|
Michael Yon reports from Afghanistan.
The U.S. Marines are flooding in, and you might think that every
Marine helicopter in our arsenal is here. I'll not give numbers
and types other than to say the line of aircraft is long and
formidable.
The U.S. Marines are a spectacle for the U.S. Army and also the
British Army. The Marines will come in and live like pure
animals, and build a base around themselves, whereas the British
and American Armies will tend to build at least part of the base
before coming in. One Marine commander told me that during the
early part of this war, his men didn't even shower for three
months. We talked for a couple of hours and he was proud that
his Marines didn't need a shower for three months, and that his
Marines killed a lot of Taliban and managed to lose only one
good man. That's the Marines. They'll show up in force with no
warning, and their reputation with U.S. Army and Brits who have
fought alongside them is stellar. A NPR photographer who just
spent more than three weeks with the Marines could not praise
them enough, saying he'd been with them in Iraq, too, and that
when Marines take casualties, their reaction is to continue to
attack. They try to stay in contact until they finish the
enemy, no matter how long it takes. Truly they are animals when
it comes to the fight. Other than that, great guys. Tonight at
dinner, a young Marine Lance Corporal sat in front of me at the
crowded dining facility. "Good evening, Sir," he said. I
asked, "Are you living like animals out there?" "Livin' the
dream, Sir!" They are fantastic.
Read the entire article...
Daily Reminder
My youngest son L/Cpl James B. Wolter Jr. is serving with 2nd
LAR in Afghanistan. I sent him my American Flag thinking that
he would keep it safe in his gear. I wanted him to have it as a
daily reminder of just what they were fighting for. Little did
I know that he would honor his old man in such a way.
See, I carried this flag through my 4 years as a MARINE also.
Do we need a better recruiting poster? I have this picture as
my computer wallpaper, as my home screen on my Blackberry,
frames at work and another at home. People now run and hide as
I pull out my Blackberry uttering the famous words, "Have I
shown You my Sons Picture?" Proud Papa??? You think?
Semper Fi
Jim Wolter
1969-1974
One Click
Sgt. Grit,
Someone wrote in this week about a memory locked in his head
about the rifle range and the sighting of the M-1. I remember
that but in our platoon the way we were to remember that was:
B.A.S.S. meaning breathe, aim, slack, squeeze. Two other rules
that stick with me are:
1. One click of the elevation knob moves the strike of the
bullet one inch on the target for every 100 yards of range.
2. One click of the windage knob moves the strike of the bullet
one inch on the target for every 100 yards of range.
I don't think I'll ever forget these instructions.
L/CPL Harold Beasley
1958-1962
Captain Marvel
While in boot camp (San Diego) in 1958 a recruit in our series
smuggled some blanks back from Camp Mathews. He was standing
guard duty one night when a drunk DI returned to the area. The
recruit challenged him in the proper procedure:
"Who goes there" in which the highly inebriated DI responded;
"Captain Marvel". The recruit responded: "Captain Marvel FLY
OVER to be recognized". The DI took another couple paces only
to be halted with the command: "I said, Captain Marvel, FLY OVER
to be recognized". Still no response except the DI took another
couple paces and was halted with the strong command: "For the
3rd. and last time, I said Captain Marvel, fly over to be
recognized".
Needless to say, the DI started walking again only to be
confronted with 2 blank rounds being fired by the recruit. The
DI tore through 4 Quonset huts turning over the pot bellied
stoves and falling numerous times over foot lockers. We never
saw that recruit again and rumor was an order came from RTR that
no Drill Instructor was to come into the recruit area
intoxicated. We also heard that DI joined AA.
Al Brodbent
Arriving Late
The article about arriving late at MCRD reminded me of my
experience in July 1957. There were 6 or 7 of us put on a plane
flying from Portland, Or., with a reservist in charge. The
plane landed in Los Angeles and we asked the stewardess if we
could get off and stretch our legs. She said sure, that
wouldn't be a problem. Needless to say, the plane left without
us. We finally got another flight, I don't remember the details
and when we arrived in San Diego we were in "Deep S***"! We were
in trouble before we even got to MCRD, San Diego.
