The Day We Were Born

Comments

Norm Spilleth, Cpl. , 1960-1964. - June 28, 2020

First and only cattle car I recall was the one a bunch of us squeezed into on the ride over the Pali from Pearl Harbor to Kaneohe Bay on the day we started our two years on the rock in “61”. Standing with our sea bags and rifles, looking through the slats of the trailer and my first sight of Diamond Head in the distance and a beautiful island girl with long black hair wearing a muumuu walking barefoot along the road. Oh yeah, this is paradise says I. Palm trees, green mountains, white sandy beaches and hula girls. Never happened. Reality was the Huba Hubba Club with Gina the Italian Volcano down on Hotel Street and fifty cent Mai Tais at the e-club whenever we could get Liberty. Fond memories.

Robert Fournier 2nd Bn. Platoon 232 Semper Fi Marines - June 28, 2020

Ah “cattle cars” I remember them well but they were not at MCRD-PI. I only saw and rode them at Camp Giger, NC after 16 weeks at Paris Island. Oh and “yellow foot prints” had not been painted at Yamasee Train station. If they were we never got to see them as we arrived at 0200 and were hand delivered to the Bus by Marine MP’s. Then on to the “Iron Mike statue” for our in processioning in what was then called Casual Barracks. Standing, facing the bunk beds, no sleeping in the bunks, or else, one recruit found out the hard way when a PFC came up the the 2nd floor we were and tossed him to the floor. So I was born on 30 June 1957.

DON ZELL - June 28, 2020

i was born sept. 8th,1959,place of birth,mcrd san diego,,,what did i do?,,,would never do it again,wouldn,t have missed it for the world,,,,,made many trips back over the years to attend various graduations and just be around my brothers and regain my youth for a few days.tremendous experiance,,,no one can take the pride from me.missed vietnam but took a little trip to gitmo in 62.

Almendarez (Al), David, Honor Platoon 111, MCRD, San Diego (61) - June 28, 2020

When I got to MCRD, I was screwed up and I’m glad we didn’t get our DIs for about two days. I barely remember getting my hair cut or bucket issue and linen. We were assigned to work details and just policed around receiving barracks, gave me time to get my head clear. Had some great DIs. Memories are plentiful. SEMPER FI

Bob Masse - June 28, 2020

I arrived at Parris Island on Jan. 22, 1948 and I remember it very well, even though it’s been over 65 years ago. How did I get old? Always a Marine.

Sgt Chuck Baker, 73-77 - June 28, 2020

During mess & maintenance week we rode the old cattle cars from the rifle range to mainside to work…… Parris Island, 3rd Battalion, 5 Oct 73 to 28 Dec 73

Moe Moseman - June 28, 2020

I was born on Oct 13 1955 PI. PLT 155. My tour guides were CPL ROBARGE JR, S.SGT MONTI, AND SGT ZYGMONT. These 3 Marines will always be there in the background taking me places I never dreamed about. Don’t remember cattle cars. Sea Duty U.S.S. Saratoga and Embassy Duty , Singapore. Never stationed on a Marine base in my 5 years of service. Happy Birth Day to all My brothers.

gary - June 28, 2020

You must have been a great recruit.In Nov. 74 cattle Car took you to Motivation Platoon or the Fat Farm to name a few

Jim Wolter - June 28, 2020

26June1969. Remember the cattle cars well. I was pinned on the floor under 750 other recruits. To this day I suffer from claustrophobia. But I would not change anything about my experience. Semper Fi.

John Annis - June 28, 2020

I remember them at P.I. 1971.1st Battalion Plt.147.Also at Camp Geiger. Not a comfortable ride,but beat marching.