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A few years ago, I was at a black tie fund raiser. My personal
doctor was there and he introduced me to another doctor. He
said that they met in hospital corps school.
Without our knowledge another Marine overheard our conversation
& he brought 4 beers to the Doc's table. He announced that
anyone can become a doctor but very few can be a Doc.
Dick Haley
Cpl USMC
HMM363 RVN 67-68
Bet Your Sweet A$S
Sgt Grit,
Then just last week, in a restraint I saw an older man wearing a
cover that said, Iwo Jima Survivor, he was just leaving with a
younger lady helping him along, he walked with a walker. I
approached him and asked if he was a Marine. With a twinkle in
his old eyes, he replied, "you bet your sweet *ss I am". Coulda
knocked me out. We had a talk and then he turned to leave. His
daughter told me how grateful she was that I had talked to him,
she said he would tell the story for weeks to anyone who would
listen. Geeeezzzzz, What a great brotherhood we belong to.
On Nov 10th, our Birthday I was traveling up to Maine for the
annual hunting trip. I pulled into a rest stop to use the head
and grab a bit of chow. I was driving my old 90 Dodge
Ramcharger, that has the Marine Corps emblems on each door, and
the usual Sgt Grit stickers on the rear window.
When I returned to my truck there was a handwritten note under
the wiper blade. It said "Semper Fi Marine" and was signed,
Marine Mom of a serving Iraq Marine. Wow, made my day.
Former Sgt of Marines, Art Caesar 59-65
Gunny's Wrath
Slap firing, while never condoned was a right of passage for
most #1's, as was slapping grease on the tube {on the pig}. You
had to be quick and pay close attention to what was going on.
Never did it during a dog and pony, but it happened more than we
care to recall, even with the then new M-198 in Beirut. Those
with the job know what the deal is and that they can get the
Gunny's wrath if caught.
Gunny
Reply to: "Major Steed"
In response to J.T. Marvel's inquiry about Major B.C. Steed, I
had the privilege of serving for Colonel B.C. Steed at the Naval
Amphibious Base, Coronado, Ca. I checked in to the Landing
Force Training Command, Pacific (LFTCPAC) in May 1994 and was
there for the transition to Expeditionary Warfare Training
Group, Pacific (EWTGPAC) in early 1995. I don't remember the
date he checked in, but you could feel the change within the
command element. I was privileged enough to be promoted to
Sergeant by Colonel Steed on 01 March 1995, his guidance to this
newly promoted Sergeant of Marines was quite simple, "Don't let
me down". All the rumors and stories were rampant at the
command during his time there, as you stated in your letter:
"He had completed every single Marine Correspondence course, he
had been in Vietnam, no it was Korea, and he still ran a 300
pft. He was Chesty's long lost son. He had been a NCO in
Vietnam, got a battlefield commission, therefore he could not go
above the rank of Major. I think I saw step in a mud hole in
P.I. one time and the water parted." None of which did I dare
ask about during my time serving for him. However his demeanor
and professionalism made you want to succeed in whatever mission
or task you had at that time, the Marines around him simply
didn't want to disappoint him for any reason.
Being at the school house we executed our live fire training at
29 Palms and I do remember his first visit to the hill to
observe the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) shoot. The helo's
landed and the students clamored to their places to begin their
daily requirements, but one individual took his time and had a
certain swagger in his step as he left the airframe. He wasn't
moving with a sense of urgency as the others were, but he was
moving with a purpose. Colonel Steed walked right up to the
vehicle where I was at with the radios and asked which one was
on the air net, I was surprised to see him there, to say the
least, and I could only manage to spit out, "This one, sir" as I
passed the handset along. He gave that young pilot a short yet
motivating message about how that was the smoothest landing he
had experienced in quite some time and thanked him for his
service. From there he was off to find a spot to observe the
north and south impact areas for the day's events. I brought
the Colonel a helmet and flak jacket as it was not uncommon for
visitors to arrive without them, he looked at them, thanked me,
and set them on the ground in front of his field chair. When
the first aircraft checked in and ran through its normal
procedures the ordnance hit the target, steel on steel. Colonel
Steed raised his arms like an NFL official and simply said,
"Touchdown". The young Corporal communicator and I couldn't
hold it any more, here is the Colonel, sitting on the hill, with
his feet up on a stacked helmet and flak jacket, calling
"Touchdown" whenever aviation ordnance hit the target. We had
to go around the side of the vehicle and have a good laugh at
the situation.
I believe I have a photo or two of him with his arms up and the
explosion in the background at my home, but I won't be able to
get to any of that until I return from my current deployment. I
couldn't agree with you more about his leadership style. He
displayed an uncanny ability to bring certain calm to an
otherwise chaotic situation, just being in his presence made you
feel as if you could take on any mission and you would succeed.
His ability to guide and direct without being judgmental or
micromanaging is a trait I've tried to emulate throughout my
career. As I can only hope and try to continue to carry on with
the legacy he left behind.
As for the Colonels whereabouts, the last I heard, when I left
Coronado in June 1998, was Colonel Steed had retired and was
residing in the San Diego area, rumor has it he owns and
operates a Limo service, but you know how it goes with rumors.
I hope this at least points you in the right direction.
Semper Fi
CWO2 J.D. Crites
RCT-6 TIO
Camp Fallujah, Iraq
Soon To Be Corporal
Hello Sgt Grit,
Love your website, your catalog and your newsletter.
I'd like to share a story.
I was a Cpl. Just arrived to Camp Horno at Pendleton. The
battalion was 1/4, and shortly after my arrival redesignated to
2/1. I eventually became roomies with two other Cpl's in my
unit, we shared a BEQ room. (Wpns Co. Dragon Plt.) I cannot for
the life of me remember one of their names, but I DO remember
that he was from Minnesota and was a FANATIC about snowmobile
racing, the other...well, I'll get to his name later. I shared
many good times and forgettable times with these guys, but
there's one that I'll detail here.
When I have to sit and think about it I can say there indeed was
one Marine I looked up to, but he wasn't one of my DI's, or a
Plt Sgt., or ANY SNCO or Officer AT ALL! It was this soon to be
named Cpl. I can remember when the night before our company was
having a PFT my roomie Cpl and several other Marines
were....um..."celebrating"... and when morning came this Cpl had
completed his 20 pull-ups for a perfect score on his PFT all
with a BROKEN HAND! and trust me, nobody but a few of us knew
his hand was broken.
Does this tell you what kind of Devil Dog he was? He is the one
I admired and looked up to. I knew him as Cpl Kasal. To others
who might recognize the name he is SgtMaj. Kasal, recipient of
the Navy Cross (why not the MOH is beyond me) and subject of a
History Channel documentary about his heroism in Iraq. He also
has a book out about the same topic. He was, is, my generations
"Chesty"!
David Sheetz
USMC '84-'91
Greasiest Nastiest Thing
Dear Sgt Grit,
This time of year always brings back special feelings for me. I
recall some fellow Marines and think of a special Christmas
dinner we shared in the desert a few years ago during the first
Persian Excursion. HQ Btry/2/10 we were in the staging area at a
place called Al Jabial (Spelling?)