Dennis R. Smith
Cpl. 1694385
1957-1962
Stupid
There were both about the same amount of San Diego Marines as PI
Marines at Iwo Jima, Chosin, Tet, Grenada, Iraq (Twice) &
Afghanistan so the comparison of Boot Camps is as Stupid as the
battle between Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. We went, we
died, we conquered and came home, some with problems, some with
Hate, some with the Joy of being Home. Let it go and get a Life,
for God's Sake.
F.L.Rousseau, GySgt. USMC (Retired)
Over 40 New USMC Tattoos
We've added over 4 pages of great USMC tattoos to the aresenal and there are more to come...thanks to everyone who submitted tattoos for the History Channel series. We'll be sure to pass along an air-date as soon as we find out...
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Not Been Back
Sgt. Grit,
I was a 3rd Bn recruit as well as 3rd Bn. Drill Instructor, but
I know that picture well. It is taken from a 2nd Bn. chow hall
perspective looking at the back of the barracks facing NE. The
receiving barracks would also be to the far left side just off
the pic where I spent my first nights on "the Island" in 1973.
The long silver like tube about 6 feet off the ground was the
water supply pipe, since you can not bury stuff there because of
the ground water. I have not been back since 1977, but chances
are it still looks the same.
Semper Fi.
DR George, Sgt, 0311/8531/8511
Infantry man
My Name is GySgt Harvey I spent 20yrs in the Marine Corps from
1982 - 2002.
I am a Infantry man by trade and served with 1/6,3/6,3/2,
2nd Mar Reg Tow Plt & SOI Camp Pendelton. I was also a DI,
Senior DI & Series GySgt with 1st Bn C Company at Parris Island
from 1993 - 1995. I love some of the Tattoo's my fellow Marine's
have sent in and thought I would send a couple of mine.
Take care and remember Marine's we are the Real Band of Brothers!
Semper Fi !
GySgt Harvey
Stop Shooting
At the Camp Lejeune Rifle Range during slow fire at the 300 yard
line, cease fire, cease fire was heard.
The next announcement was, O.K. stop shooting at the Head on the
200 yard line!
Then when "Fire at Will" was announced, a chorus of voices arose
from the firing line "What did poor Will do"?.
A Salty Bunch!
Cliff Jobes
1626558 56-65 USMC
Properly Placed
Sgt Grit,
Never will forget my first night on the yellow Footprints June
15 1981 San Diego. The guy in front of me did not have his right
foot placed properly on the footprint which was met with a
receiving DI stomping it until properly configured. Ah yes,
wonderful memories! Also Semper Fi to my Senior DI SSGT McHenry,
who taught me 2 valuable life lesson's after I made a UA head
call... #1 Always ask permission to make a unscheduled head call
& I do mean always! #2 You can win a fight with nothing but
properly placed body shots! Enjoy the newsletter each week.
Dan Dalton
SGT USMC 81-83 Active
84-89 Active Res
Saddens Me
Dear Fellow Marines,
It saddens me to report that Clair Chaffin, a Navy corpsman and
decorated veteran of both Saipan and Iwo Jima, was murdered on
his way to a Fourth Division reunion in Virginia, a senseless
victim of a mugging outside his hotel in Florence, SC. He was
one of three local veterans of the battle of Iwo Jima who met
regularly and called themselves the "Iwo Trio." The thought of
surviving such a horrendous battle, having been awarded the
Silver Star for saving so many Marine lives on Saipan, and then
to be gunned down by two miscreants in a parking lot for money.
I can only hope the citizens of Florence will see that these two
individuals receive as harsh an outcome as they deserve. "Doc"
Chaffin is going to be missed around here for sure but he's in
good company now.
Semper Fi
E. H. ("Books") Moyer
Corporal - Viet Nam '68-'69
DaNang Ammo Dump, April 27, 1969
On April 27, 1969, I was the OIC of a small communications
detachment assigned to 1st MAW in DaNang. One day, while working
in the office, there was a huge BOOM and the fluorescent lights
in our small working spaces came tumbling down. One hit the
Gunny in the left shoulder, more of a surprise than an actual
injury. Then, there were a series of smaller, but just as
dangerous, explosions. We stepped outside the spaces, actually
a small hut surrounded by a sandbag revetment, to see what was
going on. We could see a lot of smoke in the direction of 11:00
o'clock. Then, all of a sudden, we could see this shock wave
heading towards our area. Finally, after an hour of this, I had
no choice but to shut down our comm link with III MAF across the
DaNang river. In the meantime, in accordance with our standing
procedures, all the rest of the detachment reported in for duty.
