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"Old breed? New breed? There's not a d*mn bit of difference so
long as it's the Marine breed."
--General Chesty Puller, USMC
Kent Mitchell
CPL USMC 1956-60, 9th Marines & 1st Marines Stone Mountain, GA
Almost Feel Guilty
I read these letters from former Marines and I almost feel
guilty saying I was in the Corps. I enlisted in the RESERVE in
March of 1948 for 2 years, then reenlisted in 1950. In August of
that year our unit was activated. Our unit was broken into 2
units according to service. I attended what was called combat
infantry training at Camp Pendleton.
On November 6th I went ashore at Wonson Korea as what was later
called the first replacement draft.. I along with 8 others were
sent to the 1st Marine Regt. H&S Company. and I served with this
unit for 12 months before rotating back to the US. During this
time there was a constant reminder that we were ONLY reserves.
There have been times when being a reserve was almost a bad
name. I still carry the R after US MC and at times feel I don't
belong.
I was nominated for the Navy Cross and the Silver Star so I feel
I tried to uphold the traditions of the Corps. I am proud of the
time I was allowed to wear the uniform and call myself a Marine,
but there are those who say I wasn't, a Marine because I didn't
attend boot camp.
Thank you for letting me unload something I have been carrying
for almost 60 years even though I know it is bogus...
J.R.Morris...1051995
The 234th Birthday Message
The 234th Birthday Message (YouTube Video)
By Gen Jim Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps
Wouldn't Trust
Larry Pate's letter and his picture of Platoon 315 (PI Sept. 54)
brought back plenty of memories. So much so that I retreated to
my picture album and came up with this family collage. From left
to right, me at PI as I graduated on October 13th, 1954 with
Platoon 383, my father John graduating PI in October 1943, and
my brother Bob who graduated PI in 1951 (date of picture
unknown).
When people talk about the Old Corps, I think of those that went
before me. Who amongst you ever saw a boot with a mustache? Look
close, my father had one when he graduated. Who amongst you
dared to grow your hair as long as my brother did in that
undated picture.
Another proud recollection, in 1943, at the height of WWII my
father went to join the Army, he wouldn't think of trying for
the Marine Corps. You see, the Corps turned him down seventeen
years before, when he was eighteen, "too short". While Pop was
standing there preparing to undergo some kind of examination
when a Marine Sergeant came in and starting counting off every
third man in a line of guys and told them they were going to be
Marines.
Well, Pop looked at the poor lot the Sergeant was getting and
asked how come these poor specimens were getting to go in the
Marine Corps when he was turned down as a young man in much
better shape these guys. Well, said the sergeant "these are
draftees, we don't get a choice". Then he asked Pop, do you want
to become a Marine. Naturally, Pop said "yeah". With that the
Sergeant said "Okay, you are now a draftee in the Marine Corps".
A day later, as Pop's personnel record shows, he was discharged
as a "draftee" and re-instated the same day as an "enlistee".
By the way, he had four kids, a wife and defense job that
guaranteed his being able to sit the war out. Instead, he
participated in the invasion and occupation of Okinawa, was
discharged as a Corporal and lead his two oldest sons to the
Marine recruiting office before he'd let the Army draft us. He
said, he wouldn't trust anyone but another Marine with his son's
lives.
Semper Fi
Richard Young
Sergeant (1954-1957)
'Twas The Night Before Boot Camp
'Twas the night before Boot Camp, covered in dirt
I was the only creature stirring, had to iron my shirt.
My boots were all spit-shined, my pants pressed with care
In hopes that Graduation soon would be there.
The recruits were in formation, wished they were in bed
While visions of push-ups danced in their heads
We tucked in our shirt-tails, straightened our cap
Many of us looked like we needed a nap
When out from the barracks there arose such a clatter
The DI's were coming, could they look any madder?
Over to formation they flew like a flash
Tore down our egos before they could clash
We thought that we'd be there until we saw snow
Doing thousands of push-ups on the pavement below.
