
to our meetings and talk about the old Corps over a cold one,
also I will be 74 years old in a couple of months and I have
found no matter how many years ago you were in the Corps you
will always find a Marine who is older than you, been more
places than you, kicked more butt than you and will call you a
boot.
I want to close by saying GOD bless and good luck to all the
Marines who came after me, all those that are in now and all
the young ones yet to come and wear our uniform.
Semper Fi
Donald (Bo) Bodenshot 1120096
Well, this is one of those "You ain't gonna believe it" stories
December 1970, there I was, radio man at LZ Hope (Bob Hope show
Danang). This Phrog drops in the LZ with the Golddiggers (Dean
Martin show) and shuts down. Crew chief door drops down and these
absolutely gorgeous creatures start down the steps. I, being the
gentleman that I am, stood at the door and gave them my hand to
help them down. Got one of their photos and had one of them sign
it, have kept it since. Today at the Wall a guys tells me that 2
of the Golddiggers will be there to sign autographs about 12:30
and shows me their picture. One of them was on that Phrog 38 year
ago. I told her about the photo and that I will bring it back
tomorrow and she is going to sign it for me. I am in heaven man!
Larry Zok
Pictures and additional stories follow on the Sgt Grit Bulletin Board:
"You ain't gonna believe it"
Larry Zok's Memorial Day Pics
From Michelle (Golddigger)
This Is My Way
Sgt Grit and staff,
Attached is an updated photo of my truck for you to add to
my previous submissions. Since my last email, I contacted a
company which makes reflective vinyl stickers for boat names
and had them make this for me.
I feel the need to stress the point of the cost of freedom to
everyone by any means. This is my way. If my truck makes people
think of and hopefully appreciate our Marines and our troops,
if even just for a few seconds, then I've achieved my goal.
Plus, I'm so d*mn proud of our guys and girls out there this is
my small way of thanking them daily.
God bless our Marines, Semper Fi and thank you, Joe
Lieutenant General Lewil B. "Chesty" Puller
The drawing you see below is of a statue we are going to have
built, and which will be erected on the grounds of the National
Marine Corps Museum at Quantico. It will be the first ever done
to honor one of the greatest Marines ever to wear our uniform,
LtGen Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. This is a call to arms to all
who have ever said the immortal words: "Good night Chesty, wher-
ever you are". Let your fellow Marines, friends, relatives, and
all others know of this worthwhile endeavor. All of the people
involved in this project are former Marines including the
sculptor.
Please send your tax-deductible donations to:
"Chesty" Puller Statue Fund
Canyon Community Bank
(Catalina Branch)
P.O. Box 37170
Tucson, AZ 85740
(for tax purposes we are a 501(C)19)
Seagoing Marine Association
Son and Grandson
We all had tough Senior Drill Instructors, those we will never
forget. Mine was SSgt Carney. Just before going to Vietnam in
1964, I was sent to Schools Battalion at Del Mar. We had a
Change of Command Ceremony and I was told to assemble H&SCo for
the ceremony. I thought it would be just students. As we formed
up I was surprised to see a rather large formation, but didn't
give it much thought - just get this thing over, right? As I
started the march to the parade ground I heard this voice from
the rear of first squad, "Zimmerman, you better not F$#%k this
up."I turned around and saw HIM. A chill ran down my spine like
I was back in boot camp. We spoke briefly after the ceremony and
he hadn't changed a bit.
Now, some 47 years later, I am in Iraq assigned to the U. S.
Army in Iraq doing site exploitation and forensic evidence
collection. It's quite an adjustment, to say the least. I have a
son, Sgt Randy Zimmerman at Camp Pendleton who's done two tours
here, and a grandson, Cpl Drew Uhlman, who is on his second tour
now. I hope to catch up to my grandson here in theater. For
those old Marines, I was part of the First Pioneer Battalion at
Camp Pendleton and the 3rd Pioneer Battalion on the Rock. Back
then we did "Floats", not MEUs. Vietnam '65-'66.
Loren Zimmerman (SSgt)
1961-1969
Before And After
I just wanted to drop you this note. I have been trying to find
the right tattoo artist that could fix my tribal band and turn
it into an incredible Marine Corps Tattoo. I have been looking
for about 10 years for the right artist. In Pittsburgh PA I
found such an artist. His name is Cliff and is the owner of
Angry Moon Tattoo.. Here is the before and after.
He is going to be redoing my jump wings over the next few weeks
and I'll send you a picture when I get them done.
