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I Almost Caught

I Almost Caught

In 1950 I was at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. There was a lot of things going through boot Camp and some not so funny things, We would go to Camp Matthews rifle range for two weeks which now I think the University of California is on that property.

We all lived in Tents four men to a Tent and on the outside of the tents there several buckets of water hanging in the outside of the tent filled with water in the case of a fire. The first thing the DI told us was if we knock one Of the buckets of off its mounted which was a big nail holding the Bucket. We were all told to fall OUT of the tents with SeaBags packed with all our belongs. Of course this was all double time and some one ran into me and down fell the Bucket, immediately the drill instructor called as loud as he could, Pvt Smith bring the bucket here and better run and fast.

I think I almost caught the bucket before it hit the ground. I reported to him Pvt Smith is here as ordered sir, start drinking the water and there were a lot of bugs drowned in bucket. This went on for three days and he had me report to him every day for three days with the bucket just before chow time to drink more and on the 4th day he said have you learned your lesson Yes Sir, then he poured the remainder over my head. Now a days I don’t think they would allow this but I always laugh when I think Of It.

Robert O. Smith
USMC Ret.
1095896

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Comments

G. Bradshaw Cpl. E-4 - April 30, 2020

Went to Parris Island 19 July 1961. My number was 1941560. We trained with the M-1 Grand rifle.

richard shepherd’ 65-68 active. - April 30, 2020

many funny,(now!) things happened in boot camp. some not so funny, but none forgotten.

Ed Roessler - April 30, 2020

Hell yes Bro. We where still being issued M-1s. My rifle number was 1631101, Mfg. by Winchester in 1943. My service number was 1924816. Entered the Great Asylum (Parris Island) 19 July 61. At that time, only 1 Platoon in a training Company where issued M-14s. The other 3 Platoons where issued M-1s. Oddly enough, the call for rapid fire at the range was, “With a clip and 2 rounds or a Magazine and 5 rounds, Lock and Load”.

Dan Balk - April 30, 2020

I joined with a high school buddy in 10/67 and his number started 23xxx. Mine started 240xxx. There doesn’t seem to be much structure to dispensation. In addition, alphabetically I would be before his.

Harry - April 30, 2020

Anyone remember their rifle number from boot camp?

Bob Rader - April 30, 2020

1405534

Sgt Robert L Sisson - April 30, 2020

Mine was 2445837 in July 1968. I will remember that number till I die. Like you I might forget A LOT of things but never that number,

Johnny Reyes Jr. - April 30, 2020

To Joseph F. Colbert. Enlisted in my local USMCR unit while in high school in’57. Serial number assigned at enlistment and stayed with me. Went to MCRD after high school June 58 and chose to stay on active duty. Number is on my dog tag, discharge and DD214. I have no clue on how they are assigned.

joseph f colbert - April 30, 2020

Sgt. J. Colbert USMC 56 -66 My first 3 numbers were 164, My question is How did you get a 157 in 1958? Corrected year

joseph f colbert - April 30, 2020

Sgt. J. Colbert USMC 56 -66 My first 3 numbers were 164, My question is How did you get a 157 in 1968?

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