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What do you think? In the news lately has been the issue of
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AmericanCourage #196 19 MAR 2009
Print | ONLINE CATALOG
I was on my cycle and needed pie so swung into Soldier, KS.
population 120. While enjoying my pie, the lady tried to use
the can crusher. It was hung up on something and she was not
happy. I walked over, slipped out my "Leatherman" and tightened
the screw; it still was not smooth working, so I took my lip
balm from my pocket and smeared a dab, which made it work like
new. Some ole farmer ask, "Were you a Boy Scout"? I replied,
"No, I am a MARINE, I am prepared." It got very quiet as most
took a second look at this ole MARINE.
Harry W. Bryant
USMC Ret. '63-'68
L/3/7 1965
I figured I'd finally put in my 2 cents. I've been a faithful
shopper of your catalog for almost 3 years now. Ever since my
younger brother Cpl. Mark Federspiel graduated from MCRD San
Diego, you guys have had the best t-shirts and novelties. I
wanted to share a couple pics of me and my brother. He was
deployed last month to Haditha, Iraq and is on a year tour.
Please keep him and all Marines & service personnel in thought
and prayers.
Semper Fi
Paul Federspiel
And I Quote...
"You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the
means he uses to frighten you."
-- Eric Hoffer
It is my sad duty to report the passing of Parke Potter of Las
Vegas. Parke was one of three living Marines in Vegas who
survived Iwo Jima. Parke was one of several Marines who dug a
pipe out of that mountain to raise the first flag on Suribachi.
Brother Potter was one of the finest Men, Mason, Shriner and
Marine I've ever had the pleasure to meet. For all of us that
knew him, he will be truly missed.
SEMPER FI BROTHER
Dennis Williams
USMC Credo:
To Catch Us, You Have To Be Fast
To Find Us, You Have To Be Smart
To Beat Us, You Have To Be KIDDING!
Sgt. Grit:
I just finished reading your most recent news letter. In
response to "Taking Chance," I did watch it.....I shouldn't
have, but I did. I thought it was exceptionally well done, as
they made the main focus of this piece about the respect that
both young Chance was given, as well as his escort. I really
did fine until the last half hour and then had to sit next to a
box of Kleenex! My son is currently serving over in Iraq and I
would suggest that anyone who has a loved one currently deployed
to wait until they are safely home to watch this extremely
moving film.
I'd like to tell you of an experience I had a little while back.
I was at work and as I was looking out the window when I noticed
a car pull into our parking lot. A Marine stepped out of the
car, dressed in his blues, very crisp looking. At that moment,
I thought, why is he here...is he here to see me; to tell me
that something happened to my son. My heart sank into my
stomach, I felt all the blood rush from my face and I couldn't
move from my chair (I couldn't feel my legs at that point). I
don't even know if my phone rang or if anybody came up to me,
all I could do was stare out at this Marine.
As I watched him, he lit up a cigarette, and all I could think
of is he needed one before he had to tell me some bad news. He
finished his cigarette and got back into his car and drove
away----THANK GOD. It took me a minute to regain my focus and
realized it was Veteran's Day and they were having a parade down
Main St., which was right around the corner from my office. I
simply got up from my chair and went to the ladies room and
cried my eyes out...in relief. I then realized that, if
something did happen to my son, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't
come to my place of employment to deliver such news, but I was
hardly thinking clearly at that time.
Who would've thought...why my parking lot?? He just wanted a
cigarette.....he just wanted a cigarette.
I just want to let everyone know that to all that have served
and are serving, you have my deepest thanks and prayers. To
those families who have had a loved one make the ultimate
sacrifice, God Bless you for they did not die in vein!
Semper Fi
New England Marine Mom
My son, Cpl Flynn King, and his Motor T- brothers with the 1/11 Bravo. Photos are from his Iraq deployment in fall 2005- spring 2006.They are driving top of the line, heavily armored, government-issued stealth vehicles.
from Nancy Williams, proud mom of Marine Iraq War Veteran, Cpl Flynn King of Alabama
And I Quote...
The quotable JOHN WAYNE
"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted,
and I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people
and I require the same from others."
--JOHN BERNARD BOOKS, The Shootist
I was in 29 Palms back in 1989 when a friend of mine handed me a
single sheet of paper. It was Sgt Grit's first catalog. Black &
white pics of Marine items with type writer font below. I wrote
to Sgt Grit (Don) telling him I have this cartoon book called,
"101 Things You Should Never Ask A Marine To Do". He wrote back
and said if I was willing to send ten books, trust him to sell
them and pay later, he would add me to his 'catalog'.
That was 20 years ago!
I also have "Short Timers Guidebook" for sale with the Grit-
master. I am proud to be a part of his catalog and show if off
every time a new issue comes out. Marines have braggin' rights
for many things and this is one we share.
Sgt Grit and your staff, THANK YOU.
Semper Fidelis,
Ed Temple
USMC-GySgt (for the rest of my life)
And I Quote...
"Government can do something for the people only in proportion
as it can do something to the people." --
Thomas Jefferson
I just finished reading the 12MAR09 newsletter. A WM named SGT
Marilyn Gerhardt wrote in asking if there were any Women Marines
out there. I served from 1972-1974. I enjoyed my time in and
enjoy reading SGT Grit's newsletter every week. It brings back
memories. I will never regret the time I was in, and even though
I'm a woman, I'm still proud to be a MARINE. Let's hear it from
some other women!
SEMPER FI and God bless the Marine Corps.
Jane Curtis LCPL 1972 - 1974
Eight year-old Tyler J. Laviolette of Springfield is presented a graduation certificate for completing recruit training with the Westover Young Marine (YM ) Company from Sergeant Major Ed Mitrook, USMCR, Ret., regimental commander of the YM , center, and National YM Executive Director Ed Shanks, left, during recent ceremonies at Westover. The YM unit, sponsored by the Marine Corps League's Westfield River Valley Detachment 141, graduated 30 'boots' at the February 27 ceremony. (Marine Corps League photo by Matt Knas.)