We all chipped in to buy roasted chickens from a local hadji. We
each ended up with a entire half of the greasiest nastiest thing
that could resemble a chicken, and proceeded to devour them with
no forks or knives. Of course we had no napkins except our
cammies. Being in the desert in this situation you can imagine
how much sand we got with our chicken.
I still remember sitting with Cpl. Olguin and Sgt Bradford that
day swallowing that greasy nasty bird, and feeling that we were
in heaven for a few minutes.
No matter how old I get or where I have been in the world
Christmas always brings back that day to me, and those memories
of those two great guys. Those are two men I would have gladly
died for, and I feel that they would have said the same. I miss
them both and I hope that if they by chance read this I'll hear
from them.
SSgt Jerry L. Johnson
USMC 1984-1997
Truth Be Known
I've had this one for a while, as you can see.
5thCommBn (yes, patch is on your great site)
RVN - May65-Dec66
Thanks for doing what you do.....we all benefit from it, and
if the truth be known, it's most likely the smiles and tears
more than the really cool stuff we can flaunt!
Semper Fi,
GPowell - Washington, DC
Give Us A Break
Hi Sgt., I just read your story on the Chosin Res. and noted you
forgot the 1st Marines. I was with G/3/1 and was in that
campaign also. All the books you read you would think the 5th
Marines won the war. Read about Operation Drysdale and Capt.
Carl Sitter MOH. Not only were we in one of the first fights but
I was on the last tank up to the bridge going out. If 3/1 did
not hold Hagaru no one would have gotten out. Give us a brake.
SEMPER FI.,
Tom Powers USMC 48 to 56
About 15 Nips
Reading the Christmas letters reminded me of one of my
Christmas' in Nam. I think it was 68 although it could have been
69. My new FO had arrived, 2nd Lt Joe Robinson, a h&ll of a
Marine form North Carolina. I am from the Boston area and he
told me that he married a girl from just north of Boston.
Anyway during the later part of Nov I had received a three pound
can of ham in the mail. I vowed to carry it around with me until
Christmas. Lt Robinson and my good friend Rick Morton from
Detroit happened to be on a mountain top somewhere in western
Nam. Lt Robinson had received a care package from his mother and
inside were about 15 nips of Jack Daniels. On top of this
mountain from no where we found an old Russian helmet. We
scrubbed that thing out, put the ham inside, added pineapple
bits and fruit cocktail from the c-rats and heated it up with
C-4. Between the ham and the JD it was one of the most memorable
Christmas' the three of us ever had. Oh Yea, the JD is still
flowing!
Semper Fi
Happy Holidays
Jim aka "Tiny" Gauthier
First Salute
Sgt. Grit
I am attaching a picture of my son receiving his first salute
from his little sister. She is a Corpsman at the Naval hospital
at Camp Pendleton with 4 years in and a tour in the Sand Box
under her belt.
He is now with the 6th Marines, 2nd Mar Div, the same Regiment I
started in when I got to the FMF in '75.
You and your readers can probably imagine how proud I was to see
this event unfold. I was surprised to see how well this picture
came out since I could barely see through the viewfinder as my
eyeballs were sweating at the time. I can never find the right
words to express how proud I am but like I said earlier, you can
probably imagine.
Thanks for your newsletter and website, Semper Fidelis,
One More Proud Pop
Franz "SONNY" Creutzburg
MSGT USMCR RET
SEMPER FI
Then You Come Back
Always read your mail Sgt Grit.
My son is a Tattoo artist so I check out the tats. He called me
one day and says Dad can you believe someone came in the shop
today for Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Coming from a family of
Marines Wade says sure, let me see your ID. The kid says well I
joined but I don't go to Boot Camp for a couple of months. His
answer was well let me tell you just don't walk in here ask for
a Marine Corps Tattoo and get it. You go to Boot Camp, you earn
the title of Marine, then you come back and show me your ID.
Then we do the Tattoo. When I joined, a Marine Tattoo in Boot
Camp ya might not have made it. In fact I don't think you would
have.
Merry Christmas to all Marines active inactive and retired and
their families. My prayers go out to each and everyone. And a
safe return for our brothers and the families that stand beside.
They are in good hands with their Marine Brothers.
Semper Fi
W.R. Elder GySgt
69-93
Ps anyone miss Bob Hope?
To Scale
Sgt. Grit:
Just thought my fellow jarheads would enjoy this. The tribal
with the incorporated Ka-Bar is of my own design. The Ka-Bar is
tattooed EXACTLY to scale . . . I made sure of this! You can
also see SEMPER FI down the tricep on my right arm. I also have
a tattoo of a Bald Eagle's head with "USMC" underneath it on my
left shoulder . . . will send photo of that one later. More to
come - - still want an EGA somewhere!
Sgt. Derek Holmen
1995-1999
No Other Truck Behind
Sgt Grit,
I wanted to send in this funny Christmas-related story even
though its a bit late for your Christmas Newsletter.
During my first tour in Beirut, for a Christmas treat, the Los
Angelos Rams cheerleaders (Anaheim Rams then I believe) visited
and were putting on a show for us. I forget now where it was
held in Beirut, but I vividly recalled that we were trucked
there in six-bys. During the ride over, a SSGT from Tennessee,
(I forget his name now, but d*mn he was funny), anyhow, this
SSGT had to pee. So, as any good Marine is taught to do - he
improvised and knelt down at the rear of the truck near the
tail-gate and undid his fly to relieve himself. He made sure he
carefully aimed in the opening between the hinge-points of the
drop-down gate and of course, the pee-stream jettisoned back
behind the truck which was probably traveling about 30 mph.
Well, because we were tail-end Charlie, no other truck was
behind us....but a Lebanese civilian was! This poor son of a
gun probably had no idea what was splashing his car, but when we
saw his wipers come on and spread the yellow mist across his
windshield we all cracked up laughing and encouraged the good
SSGT to keep peeing!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all and God bless our
brothers and sisters in Iraq! Keep, safe, have as enjoyable a
Christmas as you possibly can and know that we here at home
think about all of you always! Keep up the fight! Semper Fi!
Mike Kunkel
Cpl 0331
81-85
Lima 3/8 Weapons Plt
.50 Cent Piece
Sgt. Grit,
I have been reading the newsletter for some time now. I
really enjoy it. I went thru boot camp in 1984. 3rd battalion
"I" company, platoon 3098. I have a story I would like to share.
I was 18, married and a baby on the way. The baby was due around
the 15th of Oct. 3 days after graduation. Two days before
graduation day, Oct 10th, when parents were walking around, we
hit the "pits" to do some showing off. We had hit the same pit
many, many times during our training. We had already done many
exercises before we got to the push ups. I was doing pushups and
as I went down, I spotted a silver coin in the sand. When we
went thru boot camp, we weren't allowed to have any money so I
thought it was kinda weird that it was there. I picked it up and
it was a 1984 .50 cent piece. I put it in my pocket, and as we
were marching to chow, my drill instructor informed the platoon
my son had been born earlier that day. It ended up being around
the same time we were in the pit and that I found the coin. To
this day, I have the .50 cent piece along with his I.D. bracelet
from the hospital kept together. One day I will pass it along to
my son.