Semper Fi
MSgt Craig F Hodgkins
Over The Winter
Here is a pic of a bike I put together over the winter. I got
most of the idea's from stuff in your catalog. I am a 22 year
retired Gunny. Thank you for all your support to Marines past
and present.
Michael Munoz
Semper Fi
Movie Quotes
Sergeant Apone: "All right sweethearts, what are you watng
for? Breakfast in bed? Another glorious day in the Corps! A day
in the Marine Corps is like a day on the farm. Every meal's a
banquet! Every paycheck a fortune! Every formation a parade! I
love the Corps!"
~ from the movie "Aliens" (these are Marines of the future,
of course)
Click here to listen to the sound clip
Philip S. Lee, Corporal of Marines
Sgt Grit, I didn't hear it in a movie, but I always quote it!
And that is: To error is human, to forgive is divine, neither
of which is Marine Corps Policy.
1stLt Richard C. Anaya, USMC (Retired)
1958-1978 San Diego, CA 92111
The best Marine movie quote of all time:
"Life is tough, it's tougher if you're stupid"
--"Sands of Iwo Jima"
Semper Fi
RM
In the movie Battle Cry, circa 1957, the battalion
communications chief, a MSgt, (played by James Whitmore) said
the following to the newly promoted battalion commander (played
by Van Heflin)..."Congratulations colonel." Van Heflin replied,
"How did you find out about that? I just found out about it
myself." Whitmore, a no-nonsense Comm Chief said, "A
communicator's job is to communicate!"
I was then a brand new PFC, 2531, radio operator in C-1-10 at
Camp Lejeune and I lived the rest of my 22 years of active duty,
and 30+ years of civilian business by that quotation. As a
matter of interest, I actually met James Whitmore on the
sidewalk of the Ford's Theater in Washington DC about 1990, or
so, when he was the lead in a stage production of "Everything I
needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" When I mentioned his
role in the movie, he recalled the line and was very pleased
to know that it had a long-term effect on a real Marine.
I really enjoy this newsletter Sgt Grit! Its value to the Marine
community is priceless.
Semper Fi
Joe Featherston
Major, USMC, Ret.
I Looked At Him
Went to Monterey for a municipal solid waste symposium and after
the show there was a "hospitality room" that was put on by one
of the vendors. One of the attendees there was an Army fellow
and he knew that I was a Marine by common knowledge and my
Marine Corps Vietnam ring I got from you. He came over to me at
the bar and asked if I knew why the Navy had Marines on their
ships. I said I did not know and he very happily said: it was
because the FDA would not allow sheep on board. Everyone at the
bar looked at me and had the look on their face of Oh h&ll, it’s
not going to be pretty. I looked at him with a slight grin and
calmly replied that I had the utmost respect for his Army. After
all it takes quite a man to wear a uniform taken from the girl
scouts, a green beret.
He sort of smiled and went away. I still got it!
DJ Huntsinger, SSgt
JFK Showed Up
I was there--got there 5 Jun 63-- JFK showed up and wanted to
see a platoon from each week of training--we were in receiving
barracks--fell out on the grinder in floppy covers, yellow sweat
shirts, long untrimmed web belts, sloppy utility trousers and
white tennis shoes. At first, all 13 platoons were in a big
circle, 1st week, 2nd week, etc. directly across from us was the
Honor Platoon graduating that week. What a contrast!jfk walked
around the circle and actually spoke to a recruit from each
platoon. We then formed into the formation shown in the picture-
--i think he actually laughed at my platoons attempt to move
into formation. Thanks for the memory, Sgt.
John Stevenson USMC 1963-1967.
Jazzland
Court St as I remember it in 1962 -1965 Take the vomit comet
from Camp Lejeune to the bus station in Jacksonville, then the
first stop was Jazzland then on to Birdland where Paul Peek and
the Peek a Boos were performing or maybe they were at Jazzland.
I can't quite remember. On a side street I always went to a
place called Under the Double Eagle...there were other places
but these are the ones I went to I almost forgot the
hamburger place were you could set down and eat . In the 90s
long after I got out I went back to Court Street buildings were
still there but it was hard to tell what was where. I did go
to the Marine store in the Jacksonville mall and an older
salesman and I shared a lot of memories of the old Court
Street. When I drive from Maine to Fla .on 95 my car pulls to
the left at Quantico, Camp Lejeune and Parris Island . I have
to stop at each just to walk the ground. And let my mind wander
Back. So many great memories. All Marines I talk to remember
things in there own way I hope some share mine .