The article written by GySgt Stoll was outstanding. I'm a
Vietnam Veteran and the Respect and Honor that the Gunny showed
this Marine has made me even more proud to be a part of The
Marine Corps Family. That Warrior will have the memory of what
you did for him for an eternity. D*mn, I cried like a small
child. I know I can speak for all Veterans of The Vietnam War in
saying that we fully understand that the Drill Instructors had
one h&ll of a tough job of shaping boys into men in a very short
amount of time. Yes Gunny it was because of a Marine such as
yourself, for the training that was instilled into the recruits,
is the reason we came home from that war. Thank you for your
article.
I will be in Beaufort, South Carolina the 1st of May 2009 to
attend the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club Regional Meeting and we
are hoping to visit Parris Island. I'm looking forward to the
visit.
Semper Fi
John Lewis
Sgt of The Marines
Sir,
A 90 year old Marine, WWII, remembers part of a poem from his
Marine days. I have looked for the poem, but cannot find it.
The poem goes like this:
When everything is peaceful and all is quite serene. Have you
ever given a thought to the United States Marine?
You will find him in the tropics beneath the blazing sun, always
ready for a fight, You cannot make him run.
You will find him in the Orient, many miles from home defending
lives and freedom always on the roam.
two or three verses follow
When you meet him on the street, give him a friendly nod He is
your defender of country, home, and God.
He remembers this much, but would like to have the total poem.
Any help you can give me would be very much appreciated. Keep
up the good work.
Gladys Carver
And I Quote...
"Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil." -- Proverbs 3:7
I hope that you could use these photos on your "Best use of
Products Page" and or your online catalog. This is our Bulldog
pup "Gunny Monster" he is barely 4 months old in this picture, 1
month old in the camo. Both photos he is wearing the large
shirts. So I will defiantly be re-ordering larger sizes for him
as he grows into his body. He has already out grown his Camo
USMC shirt so will need to re-order it as well. His favorite toy
is the USMC Standing Bulldog he will not go to bed without it.
Hope you can use the photos and will be placing more orders soon
thanks.
Sgt. Grit, first of all thank you for doing what you do. I read
every story published on a weekly basis and enjoy the memories
that they bring back. Having served as a Drill Instructor H Co.
3rd Bn between '78 and '81 I can certainly appreciate all of the
"DI" stories out there. To be a part of the forming of the
Marines during that era is a true honor in my mind. I trained
ten platoons over the three year period and then spent some
"down time" teaching at ICT. I salute you Sgt. Grit for
bringing us all together here, and I salute each and every
Marine who had what it takes to earn the Title.
Semper Fi, Marines
John ONESHOT Fitzgerald
Sgt Grit,
Sincerely my thanks for posting what I wrote in to your
newsletter...American Courage is truly an inspiration for all of
us who served or are actively serving...Some may smile, some may
hurt...insures that we will (as former soldiers and families
alike) never forget why we took that oath...
What that good old salty Marine wrote..
Connely/R
Sgt/USMC/RVN - '66 - '68
Brother, he's got my vote...I'm only to be 35 end of this month
but I fully agree with him....Just cut us loose again...If not
for my injuries (one military involved, the other not) I'd be
finishing out my service appropriately. I have two brothers,
one 26 and finishing up his Masters with Penn State U., he's
resigned himself to being a professor and baseball coach...but
my youngest, at 14 yrs, has expressed interest in the military.
He has the aptitude and the endurance to be better than the
rest. I have watched him take his SAT's while in middle school
and see he has what it takes to excel. If he makes his choice
to attend the Naval Academy I will most definitely make sure
that his talents are channeled properly...
God Bless, Semper Fi!
John
For Connely though...a lawn chair, an AR-15, and a box of live
grenades...that works!...
Truly, God Bless and thank you...
And I Quote...
"The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the
millstones of taxation and inflation." -- Vladimir Lenin
After graduating from Parris Island (Platoon 3012, 29 October
1968) plus a bus ride we arrived at Camp Geiger and were
assigned V4 company. Upon our arrival the Troop Handlers
informed us no Poggi bait was allowed in the barracks. I had a
box of brownies in the very bottom of my sea bag and had no way
to retrieve them. That evening I asked the Marine next to me if
he wanted to meet in the head after lights out and discard of
the contraband. He readily agreed and we proceeded to destroy
all the evidence. Approximately 0400 we returned to the head
and held our own sick call as the evidence went down the toilet.
From that day on our friendship grew until he was the brother I
never had. His name was, David Teutsch, from Newton Falls,
Ohio.
After Christmas leave we arrived at Camp Pendleton for staging
and our friendship continued. The night of our escape and
evasion class we had found the perfect hiding place and refused
to leave even after being called back by a bullhorn, thinking it
was a trick. Turns out someone had gone berserk and was taking
potshots with an M14. I guess everyone had their way of dealing
with the upcoming trip to Vietnam. Ours was to yell across the
squad bay, David would say " Rick, be sure and call me when you
get home so I can push you down the aisle at your wedding,
because you ain't gonna have no legs". I would yell back, that's
ok you SOB, I'll attach a special brace so you can push me with
your chest cause you ain't gonna have no arms" (found out later
we scared a lot of guys) The last time I saw him was on the LZ
at Stud, I had gone to get some frags and heard someone calling
my name. We spoke for a few minutes and I returned to my unit B
1/9, approximately 22 February 1969.
This would've been Operation Dewey Canyon, David was killed,
according to military records by a fragmentation grenade, 11
March 1969 If anyone reading this might have known him could
you please get in touch with me (rick7538 @ hotmail .com) I
would like to know about his final days.
Thanks, William (Rick) Whitley
I would like to tell a short story that is Going on 88 years on
the 23rd of this month even though He was never a Marine!
My Dad served in WW II as a Cook on Merchant Marine Vessel's all
along the Gulf of Mexico and Eastern seaboard. I grew up with
Holidays of him cooking Pancakes from scratch on the Holidays
and for Christmas he would cook breakfast and then wake the
HOUSE up with Christmas Music on the "Record" player.
Dad told me a few stories through the years and would like to
recount one of them for others to realize that their generation
has a STRONG sense Duty and Honor even now.