Jerry Schmitt
Corporal
84 to 88
Good God
Sgt. Grit,
One moment in my life that I will never forget was on a trip
from my duty station at the Marine Barracks Bangor Washington. I
was on my way home for Thanksgiving and was meeting my family in
Salt Lake Utah. I was wearing my dress blues and the plane
landed and we disembarked from the plane on the tarmac and
walked into the terminal. Normally everyone is greeting each
other and talking and as I stepped through the door my 6'4"
frame filled the space for a moment and EVERYONE at the gate had
stopped as I walked into the building. My Uncle, who had not
seen me in 10 years, blurted out "good God." Everyone started
clapping as I walked up to him. He must have expected the little
kid that he remembered to walk through that door and not one of
our countries finest. I later found out that he knew that I had
joined the military but had no idea that I am a Marine. Now that
I am disabled and can no longer wear my uniform, I miss
representing the Corps and my country in uniform. May God Bless
all of our service men and women as they continue the fight for
the freedoms that we all hold dear.
L/Cpl Will Walker
25% off HUGE After Christmas Sale
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We have a huge selection of outstanding Marine Corps items on sale. Put those gift cards to good use! 25% Off Items
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6th Marine Division Reunion
Sarge, thanks for the Christmas Greeting. Same to you and
yours.
Check out 6th Marine Division Official Web Site. WWII U.S.
Marines.
Go to "Newsletter" and see Page 1 re Sixth Division Reunion
-2007 in Oklahoma City.
http://www.sixthmarinedivision.com/news.html
I look forward to meeting you.
Semper Fi
Dick Whitake F-2-29
SIXTH Mar Div.
Along With A With
The cookie story in the last letter brought back memories. I
received a package of toll house cookies at P.I. in 56. The
D.I. stuffed them all in my mouth and told me to sing the
Marines Hymn along with a couple whacks from his swagger stick.
A week later I received another package from my girlfriend
stating your mother said you love toll house cookies. It has
been over fifty years and have never ate another toll house
cookie. P.S. Does anyone remember having to sew the front
pockets of their dress pants so they could not put there hands
in the pockets?
Sgt. Perry 56-58
155mm Sound Off
Sgt Grit,
I was in a small unit, after landing in Da Nang I has never
heard of them before, being a 3051 MOS, I thought well heck I be
working in a warehouse somewhere, well it didn't turn out that
way. I was assigned to 3rd Shore party Bn C Co in Dong Ha
working the LZ. There I learned how to air lift supplies up to
Feb 18th 1968, when I got orders to be transferred to A Co in
Khe Sanh.
In December of 1967 I also went on one HST Team for two weeks,
with 3/4 up to Con Tien spent one day in a bunker listening to a
155mm sound off all night. We airlifted out of there next day to
the Trace and where we stayed during the cease fire. They sent
me and my radio man a Navy bag with 2 -6 packs of warm beer. No
hot food, it was raining and everything was wet, about 2 hours
before the cease fire was over a round came in and went over our
heads, to say hi there! The war is on!
I saw my first dead Marine on that trip, had to medevac out a
man who stepped on a land mine, and all that was left was from
his waist up, as went to put him on the chopper he rolled out of
the poncho liner, I had to roll him back into it and put him on
the chopper. What surprised me was the chopper was a 34 that
they used in Korea.
It's a whole other story of Khe Sanh, I worked the LZ up there,
airlifting supplies to the hills. They called it the 'impact
zone' because it was zeroed in by artillery. Anyways Sgt Grit,
ya all have a great Christmas, and lets support and help the
troops coming home from Iraq,
CPL. J, Howell 3rd Shore Party BN. A Co. The DMZ, Con Tien,
Quang Tri, Dong Ha, Khe Sanh, Da Nang (FLC), Phu Bai, Qua Viet
River. MCRD Plt 2095, Aug 1967.
Legend To Buy The Farm
Back in 1983, I was a Marine serving with the MarDet on the
carrier John F. Kennedy CV-67. We were off the coast of Beirut
supporting the efforts on shore. In October, the Corps suffered
the bombing at the airport. On December 4th, we lost eight
Marines and Lt. Mark Lange from our carrier in action. He was a
fantastic officer. Lt. Robert Goodman was being held POW by the
enemy. On the 7th, my buddies and I carried the remains of Lt.
Lange to our medical department so we were pretty bummed out by
then. We were p!ssed off and felt frustrated at not being able
to identify a clear enemy to destroy.
We had limited liberty during those long months. Bob Hope did
his Christmas show that year from Beirut. I never saw the show
they aired on TV but my mother did. I did see a clip from it
where Bob Hope is sitting in a bunker at the airport with
nervous Marines around him. I think they were under some mortar
and rifle fire outside. I recall that Bob said that it was too
dangerous to do the show on shore so they had to do it on one of
the ships off shore. I think he had a helmet and flak jacket on.
There were nervous Marines around him. I laughed because they
seemed to be thinking that they were going to be the fools who
allowed this legend to buy the farm. I believe they had to keep
their gear on the USS Guam.
We rotated Marines out to sea to watch the shows. I believe they
did a few of them. Anyway, they did the show on our ship. Brooke
Shields was part of the show along with Ann Jilian, Vic Damone,
Cathy Lee Crosby, George Kirby and Miss USA Julie Hayek. When
they arrived with their gear, it appeared that some Marines had
somehow acquired Brooke Shields clothes. We were told that she
could not find them anywhere. The usual jokes went around. She
went on stage wearing a navy Khaki shirt, high heal shoes and
stockings. The shirt hardly covered her rear end. The stage was
elevated about six feet high. Her mother was standing by the
side of the stage. I found myself positioned right under her
performance. My buddy was right there with his 35mm camera and
it was pointing right up. All of the sailors and Marines around
him were saying things like, "I want copies of those shots
man!" I think he made a mint later. You really could not see
anything but her stockings but we later teased the guys who were
in the back of the crowd with phony stories of what we saw.
Anyway, when she walked off stage, her mother started snapping
at her. I was sort of surprised. She then smacked her in the *ss
as she walked by her. Something about her image being ruined.
Not for us. Bob did his routine and afterwards, we gave him a
camouflaged golf club that said "Beirut Country Club" on it. It
was a good break from the conflict. I wish I could get a copy of
that show. Some of the men who were there did not survive the
remaining few months and I pray for them each day. I'm happy
that they got to see that show and I hope some of them were
standing near me and got to see it from my angle.
Mike Sinclair, Brooklyn NY
MarDet CV-67 May 82-Sept 84
Wpns. Plt. I. Co. 3/4 Sept 84-Oct 85
We Can Still Party All Night
I just wanted to reply to the opinion of a supposed "old Corps
Marine", Michael Laemmle, e-4 in the Marines (yes that's a
put-down) 61-65.
While I agree that bestowing the title MARINE should be
reserved for the parade deck at graduation, I really take
exception to his idea that today's Marines are a bunch of
candya$$'s compared to when he went thru boot camp and served.