"All present and accounted for, Sir." It must have been about
10:00 the next morning when the all-clear was sounded.
The story I heard at the time was that some local hires were
burning some brush which got away from them. Sure did a lot of
structural damage. After getting all affairs back in order and
re-establishing comms with II MAF, I headed up to Freedom Hill
in the detachment's jeep to check in with the detachment
assigned to 1stMarDiv, OIC was Capt Jim Bolson. It was like
driving an obstacle course there were bombs lying everywhere.
The damage was unreal. Jim Bolson's det was back up and running
also. They had suffered some minor damage, but nothing that
couldn't be repaired easily. Dog Patch, the civilian makeshift
residences outside the 1st MAW compound was literally leveled.
Arthur Kidd
Capt Ret
1957-1977
Ensure That All Maggots
Bob Lonn's story about Little Agony and Big Agony caught my
attention and brought back some unpleasant memories. He noted
that they were located at Camp Matthews in 64 and I am curious
if they were the same hills that were located at Camp
Pendleton's, Edson range in 1966. Our DI's referred to them as
"Little Aggie and Big Aggie" and used them as a motivational
tool to ensure that all maggots were snapping in properly.
Being the back sliders that Platoon 3059 was, we were exploring
the hills daily! Minor infractions called for running the
hills, major infractions (I recall they were all major) demanded
that the hills be duck walked forward and backwards until
exhaustion set in and utilities were properly soaked with sweat,
then we were required to crawl up and down the "Aggies" as we
threw dirt into the air to cover each recruit with grime. Now,
properly motivated we returned to the snapping in circle looking
like wart hogs...I will never forget Big Aggie and Little Aggie.
Kim B. Swanson
LCPL 66-69
The Honesty From All
Sgt Grit,
Semper Fi...I have read your letters, for years now, and cannot
begin to express how thankful I am to our "Marine Family" that
talks from the heart. I, unfortunately, fight with PTSD a
problem I would not share till 2001...the honesty from all your
contacts have been a source of comfort, far better than what the
V.A. (no disrespect) has been able to offer.
It may be, perhaps, from our Drill Instructors who instilled
pride, honor, respect, loyalty, and yes love for our brother in
arms! 339...on the road...sir, 339...on the road, sir: Yes sir.
1963 MCRD, San Diego...Viet Nam, 2nd tour was with 5th Marine
Reg. I think I met Mr. Ware, What he said touched my
heart...wow, which is a statement! Welcome home, Mr.
Ware...welcome home brothers.
Ford, James A Sgt/63-67...5thMarines/Charlie Co. 1-9
Iron Cross Hanging On The Wall
Sgt.Grit
Back in 57, or 58, not sure of the year I was stationed at Camp
Lejeune, Bravo CO, 1st. Battalion, 6th Marines B/1/6. We had a
thirty two mile hiking contest against two other companies in
the regiment, if any Marine dropped out time was taken off the
finish time.
Well we knew from the start that we would win or else we would
suffer dearly. Our Capt. Hans Hensel was truly one gung ho
Marine that I am proud to have served with, he had a picture I
believe of his father as a German officer wearing the Iron Cross
hanging on the wall behind his desk. The march was almost a
nonstop run with no breaks and full gear with the Captain
barking orders and even relieving some of the Marines of their
gear along the way, it was brutal.
Two Marines passed out about seven miles into the march but the
Captain made others carry them so we would not lose time. We won
in six hours +. no contest. If any of my fellow Marines out
there remember this I would love to here from you, and thank you
Captain Hensel for the pride you instilled in us.
Sgt. Dave Geist USMC
Semper Fi
On To Quarterback
Sgt. Grit,
I was reading your article concerning "well known" people who
served in the GREAT MARINE CORPS.
You may be a little too young to remember the name but there was
another MARINE who served in the Corps and after WWII, attended
college at "OLD MISS", made a name for himself in a VERY wet
GATOR BOWL passing a wet football (they won the game) and went
on to quarterback the New York Giants.
