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I would like to tell you my experience with one in Korea. I was
wounded in my upper left arm and a Corpsman was called. He
treated the wound and called for a stretcher. I told him that I
could walk. He asked me if I knew (name forgotten) and I said
that I did and saw him walking back for treatment of his wounds.
The Corpsman told me to get on the stretcher and I told him off
and asked him if he thought that I was some sissy. The Corpsman
told me that the Marine that walked back didn't make it because
he went into shock on the way back. The Corpsman told me that I
was not going to die on him and to get the **** on the
stretcher. 58 years later I am still around and I still thank
that Corpsman, who ever he is.
Jim Manning Korea 1951 to 1952
Sgt Grit Customer Appreciation Day - Saturday July 11
IN-STORE Only - A great clearance sale and Free T-Shirt with
purchase to the first 100 customers.
Saturday July 11, 2009 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Snake Man
In 1972, while stationed with Mike 3/9 at Camp Schwab,
Okinawa, I went to the NCO club for a few brewskies and some
entertainment. The entertainment was a habu/mongoose fight. The
habu is an extremely venomous snake indigenous to the Asian
jungles and the mongoose is a big-a$s rodent that looks a little
like a beaver.
The fight was on. As the mongoose maneuvered around the
guarded snake, each was planning there strike. Out of the
audience comes this Sgt that appears to be quite drunk. As he
stumbles on the stage, the audience watches in silence. The Sgt
picks up the poisonous snake and bites it in two. He walks back
to his table and begins chewing on the snake and chasing it with
a Budweiser. Even the mongoose is dumb-founded. The MP's are
called. Someone yells for a corpsman. The drunk might have been
bitten. The owner of the habu and mongoose is scratching his
head in disbelief. Finally, the Sgt walks out of the NCO club. I
never did know what happened to him.
A year later (1973) I am the Operations Chief with HQBn,
1stMarDiv at Camp Pendleton. One day I am hand delivering
reports to the Division Ops Chief (S-3). When I got there I
couldn't believe who the Ops Chief was. It's Snake Man! He
introduced himself to me as SSgt Walker. "I'm SSgt Foster and I
remember seeing you eat a snake in Okinawa." He was embarrassed
that he met someone that witnessed his lack of judgment while
inebriated. SSgt Walker told me that he remembers nothing about
that night but has pictures taken by another Marine to prove his
stupidity. It turns out that SSgt Walker was a pretty good man
and a fine Marine.
Two years pass (1975) and I am now a highway patrolman for
the state of Nevada and a GySgt with the Marine Corps Reserve.
One day I was driving my patrol car through downtown Reno when
dispatch tells me that a Sgt Walker wants to talk to me. I
assumed that he must be with the PD or Sheriff's office and he
wants to talk about a previous traffic accident. Dispatch gives
me the phone number and I pull over and make the call on a pay
phone. Low and behold, Its Snake Man. GySgt Walker spotted me
driving by his recruiting office. I drove back to his office
where we got reacquainted. On his desk was a picture of him
biting the snake. He told me that he uses it as a recruiting
tool.
Three more years pass (1978) and I am back in California and
still a reservist with the Marine Corps Reserve unit in
Sacramento. Tired of spending my 2 weeks of summer drill at 29
Palms, I managed to get temporary orders to the Finance Center
in Kansas City. I also got orders cut for Sgt Nat Holmes to join
me. It was a pretty boring 2 weeks. Nat and I found an old fish
file which was used in those days to locate Marines. I didn't
know how to work it but Nat did. I wanted to find out where
GySgt Walker was. We found him at an I & I Staff in New
Hampshire. I want to play a joke on him. I got the unit's phone
number and called. The clerk on duty paged Gy Walker. "Gy Walker
speaking." "Gy, this is Gy Foster from the Kansas City Finance
Center. I hate to tell you this but you have been overpaid for
the last three years and your current debt is $3500. We
apologize for the error, however, we can assist you in the
payback with an allotment that will be easy for you." Gy Walker
is exploding with anger. "How in the h&ll can you f#+$ing people
be so stupid?" He yelled into the phone, almost blowing out my
eardrums. After about five minutes I couldn't hold it any
longer. I busted out laughing. "John, is that you? You a&
$ho@#!" After his blood pressure got back to normal, we got
caught-up and had great conversation.
former
GySgt John Foster
Prized Possession
Sgt. Grit,
I just finished reading the story from Carl Baker about his
experience on April 27, 1969 when the DaNang Ammo Dump exploded
and I thought this picture might be of interest.
I was assigned to HQ. Bn. 3rd MAR. DIV. and we had a compound
located on Freedom Hill right next to the main PX. The picture,
taken the day after the ammo dump exploded, shows me holding my
prized possession. I had just pulled the locker out of what was
left of the hootch that we had built ourselves just weeks before
the dump went up. The pile of rubble in the back round is the
main PX on Freedom Hill. Luckily, I had stored the tape deck in
the locker before we were evacuated and it survived the blast.
J.R. Inganamort
USMC / Cpl. / 0331
The Yellow Footprints
I will soon be celebrating an anniversary, somewhat of a
milestone, this July. It will be a 50th anniversary, and not of
my wife and I, as we have only been married for nearly 44 years.
No, this will be an anniversary of another sort. On July 29th
this year it will be 50 years ago that I placed my feet on the
famed "yellow footprints" at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in
San Diego, CA (MCRD). Those who have earned the title of Marine
and proudly worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor will know what I
am talking about. For those who have not, but are interested
enough to keep on reading, I will try to explain.
A new recruit entering boot camp in San Diego or Parris
Island places both feet on painted yellow footprints on the
ground as soon as getting off the bus at the intake facility.
Thus the "yellow footprints." The Corps assumes you do not know
your right foot from your left or your hand from your feet so
this was a training aid. That was my first indoctrination of
military discipline, which would be soon followed by a whole lot
more. I was a mere 18 year old kid and did not realize how
naive I was upon arriving in San Diego after a 12 hour plane
trip on a large prop job (not many jets back then). I figured I
would do a little sightseeing before reporting into the MCRD. I
was wrong, so very wrong. A Marine Corporal met us upon exiting
the aircraft and led us to a nearby awaiting odd colored bus.
The Corporal said his name and that other Marines called him
"The Beast." I thought that was an odd name but soon learned
why, as he promptly told us on the bus to face forward, no
talking, no smoking, and no chewing of gum. He seemed rather
convincing and I thought 'not a very nice guy.'
That my friends was the beginning of my 12 weeks of Marine
boot camp followed by 4 weeks of infantry training. I will
never forget it, as I will assume others who have under gone the
same will not. So much I wish I could remember and some, I am
sure, I am glad I don't. I do recall, however, the names of all
three of my Drill Instructors.