Out from our quivering arms flew our fear
I could tell right away that teamwork was near
PT was not fun, the runs were so quick
I sure hope what's taught in the classes will stick
And when we lost focus the DI's they came
They yelled and they shouted and called us by name
Now maggot, Now scumbag, recruit, Now louse
On worthless, On loser, On fleabag, On mouse
Get on the floor, Up against the wall
Now push-ups, and push-ups, more push-ups for all
With honor, integrity, no longer aloof
We were coming together, we all saw the proof
We lifted our heads, we were shouting out loud
Future Marines, tall strong and proud
Through classes and training we learned what to do
To make sure we kill till the fightin' is through
Clean our weapons by the light of the moon
We can all tell that graduation is soon
We thanked the Drill Instructors, they are not mean
They taught us all how to work as a team
Trained warriors, mean, green and lean
We've earned the proud title of U.S. Marine
We fight anywhere so you all can rest
Our enemies are sure to give us a test
They'll hear us exclaim as we turn out their light
"Semper Fi to you all, we won the fight"
Jason Wyatt, former LCpl with Kco. 3/8, Camp Lejeune
1944 Memory
Dear Sgt Grit,
Your magazine arrived yesterday.
I am writing to let you know my husband PFC Albert W. Adams
passed away on may 29th. So there is no need to send the
magazine any more.
He did enjoy looking through it and I know it brought back a lot
of memories to him. Some were good memories, but there were also
bad ones when he would think of the horrors of the war that he
through.
Sincerely,
Shirley Adams
P.S. I enjoyed the story of how the magazine got its' name. I
enjoyed the part when you mentioned John Wayne. Thought you
would like this picture (1944) that was taken of my husband
with John Wayne.
Repeated Demonstrations
Sgt Grit:
Just a quick story from my days at 29 Palms, in the mid 1960's.
The "Training Tank" was great, had a big deep end -15 or 18 feet
deep, as I remember. It was long and wide with lots of space
for chairs and people to relax in the sun. It had this huge
wooden contraption at the deep end with various platform levels
at ever increasing heights. The top platform was, I guess,
close to 35 feet high or even higher.
The story was that this contraption was there to teach Marines,
of the FMF, the proper method to leave a damaged naval ship at
sea, the various platforms simulated the deck heights of
different ships. This was necessary due to the number of Marines
traveling to FMFPAC, WESTPAC.
During my stay at 29 Palms - almost two years - I never saw one
day of formal abandon ship training at the training tank - so
called because the funding for a swimming pool was rejected but
funding for an Olympic size "training tank" was approved. So
that's how Marines and their families got the best training tank
(pool) in the Mohave desert.
Of course, the lack of formal training didn't stop the Marines
at the 'tank', (adapt, improvise and overcome) they volunteered
to teach themselves how to abandon ship in any of dozens of
different positions and to instruct other Marines how to leave
the deck of even the tallest ship in the FMF - willingly or not.
There were repeated demonstrations, day after day, making the
desert Marines at 29 Palms, the most highly trained at abandon
ship drills of anyone in the Corps.
I'm sure that training has served the Corps and all of the
Marines who participated, well over the years. Who knows how
many lives have saved and fond memories formed by the
experiences at the Training Tank.
Happy Birthday Marines (234) on 10Nov09!
Sgt. B. James (Dutch) Naberhuis
1964-1967
MAG 11
Sgt,
I got to DaNang in July 1970. I labeled the pics 40 years ago,
so I hope I was accurate back then.
Mag 11 main gate to air field
Mag 11 PX in housing area
shrapnel holes in the hangar wall
enjoy the memories of been there done that
Semper Fi
Choo Choo
sgt of Marines (NLA)
68-74
RVN 70-71
Air Force Office
OLD vs. NEW - A Marine is a different breed of person. We must
all take pride in our time of service and experiences. I wanted
to join the AF and took the test and was put on a waiting
program for 120 days.
Coming out of the AF office a MARINE was standing there and
asked if I wanted to be a Marine. My reply was, I am waiting to
get into the AF and he said he could get my tests transferred to
the Corps.
Patience is not one of my best virtues, so I agreed to enlist
into the Marines. Jointed in Oct 67 and arrived in Vietnam in
April of 68. Serving three tours of duty, wounded twice and
spent two months in Japan for recovery.
Our unit India 3/3 has three Medal of Honors, Robert O'Malley
was the first Marine to get the MOH and to survive. William
Prom, who I served with was killed on 9 Feb 69 and Coker was
with Mike 3/3 kia in 1970.
Oliver North and Charles C. Krulak were members of our
battalion. Chesty Puller's son was in Japan and I had a chance
to meet him. So we all have allot of experiences and memories to
share.