I went to MCRD San Diego in January of 1995 and wondered if I
could really call myself a Marine when standing next to a WWII,
Korea, or Vietnam combat Marine. And after I served in Iraq I
feel that I can and the Marines of today can also. Today's
Marine is carrying on the traditions and the war fighting lore
of our beloved Corps, and is doing it well.
Every new generation of the Marine Corps is a little different
than the generation before, but by no means is the Marine Corps
in the sorry shape that e-4 Laemmle thinks it is. We can still
party all night and PT all day and anything else the 1stSgt can
think of.
I hope that you didn't make your son feel that he wasn't worthy
of being a Marine in your eyes. Because when he comes home with
a Combat Action Ribbon he'll know that you are the one that
doesn't rate. I once had a Marine from the late 50's berate me
for being a "Hollywood" Marine, when I asked him how many Combat
Action Ribbons he had he promptly shut up and realized what he'd
said. I still stand in awe of the Marines that served in the
wars before mine, and am humbled in their presence. They are
the reason I joined the Marines and are my heroes still. I am
equally proud of the Marines I served with in peacetime and in
combat.
You said in your letter that it was just the opinion of an OLD
CORPS MARINE. Well, in the opinion of a COMBAT MARINE, you're
an a$$hole.
Semper Fi
SSGT Ernie Scherman
1371 1995-1999
3rd CEB, 2d CEB
0311/0369 2002-2006
3rd Bn 24th Marines, Lima co
Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004
If you want to find out about hard core Marines, find out who
PFC Ron Coker, CPL Larry Maxam, and CPL Jason Dunham are. The
first two were in Vietnam, the third in Iraq.
Ability To Shoot
Sgt. Grit,
It took me quite a few years to determine what I wanted as a
USMC tattoo. I served my country for over 4 years and was
honorably discharged after breaking my back in two places. The
one thing that I loved about the Corps was the ability to shoot.
I earned my 4th Award Expert badge so this tattoo was fitting.
L/Cpl
Walker
Look Of Disgust
Concerning J.T. Marvel Question about Major Steed. I also served
in 2/3. I checked in to the battalion in jan.1980. I was a boot,
but had spent a few months in 3/2 at Lejeune. So when the S1
lieut asked our newbie group "anyone have a jeep license? I was
the only sap to raise my hand. Good, he says, your now the xo's
jeep driver. square yourself and report to him! Major Steed was
indeed one of the most squared away Marines ever. He wasn't a
loud mouth, actually somewhat quiet, but his look alone could
melt the wicked witch of the east. He pretty much frightened the
h&ll out of me by his gaze. I remember being at the motor pool
at KBay, Doing touchup painting on his jeep. Next thing I know
there he is. I pop to attention, still holding a paint brush. As
I report, He gazes down, Then with a look of disgust, walks
away. My paintbrush was dripping paint all over my boots. I felt
like a complete ditz. Semper fi major. You too Cpl.Marvel, I
didn't know you well, but I remember you also!
G.Mckruit H&S and Golf 2/3. 79-83
Better Than Frozen C-Rats
A SEMPER FI
MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL~~~~~~
My most memorable Christmas was in 1950. I was being transported
by train from Yokuska Naval Hospital, Japan, to Otsu, Japan,
Casual Company. Recovering from wounds received coming out of
Chosin. Missed out on both lunch and Christmas dinner. Either
way, it was better than frozen C-Rats.
M.R. Norton
1950-1954
Wish Me A Merry Christmas
Sgt Grit,
I remember Christmas 1969 well. I arrived at DaNang on Christmas
Eve on a Continental Airlines flight and was put in a holding
barracks somewhere. We were told we would be sent out to our
units the next day. We weren't issued weapons and most of us
were pretty nervous as there seemed to be sporadic gunfire
happening all night. In retrospect it was probably celebratory
gunfire as we learned that the Vietnamese loved to shoot off a
few rounds during holiday celebrations.
The next day, still with no weapons I was shuttled out to Hill
55 and the First Marines where I arrived just in time for
Christmas chow in a field kitchen. It was raining and cold and
most of the grunts were wearing ponchos looking like something
out of a Korean war movie instead of Vietnam.
I'm sure me and the others stood out as FNGs because we were
wearing clean stateside utilities instead of the Vietnam jungle
Utes. The Grunts were looking at us strangely. I remember a
Colonel came up and wished me a Merry Christmas and told me to
get in line for Turkey and trimmings. The rest is a blur. I
eventually made my way to First Battalion and was finally issued
a weapon that night only because some Corporal said we might get
hit. We weren't but I was in the "war" and the rest as they say
is history.
Jesse Brown
Sgt, USMC
1/1 Vietnam 69-70
Gen Al Gray
Sgt. Grit,
I enjoy reading your newsletter very much. I just read the note
about the young lady who was going home for Christmas but
couldn't make a connection to get to Houston. When she said the
older gentleman who offered her a ride was General Al Gray, it
brought back some good memories of the General when he was
Captain Al Gray. He was our operations officer for 1st Composite
Radio Co. in Hawaii in about 1959-1961. That is something he
would do because he was a down to earth guy. He played sports
with us at the company and always allowed a couple of days
layover in Japan when we were TAD. He was a great man and served
our Corps with the greatest distinction.
L/CPL Harold Beasley
1958-1962
Bowed His Head
Sgt Grit
Again I want to thank you for the newsletters an hearing real
life stories bout my fellow Marines. I work part time at a
hardware store in my town and I run into former and active
Marines all the time, last week while helping an older than I
gentlemen find parts he needed I had not noticed his hat that he
was wearing but when the man bent down in front of me I could
see massive scares on the back of his head an when he stood back
up I noticed the Vietnam service cap an ribbons and of course
the Eagle Globe and Anchor pin he started to say something but
all I could do was proudly say Semper Fi Brother. He bowed his
head for a moment an straightened up an responded "Ooo Rah" he
then told me he had done two tours in nam an started to cry as
he shook my hand then gave me a hug.
He asked when I served. I told him 80 to 84 an said I had not
seen combat in my time active. I expected he would just drop
service talk and continue with shopping for parts but he said to
me" We are all brothers of a different breed but we all fight
the same fight no matter what we did in Corps". The rest of the
day seemed dull compared to his words an made me feel proud to
be able to carry the name Marine.
Semper Fi Brothers an Sisters
Active or Nonactive
K Turkington
Fallen Down
Sgt Grit,
When I read Cpl Epps story about all the things that were stolen
from him it reminded me of the squadron (I was an airdale) at
MCAS Cherry Point. I was in that squadron from about Oct. 1960
to about Oct. 1962. We had a thief in our barracks, several
things were stolen, including money. When our Sgt. Major heard
of it he called all the troops together that lived in the
barracks and informed us that if anybody caught the thief he
first would come before him, and he expected the thief to have
fallen down the steps "several" times before he saw him. Then he
would be taken to our Commanding Officer. Guess what the problem
went away, no one reported anything stolen again. So there is a
way to handle things. I've got more stories, but for a latter
time.