Cpl Edward J. Libby 1992065
I-3-8 3rd Plt
And 2nd Recon Blt at Montford Point
Boot Camp Is Boot Camp
In response to LCpl Carrafa as to where "Boot Camp" is, as a
1956 recruit at MCRDPI, I thought I was in H&ll. As a D. I. at
MCRDSD, My recruits knew where they were. Just look across the
end of the SD International Airport & you can see all the lovely
civilians sun bathing, drinking beer, coming & going as they
wish, etc. Boot Camp is Boot Camp no matter which MCRD you had
the PRIVILEGE to go thru.
J. Howell SSgt of Marines '56-'67 1563414
Between Wars
Reference Cpl of Marines Formby for the Marines between wars
Korea to Viet Nam. I remember the incidents that had come close
to combat, but never thought much about it. That was what we
joined for. Even in college afterwards meeting with guys who
stood on those deadly fields the conversation wasn't how close
we cheated death but rather "job talk".
The combat briefing for the invasion of Cuba lingers; our tasks
as NCOs, keeping the Beachhead secure, insuring all enemy
combatants were dead etc. Santa Domingo & protecting the
National Colors. Nicaragua. The 1st Marine Brigade landing in
Viet Nam. Retribution in Kaneohe & Kailua for the 7 Marines
badly beaten by the local punks seemed more deadly then the
above.
But the Korean and occasional WWII vets were there to remind us
of who we were. Our uniforms were still the same as theirs with
the exception of leggings. The good old M-1 was THE weapon
although I preferred the BAR. The sidearm shot .45acp.
Herringbones were not unusual. The cover only had 3 flats.
So I guess if we have to have a patch it should be an ice cream
cone against a field of clouds cause it sure was great duty.
Lima Echo Cpl of Marines
Well Done
Ref Cpl William Formby (PHD-Congrats) letter of "At Any Cost" /
Cold War / Viet Nam "ERA" vets.
Well done my brother---they are a whole crowd of us "Lost /
Forgotten" Marines wandering around out here. I was aboard the
U.S.S Shadwell--LSD-15 (HMM-262) just off the coast of Gitmo the
same time you were on Gitmo) We had just returned from the "Med"
and helping evacuate some civilians from Beirut a couple of
months before. From there to "The Rock" (Okinawa) Hq-4/12, then
back to CONUS to B/2nd Recon and down to the Island of Haiti So
the OAS could over throw the local government (Trujillo)
If memory serves--We were winning when our tour was up.
I won't attempt to embellish your fine letter as you have said
it all, just a Simper Fi-&-Well, Done Marine.
Sincerely;
Cpl. Henry H. Hight 2533 (Radio Telegraph / Communications)
1961---1965
He Glanced Up
Sgt. Grit,
I have a funny story. A few years ago, my eldest son was
attending UC Davis and we attended a UC Davis vs. Annapolis
collegiate wrestling match. After the match the UC Davis team
had just edged out the Midshipmen wrestlers from Annapolis and
won the dual meet. The stands had emptied out quite a bit and I
was just standing on the second row of the bleachers. Just then
a squared away Marine Major, who I had seen on the sidelines of
the Navy team, walked in front of the stands. He didn't look
happy as his team had just lost. Just before he passed in front
of me, I gave him an "aoorah." Without losing a step, he
glanced up at me with his serious look, put his head and eyes
back down and gave me back a good "aoorah" while continuing to
march straight ahead. Only two Marines who speak the same
language could understand that exchange.
My youngest, son, is a Corporal in the 1BN/12th Mar Reg in
Hawaii. He returned from Iraq last October and served as a
Humvee commander conducting convoy operations throughout Iraq.
His unit is returning this October. I'm very proud of him and
his unit, as they did a great job. My hat is off and am very
thankful to the Marines who are serving their country,
especially at this time of war.
Joe Strangio
SGT 74-78
Marine Barracks, Guam
1ST and 2ND FSSR
To This Day
CPL. D.E. Smith:
Just to let you know how small this world is, Your SDI Gysgt
Panickowski who graduated Platoon 3082 on Oct. 21, 1983 became
my Series Chief Drill Instructor for series 3084 - 3087. The
series graduated from Hotel Co., 3rd Bat. on Sept. 14, 1984.