I must assume that my 4 year stint (1959-1963) in the Corps
was rather uneventful and probably pretty common to others of
that era. It was after Korea and before Vietnam and not a lot
going on from a military standpoint. I would rate my most
accomplished memory was a forced march in 1960. (I was assigned
to H&S Co. 2/3/5). Our battalion motored from Camp Pendleton
(5th Marines at Camp Margarita) to 29 Palms, CA for about 3
weeks of desert training. How did we get back, you ask? We, our
entire battalion, walked the entire trek of 150 miles in 5 days.
One day, about the third day of hiking on the return, we walked
37 miles with weapons, packs, and full field gear. Because you
and I know that Marines tend to embellish their stories a little
I still have a parchment certificate from the regimental
commander attesting to this feat.
It takes a while for the Corps discipline, training, and
leadership to set in. In fact I did not fully appreciate it
until many years later. Now as a "senior" I can truly say that
it helped me throughout my entire life. As I look back into
some of my old photo albums and memorabilia I can come to the
conclusion that I was truly blessed with some of the finest
camaraderie any male adult could have been associated with.
After I left the "band of brothers" I was very fortunate enough
to joint the Cincinnati, OH fire department for a 28+ year
career. What a great job.
Now it is time for me to give back. I have chosen to become
very active in the Marine Corps League, which not only serves
active Marines, but also just as important disabled Marines and
former Marines. We also serve and work with other veterans,
veteran's organizations, schools, and local community projects.
I have found it rewarding to give back. It is my goal for at
least some of the younger school children we talk to at schools
to remember the meaning of our flag and the duty/service being
performed by active military and veterans.
In closing, it is not difficult to state in print the true
meaning of "Semper Fidelis," "Always Faithful". But, "Once a
Marine - Always a Marine" is tougher to explain. To those who
have never experienced it, it may never be learned. However,
once you hear from a perfect stranger call out "Semper Fi" you
know that the messenger also once proudly wore the Eagle, Globe
and Anchor, as well as had his feet on the "yellow footprints."
Editor's Note: The author is very active in the Marion County,
FL, Marine Corps League currently holding the office of Sr. Vice
Commandant. The Detachment supports Vets Helping Vets, Vets in
the Classroom, and the annual Toys for Tots drive and has a
Birthday Ball each year. In addition they support various
community projects and special events including Memorial Day and
Veteran's Day. For more information contact Dick Hauck at
352-680-1698 or 352-208-5070
Where Have All The Old Farts Gone
Where have all the old Farts gone? I look at the serial numbers
and note that they are seven figures, mine was six. I went
regular in March of 1940, took my Honorable Discharge in March
of 1946, immediately into the Class 3b, held the permanent of
rank of Master Sergeant and MOS of a Squadron Leading Chief.
Never recalled, understand that 90% of the Master Sergeant's in
Aviation Units were recalled for Korea. Took the advise of Major
Paul (Pat) Moret USMC, who was killed in an airplane accident in
1942, never volunteer if they need you they will call you.
M/Sgt. Howard J. Fuller USMCR Ret.
Serial Number 273744
The Smoking Lamp I Lit
I went through MCRD San Diego Platoon 3159 in the lovely Quonset
huts in 1970. We had a S/Sgt E.L. Blum then.
Almost has to be one in the same as your Gy/Sgt Blum.
Yes he did thump us a couple times but I never thought it was
excessive or out of the ordinary. Just part of becoming a
Marine.
One of the things I remember is S/Sgt Blum coming out of the
duty hut while we stood at attention on the platoon street and
he would say.
"The smoking lamp is lit"
At which time all the smokers would be anticipating getting out
their smokes.
He would continue with.
"For one cigarette and one cigarette only"
You could almost see the smokers reaching for theirs now.
And then he would drop the boom and say.
"AND I'M Smoking it"
At the start I was not a smoker. I was when I graduated but
that's another story involving canteens, "Bends and Mother
F*%(@#S" and S/Sgt Blum.
One of the proudest days of my life was when our SDI S/Sgt
Proctor and our DI's S/Sgt Blum and Sgt Walker shook our hands
and called us Marines for the first time. Feb. 09, 1971
McGough, Michael A.
S/Sgt USMC 1970-1977
I Will Just Leave It
Sgt. Grit;
This happened to me a couple of months ago. You see, I have been
blessed to work with some true hero's at a VA Medical Center,
generally from WW11, Korea and Vietnam era, and they all have
stories. I would like to share this one with you.
I had been reading a book about the Marines fighting in Korea
and the Gen. Chesty Puller days and I was having a conversation
in the main lobby with a visitor and during the brief talk she
had mentioned that her husband was a former Marine who fought in
Korea, she provided me with his name and room number, I thanked
her and went to visit the Marine. He is a very frail man lying
in his bed barely able to talk, much less hold a conversation. I
told him that I too am former Marine, he replied Semper Fi.
I became real excited with his response then he begin sharing
his stories about Korea and the fight. I asked sir, Did you ever
meet "Chesty"? With that, He opened his eyes and cleared his
throat, and as plain spoken as ever he looked at me and said,
Yes son, Chesty was my commander. Oh my God, I am talking with a
hero about a hero.
He told me the story about when a General Officer came to their
unit while fighting at the Chosin and asked to see Chesty
Puller, that he was wanting to present him with a medal for
valor. The company runner informed the General that he was
fighting over the hill, Go get him for me, replied the General.
The runner left and returned a short time later. The General
asked, Where is your commander and what did he say? The runner
said, He is still fighting, and that he doesn't have time for
such bull---- and that if the General wanted to pin a medal that
he would just have to come to me.
With that information the General said, I will just leave it
here on the desk. The veteran asked if I would read the
Leatherneck magazine, I told him yes. A couple of days had
passed and his wife had dropped me off about 20 copies of the
magazine to read and share with other veterans. Enclosed was a
note from the veteran that read, I may be your elder but we are
brothers just the same. Semper Fi, Devil Dog.
How Cool. Doyle E. Sappington, SSGT. Ret.
OOH-RAH
Here are two of my tattoos.
Ron Havens
Corporal of Marines
Viet Nam Vet 1969-70
Mouse
Sgt Grit,
Being somewhat shy of nature and the second smallest recruit of
Platoon 313 at MCRD, which was then being herded about by one
SSgt. Olmstead; I soon found myself bestowed with the honor of
being the 'house-mouse'. Now SSgt Olmstead had this oversized
coffee cup; grand it was...a real work of art. His name and rank
with the ever present EGA, raised and embossed in gold on one
side and a raised map of Southeast Asia on the reverse.