Cpl of Marines Bob R. Jan 1960 - Dec 1963
Once a Marine, always a Marine, Semper Fi
General Al Gray
Just a few weeks ago, I was in Korea. As a Korean vet, I (and a
number of others) was invited back as a guest of the Korean
Veterans Association. The senior Marine for this week was
General Al Gray. We chatted a number of times, and I was
reminded that as Commandant he drank his coffee from a canteen
cup. He told me he had a number of canteen cups, but his
favorite was a camouflage decorated one!
The General paid tribute to both the United States military who
died in the war, but also at the Korean National Cemetery. We
were there over November 10 and attended one of the finest
Marine Corps Birthday Balls ever! General Gray, dressed in his
cammy blazer, spoke to the attendees. He strolled as he spoke,
never referring to notes.
I suspect that the story of him giving the girl a ride in the
aircraft occurred shortly after the above described Korean
adventure.
James Murphy
Mustang, Marine Engineer
Major retired.
But A Statement
Sgt. Grit,
After reading all those interesting stories, I felt compelled to
add my few words. Long ago, during WW-2, I read about the saga
unfolding at Wake Island. I was 10 years old at the time. Well
that was the reason for me to join The Marine Corps when I came
of age. Then in June, 1949 I enlisted in the Marines and was
sent to Parris Island (an experience I'll never forget). After
14 weeks of Boot Camp my platoon #32 graduated as an" Honor
Platoon".
After a number of different assignments, this is when Korea
broke out, I requested Korean duty four times. The fourth time I
requested, the Co, Major Ellis said to me that "I don't want to
see you face here again. We can't send everyone there, someone
has to stay back and train new Marines coming in, so You're
being transferred to San Diego to DI School. That was the best
job I ever had. I stayed a DI until the date of my discharge in
1952.
Now years later, as I went through the airport security I was
signaled over for a "shake-down". As I stepped up on a small
stool the security person said to me "You were in the Marines".
It wasn't a question but a statement. At 75 years old at that
time, it still shows. I think it was the spit shined shoes.
Anyway, to get to the present. I'm now 77 and I was walking
alone down a street when I noticed two young men fall in behind
me. I thought "I'm in for it now". I was wearing my USMC
baseball hat, and I sharpened by stride and assumed the military
cadence. They kept following and closed on me at which time I
stopped, turned around and gave them my hardest Drill Instructor
look. They immediately crossed the street and walked away. That
was almost as good as being back in the Corps, Semper-Fi and
Gung Ho (the "Old Corps cry".)
Sgt. Ken Fahringer, USMCR
About Face
I need to clarify a point: "Once a Marine always a Marine" is
not always correct. I was CO of an engineer company (Camp
Talega, Camp Pendleton) when the 1stSgt told me of a man coming
out of the brig with a BCD. I had the Gunny form the company.
The soon-to-be ex Marine got out of the jeep. I approached him,
and with a very sharp knife removed any reference to the Corps
from his clothing. At my word, the Gunny gave the order: "About
face." The troops turned their back on the man; he was loaded
back into the jeep and driven to the Christianitos gate and
removed from the base. That, my friend, is an exMarine! The rest
of us can stand proud!
James Murphy
Mustang, Marine Engineer
Major retired.
Question And Answer Session
During vets day recently, I was invited to speak before the
middle school kids along with an Army Blackhawk pilot. I was
the first to speak, and I told the kids about the old days in
Viet Nam where I was with the Combined Action Platoon near Phu
Bai and Hue. I told them a bit about boot camp in San Diego and
what it was like to roam through the jungle during the night
hours and the dangers we encountered. Had to be careful,
remembering this was kids I was talking to, and therefore no
blood and gore type stories. I finished speaking and the kids
seems thrilled about what I had said. Next the Army warrant
officer spoke and talked about going to the middle east, about
flying the helicopters and the Army. He was very proud of being
a part of Air Cav. and was dressed in the black hat, flight
suit, and spurs on his boots. He then did a question and answer
session and answered several questions from the kids. One small
little boy raised his hand and was recognized and stood up and
asked this question, "WHY did you NOT JOIN the MARINES"? You
could have heard a pin drop, and the Army Warrant officer was
stumped on how to answer that question. I could and would have
hugged that little boy if I could have. Made my day for sure.
Old Marine Sgt. Jim "TEX" Lyles, Nam 67-68, CAC/CAP Alpha 2.
Others I Try To Share
I know you been around for a while now, and I have no excuse for
not contacting you before this, a lot of Marines and former
Marines and their family have shared their stories with all of
us through your newsletter. When reading these letters it takes
me back so many years ago (1964, & 1968) when I also played in
the Southeast Asian War Games. . some things I wish to never
remember others I try to share with my son's. . . so many
stories have been told through your newsletter that may
otherwise never have been heard of except by other Marines sons.
Semper Fi
Richard Starkey
Sgt USMC 1962 - Forever
Behold The Birth Of
I bought this 1977 CJ-5 5 years ago. A friend and I were in the
Army/Navy store trying on wool clothing when as we went to leave
and hadn't purchased anything it occurred to me that we should.
Beside the cash register was a rack with sticker bullet holes 6
for $1.49. Bingo I grabbed them and out we went. He asked
what I was going to do with them and I told him the jeep had a
crinkled fender and these would be way cheaper and easier than
fixing it. About a week later we invaded Iraq.
On the way to work I heard about a peace protest at the college
so I pulled into my friendly Marine Corps recruiter and asked
for some stickers. Behold the birth of my Marine Jeep.
My dad: William M Beatty served and was wounded on Iwo, March 7,
1945. (my birthday March 7, 1949)
Myself: William T Beatty served in Vietnam, 1967-1970.
My son: William J Beatty served 1987-1991.
We were all Cpl's and 18 when we entered the Corps. It is
proudly dedicated to all who have served and sacrificed for the
freedoms we all hold so dear. Semper Fi.
P!ssed Off The Co. 1stSgt
Hey Sgt Grit,
My wife and I were in the Marine Corps back in 1977 thru 1989.
She's not a Marine officially, but may as well be.
I had just finished combat training school at Camp Pendleton and
my wife and kids showed up at the base. At that time I was a
private in H&S 3/7 at San Mateo, Camp Pendleton, CA. Needless to
say, we didn't have a pot to p!ss in. And on top of that I had
just really p!ssed off the Co. 1stSgt.
We had an apartment in Oceanside, CA. That's all. But, some
really nice people, Marines in the legal department and my Co.
1st Sgt made sure we had a nice Christmas. Tree, food,
present's, the whole nine yards.
Anyway, without that one truly outstanding act of kindness we
would never be where we are today. That's what it's all about
Marines always take care of one another. I still live by what
the Marine Corps has taught me, no regrets. Semper Fi. and Merry
Christmas.....