Gunny Panickowski was known for his words 'shut your scuzzy
filthy sewers' and 'I'd recycle the whole series if it were up
to me'. He and my SDI SSGT Rozman had good affiliations. Gunny
Panickowski will be well remembered and known for his lack of
sense of humor and his lack of desire for a recruit (PVT for
3rd Bat) to run to him to report during Fire Watch.
So, after all these years of graduating with a series under his
'guidance' your Platoon photo of him brought back some strong
memories:) To this day, I have no clue as to which road everyone
took whether it was to stay in the FMF, go into combat with
Casper Weinberger in charge, or simply serve their time and go
about their business. But I must say it was fun while it
lasted.
Semper Fi, CPL and thanks for the unexpected fine memories:)
PFC J.S. Elliott (Reagan froze promotions during my tour of
duty due to overstaff in military. That's what I was told,
anyways).
0311 Basic Infantry
Plt. 3084 SDI SSGT Rozman, SSgt Sightler,
SSgt Smith, Sgt Moore (later fined and suspended for doing rifle
PT in barracks), replaced by SSGT Rawling.
Infantry Training School (ITS) Delta Co. 1st Plt MCB
Camp Pendleton, California
Plt Cmdr SSGT Schumpert, SGT Smith, CPL Agnew
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Leeward, if I remember correctly)
Plt Cmdr SSGT Reynolds
Squad Leader LCPL Smith, LCPL Garcia
Contract for 84-88. Early discharge under proper authority
after taking personal problem up chain of command. Honorably
Discharged upon given option by Capt. RC Daniels,
Officer In Charge- Marine Corps Admin Detachment, Newport, RI.
I've regretted my decision since.
Patted Me On The Belly
Sgt.Grit,
I really love your not as lean not as mean still a Marine t
shirt. This past December my wife patted me on the belly, and
said she was going to get me one for Christmas. That kinda woke
me up to the 234 pound not as lean Marine I had become. I stewed
over it for a couple of weeks, and on 15 January, I decided to
do something about it.
To make a long story short, I have dropped 54 pounds so far, and
this morning, I bench pressed my former weight - 234 lbs! Not
bad for a 47 year old former Marine. Thanks for the
inspirational t shirt.
I'm ready to re enlist.
Semper Fi
Jack Thomas.
Former Sgt. of Marines.
Not as Lean Not as Mean T-Shirt
Three Years Later
I entered the Marine Corps in October, 1951 and went straight
to Parris Island. At that time the 'Old Corps' was anyone who
had gone through WWII. Three years later they talked about our
generation and we were called 'the Old Corps'. The Old Corps is
anyone that went through Boot Camp one year before you did.
But, boy, I sure do remember those sand fleas. Anytime we
were standing at attention in the chow line or wherever, the
sand fleas would be eating on us. We absolutely were forbidden
to reach up and slap at the sand fleas. I remember one recruit
from my platoon who did and the Drill Instructor stood in his
face and chewed him out. I vividly recall that he told him,
"Those sand fleas have to eat too!"
Allen
Parris Island, 1951
Little Bit
Sgt. Grit,
Talking about Court St. in J'ville, I was stationed at New River
(VMO-1) from Oct. '54 thru Oct. '56. I was really shocked at the
changes made in the downtown area a few years ago on a trip we
made there. I think it was about 10-12 years ago we made a
vacation trip down there. I was just wondering if anybody
remembers the little hot dog stand on the main drag ran by a
cute young girl called "Little Bit" and her helper by the name
of Frank. Of course the stand had been razed along with the
other bars, etc. After asking around at some of the current
businesses of the possible whereabouts, someone told me she
now (at that time) worked at a bar on the outskirts of town. I
dropped in on a chance she might be there and found her working.
She had changed since I last saw her some 40 years earlier.
I guess the old saying, "You can't go back" holds true!
Tom Harp
Sgt. USMC 1953-1959
We Did Our Jobs
To the Marine that was in VMF-333 in Gitmo in '62', you should
have been in a hole in the ground on the fence line, eating
C-Rations and bathing in your helmet for 3 months. We did our
jobs as Marines! And by the way-we did have some of "THEM" come
over the fence, but we sent them back, but not in the same shape
as they started.
C.D. Crutchfield
Sgt USMC
Cuba 62, 2 tours NAM, Taiwan, Dominican Republic, 2 years Drill
Instructor, Parris Island
Same Boat
In reading William Formby's article in the 22 May 2008's
newsletter concerning those of us who served after Korea and
before Vietnam. I fit in the same boat with him and many others.