Last time we talked about a German U-boat that was sunk in the
Gulf of Mexico. The ship he was on had radioed that they had
seen it and the Air corps had came out and sank it.
He also told me that he had seen a fellow ship sunk and watched
as some of his friends went down with their ship.
My Dad since then has been a Volunteer Fire Chief for 25 years
while also being an Deputy Constable and running his own Roofing
business. He is still doing the last two! He even gets on the
roofs still.
He inspired me when I was growing up and still does to this day.
He was there when I joined the Corps in Jan 1974 and was there
for the Ceremony when I went to Boot camp from Houston on June
19 1974. We were an Experiment for the Corps they were trying
to start All State Platoons in Boot Camp.
I haven't had any contact with anyone from Platoon 3065 since
boot camp. I spent 4 years in the Corps and them got out as an
Sgt with a years TIG. Four years later I returned to the Beloved
Corps as a LCPL. To make a 20 year story short I Retired as a
Marine SSGT in 1997, from AMITYVILLE, Long Island. I was the I-I
Radio Chief.
When the Towers fell I lost my friend "GySgt Mathew David
Garvey" whom I had worked with for 3 years. He was the Reserve
Radio Chief there. He was also a Fireman in NYC.
"SEMPER FI"
This was supposed to be a Short story! I would like to leave
everyone with one last thought.
We are losing the generation that protected our world during one
of the most difficult times in History and should never forget
their sacrifices they willing gave for us.
Each day our ranks grow thinner in number not just from the
Corps but from all services Past and Present. We should Honor
and Respect them for They have ALL paid some price for our
freedom.
"SEMPER FI" to all
DW Davis SSgt USMC Retired
I have several Uncles who are Marines. I didn't know where they
were stationed seeing how I was cut off from my Dad's side of
the family due to extensive lying in court about my dad by my
mom. Seeing pictures of my Uncles in their dress blues at my
grandmother's house left a lasting impression on my mind!
During "hitting skills" phase at PI we were in a Company
formation working our 1,1,2 back! when my SDI took my right hand
and put it into the air. I was puzzled until a Marine approached
me from the side asking me if I knew who he was. I said "no
sir". So he said "look at me". I then responded with "this
recruits uncle sir!" That was the start of a very hard day! My
uncle was the SNCOIC of hitting skills. Once the other hitting
skills instructors found out who I was they pulled me up in
front of the Company and declared who ever knocks me out gets a
phone call home! The roar of excitement sounded like thunder!
I fought hard that day. My face was quite numb and swollen,
however nobody got a phone call home of which I was proud! At
the end of the day my uncle had a talk with me before heading
back, He told me not to embarrass the family name, He wanted me
to strive to be guide, squad leader, etc. He told me that if I
thought my Drill Instructors were bad He would pay me "visits"
if He heard of me screwing up! I never saw Him again until
graduation day. Being one of the Company honor grads with a
meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal made the family proud!
That experience changed my outlook in the Marines. At family get
togethers the story of that day is always told with lots of
laughter!
Semper Fi
Sgt Sammons
93-99
And I Quote...
"The bended knee is not a tradition of our Corps." -- General Alexander A. Vandergrift, USMC
"Sgt. Grit" ~
As a Gold Star Mother, I am asking for your assistance in
spreading the word to as many Marines as possible regarding a
memorial event to honor my son, SSgt. Christopher Zimmerman,
USMC, who was killed September 2006 while on patrol with 2d
Recon Bn. in Zaidon, Iraq.
This year is the first year that we, as Chris' family, have
assisted in holding the Zimmerman Reconnaissance Challenge
(www.ZmanChallenge.com) in Austin, Texas. It would do my heart
proud to have 200 or more Marines accept this Challenge, to
assist us in making a donation to the Marine Executive
Association to assist Marines transitioning from military to
civilian life. Even though Chris is no longer with us, we honor
his sacrifice by finding a way to make something good come from
his death. He was a Marine's Marine, and he would accept no
less.
Thank you for everything that Sgt. Grit contributes to the USMC
community.
Always faithful,
Faith Zimmerman
Proud Gold Star Mother
SSgt. Christopher M. Zimmerman, USMC
I just viewed the video about going to Vietnam that Michael L.
Wentz( "A" 11th Marines 1966-67) I too was in the 11th.
Marines 1966-1967 with Foxtrot 2-11. This video brought back
found memories of my Marine experiences while in Vietnam. I
appreciate the stories that fellow Marines send in to Sgt Grit
each month. Semper Fi to all that served and continue to serve.
Semper Fi to all others that now which that they could be called
Marine for the rest of their lives. There is no higher honor
than being called and being remembered as a Marine.
Cpl Ron Ryan F-2-11
First thing...an awesome news letter.
When we left a unit we always tell our friends to stay in touch,
but in the end we lose track of them. Over the last couple of
years several of the guys from H+S Co. Comm Plt Okinawa 1975
have gotten back together over the internet. It's been awesome.
We're even talking about trying to get together and trying to
track down others from our platoon.
I even saw an article from my series commander from MCRD San
Diego 1978-79. He was the OIC of NCO and Sea School 79-81.
Have not tracked him down yet.
God Bless our young troops. Stay in touch with your buddies,
It's great.
MSGT HERYFORD
1974-1996
And I Quote...
"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We
are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth -- and listen
to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts." -- Patrick Henry
Sgt Grit,
In response to Bill Drape as to why TAPS wasn't played in the
movie, "Taking Chance".
I was stationed at 29 Palms in the mid 80's and was assigned a 6
month TAD to be the NCOIC of the grave site service detachment
for the base. The detachment consisted of, seven Marine Riflemen
with a Cpl in charge, six Marines plus myself for flag
folding/presentation and two trumpet players from the base band
who would play "echoing taps" at the end of the rifle salute.
We attended veteran funerals in Palm Springs, Yucca Valley and
other areas of South East California two or three times a week.
Taps was played at every funeral we attended.
To answer your question as to why taps wasn't played in the
movie, it should have been.