Ike
Burning Desire
There were three remarks in the latest newsletter that caused me
a burning desire for responses:
1) To the veteran in prison who mentioned all the special
operations, recon, drug chasing in central America veterans he
runs into; all I have to say is good on you. But, every once in
awhile, one of those bast*rds might be telling you the truth. I
was with first recon back in the early 80's. You wouldn't know
it to look at me today. I'm a large and rotund middle aged man
with a bunch of boys to raise. I write books and poetry for god
sakes. I have run into a few former recon Marines that had
their doubts about me (and I them)...until we talked for awhile
and said enough to validate our sea stories. One Marine and I
had chewed up a lot of the same ground, knew a lot of the same
people, and could fill in some of the blanks for each other. but
we never met each other. He was with Force Recon later, but
during my tour, he wasn't with Recon--he was at ANGLICO, while I
was with Bravo Company. I think we did a few jumps together,
but that at least is foggy now. We did train a lot together,
though we never met. And, once in awhile, very seldom, some
crazy bast*rd does get involved with some operation in a sh!t
hole country--though I doubt he would brag about it. That would
be sort of like having a terrible case of gastroenteritis and
then taking your friends and family to the privy so they could
see the mess you made.
2) To the Marine who shared his love/hate relationship with the
Corps, I can only say that time and distance makes those
terrible experiences easier to forget. Thankfully! I too saw
Marines acting in a manner that was completely unacceptable. It
is a long story, but I saw a Marine get booted out of the Corps
because he was charged by another Marine with being a hom
os&xual. A charge this young private denied strongly. There
was an investigation, but no evidence of wrong doing was ever
uncovered. So, one night his squad led by his squad leader (and
they were all drunk), beat the h&ll out of him--it was a most
violent blanket party. His squad leader told him that he better
fess up most rikitiki or the *ss whippings would continue every
day. I was able to enjoy this spectacle because we shared the
same Quonset hut at Talega. I also had to listen to the kid cry
after his squad left. He was out of the company the next day.
If he was a homos&xual, I didn't want to have to share a Quonset
hut with him. On the other hand, what happened to this Marine
was absolute bullsh!t. Shameful!
All of that to say, I saw my share of stupid sh!t in the Marine
Corps--stuff worse than even that. If life were perfect, we
wouldn't need to train warriors. But, since there is fighting
to do, and sometimes people need killing, they make some of us
into Marines, with everything that entails: the good, the bad,
and the ugly. Fortunately, most of us get over it eventually.
3) To the Marine who is obviously against the war in Iraq and
isn't so keen about the war in Vietnam either...you have earned
the right to have those opinions. And, I will defend to the
death your right to express them. However, you should work on
sentence structure so that the points you are making are clear
and you ramble a bit less.
As Marines we don't get to pick our wars; we go where we are
sent and we kill the people we are told to kill. That is the
job. Once we get out of the military, it becomes our
responsibility to ensure that we put the right leaders in place
so that we don't end up in wars that we would be better off not
fighting. That requires a great deal of critical thinking and
enough information to think critically about. Both critical
thinking and information are sorely absent from the pro/con
Iraqi war debate. It seems that we are all guilty of
confirmation bias. That is, we tend to accept information that
confirms what we already wish to believe...a common human trait
actually.
Nevertheless, we are occupying Iraq and it does no good to call
people names because you don't agree with their position on said
occupation. That will not solve the problem. We are in an
intractable situation -- leaving Iraq will cause the place to
destabilize. Beyond the risk to our oil supply -- the cost in
human lives would be intolerable and inexcusable, and we would
be responsible for the blood bath. For whatever reasons we got
to Iraq, the fact remains, we are fv~king there and we need to
make the best of it. If you broke it you gotta pay for it--so
until someone comes up with an idea that isn't just a sophomoric
or self-absorbed version of throwing rocks at glass houses, we
must stay the course and we must support our brothers and
sisters who are in harms way. It is up to them to unfv*k the
mess that our politicians have made. Same as it ever was.
And, hopefully we are all doing our part to ensure that the
right people are making it into office -- if not, we truly have
the government we deserve.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Lurtsema,
USMC 1980-RIP
Stayed On To Fight
Got word at 2200 last night that an OUTSTANDING MARINE passed
away. Frank Bifulk of B-1-7 1950 -1951 suffered 6 months with
cancer and gave up the Ghost at 2100 -26 Dec 2007. He was one of
only two Marines from the Mortars of B-1-7 to walk aboard ship
at Hungnam. Stayed on to fight until rotated after 1 year in
Korea. Frank is going to be missed by all who knew him
Semper Fi
MSgt Pat Burris
Improvise, Adapt And Overcome
Grit - just a short story that brought the memories flooding
back. I was with MASS-2 in Dong Ha during the early part of the
monsoon season in late 1968. As an enlisted pogue, we did not
have hard liquor available at the club, but we pretty much made
do with beer. Anyway, in one of my letters to Mom, I must have
complained about the availability of good liquor. I know I
always looked forward to care packages from home and would share
everything with our brothers, I was very surprised one day when
I received a somewhat beat up care package from home that looked
like it had been through its fair share of postal inspections.
Upon receiving this package, I took it back to my hooch and
opened it. Inside was a moldy, beat up, crumbly loaf of (at one
time) good New Jersey Italian bread tied up with string and
wrapped in tin foil.
Mom knew how much I loved good Italian bread, but I just figured
she had gone off the deep end in trying to get a loaf of bread
sent to Nam and expecting it to stay fresh. My hooch mates were
well-acquainted with the quality of care packages I had
previously received and were looking forward to more of Mom's
baked goods. They urged me to look a little closer since I was
ranting and raving about what I thought was complete insanity
and was on the verge of tossing it in the sh*tcan. Upon further
inspection, I found that crafty old Mom had taken a big loaf of
Italian bread, sliced it lengthwise, scraped out the inside of
the loaf, tucked a bottle of Jack Daniels inside, tied it up,
wrapped and boxed it to avoid detection by postal authorities,
and sent it to her loving, though somewhat doubtful, son. Well,
my respect for Mom's ability to improvise, adapt and overcome
skyrocketed along with my popularity. We must have laughed for
hours at her ingeniousness. A subsequent memorable evening was
had by all present. We lost Mom not too awful long ago at age
93, but what a gal!
Semper Fi
Gerry Zanzalari
Corporal of Marines
1966-1970
2206592
RVN 1968-1969
395 Days
Is a book about a young Marine being sent to Vietnam and my
experiences in the infantry. Assign to the 1st Battalion 9th
Marines, Charlie Company 2nd Platoon. Just before I get to my
new outfit, a Marine that has been in Vietnam for a while come
up to us and tells us that we're going to a badass outfit.
http://www.trafford.com/4dcgi/dosearch
Responses to GySgt Carr
Original Story
Sgt Grit
Thanks for The gunny carr piece. Maybe you ought to send him
that long list of terrorist attacks that you have run before.
He seems an intelligent man, but I sure he thinks all these
things were just more government conspiracy. I was going to call
him, but I had a little respect for his rank, if he has one.
I'll try later.
Sgt. FG Young
USMC 69-78
Anyone who was offended by this guys' opinion remember this:
Admire their dedication but question their ignorance.
Here is my New Years wish for you Jimmy boy. May your belly be
filled with apricots and your gray matter with Ham and
M***F**er's.