This MARINE served with the THIRD MARINE DIVISION and
participated in the Guam and Iwo Jima campaigns, was an 81-MM
Mortarman section leader and at times was a "forward observer"
who with his "wireman" was "out in front" of the "grunts"
calling in mortar strikes against the enemies.
Possibly you have heard of "CHUCKIN CHUCK CONERLY" but in the
MARINE CORPS he was known as SGT CHARLIE CONERLY. Never knew
his middle initial.
Rudy Folds, USMC, Ret. 1942/1967
Mostly What I Remember
Hello, my name is Gordon Sprenkle. I am writing in regards to
the story that Jerry D. wrote in the American Courage #205 23
JUL 2009. He says No, you didn't go through boot camp at the
same time as the Everly Brothers unless you joined the Corps, as
they did, in November of 1961.
I arrived at PI on Oct. 17th 1961 and graduated Jan. 1962 when
they arrived I believe they were in 3rd Bn. If I remember
correctly and we called 3rd Bn Disney Land. After they arrived
our DI informed us that they had to sing the Marines Hymn every
night before lights out. I never did see anything of them
because mostly what I remember seeing at PI was the Marines head
in front of me.
Cpl G.D. Sprenkle
1961 to 1966
Blarney Stone
Hey grit,
Here's how I spent my 4th. How much grit stuff can you find? By
kissing the Blarney stone you get the gift of eloquence. Not
that I needed it, but you never know.
Tom Flynn
USMC 1969-the end
ARVN 69-70.
31st MEU
I wasn't able to answer your History Channel call for tattoos on
time due to the fact that I was on ship (USS Essex) as part of
BLT 3/5 attached to the 31st MEU. I just got back to Camp
Hansen, Okinawa as part of the battalion's advanced party back
to the states.
It's been a h&ll of a past 8 months being with the 31st MEU,
first coming out to Okinawa for the first time from Camp
Pendleton in early December and missing Christmas with my new
wife, then hopping on ship and heading to Thailand for exercise
Cobra Gold, to going to the Philippines for exercise Balikatan,
then to Australia to participate in exercise Talisman Saber. Now
that I am back in Japan and will soon be heading back to
California as this deployment comes to an end I was catching up
on reading the newsletters I missed while on ship and I have to
say I'm pretty disappointed that I missed the deadline for the
tattoo pics.
Anyways I thought I would still share my pictures with you, I
have two moto tats, first one being on my chest and is a skull
with crossed rifles and the letters USMC which you posted on
your site a little over a year ago (Volume 22 in the tats
Section)
But I have a few more including a pic of it being done and one
of me with Justing Owens the man that did it.
I also have a second moto tat on my right arm that I got shortly
before I finished MOS school and hit the fleet, it is the Eagle,
Globe, and Anchor with the words Teufel Hunden under it. Even
though it's to late to have them included I just thought I'd
share them with you as they are reminders that I am a part of
the proudest and best organization in the world, the United
States Marine Corps, thank you for everything yall do. I also
attached a few pics of us in the Philippines.
-LCpl Daryl Gatewood
2171 H&S Co. 3/5 1st MarDiv
Great Successes
Jerry D.'s letter regarding actors in the Corps was interesting,
particularly in again exposing the phony story of Lee Marvin and
Bob Keeshan each earning the Navy Cross. I can't count how many
times I received that fairytale. For about 15 years my
bookshelf has held "Anyone Here a Marine?". Put together by
Dennis Carpenter and Frank Bisogno, it was published by the
authors with a forward by an old friend, recently deceased, Jim
Brady who wrote the "In Step With" column for Parade Magazine.
The index lists about 125 Marines who became celebrities in
movies and/or other media. It also gives rundowns on actors who
"played" Marines. Doubt that it can be found in normal
bookstores, but maybe through Amazon. In addition to Don Adams
(Get Smart) DI tour, he was in combat on Guadalcanal where he
contracted Blackwater Fever as well as being wounded. Three
years in hospitals preceded his DI stint. Also, he faked his
age, enlisting at 16, weighing 120 pounds. To really get an
idea of Marines highly successful in their further lives, I
suggest reading the obituaries in "Leatherneck" each month. It
amazes me what great successes of these now deceased folks
accomplished...I'll take that back...they are MARINES.