Semper Fi
JR Smith
SSgt 79-89
Sgt. Grit,
I am Sgt. William David Smith. I am stationed at NAS Oceana. I
race ATV's in the Can-am Grand National Cross Country Racing
Series(GNCC). I have been racing since the end of 2008. I am
planning on making 9-10 races this season. Here are some
pictures from my last race in Washington, Georgia. If you want
more information about this series the website is
www.gnccracing.com.
I would like to thank my sponsors for this season. They are ODI
Grips, ASV levers, Scott Goggles, Yoshimura Exhaust, EHS
racing, Hotcams camshafts, and Caddis Sports Aluminum Rapid
Shelters. If you want to see more pictures, they
are on my profile.
I love the products that Sgt. Grit has to offer. Keep up the
great work.
Semper Fidelis,
Smitty
And I Quote...
"Live as brave men; and if fortune is adverse, front its blows
with brave hearts." -- Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC)
Central Illinois Leathernecks
Annual Chili cook off in
Springfield, Illinois
Sergeant Grit,
I might have contacted you prior to this and know you are busy,
but here goes. I've been leading a creative writing workshop for
military people since Sep. 2005. A couple of us started a ‘zine,
Milspeak Memo for those who can't attend workshop to post their
stories, photos, miscellany. I always add a few things to the
mix. Saturday, March 7, Volume 2 of Memo kicks off. I plan to
include a link to your tattoo page.
Here's a link to the website: http://www.milspeak.org
Volume 1 of Memo will continue to be available, as will future
volumes. Click on the Milspeak Memo tab to view the 'zine.
If you don't want me to post a link to your tattoo pages, please
let me know.
Thank you,
Sally Drumm, GySgt USMC, Ret.
Sgt.Grit,
I am a proud mother of 2 Marines. One is just coming back from
his second tour & the youngest is leaving for Afghanistan on
April 25th, 2009. They are both stationed in Jacksonville, NC.
I just want you to know I love my emails from Sgt. Grunt & I
love my 2 Marines. During the holidays I always have a house
full, it looks like a crime scene, all you see is uniforms &
bodies all over the floor, couch, chair, beds...I love it,
& I love the fact that my house is open to the boys "Brothers In
Arms".
Thanks for keeping the web site up & running, I love reading my
emails.
Thank you from a proud Mother of Marines.
JO ANN LIEFER
And I Quote...
"Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount. " -- Clare Booth Luce (1903 - 1987)
I am almost old enough to be your mom (by today's standards
maybe--I am old fashioned though so maybe your old sister)
which is why I must write large, I can't see very well. So my
friend here is my story...
If my father was alive today he would be 107 years old, when I
was born 1947 I already had a brother, Marine in Guadalcanal,
another older brother wanted to be a Marine but he had flat feet
and couldn't qualify, he wanted desperately to stay with our
older brother.
It would be another 20 years before we heard Marines again then
I met my husband in 1969, Marine just returning from Nam, the
hard way, but after rehab, he thought he had enough of PT so he
ran away and got back into college, where he stayed with a 4.0
until he graduated. Meanwhile my 18 yr old baby brother
informed us that he enlisted in the Marines, the day after his
graduation from high school plus the stake the recruiter
promised he that he would have every night in the Marines. Off
to Camp Pendleton he went.
Once that war ended I was so happy. Then this war on terror
started, our baby son who was in college informed us one day, "I
am a Marine". My husband and I were proud of him yet our hearts
practically stopped because we knew what was ahead for him. He
is home now, also back in college. Yet the Marines are looking
for him. Unlike Viet Nam now they can take you out of college
and send you wherever they need you. Of course we know it will
be Afghanistan, several of his buddies were just deployed. In
fact all of his buddies as well as our son were in Iraq, was
supposed to be 4 months, ended up being 11 months.
Yes we pray for all of our troops because this war isn't over.
Everywhere we go we wear our flag and a pin to bless them, yet
we want them home. But if we must we will hang our blue star
once again with pride. When our son got out of the corps we had
yellow ribbons on all of our trees. I refuse to take them down
until every single Marine & military person come home from
combat.
You would think we would get used to these wars but we don't.
In fact Fort Sam Cemetery holds my husband's mom, dad, and his
uncle who were all three in the Navy. My step father was also
in the Navy.
Sgt Grit Sir so much has changed in our world since 1947, yet
some things, a mother's heart for her son and our troops will
never ever change. As a matter of fact, (do not think me weird)
but one of my best friends now is my ex-husbands mother. Her son
and husband were both military. Without her I would not have
survived the 11 months our son was in Iraq. She had lost a
Marine nephew in Iraq just a few months before our son left. So
often I asked her how do we survive until they all come home?
"Just one day at a time" she said. And it did absolutely no
harm to say a prayer every morning and night for all who were
there.
Thank you so much for listening ........your story brought back
so many memories
My you have the best
Sincerely M Blum
K I A Scholarships is holding a National Charity Golf Tournament
to benefit the children of a parent that was killed-in-action
with relief now and when the time comes for a college education.
The event will be held at Tour 18 Dallas Golf Course on October
19,2009 in Flower Mound, Texas. Two highlights will be the
offering of a One Million Dollar prize on either holes 5 or 17.
That's two chances. There will be other prizes as well. The
cost of playing in the tournament is $200. The event will run
for four consecutive days. A great need at this time is the
names of anyone whose spouse was killed-in-action that has
children.
Please make your donations if you can not play to the address
below.
K I A's web site: www.kiascholarships.org
Tour 18's web site: www.tour18-dallas.com
And I Quote...
"Feel the fear and do it anyway." -- Susan Jeffers
Sgt Grit,
I recently attended a funeral of a fallen soldier.
We as Marines were taught that we do NOT wear covers indoors,
while in uniform, unless we are under arms (with rifle, pistol,
or sword).
And we also do NOT salute while indoors.
There was a lady Marine there (PFC or LCpl forget which).
She was associated with the family in some way.
She was standing at attention at head of casket, and she was
uncovered. As she left her post she faced the casket and saluted
(she was not the escort).
My question is, was it proper for her to render the hand salute
in this situation.
Reason is, I am "afraid" that this situation will arise again,
and want to know the proper procedure and protocol.
I normally attend these funerals (of any service member) in
Dress Blues. This time I was in Motorcycle Garb as uniform
didn't get out of cleaners on time.