Now the drill went something like this...SSgt Olmstead would
kick open the screen-door to the duty hut thereby creating a
loud audible bang, pause for just a moment and then scream
"MOUSE". He would then stand there giving a slow cadence count;
one, two, three...sometimes four. At which point he would heave
this coffee cup straight up into the air, then turn on his heel
going back into the duty hut fully expecting a hot fresh cup of
coffee to be delivered immediately and made to his exacting
specifications.
Due to my stature and never having played football to any
degree; I now, at the command of 'mouse', found myself being
downfield in motion. So, for about the next two weeks; being
terrified out of my wits of breaking this coffee cup, I found it
within myself to make catches that would have made Lynn Swann
proud. On the day in question, during 'free time' and finding
myself at the wash racks, a loud bang and the command 'mouse'
was heard. Racing at full speed up the platoon street, and with
the cup in the air, I find the platoon guide and the first squad
leader standing in the middle of the street...screaming 'make a
hole' I continue my run. Whereby they turn their heads and give
me a blank dead look as if to say....what? Nothing to do but
straight arm the both of them: one left, the other right...
thereby setting them on their rears in the grass. Diving for the
cup I bobbled it on my finger tips back into the air. I almost
had it a second time... but not quite. After one bounce on the
street it ended up in a hundred pieces after issuing a loud
crash indicating its sad demise. This was immediately, if not
sooner; followed by the bang of the duty hut door issuing forth
one Staff Sergeant who left no doubt in anyone's mind that he
was not a happy camper.
Snapping to attention, I started to pray for the bowels of the
under-world to open up and immediately swallow me on the spot;
thus saving me from the forthcoming wrath. Passing me by, SSgt
Olmstead gives his undivided attention to those who were now
extricating themselves from 'his' grass. While they commence
the standard eight-count push-up he instructs them in the error
of their ways...such that when his Marine says 'make a hole' you
deaf sob's had better create one. This activity continued for
several more minutes as additional items were addressed in a
most emphatic way.
I was thinking, as I stood there frozen while waiting my turn;
did I hear him right, for in recent days I had been called many
things... but never that! It was a slip of the tongue... he
meant to say mouse. Passing me by the second time, he enters
the duty hut and returns with a standard mess-hall coffee cup.
Handing it to me he softly says 'Carry on, Marine.' That was
the first time that anyone had called me that, and I have been
ever proud that he was the first; such that to this day I have
tried to conduct my affairs as to be not just a Marine... but
his Marine.
Semper Fi
Sgt Steven Parmenter '65-'69
Little Agony, Big Agony
Sarg,
I just read the letter from L/CPL Harold Beasley in American
Courage #203. His mention of the infamous "Little Agony and Big
Agony" brought back flashbacks from my time at Camp Matthews in
March 1964. These two hills were like camels humps, and caused
much strain and, yes, agony. One particular Sunday evening
comes to mind. Evidently, the DIs had some time to kill and
took us for a run around Matthews. We ran up and down those two
hills over and over until the formation resembled the proverbial
"Chinese Fire Drill", with members of Platoon 218 meeting each
other coming and going. What agony! And to make matters worse,
Cpl Stelling and Cpl Wright ran up the hills backwards! What
memories!
And thanks to S/Sgt. J. T. Bridges, Cpl. J. L. Stelling and Cpl.
E. R. Wright, this "boot" became a United States Marine on 13
June 1964!
Once a Marine - Always a Marine!
Bob Lonn, USMCR, Sgt
He Took A Step Back
Sgt Grit.:
In early October, 1965, I was a boot at PISC for the past four
or five weeks. We had been through a few of our DIs' torture
sessions: we buried our M14s in a ditch, poured kerosene over
them and dug them two days later. We did horizontal jumping
jacks lying in a field and then had to lay at attention for two
hours. We got the order for 'Seats!' at least two dozen times
the day after getting our GG shots in our rumps, and had to limp
around the base.
We had three DIs: and older, wizened, SSgt (Sh*****r); a young
Cpl (Sp***s), a short black guy without an ounce of fat on his
body; and a wiseass E-5 Sgt (Ga***n). The Sgt. had us out on a
field holding a 'junk on the blanket' inspection of our '782
gear'. None of us knew all the details of this inspection, and
several guys had their canteens full of water. Bad mistake.
The Sgt was p!ssed, calling us all sorts of names, making
threats and all that good stuff.
Then he started throwing canteens: some of them over his
shoulder and others like a football. He had a good arm! One
after another, they landed all around us, but some reached the
street. One of them, full and with it's cap on, exploded when
it hit the pavement. Nice splash. Bad move and worse timing
for Sgt G.
A shiny, brand new, Ford Mustang had driven by at least tree
times. We saw it, but Sgt. G. didn't. His back was toward the
street. On the fourth pass, the car stopped and tooted its
horn. Sgt. G, in his troops, jogged over to the car. He bent
over to talk to the driver and then suddenly straightened up to
attention and threw up a hand salute. He held the salute for
what seemed forever. After a few minutes, he took a step back
and did an about-face. He had been dismissed.
We never saw Sgt G. after that afternoon. Scuttlebutt was that
the driver of the Mustang was the base commander or something --
a General, at least. Probably Major General James M. Masters.
The next day, we had a new DI -- Cpl. McF*****n, who for the
next five weeks never failed to remind us that we were the
lowest form of life on earth.
Rich Meyer
Corinna, Maine
Cpl/E-4
2169621
USMC '65-69
Did Not Exist
As with all Marines, the significance of the Marine Corps
birthday was literally drilled into me the spring/summer of 1967
at MCRD boot camp. November 10! Christmas, Independence Day
and New Years all rolled up into one! And of course, Veterans
Day was simply a convenient day to recover on November 11.
As it turned out, however, I left the states heading for
Oki/Vietnam on November 9, 1967, crossed the International Date
Line and landed on November 11, 1967. For me, my first Marine
Corps birthday did not exist!
Dennis Reynolds
former Sergeant
RVN 11/67 to 2/70
Toughest SOB
Sgt. Grit:
I was in Platoon 2094, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD San
Diego, Sep to Dec 1973. While we were in training, one of our
DI's was sent to Staff NCO School. He was replaced by SSgt
Harrington, who had been a Motivation Platoon DI for a year
before joining our little party.
To say that SSgt Harrington was not a tall man is to grossly
understate the fact, and he couldn't possibly have weighed more
than 100 pounds in full combat gear and soaking wet. But he was
quite possibly the meanest, toughest SOB I have ever met! Also,
he had a very gravelly speaking and/or yelling voice. I can
still hear him growling at me, "You better get some PRIDE in
your body, Private!" That was good advice then, and remains so
to this day.
Semper Fi,
Robert Shirley
USMC, 1973-1979
An Office and Gentleman
We lost a Marine Brother when ED MCMAHON passed away. He was a
Marine Fighter Pilot during WWII. He left the Corps then
reenlisted for Korea. He was a Marine fighter pilot flight
trainer then.