Bob McEwen, 1stLt (nee MSgt), USMC, Ret.
In response to Jerry D's letter American courage #205 He stated
that Bea Arthur was never in the Marine Corps. In a book entitled
"Anyone here a Marine ?" Page 4 is a short bio on Bea Arthur
which states she was in the Marine Corps.
Joe Ross
silent Drill Platoon. Wash. D.C.
My Father
Just a note to say that your newsletter is outstanding. I read
it before I actually get down to working. To me it's important
to read about fellow Marines and their families. I would just
like to pass on a story about my father. My father passed away
this past April after many years in a nursing home. When he
enlisted in the Corps, the day after Pearl, like everybody east
of the Mississippi he went to Parris Island. He eventually was
stationed there in Motor T.
My mother took the train down there and they were married on
Parris Island at the little wooden chapel. He shipped out to
California and made his way to three battles, a small Atoll (the
name slips me), Saipan, and Iwo. He was an E4 Sergeant.
Later, when it was my turn, I joined the Corps. I left as an E5
Sergeant. I might have outranked dad in the Corps, but not in
life. When he passed, my sister and I agreed that dad should be
buried in his old Marine Corps uniform. I had it cleaned, and
it looked great. He had his ribbons with three battle stars and
of course his rifle qualification medals, and his WWII patch.
Unfortunately we didn't have a khaki tie, so I used my tie. It
was very important to me to have something of my Marine Corps
time to go with my father. I am so proud of my father for so
many reasons, and one of them is for being a Marine.
In his retirement years, he always wore either a Marine Corps
cap or a cap with the Globe and Anchor emblem. God bless those
that serve, and God Bless the Marine Corps.
Joe Radigan
Joke
What happens if you put a Marine in a padded room with three
ball bearings.
He will break one.
He will lose one.
He will make one pregnant.
Because Of This
I just wanted to relate my experience when I was deployed to
Viet Nam in January of '66. We have three sons. When I left
home the youngest was only five weeks old. I know that this
Marine's wife and son will miss him terribly, but you can be
sure that he will also miss you and want to be with you
everyday. Just pray for his safe return, trust the Lord, and
believe.
When I was in Viet Nam we had no cell phone, emails or any way
to contact our family back home except through letters. My
wife and I wrote each other everyday, even though sometimes I
was only able to write a few lines because of events taking
place. Never hesitate to let him know how much you love and
miss him because that will keep him going while he's away.
While I was away my wife had a large photograph of me in my
uniform and everyday she showed it to my sons, especially the
youngest one. Because of this they knew who I was when I walked
off the plane to greet my family.
Bill McFarland, Sgt, U.S.M.C.
1960-69
As A Loving Father
In the July 22, 2009 newsletter article by Jerry D. of many
outstanding former Marines and not so outstanding Marines brings
back many memories of my career in law enforcement where I have
taken many former Marines to jail for having very bad judgments.
I first had a feeling of disgust but then looked at it as a
loving father. As a new officer finding 2 young Marines after
leaving the roadway jumping the center median and hitting a sign
on there motorcycle at 110 mph so that's what the speedo was
stuck at. Finding there bodies in a 50 meter radius seemed like
a motor round hit them. Alcohol was a very bad choice.
Another incident that I truly know that God watches over Marines
when working graveyard and received a call of a young guy passed
out with his head under this ladies tire, for some weird reason
she forgot something in the house after starting the car for
work and went back inside and on her way back out saw this young
Marine under her car tire and called the Police. I found his
buddy next door on the lawn also passed out in his vomit. So I
hosed them off before putting them in my patrol car for the trip
down to the local PD jail and called the Sgt. Major at the
Concord Naval Weapons Station to come pick them up. This
incident happened about 26 years ago I don't recall who these
younger fellow brothers were and just wondered how they were
this day.
Thanx Sgt. Grit for all you do SEMPER FI
Michael C.
Grunt
Term of Affection for that tired, filthy, thirsty, hungry,
footsore, ripped-trousered, camouflage-painted, lean, mean,
beautiful little son of a b!tch who has kept the wolf away from
the door for over two hundred years!