Maybe others here would appreciate knowing the proper protocol
also.
As to taps not being played.
The movie was rather brief, and only touched the high points of
the entire journey.
so they may not of been included in the movie.
Can't say for certain if they really were played at the actual
funeral, But I would presume they were. But that would be a
guess.
Semper Fi
Choo Choo
Sgt of Marines 68-74 RVN 70 -71
And I Quote...
"It is when power is wedded to chronic fear that it becomes
formidable." -- Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983), The Passionate State of Mind, 1954
Marine Detachment - USS Coral Sea - CVA-43 - 1955-1957
Clinton M. Cox Pvt - PFC aboard USS Coral Sea
1955-1959 - Discharged 1959 as Sgt E4
Serial No. 1523455
The USS Coral Sea arrived on October 31, 1956 in the vicinity of
Alexandria, Egypt. As I recall, our entire Marine Detachment,
with no other personnel involved, except the boat crews that
were to operate the landing craft, were to deliver our Marine
Detachment ashore at Port Said for the purpose of assisting
American citizens in the evacuation from the area during the
bombing by the British and French and we were to have gone as
far south as Cairo, Egypt to offer assistance.
The Marine Detachment was relieved of all normal duties, which
included guarding the Special Weapons, manning the ship's Brig
and staff orderly duty, aboard the USS Coral Sea CVA-43. We
worked through the night loading the landing crafts with weapons
and ammunition. Being well equipped, our arsenal included our
M-1 rifles, 45 caliber pistols, a 50-caliber machine gun,
several Thompson sub machine guns, mortars, rocket launchers and
hand grenades. We were prepared for any hostilities.
Our uniforms for the landing were khakis and helmets, but were
to wear our barracks caps ashore to the port so we would not
alarm the civilian and military populations. We were briefed as
to our mission and then told to rest before boarding the landing
crafts. We were scheduled to leave the ship early the following
morning. For several days we lay in wait for the order to board
the landing crafts. Then, an order came to stand down. There
were approximately 75 Marines ready to go ashore if ordered to
do so. We were to be led by Captain George C. Fox, USMC and
M/Sgt George F. Frederiksen, USMC.
The "Floating Battalion of Marines, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine
Regiment" came on scene to assist in the evacuation of American
personnel. Civilians were delivered aboard the USS Coral Sea
while we steamed in circles off the coast of Egypt.
During the month of November 1956, and well after the planned
landing by the Marine Detachment, an attempt was made to form
the Ship's Landing Party aboard the USS Coral Sea. The Marine
Detachment was in charge of this operation. It was to include
Naval personnel but it was never completed. Most of the Naval
personnel had jobs to do that were important to the day-to-day
operation of the ship; therefore the Landing Party was never
completely formed. Their reasoning was understandable.
The USS Coral Sea stayed off the coast of the Suez Canal for
almost 30 days. From late October through November 23, 1956 we
remained on station at points Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses
off the Suez Canal.
During that period of time, British and French aircraft flew
over the USS Coral Sea on their way to bombing missions at Port
Said and the Suez Canal. Explosions lighted the sky and could be
seen in the distance. We flew large American Flags that were
illuminated at night with spotlights so the foreign planes
flying over us would not mistake us to be hostile.
Historical Facts:
On 26 October, 1956 the United States learned of Israel's
military mobilization, and President Dwight Eisenhower sent the
first of two personal messages to Israeli Prime Minister Ben
Gurion asking that Israel do nothing to endanger the peace. In
the Mediterranean on the 28th of October, 1956, the U.S. Sixth
Fleet was placed on alert. Undeterred by U.S. diplomatic
maneuvering, Israeli forces began attacks in Egypt on 29
October.
5 November 1956, British and French captured Port Fuad and Port
Said.
6 November 1956, cease fire forced by U.S. pressure.
8 November 1956, hostilities ended.
The following day Britain and France began to make their move.
The British government issued an Anglo-French ultimatum calling
on the Israelis and Egyptians to withdraw their forces to a
distance of 10 miles from the Suez Canal and demanding that
Egypt allow British and French forces to temporarily occupy key
positions guarding the canal.
That same day, Admiral Walter F. Boone, U.S. Commander Naval
Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, ordered the Sixth
Fleet to assist in the evacuation of U.S. nationals from Israel
and Egypt. Coral Sea (CVA 43) and Randolph (CVA 15), the fleet's
two attack carriers that were already operating in the eastern
Mediterranean, were directed to keep clear of British naval
units operating there. In Norfolk, Va., the Navy ordered one
attack carrier, a heavy cruiser and a destroyer squadron to get
ready to sail to the Mediterranean to augment the Sixth Fleet
and a second CVA and a division of destroyers to be on 72-hour
notice. The Anglo-French attack on Egypt began at dusk on 31
October with a series of large-scale air strikes.
The following day Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral
Arleigh Burke signaled Vice Admiral Charles R. "Cat" Brown,
Commander Sixth Fleet: "Situation tense; prepare for imminent
hostilities." Brown signaled back: "Am prepared for imminent
hostilities, but whose side are we on?" In classic Burke style,
the CNO's return response was, "Keep clear of foreign op areas
but take no guff from anybody."
Adapted from "Answering the Call: Carriers in Crises Response
Since World War II," By Jeffrey G. Barlow
Sgt. Grit,
Thanks for those letters (25 Feb) of Marines of the '60s, sure
does bring back some good old memories. I join the Marine Corps
6 May 1960, and went to boot camp in San Diego, Ca.I was in Plt.
138. And yes we had to learn the 8 man squad drill. I guess we
did well enough to take the Drill Competition, also the Range,
and Inspection. We were the Honor Plt
However, after boot I never saw the 8 man squad drill again? My
1st duty station (after boot camp) was Marine Barracks
Brementon, Washington. And any Marine that has ever done Marine
Barracks duty, knows that you have very little time for drill.
We worked 24 on 24 off, weekend on weekend off. And in between
we had classes, Pt and sometimes a formation run. Of course the
quarterly PRT, which was done in full combat gear. At 19 I could
do the 3 mile run in under 19 minutes. But our off time was
consume with cleaning, washing, polishing our gear for the next
duty formation. The only time I remember doing drill, was when I
was going up for LCpl.