I have been advised that because I was with C-1-6 and we were
send to Gitmo in early 1961 to provide security on leeward
point. Everything was ok with us getting liberty (base only)
every third day until early April and then we were either on
post, on standby or locked and loaded on the fence line. We had
no idea what was going on and then someone heard on a radio that
Cuba was being invaded and Castro said he was going to take
Gitmo and throw out the Americans. I have been told that for
that service that I am entitled to the Marine Corps
Expeditionary Medal as well as anyone who was at Cuba between
the dates of 1/3/1961 and 10/23/1962. I have send once for an
amended DD214 requesting this medal but had no luck. If anyone
has any suggestions about how I can get this taken care of.
William Formby may be entitled to this also.
Jim Moore
L/Cpl USMC 1959-1963
Constant And Forever
I'm writing this to show the brotherhood of Marines is a
constant and forever thing. On Wednesday of last week a bass
boat was discovered on the banks of the Susquehanna river in
Pennsylvanian with the motor still running . It belonged to
Lance Corporal Chris Johnson . Johnston had been wounded in a
firefight in 2004 at Fallujah Iraq. He was recovering after
having his right arm amputated . Johnstons lieutenant from
Iraq flew in from California to aid in the search for the
missing Marine along with several more Marines form other
locales. This shows what the brotherhood stands for ONCE A
MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE and that when a brother Marine needs help
another Marine will always be there to help and share bullets
or beer.
bob elmer
lance corporal USMC
class of 1965
Entry Was Smooth
Had to make a sudden trip to Savannah, GA, because of a family
illness, so had no chance to inquire or plan visit to PI. Just
drove out there anyway. Other than confusing road signs and
poor Rand McNally road maps, which made it difficult to find
(I finally did what any good MARINE would do, improvised,
stopped at a convenience store and asked directions from a guy
pumping gas.); my first visit to PI since departing in March,
1963, was a delight. Entry was smooth, and we were able to drive
all over the island. Just missed a change of command ceremony.
The people in the Visitor's Center and the Museum were most
helpful and courteous. The young MARINES with whom I spoke were
very patient as they listened to an old man talking about
memories of 45 years ago. I was able to identify my old First
Battalion parade deck, but had to search the museum pictures to
find my old wooden barracks with the four squad bays. Collected
a bunch of free posters at the Visitors C enter to bring back to
the other old men in my MCL Detachment.
Lamar Reynolds
Commandant
Commiskey-Wheat Detachment 1073
Marine Corps League
Hattiesburg, MS
Adventure 2008
I realize there will come a day when I am no longer able to have
an annual physical adventure like I've been doing every year.
I'll get older, less strong, less flexible, less fit. But, that
day is NOT today! My adventure for 2008 was to run the Obstacle
Course at Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico,
Virginia, where Colonel Mike Gilman (retired) and I shared the
struggles of becoming a Marine officer. Having remained close
friends all these years (over 37 years now since we attended
OCS), Mike Gilman agreed to share this adventure with me. And,
it was a good thing, too, since we encouraged each other to go
every step of the way.
I have rope burns on both lower legs and very sore chest and
arm muscles (my 4 mile running course 3 days a week and weight
lifting program at the gym each week was simply not enough to
overcome the challenges of this "O" course). With a
determination to make the Corps proud, though, we got over every
obstacle, jumped "the red wall" and climbed to the top of the
rope. Pain really is weakness leaving your body as we both felt
strong in heart at the end of the course. As my Marines would
say, "ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING."
I've attached 9 photos of the course adventure from beginning to
end (thanks to our wives, Nancy and Sallie, for the photos and
the laughter which just made us run harder!). The last picture
was taken in front of The Basic School HQ where Mike and I spent
6 months learning to become infantry officers and leaders of
men. I may be "Old Corps" but I still bleed Marine green and
that pride I'll take to my grave.
Semper Fi!
Jim Hill
Former Captain, Still a Marine
All "Attitude is Everything" items
Short Rounds
Platoon 252 went though Camp Matthews in 1964 ! We were the
last series to go there, Qualified with the M1 Garand ! Who can
forget the WW2 Tent Camp ! Graduated from Boot Camp and was
issued the M-14 , I am glad it wasn't a Garand, but that was
the Rifle that won WW2!