Semper Fi !
NC
All Arizona
Sgt. Grit
All Arizona Platoon #354's Sgt. J.P. Coen, JDI, in the letters
from Robert Adams, Robert Eisenreich, and Charles Hightower in
the Newsletters from the summer of 2007 about the movie, "The
D.I." bring a knowing grin. Some time amidst the blows of basic
training Sgt. Coen made an offer, "When you're a Marine I'll
give you a chance to fight me."
True to his word on that final day he asked, "Any of you Marines
want to fight me?"
A hand went up fast. The new Marine, barely 5'8" weighing about
135 had been waiting for this promised opportunity. Back when he
was first down the plane ramp and smiled for the photographer
taking a picture of the All Arizona Platoon he figured Mr. Body
Beautiful 1958 (Coen) had it in for him.
Sgt. Coen said, "Meet me over there Marine."
There were a couple of others, but he was first inside waiting.
He knew. Only one good blow was all he would get. He got a firm
grip on the back of a chair. When JDI Coen entered, he swung. It
wasn't enough. He knew it wouldn't be.
He did walk out under his own power. Amid clamoring from the
others to know what happened he answered, "I hit him in the face
with a chair. He told me to send you in next."
Ronald E. Bennett, the he in this story, did two tours in
Vietnam. His father was a Marine in WWII. His three younger
brothers were Marines. His son was a Marine in Desert Storm. He
even talked his nephew into becoming a Marine recently back from
Iraq.
My husband, Cpl. Ronald E. Bennett, died in a vehicle crash in
December of 2008 so the knowing grin at the beginning is mine.
I've heard about the Davy Crockett cadence. I have the VHS tape
of the movie, "The D.I." and every time we watched it. Ron
laughed loudly saying, "That's exactly what basic training was
like except we had Sgt. Coen, Mr. Body Beautiful of 1958."
Thanks to all of you for this memory.
I have the 1964 Platoon #354 book including a picture of Sgt. J.
P. Coen, JDI . Please email me if I can make a copy of anything
from the book rbennet3@tampabay.rr.com Attached is a photo of Platoon # 354.
Karen E. Bennett, wife of
Cpl. Ronald E. Bennett
1964 - 1967
Sick Mother
While taking my boot camp training at P-I, in 1957, tha corporal
blew his whistle. We lived in tha half moon quonset huts at tha
time. He said ever body in to hut one, so we all went, pronto.
He said, I have bad news to tell you people, Sgt, Roy xxxxxx's
mother is very, very ill, and he is asking for some emergency
money to get home on, so every body dig as deep into your
wallets and give all that you can spare.
Unbeknownst to all tha boots, Sgt Roy xxxxxx's was being
transferred to another outfit, out of tha 40 to 50 boots in tha
company, tha totaled up to a fare sum of money in tha 1954's. We
were sworn to secrecy, not to tell any body about giving money
to out DI. We all did.
Well, I got transferred up to Camp Lejeune, got put in tha 6th
marine regiment, and about 4 months later, I was ordered to
report to my commanding officer now! I went in, and there was a
bird Colonel, two Majors, a Lieutenant, a h&ll of a lot of brass
was there. I ask what I did wrong, a Major said, you have done
nothing wrong, this matter is concerning a Corporal Abe xxxxxx
and Sgt Roy xxxxx, they are classified undesirables and we no
longer have room for tha both, in our Corps.
We have 7 sworn statements from other recruits tha both men
solicited money from you, and all of tha men that was in your
company. They had court stenographer there. I was sworn in and
did not leave any thing out. I was new, they were both found
guilty, tha corporal was given 6 months and tha sgt got one year
and day, and both got bad conduct discharges.
Corporal Robert Collier, 6th Marine Regiment Retired USMC, get
right with tha Good Lord, that's one decision, you will never
regret, Amen
Pinstripes
Sgt Grit,
I just had pinstripes painted and some airbrush work done on my
truck that I thought you might enjoy. Tom the owner of Bonehead
Designs in New Hampshire did an outstanding job on both the
blood stripes and Emblem. Plus I have had plenty of compliments
on the decal on my rear window and hitch cover that I purchased
from your catalog.