Which is a whole other story, because the Marine Corps (DOD)
were revamping the whole ranking system by the time enlisted.
But the bottom line, I stayed in the Marine Corps till I retired
on 13 May 1980. There is a lot more that happen in between, I
was in Nam in 1965-1966 & 1968-1969.
Semper Fi
GySgt. C. Rodriguez
USMC (Ret)
And I Quote...
What is left when honor is lost? -- Publilius Syrus (~100 BC), Maxims
After reading your many stories about boot camp, I have a short
story to tell.
Just a little history of M.C.R.D. San Diego. The Marine base is
situated between the San Diego airport on the east side and the
Navy base on the west side. There is a ten or twelve foot high
cyclone fence surrounding the Marine base, thus separating all
three locations.
I arrived at M.C.R.D. on February 22nd 1962 and was assigned to
PLT 214. We were in our third week of training and was having
one of the evening training sessions when the platoon commander
advised us of a breach in the fence that separates the Marine
and Navy training areas. It appears that a Navy recruit had
jumped the fence onto the Marine base.
As the story was told, the Navy recruit was quickly picked up by
the Marine MP's. Upon questioning the recruit, the MP's was told
that the recruit had jumped the fence onto the Marine base and
he had planned to go through the base and jump the fence onto
the airport property whereas he could buy a plane ticket and go
home. The MP's notified the Navy that they had picked up the
recruit and would they come and pick him up.
The Navy asked the Marines if they might keep him for a day and
possibly run him through some of the obstacle courses that was
scheduled the next day.
Needless to say, at the end of the next day, the recruit was
very happy to be able to return to his boot camp. Supposedly
there was no action taken by the Navy as they figured a day in
Marine boot camp was punishment enough.
As I stated, this story was passed on to us by our platoon
commander.
Whether or not it is true, I cannot say, though, I tend to
believe it did happen.
Robert B. Eastmade
GySgt (Retired)
I was in the Corps from 1979 - 1983 and was in Beirut in 1982.
My son, who was adopted from south Sudan and actually remembers
the day Muslim soldiers burned his village and killed his
parents, hopes to enter the Corps this September. This is my father's race car in Florida.
Semper Fi!
Don Huntington
And I Quote...
Honor does not have to be defended. --Robert J. Sawyer (1960 - ), "Calculating God", 2000
I just read the recent article about going to BOOT CAMP...I
enlisted in New York in January 1961 and off to BOOT CAMP.
Seventeen years old and the first time that I had really been
away from home by myself...what an experience....riding on an
overnight sleeper train from Grand Central Station down to
Yemassee SC....and then getting off that train in the early
morning hours...and on to that platform and meeting up with the
first DI that I had ever seen....and OUR introduction into our
beloved Corps....yell, yell, yell
Then off to the Barracks for a little shut eye...but first a
little GI of the head...what an introduction....I wore my letter
jacket from my High School and on the back was the name of my
town and school...SUFFERN and don't you know it, that attracted
some attention from the DI...and of course I was wearing all of
the up to date garb of desert (chukka) boots and chino's with
the hiney binder and being a guy of small stature they had a
field day at my expense,lol
Then up bright an early the next morning...and off to that
little cafe in town....and our instructions...eat as much as you
wish, but YOU WILL EAT everything they put on your tray.....and
wouldn't you know it....they heaped on these EGGS...and I hated
EGGS....and some home fries and plenty of gravy.....I was so
scared I ate everything they put on that tray and even liked
it...except for the heavy dose of salt......which I later heard
from someone that it was laced with salt peter...never confirmed
though,lol
Then off to the Receiving Barracks and PARRIS ISLAND....I am
looking at my PI Recruit Book now and those memories come
flooding back...but that will be another day, another story..
JOHN CERULLO
1/10/61/12/17/64
3RD Batt, Plt 301 PARRIS ISLAND
Once a Marine Always...a great story...
About twenty to twenty-five years after I got out and twenty
pounds over weight, I was driving home when stopped at a light.
These four punks pulled up next to me. radio blasting and
hanging out the window yelling. The light turned green and they
took off and cut in front of me trying to run me off the road.
I calmly got in front of them and returned the favor. About a
mile up the road I had to make a Michigan left turn. When I made
the swing around in the medium they pulled up next to me and got
out of the car. and walked my way. So I got an ink pen out of my
sunvisor and put it in my pocket and got out of the car. (I
though it's time to play.) The tall one said, What are you going
to do NOW OLD MAN . I looked at him and said. I'm going to stick
this pen through your heart. I looked at the second one and
said, I'm going to snap your fricking neck and then I'm going to
play with you other two. I never saw anyone evacuate an area so
fast in all my life. One over weight 45 year old man against
four good sized teens. There I was standing in the middle of the
road holding an inkpen laughing. It felt great. God bless the
Corps
CPL.TYRRELL W.G. USMC C1/3 PLT 328 65-69
And I Quote...
"In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless
man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a
congress." -- John Adams
Small World
I enlisted in the Marine Corps in October of 1980 and graduated
from boot camp at Parris Island S.C. in January of 1981. After
boot camp and a short tour at 2nd Tank Bn 2nd Marine Division
Camp Lejeune, I spent a year tour in Okinawa Japan. In 1983, I
was assigned to H&S Bn, 2d FSSG Camp Lejeune as a Motor
Transport Operator. Within the fist six months, I was assigned
to guard duty in the French Creek area. I checked in and
reported to the Assistant Guard Chief where I was given my post
and time to be standing by to assume my duties. Nineteen years
later I retired from the Marine Corps as a MSgt. I am now in the
civilian community serving as the first Community Restitution
Coordinator for the St. Charles, Il Police Dept. I supervise
defendants assigned from the courts to perform service hours in
the community.
As I was walking up and down the passageways at the Police
Department, I was thinking about how I was going to get this new
program off the ground. I was also trying to learn the faces of
the officers from pictures hanging on the bulkheads. I walked
by these pictures many times trying to put faces to names and
vice versa. One picture in general gained my attention, as I
have seen this person somewhere before. As time went by, the
faces became more familiar to me except for that one. I could
not put my finger on it.