R.G. Oveson
USMC 64-68, 75-77
11th Marines
I was at Geiger in '58 with Second Amphib Recon. Company, FMF
and remember a lineup of bars across from the smaller "back"
gate that was called "the second front." I remember watching
the PM (Provost Marshall) truck picking up drunks for a night
in the brig on a Saturday Night. They just moved from body to
body....and shoved them in the back. There, they slept it off
and probably got some company area restriction, after an office
hours with the CO or XO of their outfits. Quite a sight....
Dick Vara
Sgt. USMC
ditto to the red beach Marine. we lost 10 in 1 hutch.. I was
with the provisional rifle co., 1st squad 3rd platoon. stayed
in tents near coc. rather be on patrol than be subjected to the
122s. hal davis (namo)
I saw a show on the history channel. WAKE ISLAND THE ALAMO OF
THE PACIFIC. The men of the Alamo fought to the death. The
Marines of Wake Island were surrendered by a Naval Officer.
Many of the Surrendered Marine were beheaded, and horribly
treated by the Japanese. What if anything happened to the
Naval Officer who surrendered them?
Sgt. Of Marines: Rodney Riffe 1968 - 1975
In the movie The Sands of Iwo Jima with John Wayne (Sgt Striker)
there is a scene where John Wayne is leading his squad up
Mt Suribachi and halfway up the mountain one of his men gets
shot by a sniper. John Wayne shoots the sniper and goes to
assist his squad member who has been shot. The Marine clutches
his chest and tells John Wayne quote:
"I'm going to get a good sleep tonight"
Former Marine Corporal Joe L. Reyna , MTM Co, Maintenance
Battalion, 1st FSR 70-73
I have been out of the Corps for 42 years I used WWII equipment
and rations in Nam, its great to see the men and women of the
New Corps, new equipment, uniforms, chow but the same values as
Tun Tavern.Semper Fi,
George, PI 1962 Plt 237
Korea
Able Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines
The story of Ron Broward
Recruiters Association
Due to unforeseen problems. The Marine Corps Recruiters
Association Conference and Reunion scheduled for Oceanside, CA
June 12-14 has been cancelled for 2008. If anyone has any
questions contact me Jim Simmons
S/T Email: jimandsally (at) sofnet.com
We are still looking for a few good recruiters to join!
Thank you
Semper Fi
Jim Simmons
S/T Marine Corps Recruiters Assoc. Inc.
Good afternoon to all as always an outstanding news letter. Sad
to hear Court St. is gone did not get a tattoo but did hoist a
few beers. I was a weapons instructor at 1st ITR two times
have been told there is no more 2nd Front out on hwy 17.Guess
that's progress. Keep up the good work.
SEMPER FI rbs
The Fourth Marines in Shanghai, China
A Veteran of any service - whether Active Duty, Retired,
National Guard or Reserve - is someone who, at one point in his
or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United
States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my
life."
You, Paul, are such a person. That is Honor, and there are way
too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
They should be jealous of you!
James S. Sackett, Captain, USMC (Retired)
Cpl R Olson is from Canby, MN Platoon 317 1957.
Met a guy from Platoon 317 1960, boy was that confusing!
Just spent the morning putting new flags on the graves at our
local cemetery. My wife and I found a couple old Marine's graves
without flags- they won't be without anymore.
Drew McFadden,
USMC 61-65
Upon hearing a new acquaintance mention that he was in the Army,
Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard, I always respond "I'm sorry!"
And in every case, they have looked me in the eye and said
"Dear God! You must have been a Marine!" And I always grin and
offer to buy him a beer after I explain what "Once a Marine"
means. I've made a lot of friends that way.
Semper Fi
Sgt. Thomas D. Smyka USMC
"Super-Tech" 65-68
Sgt,
Lima 3/5 1st Marine Div. 1966 to 1971 are having our reunion in
Wash DC from July 7 to the 14th. And open to all other Marines
Thank you for everything
Jim D
DaJD2000 (at) aol.com
The United States Marine Corps War Memorial Flag Detail, Inc.
We, in association with the National Park Service, and
Henderson Hall provide the flags flown over our War Memorial
in Arlington Va. Thanks! Semper Fi !
Jim Donovan, Chair
Sgt Grit: I'm forwarding this to my next door neighbors whose
son is in the Corps currently aboard the USS Essex off the coast
of...we don't know. Like me (and my son) he quit college and
joined the Corps. Why? To get our lives straightened out.
Saved my butt and my son's and now this young Marine sniper I've
known since birth.
Semper Fi!
Doug Thiel L/Cpl 1958-60
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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