He flew more than 80 combat air missions.
His 'first one in, last to leave, always be prepared' work ethic
is one I always followed.
Too bad most of local Louisville media has omitted this part of
his history and the national news keeps referring to him as an
'ex-Marine'.
Rest In Peace Marine.
SF,
Tony
MCRDPISC 1962
How many of you "crunchee's" remember "Hellcat Awakenings"?
For some strange reason I always awoke just before Reveille. I
would hear the JDI using his electric shaver and listening to
his C/W radio station in the DI duty hut...
This one particular morning I heard a strange tapping; it turned
out to be a drummer tapping cadence for the entire MCRDPISC drum
and bugle corps.
When they blasted out the first 5 notes of Reveille: Dah Dah Dah
Dah Dah; I saw guys flying out of their racks as if they'd been
struck by lightning.
This was my youth; while others were scheming to outwit their
country and the obligations of living in this beautiful America
I was with a bunch of guys of my ilk who I thought of as
brothers and after 30 years with a metropolitan police
department, I never felt the Esprit de Corps that I felt with my
comrades in arms. I've learned that my JDI'S were one KIA and
one WIA in the Nam. Although they treated me less than kindly I
love them as only a soldier can understand.
Pvt. Rapuano, A.M. Plt. 150
I Can Run Again
I had bought this as a cassette some years and as a former
Marine, it brings back the good old days, it is a well put
together CD I lost the tape some time ago but now that I have
the CD, I can run again (not that I ever stopped) great disk,
once a Marine, always a Marine.
Carl
Another Day
Cpl. C.A. Rhodes 7th E.S.B. 1st F.S.S.G., Bravo Co. 11-29-93 to
11-29-97
The most memorable times of my life were spent in the Corps, but
one that stands out is during boot camp (MCRD SAN DIEGO) 2nd
phase. It was h&ll on earth almost every day, but at the end of
each day when I would lay down and crawl inside my sleeping bag,
it would be so dark and I would lay back and look up at the
stars. I swear you could have counted every star in the sky, and
the moon was so big it looked like you could have thrown a rock
and hit it.
Laying there knowing that I had made it through another day of
boot camp, seeing the stars like that was almost like my reward
for making it through another day of boot camp.
Thanks for letting me share that.
Semper Fi.
Third Phase
I went thru boot camp in San Diego in 1970, Plt 1073. During
third phase they let us see a movie. We were waiting outside
with another Platoon when their D.I. brought out a recruit who
did a perfect "Gomer Pyle" imitation. I wonder if anyone else
remembers this.
When I was with Staging Bn in '71', there were three former
D.I.s who used to talk together and didn't seem to mind a just
turned 18 yr old PFC hanging around. They didn't mind answering
questions and the chasm I expected between Staff Sgt and PFC was
not there. I wish I could remember their names because they
definitely had a positive impact on my life.
I find it interesting that the majority of NCOs that I admired
and were positive influences were Drill Instructors.
Robert Popp
Cpl '70-73'
Worst Time Of Year
Sgt Grit,
Re- the story by Sgt Frank Huff 71-79. In his boot camp story
he was wondering about his DI's The Sgt Thornton he mention is
alive and well. Roger and I joined the Marine Corps on the buddy
system, 4 yrs as grunts, boy that recruiter could of sold us the
moon and we would of believed him. We went to PI for boot camp,
at the worst time of the year, June 20th 1968.
We where later assigned to Charlie 1/7. After our tour, Roger
went to San Diego as a DI, got busted to Cpl and got out of the
Corps in June of 72. Not regretting a moment he returned home to
Westfield Ma and now works for a local college in the area...
Semper Fi Sgt Steve Krupa
68-76
For No Reason
My name is Shawn, I got off active duty in Nov of 2008. During
my time in the Corps I was deployed to Iraq twice and had some
not so pleasant experiences of my own.
On June 15, 2009 I was spending time with my mother and two
younger sisters running some errands in my home town of Manteca,
CA. While driving down the road my sister noticed a middle aged
man in a white truck looking at us and laughing. He yelled
across to my mother asking her if her son is a Marine, he
apparently saw her bumper sticker. She proudly said yes thinking
he was going to respond like every other patriot in town.
Instead he laughed and told my mother "I hope he dies in Iraq
for no reason". It took me a second to process what I had just
heard. But after I realized he did just say that to my mother I
as determined to cut his tongue out. It took my mother and one
of my sisters to keep me from crawling out the passenger side
window. He sped off and went in a direction we were not.
It gets me that someone would wish death to someone's son like
that. I mean come on. If you don't agree with the politics of
the war then fine. I know first hand that the troops don't
always agree with the politics. But how dare someone tell a
woman of their own country that they wish their son or daughter
get killed in a combat zone while they are serving their
country. I saw good Marines die over there and I know they did
not die for that.
Proud to Be a Marine
It is with great pride and honor to earn the title US Marine.
How is it earned, it is earned with the sweat and blood of boot
camp.
From the Drill Instructor yelling to get off the bus and stand
on the yellow foot prints. From the buzz shaved head to wearing
the fatigues, forced marches, to passing the ultimate physical
test, the crucible. It is earned on the range, hitting the
mark, assembling your rifle while blindfolded, learning that
your best friend is your rifle for it will save your life or the
lives of your fellow Marines. It is earned on the parade
grounds when you are awarded and recognized as a Marine, but
more importantly it is earned in your actions as you serve your
country and Corps. It is earned with the sweat and blood of the
countless battles fought in and the humanitarian aid given in
times of peace.
Ultimately, it is earned by the respect and recognition of
fellow Marines, veterans, family, and in the eyes of strangers
who nod there head, smile, and shake your hand for serving this
country.
For those of us who have earned the title, it is proudly carried
for the rest of our lives.
Andre Feliciano
(Veteran USMC Sgt)
DI Sayings
I am sure that everyone has heard it from time to time in The
Corps but the most profound thing that I remember my SDI, GySgt
Bruce E. Boltze saying to us was " The more you sweat in peace,
the less you bleed in war". Gunny Boltze was promoted to CWO#
and was shot down in an OV-10 Bronco over the South China Sea in
1971...his 3rd tour. Researching his accomplishments and
medals, he was a Marine's Marine. Proud to have known him, even
for only 8 weeks in 1969.