Three months later I attended a police memorial at the Police
Department. The OIC of the police detail was out in front of
the platoon, doing his regular barking of orders, "attention,
dress right dress and report". I was even more curious because
the voice sounded familiar. I didn't know anything about this
officer, or if he ever even served in the Corps. I approached
another officer, Sgt Steve Huffman who was also a former Marine,
and we started talking about the memorial and how well
everything was put together and the professionalism of the
officer in charge of the platoon. I recall asking him if this
person ever had a brother or relative in the Corps because he
sure looked familiar. He then told me that the OIC had served
in the Corps as an MP and a Recruiter and had served for eight
years.
Now I was even more anxious for the memorial to conclude because
I could not wait to talk with the former Devil Dog. I walked up
to him, congratulated him on a job well done and said "I
understand you served in the Corps". He stated (with a whole
lot of pride), "Yes I did and who the h&ll are you" Spoken like
a true jar head. As I said before, we had never met. I told
him my name as did he, and that I just retired from the Corps
three years earlier. I told him that he looked familiar, but I
just could not place him. I started asking him the usual
questions; "how long were you in, were you officer or enlisted,
where were you stationed?" just to mention a few. He answered
all of the above questions and when he said that he was assigned
to H&S Battalion 2d FSSG at CLNC in the 80's it all started to
click.
As it turns out, we were in the same Battalion together, however
he was assigned to MP Co and I was assigned to H&S Co. I later
learned in our conversation that he was actually the Assistant
Guard Chief that I had checked in with when I was assigned to
guard duty. His name is Jerry Gatlin.
Jerry got out of the Marine Corps in 1990 as a SSgt and is now a
Sgt here at the Police Department. His current billet is the Sgt
in charge of Criminal Investigations. We have all since talked
on a regular basis about the Marine Corps and enjoy sharing our
experiences and stories of Marines we have served with. We have
a total of seven former Marines here at the PD, MSgt Mike
Greisbaum (Retired), Sgt's Steve Huffman and Jerry Schomer, and
Corporals Scott Coryell and Dan Kuttner. Hardly a day goes by
that some where along the line you don't hear "DEVIL DOG" in the
passageways.
It is said the Old Corps is any time before YOUR time. Maybe so.
I have no sea stories but I know, without any doubt, that the
Corps had and has a tremendous effect on my life. I was in
1955-58, went through Boot in SDiego,,,,and survived. Now, I
have been in the Insurance business for over 50 years. Had it
not been for the stuff ingrained in me by the Corps, I don't
know what would have happened to this old Marine.....one each.
Don Calvin, St. Louis
And I Quote...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with
the blood of patriots and tyrants." -- Thomas Jefferson
And I Quote...
"When I took the oath of office, I pledged loyalty to only one
special interest group -- 'We the People.' Those people --
neighbors and friends, shopkeepers and laborers, farmers and
craftsmen -- do not have infinite patience. As a matter of fact,
some 80 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt wrote these instructive words
in his first message to the Congress: 'The American people are
slow to wrath, but when their wrath is once kindled, it burns
like a consuming flame.' Well, perhaps that kind of wrath will
be deserved if our answer to these serious problems is to repeat
the mistakes of the past." -- Ronald Reagan
I have tried to stay out of the argument about P.I. and
"Hollywood" Marines. I joined in Nashville, TN where I still
live, and I was sent to San Diego in Feb. of 1968. My older
brother joined in about 1964 and he was sent to P.I. Go figure.
Anyway, while at San Diego I was in Platoon 136 and my Sr. Drill
Instructor was SSgt Haycock. He was the greatest D.I. around. We
took "Honor Platoon" hands down because of his superior training
methods. He was brilliant when it came to instructing. Of
course, we had instructors for most of our classes but he taught
us drill, like the title implies, cleaning rifles, making racks,
area police call and all of the other little useless pieces of
information that, when combined together, makes one squared away
platoon of Marines. The other two D.I.'s were Sgt Kamakawiwioli
(no clue on the spelling but the w's were pronounced as v's) and
Sgt Johnson, who was good on inspections because he had
supposedly traveled with I.G. teams around the Corps.
Things were going pretty smooth at first. The typical punishment
for someone screwing up in drill or anything else while in
formation was anywhere from 50 to 100 pushups or squat thrusts.
The pushups were 4 count as you would expect. After we had gone
through a few weeks with these 3 D.I.'s we got another D.I. who
was supposed to have been kicked out of P.I. for mistreating
recruits. You know how scuttlebutt goes. We were all ready for
our trip to sick bay with all kinds of imagined injuries from
this guy.
The first time we went out with him for drill, sure enough
someone pulled a Private Pyle and he blew up. Oh Boy, here it
comes! He put his hands on his hips and shouted, "OK maggots, on
your faces! Give me 20!" We almost couldn't do the pushups from
laughing inside. That was the way it was. This holy terror from
"The Island" never gave us more than half the punishment we
would normally have received for any given offense. He didn't
last long. Sgt Kam, as our other D.I. was called by his peers,
would occasionally slap us around when he felt like it. Sgt
Johnson was also a "hands on" type instructor. SSgt Haycock
didn't need to. His piercing eyes and cold voice was much worse
than any physical injury he might use. Also, after we had been
there a couple of weeks, we just didn't want to disappoint him.
We had so much respect for him.
One last story. When we had our first pay call, we lined up at
the front door of one of the Quonset huts. The Pay Officer was
seated behind a desk about 10 feet into the room and just to the
right of the door that led through the hut and out the back. We
had been instructed to enter when told, stand at attention and
loudly state, "Sir, Private Bratton reporting for pay, Sir!"