Cpl Chris DeSpain
USMC
Vietnam 68/69
Gunny Carr needs to look through Sgt Grit's catalog more often:
Except for ending slavery, Fascism, Nazism, and Communism, War has never solved anything.
I can say for sure WWII ended the suffering of the Jews in the
Nazi death camp my grandfather's Army unit freed from the
Germans. Seems like now most people just want to throw mud and
call names and disparage the president while avoiding the fact
that we're there, can't get out easily even if we wanted to or
it was the best course of action, and there's lots of good going
on over there that you WON'T hear about or be shown by the
national media and many of our "leaders".
Andrew Mathias
Cpl 97-01
Gunny:
I don't agree! That's what makes this country great!
J. Blair Raftree - 2232250
Cpl - USMC - Inactive
In reply to Retired GySgt. J.Carr .
I would suggest that you quit believing the BS you are
receiving from the anti American media. You speak of people
thinking for themselves, you should try it some time. Try
actually doing some research, or paying attention to what is
written in this Newsletter, or what is no longer mentioned in
the press, (no more talk about the surge not working, no more
talk of quagmire) instead of parroting enemy propaganda.
Former PFC Thomas C. Bogan
77-80 MTM Co
2nd Maint Bn.
Those who do not know history are condemned to repeat it.
G. Santayana
There is one thing that I will agree with you on, and that is,
there is a similarity to Vietnam. The similarity is this, the
American public has lost the stomach to fight and win a war. If
we had attempted to fight WWI and WWII in today's society we
would have been over run inside a year. Who can blame the
people for there impatience today, the only stories that make
the news are the negative ones. The stories that show how
things are really going don't fit their agenda or sell enough
papers. I know a few Vietnam Vets, who would give you a
reminder of how that war was lost. It was not lost by our
fighting men. This war is not being lost, and the only reason
it is taking so long is that we have not been allowed to our
jobs properly. The serge is working it should have been done
earlier and should continue until we are finished. It makes no
since to keep just enough boots on the ground to get the job
done. I digress (really) Your little history lesson about the
Devil not showing up until 365 A.D. while interesting, neither
fit with or contributed to you letter at all.
R/S
Jason B. Robinson
Cpl, USMC Forever
Oklahoma City, Ok.
(Don't understand the balls thing)
You sound like a coward who never put his or her *ss on the
line. You have a right to your point of view but not the right
to denigrate (look it up, it's a big word) my country or my
President! You disgrace my beloved Corps. and your cohorts
(IVAW) are probably as stupid as you are. My MOS was 0311,
what's yours. That good conduct ribbon on your chest looks
awfully lonely. Why?
Leo J. Sullivan, Cpl.
USMC Retired.
You state that we are getting our butts kicked, comparing the
Middle East to Vietnam. I must again state that I'm no expert,
but permit me an observation or two:
1. Every Vietnam Vet I've ever spoken to felt they won the war;
the politicians who were swayed by non-military voices who
hadn't been on the ground did the losing for everybody. Every
account I've read, every story I've heard about the combat in
Iraq and Afghanistan seems to say we win every battle. Handily.
2. It seems even Democrats are acknowledging everything the
Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, reservists, Iraqis, and
objective observers are saying: the surge is succeeding, and
violence is decreasing. More and more people are joining the
real peace effort: getting rid of the non-Iraqi terrorists.
3. You seem to have a conspiracy fetish. Or is my saying that
further proof that you are right? I like a good story just like
every body else, but you have no basis for what you said about
JFK and LBJ. None. And you know it.
4. We aren't bound by the UN anymore than North Korea, pre-2003
Iraq, Iran, Sudan, China, or any other country is. It seems to
be a good forum for debate. I'm not anti-UN, but put it where it
belongs. It has good ideas, but to bind our nation to it is
silly. Since when do we need to be "sanctioned" by anybody?
5. Anyone can pull out a relatively isolated incident like My
Lai, and claim that there are parallels to Iraq. (By the way Mr.
Carr, that is the correct spelling of "parallel". Do you even
own spell check? A dictionary?) That has nothing to do with what
our fighting men and women are accomplishing in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Maybe you were just trying to take a stab at
lengthening your email, trying desperately to make sense, with
an irrelevant paragraph? C'mon, maybe? You can admit it, we all
know.
Okay, five observations. I'm sure others will make points that I
didn't. In much better ways than I can.
Mr. Carr, if this is just another rag you don't want to read
because it has pride in the Corps, feel free to take your name
off the email list. This is a forum for optimism, patriotism,
support and love for our brothers and sisters. That, much to my
abject disgust, includes you, GUNNY.
I hope and pray you look in the mirror some morning, and instead
of seeing a loathsome, filthy worm, you see that you are still a
Marine and then beg forgiveness from every Marine and service
member you meet.
I will be SEMPER FIDELIS to all of my BROTHERS.
Michael A. Walsh
Former Staff Sergeant of Marines
1989-2002
End of Carr Responses
If it Can't be Fixed, Marines Blow it up
Marine Corps News | Sgt. Zachary Dyer | December 21, 2007
AL ASAD, Iraq - The roads crisscrossing the deserts of Iraq
serve as major arteries, allowing local and military traffic to
get from one place to another relatively quickly. The cargo
carried by much of this traffic is the lifeblood of not just the
military mission, but the civilian economy in Iraq. A clot in
one of these arteries has the potential to hamper both the
military and the local populace.
With that in mind, the Marines of Company C, 1st Combat Engineer
Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 2, set out Nov. 30, on a four
day mission to destroy Bridge 18 near Ar Rutbah.
"This bridge was a target by (al-Qaeda in Iraq), about four or
five months ago," said 1st Lt. Todd Peterson, the executive
officer for Charlie Co. "The insurgents were trying to do some
sort of counter mobility op, trying to channelize (Coalition
Forces). This was one of the bridges that was hit. They set an
IED on it, and it damaged it to the point where the bridge
started dropping."
"Because this is the (Main Supply Route) from Syria over to
Baghdad, all the (Third Country National) trucks, like 200 every
few days, have to run underneath this bridge," added Peterson,
highlighting the bridge's importance to the area. "This is also
the main route to get CF to Rutbah. And all those trucks were
coming dangerously close to hitting it, and two or three of them
actually did hit it."
One caveat to the mission was that the road still be useable
after the destruction of the bridge. The demolition of the
bridge had to be controlled in a way that minimized the damage
to the road that went under it. The Marines also wanted to save
the abutments of the bridge if at all possible. This would make
it easier for Iraqis to come back and rebuild the bridge,
according to Peterson.
When the Marines arrived at the bridge late in the night, a
local trucker had just lost part of his shipment of potato chips
to the bridge and was in the process of trying to salvage what
he could. The Marines set up a makeshift forward operating base
and then got as much sleep as they could before starting early
the next morning.
Over the next three days, the Marines rigged the bridge with
explosives. First, they bolted wooden frames to the underside of
the bridge so they could secure the charges to the bridge.
Before the charges were placed in the frames, boosters were
inserted into the C-4. Once the charges were strapped to the
bridge, detonation cord was attached to each charge. Each length
of cord had to be the same length to ensure that all the charges
went off at the same time. In the end, the bridge was wired with
2,080 sticks of C-4.