Semper Fi
Jim Wolter
1969-1974
I enjoyed reading the DI stories in your last eblast. I noticed
that they are mostly "old Corps" stories. The current and recent
DI have some jokes and stories. For instance one of my Drill
Instructors once asked a fellow recruit "how did you end up with
that gut?" his response was "eating civilian food." The DI
response was "yea right, that what you get for playing your
Super NoFriendo (instead of Nintendo)." those kind of remarks
remind us Marines of how funny boot camp was. just a suggestion
Thanks
SGT Koropatnick
Plt283 2nd Bn Parris Island Sept - Dec 1957
Upon issuance of our MI rifles our DI stated one of many rules
concerning the care and respect to be given to our weapon at all
times. " if one of you s--t birds drop your rifle you better
be laying under when it hits the deck"
Bob Lake
I do NOT EVER remember ANY foot prints in San Diego in the years
'50-'52, when going through boot and coming home. Last year, I
requested from the Historical Section, USMC, to see if they had
the information of the creation of same. They did not.
Semper Fi !
Norman Callahan
C-1-1, Korea, 51-52.
Chesty's last regimental command.
Sgt Grit,
I remember a few newsletters back, you asking for sayings that
you remember from boot camp. Here's mine: "You may not respect
the individual, but you better D*MN well respect the rank, you
will always in life have to say Yes Sir to someone". SDI SSgt
Phillips Plt 2035 PISC Jan77 Apr77.
Semper Fi,
Gordon Willis
Sgt Jan77 Jan81
12th Defense/AAA Battalion, WWII
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Thank you for your effort in keeping the newsletters coming. It
gives me a sense of pride to have been part of our great Corps
and to know that the tradition will never die.
We, the surviving members of the 12th Defense/AAA Battalion from
WWII, will hold our 56th consecutive annual reunion in San Diego
August 13-16,2009. The 12th was formed July 1, 1942 at MCB San
Diego and ceased to exist at the end of the War but the spirit
lives on forever. We are all in our 80s plus and the numbers are
dwindling fast but we are living proof that "once a Marine,
always a Marine".
At full strength the battalion numbered some 1,500. Our mailing
list is now under 200 but most are not able to travel so our
attendance at the reunions is rather small but we do make up for
it with sons, daughters and grandkids who are proud of the old
folks.
Our real baptism of fire came at Peleliu, Palau Islands on
September 15, 1944 with the 1st Marine Division where nearly
13,000 people (11,000 Japanese and 2,000 Marines) died in under
3 months time. This on an island measuring 2 miles wide and 7
miles long just 7 degrees north of the equator. The temperature
was 115 when we hit the beach.
We are determined to keep up our brotherhood after all we've
been through.
Semper Fidelis,
Hal Handley, PFC '43-'46 H&S Communications
Subject To Uniform And Appearance Regulations
To K. Jenkins concerning the Marine attending the wedding in
dress blues, you are absolutely correct in your opinion. All
Marines, on vacation or not, are subject to uniform and
appearance regulations as well as the Uniform Code of Military
Justice. As a retired Marine for over 23 years, the same
applies to me should I choose to wear my uniform for authorized
occasions. This young Marine who disgraced our uniform and our
Corps should be reported to his unit Sergeant Major for
appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of where he has
served.
Gene Hays
MSgt, USMC, Retired
Chu Lai, RVN '67-'68
Major Ruffers
After reading Major Ruffers story I had to add a tid bit of my
own. Major Ruffers and I basically started our careers
together, he was in Plt 264 and I was in plt 164 in Aug 1959. I
graduated on Nov 17th and went to ITR, after ITR we got leave to
go home for Christmas.
Jack and I hooked up when we were both assigned to B Co, 1st Bn,
7th Marines at Las Pulgas, he was in Weapons Plt and I was in
2nd Plt. We deployed to Okinawa on April 1st (April Fools) in
1960. We became friends (Buddies). After returning from overseas
in May 1961 we were assigned to B Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marines at
Camp Margarita, 33 Area. We remained close and would go on
liberty together.
Since his Dad was in the Air Force and was at Norton Air Force
Base in San Bernardino which wasn't too far from Camp Pen. My
Dad and Mom were in Coronado, CA so I would go home when I
could. I do not think we had cars at that time since base pay
was low. My Dad was career Navy and after 30 years retired in
Nov of 61. I had an Uncle who was in the Air Force also At
Norton AFB, so we would go to San Berdo after my Dad retired and
went back to Annapolis, MD since they owned a house there.
Jack meet a girl in San Berdo and one thing led to another.
Before you know it they were getting married. The wedding was
held in San Berdo he asked me to be his Best Man (the best man
was getting married and I was his witness) see picture. I talked
to him about Mexico but he did not go for it (I was glad he
didn't) Pat was a great catch and an outstanding person. She was
good for Jack. We both went back to Camp Pen. Later in 62 we
both were transferred to Marine Barracks, he to Alameda and me
to San Diego Naval Station at 32nd St.
I then went to Drill Instructors school in July of 1964. After
graduation I was assigned to my 1st Recruit Plt, 164 the same
number Platoon I was in as a recruit. I finally made Sgt with a
cutting score of 165 in Jan of 1966 (spent 4 yrs as a Cpl). In
1966 I became a WSI and transferred to the Special Instructors
section as a Drownproofing instructor at the MCRD pool. In 1967
I was so water logged I was assigned to teach Code of Conduct,
some History and UCMJ.
In Oct 1967 I received orders to Vietnam. Arrived in DaNang in
late Nov in time for Thanksgiving and my first in-country
birthday #27. I was assigned to Hq Co 2nd Bn 5th Marines in An
Hoa, about 25 miles So West of DaNang. The beginning of Jan 68
the Bn moved to Phu Bai. Well we had not been there long when
the TET offensive began. I ended up being a replacement assigned
to Capt Christmas Hotel Co for about 30 days and went into Hue
City. Getting back to Major Ruffer, we had seen each other on
the Drill field. He had been selected to the Meritorious NCO
program. The next time we ran into each other was in Phu Bai or
DaNang, he was a Capt and been awarded a Silver Star and Purple
Heart in Operation Medina. (The Book is called The Lions of
Medina by Doyle D. Glass) I recommend it to all.
We kept running into each other over the years. Jack retired as
a Major, I got out when I got back from Nam and went on LAPD. My
Dad and some LAPD officers who were Marine Reservist talked me
into joining the Reserves which I did.
Semper Fi Sgt Grit and keep up the Great Work.
Norman W. Honadle
CWO-5 Retired
Las Vegas, NV
Attack In A Different Direction
Passing on this timely, brief article from a December 11, 1950
issue of the New York times, about the fighting withdrawal
(attack in a different direction) of the 1st Marine Division
consisting of 15,000 men, including attached units of the Army's
7th Infantry Division and a company of Royal Marine Commando
against a Chinese Field Army of 120,000 men in twelve divisions,
8 to 1 odds.
Our commanding general, Major General Oliver P. Smith, summed it
up in after thought..."The Chinese Army never did stand a
chance!".