With our eyes straight ahead, the Pay Officer would count out
our pay from stacks of bills on the desk and pile them in front
of us. When he finished, we were to sound off again without
counting or looking down, "Sir, the private's pay is correct,
Sir!" We would then scoop up the cash, make a distinct left
face, take about one and a half steps, make a sharp right turn
and double-time out the back of the Quonset hut, a distance of
about 50 feet. I did the first facing movement, made a quick
effort at the step and a half and made the sharp right turn and
began to double-time out the back of the hut. The only problem
was that I needed about a step and three quarters instead of a
step and a half. My right thigh, extremely strong and tough from
my weeks of training, caught the corner of the desk. As I moved
ahead, the desk slid back knocking the Pay Officer over in his
chair and scattering the piles of bills everywhere. I never even
slowed down. I had intended to keep running right out the front
gate and to San Diego International, never to be seen again. I
knew I was dead if caught.
Somehow, SSgt Haycock, who had been standing outside the front
door to send in the next recruit, beat me around the building
and was waiting for me when I came out the back door. He didn't
say much, something like, "Out F...ing Standing!". He then told
me to do squat thrusts forever. I think I got up to about 750
before he came back much later. I was doing them on the little
blacktop path that ran among all the Quonset huts and my hands
were bleeding pretty bad. He told me to go clean up and fall in.
The only bad thing is that we had pugil sticks the next day and
it was hard to hold a good grip with my "hamburger hands". My
point is, I'm sure if I had been on "The Island" and made this
mistake I would have been stood in front of a firing squad of
flaming arrows and soaked in gasoline.
This is similar to the "boot" argument that comes up in any
group of jarheads recalling their time in the Corps. If you
graduated one position ahead of another Marine in your platoon,
he was called a "boot". You may have bragging rights but you are
all Marines. When in combat, I never asked the Marine covering
my back where he went to boot camp and he never asked me. I am
not bragging but I made E-5 in two years and eight months after
graduating a private so SSgt Haycock must have done something
right. I spent my time in Vietnam as a 2531 Field Radio Operator
but later changed to 3516 Truck Mechanic in Okinawa. I was on a
Med Cruise in Motor Transport when I was Meritoriously Promoted
to Sgt. I give all the credit for this to my D.I.'s and my
officers and staff NCO's. So, Parris Island, San Diego,
whatever, I admit Parris Island carries a certain mystic when
you say it but I will defend my training in Hollywood to the
death.
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front
of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
-G. K. Chesterton
And I Quote...
"Come on, you sons of b!tches! Do you want to live forever!" --
GySgt. Daniel J. "Dan" Daly, USMC; near Lucy-'le-Bocage as he
led the 5th Marines' attack into Belleau Wood, 6 June 1918
Sarge, In you last letter Paul Tackes wrote "Remember the
Rockpile"? He then wrote about the NVA holding up in the caves
of the Razorback and having B-52's drive them out into the open.
Yes Paul, I remember the Rockpile, and I have to tell you that I
had a little better view of the B-52 raid than you did. Not only
a better view, but a much safer view , (As long as the B-52's
stayed on Target) and I have it all on film.
There were two teams on top of the Rockpile in those days
totaling 8-12 men on any given day. One from 1st Radio BN and
one from Recon with an occasional Artillery Observer or an Army
"A" Team coming in or out pulling recon missions on the
Razorback and the surrounding hills. No one told us that the
B-52's were coming and as you know we were right next to the
Razorback keeping an eye on the "Little People" with the ships
binoculars we had up there on the LZ.
There were two passes by the B-52's and when watched on film you
can see the initial blast and then the concussion waves raising
up in circles of dirt and rock, (And I'm sure body parts)
especially on the second run. I had the 8mm film put on DVD a
few years back, and the quality of the film had deteriorated
over the years, but it is still a sight to behold. For those of
us who were there and had "Front Row Seats", it will always be
in our memories. I'm sure you would like to see it again from a
higher vantage point. I'm going to look into pulling just that
part of the DVD and having it available to those Marines I have
heard from over the years who remember it. Sgt. Grit can give
you my e-mail and I will look into making it available for you.
S/Sgt T.B. Dudley
Sgt Grit;
My family was lucky to have come in to your store last year and
we plan on coming back, but this time we will have more money...
I love to read the letters and tid-bits that you put on the
site, I thought you would like this. My husband, Jackie Mathews
spent three tours in Vietnam. he was treated like all the other
veterans form that era and now he will get his "WELCOME HOME".
Our family belongs to a motorcycle group called "Brazoria County
Cavalry" we do escort for the men and women in our County. My
husband has been asked to present several of our caps to the
service men and women, but one in particular really stuck to
him. This young Marine's uncle Had requested my husband to do
the presentation to his nephew and like always my husband said;
yes. Unknown to my husband he was going to present not one but
three hats to this family. You see two of the Marines just
graduated and had gotten married that week. Yes all in one week.
My husband waled up to the first Marine and looked him up and
down and then said to the young gentleman; "is there any sea
going bell hop around" and the young Marine said yes and the
other two looked at them wondering what was going on.
Any way long story short after my husband did his presentation
the leader of the organization strode up and ask those tree
Marines if they had ever seen an "AMERICAN HERO", before? The
room silent and you then heard Tracy (the leader) call my
husband back up the front of the room and he then said: "Ladies
and Gentleman I want to introduce to you Jackie Mathews Vietnam
Veteran, Desert Storm Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient" I
forgot what it was like to see my husband cry.
God Bless
Mary Mathews
proud wife of a Marine
"They are in front of us, behind us, and we are flanked on both
sides by an enemy that outnumbers us 29:1. They can't get away
from us now!"
[Col. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC; when the Marines were cut
off behind enemy lines and the Army had written the 1st Marine
Division off as being lost because they were surrounded by 22
enemy divisions. The Marines made it out inflicting the highest
casualty ratio on an enemy in history and destroying 7 entire
enemy divisions in the process.] (An enemy division is 16500+
men while a Marine division is 12500 men)
Sgt. Grit,
I would just like to send my thanks that you have set this
website up to motivate Marines. I have been out of the Corps
for a year or two and your website has motivated me to remember
my core values and to never forget the title I still carry.
Semper Fidelis Sergeant.
Corporal Kriger, Charles M.
Marine Air Group 16
MCAB Miramar
San Diego California
You're making the wrong assumption that a MARINE by himself is outnumbered.
Brothers to the End
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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