"Because we wanted to do this in a controlled manner, and not
just shoot a bunch of (Joint Direct Attack Munitions) at it or
something like that, we decided to use controlled charges called
counterforce charges," explained Peterson. "Basically they work
in a scissor-type action. One charge on one side, one charge on
the other and offset a little bit; and then they push against
each other and chop it like a scissor. So, we set a bunch of
those charges all along the girders as well as the support
columns, and basically just cut the bridge in specific areas to
allow the heavy equipment to push it around and get it off the
road."
The Marines set the explosives off early Dec. 3. Then the
company's heavy equipment operators stepped in. Using two D-9
bulldozers and an excavator, the Marines pushed the pieces of
bridge off the side of the road making sure the debris was far
enough away that it couldn't be used to hide an IED.
At the end of the day, after the Marines had cleared the road
packed up for the trip back to Al Asad, there was little
noticeable damage to the road.
"Everything went smooth," said Gunnery Sgt. Johnny Mendez, the
company gunnery sergeant. "The demo went off and the bridge came
down just as we planned."
This is not the normal mission for combat engineers in Iraq.
When the war started they were kicking in doors and blowing up
buildings, but now that the military is focused on rebuilding
Iraq, the engineers are used for tactical construction to
increase force protection measures and destroy weapons caches,
according to Mendez, a Las Cruces, N.M., native.
The controlled demolition of a bridge is something that has not
been done in Iraq before. Because of this, the engineers
documented every step they took in the hopes that Marines in the
future will be able to use what the leathernecks of Charlie Co.
learned, according to Peterson.
While both Peterson and Mendez are combat engineers, the weight
of the mission fell on the shoulders of the junior Marines Â-
the combat engineers and the technical engineering specialist.
"They're outstanding, I couldn't ask for better," said Mendez.
"The heroes are the ones below me, they're the ones that kicked
butt."
"The mission gave the younger engineers a chance to shine. For
most of them, this was the first time they had seen an explosion
that big or used that much explosives," said Lance Cpl. Andrew
Wilson, a combat engineer with Charlie Co.
"I enjoyed putting the demo together, putting the boosters in,
and watching all that explode," said Wilson, a New Castle, Va.,
native. "It was a learning experience. That's the first time
I've ever used boosters, and the first time I've ever really
made a bunker buster."
At the end of the day, the Marines were just happy they got the
chance to do what they have trained to do and support the
mission at the same time.
"I wish we did more of that," said Wilson. "I love being an
engineer. We build, we blow up - that's a pretty good life."
Felt Good
Hi Grit,
My name is Chuck Gore HM2 Corpsman, I receive my Ka-bar
"Legend" on 12/17/2007, I was thrilled and excited to hold that
knife.. again.. felt good.. thank you so much for your wonderful
site.
Respectfully
Chuck Gore HM2
(Korean era)
Short Rounds
Merry Christmas to all Marines past and present and those who
are on guard duty beyond. I am a WWII Marine and am proud of
those that followed me. I served with 2nd Div. Tarawa, Saipan &
Tinian. Bless You. Sgt E.T.Shawaryn 285214.
Cpl. Chad Casey says he never knows what to say when people
thank him for serving. When people see my USMC/Vietnam/3rdMarDiv
patch (from Sgt. Grit) and say, "Thank you for serving," I
always respond, "You are welcome, it was a privilege to wear the
uniform of a United States Marine."
SSgt Robert A. Hall
As a Marine who served with the 3rd/Recon Bn, 6th/Marines,
2nd/MarDiv. In Quang Tri, Vietnam...
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to one tough, real
Marine, who served with the 1st/Marines, 1st MarDiv at Chosin
Res. In Korea. My blood brother lives in Oklahoma City today and
is tough as he was at age 18!
Semper Fi...Ted
John in Knoxville, TN.
For Cpl Michael Laemmle:...Oh, you paid for those haircuts in
Boot Camp...remember the little chit book you got...value of $25
or so? That you probably used at the Recruit PX over close to
the swimming pool? That had some missing when you first got
it?...that came out of your first pay, and it included your
receiving barracks haircut too...Dick Dickerson...DI, L Company
'62-64, Motivation Platoon, 64-66...
Recently I published my military memoirs in "Corpsman Up". The
greatest motivator and help in many areas was my good friend Doc
Jim Finch. He wrote one of the forwards to my book and just got
word last week that he passed away due to Cancer. He called me
a couple of week before and told me his diagnosis but he went
very fast. He served with Ninth Engineer Bn., Vietnam 1966/67.
I just wanted to let others who new Jim to send their thoughts
and prayers to his wife and son. Thanks for all the help Jim,
you will always be missed and remembered! Charlie "Doc' Rose
I was stationed out at Courthouse Bay with 2nd ANGLICO fro
1969-71, it was the best time of my life and would do it all
over again.
Semper Fi Sgt
Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year to all my
current and former Marine Corps brothers and sisters everywhere.
May you keep your powder dry, your C-Rats hot, and your rubber
b!tch inflated. Semper FI.
D. R. George
former SGT, USMC
The Post Office has put out an express mail stamp with Marine 1
on it for $16.25. Thought you might like to know for all the
collectors out there.
Ann Lang
USMC wife, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law
I know you Marines writing to Grit are just not thinking while
your writing. I don't know any "former" Marines. I know this is
a simple oversight on the part of these Marines. Happy New Year
to all..... Cpl R.Casto CPL> still a Marine 64-68
Sgt. Grit,
I just finished reading today's newsletter. This was the best
one yet! I'm so proud to be a Marine, and so proud of these
kids today who protect us. You can probably say that today, I
am more "gungy" than when I was active. Semper Fi.
Tom Balash,
CPL, 1961 - 1964
Does anyone remember our Xmas song Jingle Bells Jingle Bells, VC
in the grass, you can take that Christmas tree and stick it up
your_ _ _, That's all I can remember, this time of year it
drives me crazy trying to think of the other verses, PLEASE
help!
Wayne Brandon, 0302 1967/1968.
Regarding Cpl Chad Casey response to "Thank you for serving", I
always simply say, "I'm proud to have served and would do it
again!"
Tom Harp
Sgt USMC
'53 - '59
May God continue to bless all of us, One of the proudest moments
(no the proudest) of my life was Oct 1, 1961 when my senior DI
said platoon 143 dismissed Marines. I was a Marine and still am.
Semper Fi
cpl w.l. collins 24jul1961 to 3aug1969
Combat Veteran Patch
Bulldog Patch
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:
You receive both (alternating weeks)...so what's the difference?
In short...The AmericanCourage Newsletter has MORE family member
stories, "support the Corps" stories from Marines, and patriotic
quotes. It started after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to give
supporters of the Marine Corps and American patriots a voice.
The Sgt Grit Newsletter is HARD CORPS Marine! If you are
interested in topics that delve into Marine Corps history, Corps
Stories, Boot Camp and other things that "only a Marine might
understand" - then be sure to read the Sgt Grit Newsletter
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