Semper Fidelis...Bob Talmadge
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New York Times
December 11, 1950
Marine Return Full of Fight After a Nightmare of Death
With The U. S. MARINES, Korea, Dec. 10 - United States Marines
walked out of almost a fortnight of freezing h&ll today
(December 10, 1950), full of fight after a nightmare of death in
Korea's icy mountains. The United States First Marine Division
was rolling slowly into the northeastern Korea plains of
Hamhung. The men's eyes and bearded faces, their tattered
parkas and the strangely, careless way they carried their rifles
showed the strain.
These thousands of Leathernecks did it on guts.
They turned their encirclement into one of the fightingest
retreats in military history. It was the longest pullback in
Marine records... the Marine struck right back. When orders
were given to pull back, the Leathernecks responded with an
offensive. For almost a week they matched guts and wits against
Chinese mass tactics. Neither was enough to win. They had to
pull out.
Five days after leaving Yudam-ni the Marines (5th & 7th Marine
Regiments) reached Hagaru-ri, at the south end of the reservoir.
There they joined another small group that was encircled by
strong enemy forces. Elements of a third Marine regiment (1st
Marines) were under attack at Koto-ri, ten road miles to the
south. At daybreak, December 7th, the Hagaru-ri Marines started
southward toward Koto-ri. For twenty-four hours they fought one
of the bloodiest battles of the Korea War.
When they reach Koto-ri it was a gruesome sight - wounded men
with their blood frozen to their skins, their clothes stiff with
ice, grotesque dead men lying across trailers and stretchers,
live men stumbling along, grimacing from frostbite, using their
rifles as crutches. (Over 5,000 wounded were evacuated by air -
added by Roy Cannon)
Four thousand wounded were evacuated by air from Hagaru-ri and
Koto-ri up to two days ago. More have been flown out since. Most
of these were Marines, the others were remnants of two
battalions of the Army's Seventh Infantry Division, which was
cut off and sliced up on the east side of the reservoir at the
same time the Leathernecks were catching h&ll on the west. The
count of the dead is high. Two days ago nearly 200 bodies were
nosed into a single grave by the bulldozer. There was no time
for more elaborate arrangements.
The United States First Marine Division, one of the country's
finest, has suffered heavily. The Communist enemy knows this.
The Leathernecks inflicted casualties on the enemy many times
those they suffered. The weather also took a heavy toll of
Chinese. Tension greeted the order for all the Marines to break
from Koto-ri. One senior officer wept. A grizzled Marine
blurted: "These kids are too d*mn good to have this happen to
them."
Saturday at sunrise, patrols struck out from Koto-ri toward
Hamhung. Intelligence reports had said the enemy was in this
area in strength. There were fears that another bloodbath was in
store similar to that on the Hagaru-ri/Koto-ri road earlier.
But the patrols reached their objectives on schedule. One
suffered moderate casualties; the other made it almost without
incident.
Immediately after these groups had left, the vehicular columns
began to move. Equipment considered more of a burden than its
actual value was destroyed.
By noon the column was stretched about two miles south of Koto-
ri. Dismal little Koto-ri lies on a plateau 3,300 feet above sea
level. for two miles south, the narrow road if anything, goes
up. Then it twists down a narrow gorge twelve miles to the
valley. Saturday and today it was covered with ice. The
temperature was 25 degrees below zero.
For four hours the column stood motionless. A bridge a few miles
below the crest had been blown by the Reds. Before the Marine
and Army engineers could work on it, a company of Marines had to
drive off a pocket of Chinese guarding it. This was done.
Fifteen Chinese were killed and fifty captured. Others fled. A
new bridge was built. (Bridge was actually repaired, not rebuilt
- added by Bob Talmadge).
Then the column started to roll, but road conditions made
progress slow. By nightfall Saturday some 200 vehicles had moved
across the new bridge. About 9 p.m. artillery dropped several
rounds in the vicinity of the bridge. One shell hit a truck. As
the enemy had not used artillery in this area before, and the
fire apparently was coming from the bottom of a hill where a
friendly battery was known to be in position, observers
concluded it was friendly fire.
Throughout the night there was sniping from the hills
overlooking the winding road. Shortly after midnight the column
came to a halt. It did not move appreciably for four hours. Two
miles south of the bridge, at a hairpin turn, two trucks had
skidded and blocked the road. About 100 husky Marines shoved
them out of the way.
The column, stretching bumper to bumper all the way up the road,
moved in fits and starts. Just before daylight the mountain
grade became less severe and the turns less harrowing. The
troops were nearing the bottom.
One of the Marines on a truck had a Korean dog. It had been
whining most of the night. As the full light of day appeared the
dog got up, stretched a bit and wagged its tail. It was 7:30
A.M. The dog's cheerfulness appeared to have been caught from
its Leatherneck companions, for whom nearly two weeks of
concentrated h&ll had just ended. The Marines rubbed their
sleepless red eyes and grinned.
The first contact between the Marines and a rescue force was by
a Marine battalion led by Maj. Webb D. Sawyer of Toledo, Ohio
(CO, 2nd Bn/7th Marines) and patrols of an Army task force led
by Brig. Gen. Armistead D. Meade, (AsstDivCmdr,3rdDiv/USA) of
Huntington, West VA.
There was no formal link-up with the Third (Army) Division
forces that had thrust up from the south. The Marine column had
proceeded in total darkness past individual members of the
southern force without stopping.
After daylight, leading elements of the Marines continued
southward from the juncture point in the vicinity of Chinhung-
ni, too weary to care about any formalities.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Minor spelling and other corrections have been made to this
article by Marines Roy Cannon {Connecticut} and Bob Talmadge
{Hawaii by way of Connecticut}. It must be remembered that
this article was written up the day the Marine Division
completed its epic withdrawal, and the Times reporter could not
have known all of the complex details involved in the
withdrawal. Hence the bridge being rebuilt, when it was in fact
repaired with four two thousand- two hundred pound bridge
sections that had to be delivered by parachute drop at Koto-ri -
courtesy of the United States Air Force).
Colonel Kenneth L. Reusser, USMC (Ret)
It is my sad duty to report that Colonel Kenneth L. Reusser, USMC (Ret.) made his last takeoff on 20 June 2009. He is
survived by his wife Trudy, sons, Richard and Ken II and sister
Betty Vuylsteke.
Funeral services were held at the New Hope Community Church
in Portland OR on Friday June 26th, 2009 at 11:00 AM, followed
by graveside services at Willamette National Cemetery.
Ken Reusser enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a seaman
recruit on August 23, 1941, and entered flight training. In
April 1942, he completed flight training, was commissioned a 2nd
Lieutenant, and in May 1942 left for the Southwest Pacific. Upon
arrival at Guadalcanal, was assigned to VMF-122, flying the
F4F-3. On his first combat mission, he was credited with a
probable kill of a Mitsubishi "Betty." In October of that year,
he was injured during a ditching and spent 6 months in a
hospital.