Thank you for the great products, news letters, and web site.
Semper Fi
USMC 90-02
Chris
Short Rounds
What many may not know is that the "Moon Man", MGySgt Mullins is
legend as a DI at Parris Island. I served with him then and am
honored to still see him, although to infrequently, at the Drill
Instructor Reunions at Parris Island. Semper FI Moon.
Jack Pomeroy
I cannot believe Gunny Noakes picture was in here. I was in
platoon 3185 in Oct. of 1969. He had a scar on the back of his
neck were he was wounded. I heard an officer tell him to stop
shaving his head because it was against of Marine Corps
regulations. He always replied yes sir and look back and wink at
us. Then shave again, in my book one of the greatest Marines
that ever lived.
Randy Ratcliff
No, America's 1stSgt is not a proud father. But I know someone who is!
The other day one of my S-1 ninja's wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
He had been on the phone on and off for hours. She was in labor for 20 of them
if that tells you anything!
All morning I’d stick my head in the office and loudly ask if we were a dad, yet....
Read the rest at America's 1stSgt Blog
Sgt. Grit,
Corpsman Ron Ron Russell's letter in your July 16th issue of
Sgt. Grit News was one of the most powerful and moving I have
ever read. It had tears flowing down my face and I am not
ashamed to admit it. God Bless Doc Russell and all our Corpsman.
Semper Fidelis,
Ed Fulwider, President
China Marine Association
Sgt Grit, I served in Vietnam on Mutters Ridge, RockPile, Khe
Ghee bridge, Dong Ha Mountain, LZ Vandergrift, landed on LZ
Mack, Tiger Mountain, Sierra hill 881, N.Sierra with the Third
Battalion Fourth Marines, 3rd MarDiv. Mike 2Charlie. March 1969,
Nov 1969.
Lance Corporal Donald W. Burrell. #2507904. Camp Hansen, Okinawa.
Lt. Manion Battled To The End (article)
Thanks for another great issue of scuttlebutt. I was just
wondering if anyone else can remember IG inspection in the khaki
uniform in 98 degree weather at Quantico, VA and trying not to
bend your knees so your pants did not wrinkle. I remember two
Marines falling out that day and were promptly removed to rear
so as to not interrupt a truly inspiring speech that lasted at
an hour or so. Our memories are what make us ALWAYS MARINES
D. Womack
Another outstanding news as always. I was at Yemasee spent 2
nights & a day there. No yellow footprints. Was put into the
cattle cars to PI. Fell in at IRON MIKE, got issued all of our
gear except rifles and our Dis, got us and we were in the
barracks that night SEMPER FI
R B Scott Plt 176 Charlie Co. 1st RCT BN Oct 50 - Dec 50
Great Newsletter Sgt Grit; the article written by the three -
tour corpsman put a lump in my throat; I'm a Khe-Sanh Tet
offensive survivor (December 1967- November 1968)- -Before being
wounded for the third time up near the DMZ walking point with a
Sergeant and finishing my 13-month overseas duty as a main gate
guard at Camp Hanson in Okinawa. I'll never forget a close
friend I lost in Khe-Sanh.
Corporal Floyd P. Hicks Jr.
2397842
Bugs Bunny wartime cartoon (video) It's a bit long but if your fast
forward to about a quarter of the way from the end of it you'll
see what I'm talking about.
Sgt Grit,
Thank you for the work that you do.
My brother, Manuel, and I both served in the Marine Corps and in
Vietnam. I am sorry to report the passing of L/Cpl Manuel
Villagomez. He was a very proud Marine who served with 2/5 in
Vietnam 68-69. For those who served with him, I just wanted to
let you know that he reported for duty in Heaven on July 4,
2009. We were very close and we always wore Marine Corps caps
(baseball caps) and t-shirts to identify ourselves to other
Marines. He never lost his love for the Corps. Semper Fi.
Cpl Efrain Villagomez USMC Vietnam 1967-68
Marines Pour Into Afghanistan (article)
Semper Fi Til I Die T-shirt
Property Protected T-shirt
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
|
Be sure to add info@sgtgritnews.com to your address book or trusted senders list.
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
(every other week) - More about the newsletter |