Ken returned to the Pacific in 1944 flying F4U's from USS
Hollandia, (CVE 97) off Okinawa. He led a flight of Corsairs
intending to shoot down a Japanese KI-45 "Nick" high-altitude
photo reconnaissance airplane gathering information for the
day's Kamikaze flights. With altitude frozen guns, the only
weapon left was the Corsair itself. Ken and his wingman severely
damaged the tail of the KI-45 with their propellers.
It entered a graveyard spiral, breaking up before hitting the
water. Ken and his wingman shared the kill. Each was awarded the
Navy Cross. In 1950, Ken found himself again in combat, flying
F4U's from USS Sicily, (CVE 118). He was awarded a second Navy
Cross for making two very low-level passes down a street to
identify, through a building's windows, what was hidden inside.
He then led a flight back, destroying the target. Exiting the
area, with only 20mm guns remaining, he made a firing pass on a
ship moored to a camouflaged pier. Loaded with fuel, the ship
exploded, flipping the Corsair inverted. After righting the
airplane, Ken returned to USS Sicily where the severely crippled
F4U was pushed over the side for being too damaged to repair.
In combat for the third time, Ken was shot down and severely
wounded while directing a rescue mission in Viet Nam. He retired
from the Marine Corps in July 1968 due to his combat wounds.
Colonel Ken Reusser's distinguished combat record includes 363
combat missions, earning 2 Navy Crosses, 4 Purple Hearts, 5
Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 19 Air Medals.
We have lost another three-war hero. He will be missed. Sadly,
Harry Blot - Pilot
Red Footed Boobie Bird
Hello Sgt Grit.
This morning at 0 dark thirty while brushing my teeth and with
out much thought, I was staring at my youthful figure, I have
come to believe that every Marine with 2 gray hairs on his head
has these thoughts. I was pondering my part of life that was
dedicated to the Marines. Isn't it strange that with all the
things that one attempts to forget sometimes things that were
humorous are the occurrences that one remembers? Well any way
here are two things that came to me this am.
The first involved the time that I was TAD to the range as a PMI
with the 1st Marine Brigade at Kaneohe. At this range there is
a nesting site for I believe the Red Footed Boobie bird. It is
a strange site for this but any way. There was (is) an old
amtract there that The Marines would use for mortar practice.
One on fine day, a round kind of goes where it was not supposed
to. It landed near this nesting area. The range office upon
hearing of this. Sends me and a SSgt to check out the incident.
We recovered one bird. Which we immediately took to the office.
There in said office were we, a Sgt a SSgt one Top and a CWO4.
which will remain anonymous to protect the innocent. Being the
junior man I stayed (as Usual) very far from the Top and
Gunner. I seriously think that This Top and old Gunner
(thinking back, he was a lot younger that I am today) were
thinking of breaking some kind of Federal law and not reporting
the death of one federally protected bird.
Any way said bird decided at this moment that he/she did not
want to leave Hawaii just yet. It is amazing how big that bird
was up close and personnel. Well me being a resourceful NCO I
quickly departed the area. However, not before I saw three "In
Country" hardened Marines looking for a dignified retreat
through some obviously secret passage way within the walls of
office. Needles to say, that afternoon at the beer garden said
occurrence was repeated many times.
Another one of my recollections from the time which by the way
was between 1978-79, was that our group of PMI's had the chance
to qualify I am almost sure, the first group of Women Marines at
Kaneohe. I was fortunate to have a Young WM a PFC if I recall
correctly on one of my targets. She was a "City Girl" I state
that only because on qualifying day she scored a very high
Sharpshooter. She scored higher that a good group of my fellow
Brigade Grunts. Of course I took all the credit for her
remarkable shooting. And told anyone that would listen or not
of my abilities with the M16.
The last thing I would like to say, Is to wish a hearty HELLO to
a fine group of Marines I met at the Memorial Day ceremonies in
San Juan Puerto Rico. It was a very pleasant afternoon spent
talking to the young Marines. I was particularly impressed with
a young MSgt(I can't help but catch myself on how many times I
want to interject young in every thing. In one instance I
remarked that at this ceremony we were out numbered 9 to 1 by
Army Veterans to which he quickly and respectfully and with
Marine resolve corrected me and said we are never out numbered.
It was good to see our Corps in such good hands. Bye the way if
you three hard charging Marines are still with use today and you
know who you are. Aloha.
Respectfully Sgt "DEE" Camp Reasoner 1970
It's not over yet
To watch the news and read the papers you'd think the war is
over. That our troops are not engaged. There are still Americans
in harms way. Below is an example.
Sgt Grit
Afghan firefight shows challenge for US troops
By CHRIS BRUMMITT, Associated Press Writer Chris Brummitt
Sun Jun 21, 8:52 pm ET
NOW ZAD, Afghanistan - Missiles, machine guns and strafing runs
from fighter jets destroyed much of a Taliban compound, but the
insurgents had a final surprise for a pair of U.S. Marines who
pushed into the smoldering building just before nightfall.
As the two men walked up an alley, the Taliban opened fire from
less than 15 yards, sending bullets and tracer fire crackling
inches past them. They fled under covering fire from their
comrades, who hurled grenades at the enemy position before
sprinting to their armored vehicles.
The assault capped a day of fighting Saturday in the poppy
fields, orchards and walled compounds of southern Afghanistan
between newly arrived U.S.
Marines and well dug-in Taliban fighters. It was a foretaste of
what will likely be a bloody summer as Washington tries to turn
around a bogged-down, eight-year-old war with a surge of 21,000
troops.
"This was the first time we pushed this far. I guess they don't
like us coming into their back door," said Staff Sgt. Luke
Medlin, who was sweeping the alley for booby traps as Marine
Gunner John Daly covered him from behind when the Taliban
struck.
"And now they know we will be back," said Medlin, from Indiana.
The fighting was on the outskirts of Now Zad, a town that in
many ways symbolizes what went wrong in Afghanistan and the
enormous challenges facing the United States. It is in Helmand
province, a center of the insurgency and the opium poppy trade
that helps fund it.
Like much of Afghanistan, Now Zad and the surrounding area were
largely peaceful after the 2001 invasion. The United Nations and
other Western-funded agencies sent staff to build wells and
health clinics.
But in 2006 - with American attention focused on Iraq - the
insurgency stepped up in the south. Almost all the city's 35,000
people fled, along with the aid workers.
British and Estonian troops, then garrisoned in Now Zad, were
unable to defeat the insurgents. They were replaced last year by
a small company of about 300 U.S. Marines, who live in a base in
the center of the deserted town and on two hills overlooking it.
The Taliban hold much of the northern outskirts and the orchards
beyond, where they have entrenched defensive positions, tunnels
and bunkers.
The Marines outnumber the Taliban in the area by at least 3-to-1
and have vastly superior weapons but avoid offensive operations
because they lack the manpower to hold territory once they take
it. There are no Afghan police or troops here to help.
"We don't have the people to backfill us. Why clear something
that we cannot hold?" said Lt. Col. Patrick Cashman, head of the
battalion in charge of Now Zad and other districts in Helmand
and Farah provinces, where some 10,000 Marines are slowly
spreading out in the first wave of the troop surge.
Cashman said the Marines did not intend to allow the Taliban
free rein in parts of Now Zad, but was unable to give any
specific plans or time frame for addressing what he acknowledged
is "a bad situation."
Saturday's mission was aimed at gathering intelligence and
drawing a response from enemy positions close to a street called
"Pakistani alley" because of one-time reports suggesting
fighters from across the border had dug in there.
"We're bait," one Marine said as the convoy of five vehicles
left the base at 8 a.m. and trundled north.
It quickly came across a roadside bomb - the kind which killed a
member of the company on June 6 and has wounded at least seven
others in the four weeks since the company has been stationed
here. An engineer was dispatched and came back an hour later
carrying the parts of the bomb - two 82mm mortar shells attached
to a pressure plate.
The vehicles were heading to inspect a suspected tunnel when the
Taliban struck, firing mortars that landed close by. Machine
gunners atop the vehicles and troops in an open-sided truck
scanned the scene for plumes from weapons fire.
"We're taking fire from both sides here!" Lance Cpl. James Yon
yelled.
"Hit 'em Yon!" came the call from below.
Hours of exchanges followed, with the Taliban opening fire with
mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, machine-gun fire and rockets
from the orchards or inside walled compounds.
A mortar punctured the tire of a Humvee; a grenade swooshed just
over a troop truck.
"That was close," Daly said. "If they were a better shot, we'd
be canceling Christmas."
Each time the insurgents attacked, the Marines returned fire if
they could spot their foes or radioed in coordinates for air
strikes.
"Bombs are away," a voice crackled over the radio as Dutch
fighter jets dropped laser-guided bombs on a compound, sending
clouds of dust mushrooming into the air. The planes then strafed
the position, leaving a line of fire and destruction 50 yards
long. Other times mortar teams back at the base in Now Zad
pummeled enemy positions.
The Marines left their vehicles twice. Each time, they came
under attack as they entered maze-like, high-walled compounds
with ill-fitting, aging wooden doors and small windows, ideal
for sniper positions.
In the late afternoon, U.S. forces fired two missiles from 55
miles away to hit a compound being used by the attackers.
Minutes later, Marine Harrier jets strafed the compound, setting
fire to a wheat field outside it but sparing a poppy patch - an
irony not lost on the troops.
The Marines got their final close call as they assessed the
compound for damage.
After blowing a hole through the wall, Medlin and Daly were met
by a hail of bullets as they pressed up an alley.
"Gunner, are you good? You need to come back!" one Marine
shouted into the gathering gloom. "I'll cover you!"
The two man leapt to safety. Daly sprained his ankle as he leapt
from a wall, but that was the only Marine injury.
Twenty minutes after the troops withdrew, two Cobra helicopters
fired a Hellfire missile that streaked at a 45-degree angle
across the night sky into the building, then bombed and strafed
it, igniting a blaze.
"Payback time," one Marine muttered in the dark of a truck;
cheers erupted in another vehicle.
There were no confirmed Taliban casualties, but observers later
spotted a funeral, and video images suggested others were killed
in the aerial attacks.
Capt. Zachary Martin said such sustained contact sent the
militants a message that they were not safe anywhere and bought
the Marines - and the few civilians in the area - some "security
space."
"We kicked the snot out of these guys," he told the Marines on
their return to base, some 14 hours after they left.
OCS Introduction
Well, he made that very clear!
OCS Intro on YouTube
Indian Head Insignia
Hi, Sarge. LCpl Stevens was questioning the Indian head insignia
on a WWI helmet. That insignia is for the Army's 2nd Division.
There was no Marine Division in WWI. The 5th & 6th Marine
Regiments were part of the Army's 2nd Division. There are
photographs of Gen Lejeune wearing the patch.
I am sitting here with my grandfather's WWI helmet. It has the
red Keystone of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was part of
the blocking force against Pancho Via in 1916 and then went to
France in 1918. He was gassed at the Second Battle of the Marne.
Semper Fi
Sgt Ski
2137535, RVN 1/7 '68 - '69
Short Rounds
Not necessarily a story, just a blurb I guess, A VERY proud
Marine and survivor of the Chosen Reservoir, Korea, recently
passed last week.
George Sladek, Sgt., Korea
McHenry, IL.
David Sheetz
I want to mention that my bunkie buddy in 'Boot" was Mike Loring
who entered MARCAD and became an F-4 driver in the Nam. Be
proud; there are no others like us.
Carson
DaNang Ammo Dump April 27 1969
I was reading the last issue and oh how I remember that day!
Four of us new corpsmen were testing the sands at China Beach
and later discovered most of our belongings had been destroyed.
Another recalled memory!
FMF,HMC,Ret. Rick Dees, (2/7, BLT... then)
Sgt. Grit,
Could you please inform all of the recipients of your email,
especially those who submit stories, that our hymn is the
Marines' Hymn, not the Marine Corps Hymn. The Hymn belongs to
the Marines, not the organization. This has been a pet peave of
mine for a long time and I've done all I can to inform any
Marine with whom I've come in contact. I have been thrashed and
I have thrashed for referring to our hymn as belonging to the
Marine Corps. It belongs to every MARINE.
Joshua Williams, Sgt.
0351, 1999-2008
Afghanistan...outstanding 6 minutes of Marines in action.(Video)
In a recent letter the writer was seeking information concerning
a painted emblem on a WW I helmet. A yellow square with an
Indian Head overlaying a white star. This was the Army's 2nd
Division which the Marine Brigade was attached. There is even a
shoulder patch of the same.
Carl Y.
I love it. I got it 2 days after buying it, probably because I
am in Dallas. I got great service and a great product.
Ryan K.
James T. Butler is an attorney in Tampa, FL. For the past 23
years he has put on a Marine Corps birthday luncheaon. In my
mind that keeps the spirit of the Corps alive and Marines in
touch with each other.
Semper Fi! Gung Ho! Oorah!
Adapt, Improvise, Overcome!
Once a Marine, Always a Marine
Anthony C. Wilbur
"Being a Marine will be the proudest thing I'll ever do with my
life." See the video (YouTube)
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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