Semper Fi to all Past Present and future MARINES
Rex C. McBee Sgt USMC
One Crowded Place
Every war is different, are you telling me the first Marines
that fought from the rigging of US Men of War's weren't Marines?
If anyone has the right to the EGA it was them, the first! I
guess it will be the topic discussed when we all meet up again
in the forever where ever it may be, God and Satin don't want us
out of fear we'll take over, so that means we will haunt the
original Tun Tavern, telling war stories! It's going to be one
crowed place. We'll re-fight battles with our brother FMF
corpsman's. Our reward, The Navy shore patrol will show up to
keep order, Yeah Right :-)!
Semper Fi Rick
Steadfast Demeanor
Sgt. Grit. In 1968, I was a young LCpl. I was put on a 6x and
told I was going up to Hue City. Upon arrival, we met with
Capt. Christmas of H 2/5. I was immediately impressed with his
steadfast demeanor and courage under fire. Forty one years
later, I was on a tour of our Marine Corps museum. I exited the
elevator en route to Tun Tavern and saw now, General Christmas
standing in front of me. I introduced myself and was speechless
that he not only acknowledged me but also introduced me to Col.
Cheatam who was with him. Meeting these Marine Corps leaders and
warriors was the proudest moment of my visit to our museum.
Sgt. C. Worden
Viet Nam 67/68
Kind Of Smiled
I join the US Marine Corps in August 8, 1966, boy a night to
always to remember.
The bus rolled through the gate that night, we were partying
hard. Then the bus came to a stop, the driver kind of smiled a
shy type of smile. Open that door to the bus. A monster got on,
yelling an stuff get off this bus don't leave anything on here,
put your butts on those yellow footprints an shut up. It was a
night of terror MCRD San Diego, Calif. That hair cut, cold
showers, a little sleep up about four or so. Walking arm in arm.
But through it all Sgt Brown, the DI and SSgt Irwin, the platoon
commander, and Cpl butler who could not call the drill right.
We made honor platoon, plt 1082 that was the best day of our
life we all made it happen by gut sweat an over-coming all that
was thrown at us. We did it we were Marines.
On your web sight I see the boot camp sweat (the yellow one)
shirt. I didn't go to Viet Nam, blow out my right knee in
Bootcamp. Felt bad cause it was my duty to fight for our
country, but other Marines told me: hold your head up high, you
are a Marine still, even if you didn't go over to the war you
joined the best of the best. A family of green that do not care
if you went to Nam or not. I did my time at 3MAW at El Toro
Santa Ana Calif.
Love the news letters and all that you do to get Marine items to
us guys. God bless you Sgt Grit and your staff.
Harry brown 2235664
USMC Cpl Aug. 8, 1966 - Sept 9, 1969.
Bugged Eyed
Sgt Grit; The recent stories of the Motivational Platoon at PI
reminded me of something that happened many years ago. Our
Platoon 119, was formed on April 7 1961.
We were still in our first phase of training, probably 2 weeks
in, when we picked a private from the Motivational Platoon. He
had either the rack next to me or across from me. Anyway I
remember thinking that he was the most bugged eyed person I had
ever seen in my short 18 years.
After a couple of weeks his eyes however returned to a more
normal appearance. I don't remember if he ever told me what got
him sent to motivation or how long he stayed there but the DIs
at Motivation did their job as he was one squared away recruit
at PI and later on at ITR.
Other comments were made about privates missing some training
but remaining with their Platoon. I don't know about later years
but in 1961 if you missed training because of a health issue or
some other personal issue you were sent back to another platoon.
There were also cases of where this happened as a result of not
satisfactorily completing some segment of training. I don't
remember why but we were within 4 or 5 days of graduation and
one of our guys got sent back to a platoon that was in the 11th
week. I don't remember exactly what our DIs did when we got at a
SET BACK but I do recall they weren't very happy about it...
Thanks for the memories:
John P Vaughn L/Cpl
1942842 (61 to 65)
Have A Name
Sgt. Grit
Did you know the hooch's we had in Viet Nam have a name?
Recently while wandering around on the net, I discovered they
are called "SEA huts", which stands for "Southeast Asia huts".
They are also referred to as "hard backs". I'm enclosing two
pictures. One is of a professionally built SEA hut, the other
was taken on Monkey Mountain and was my hooch while in Bravo
Battery 1st LAAM Bn, '65-'66.
When I first arrived on the mountain, they were true "hard
backs". They were just a 2x4 frame with a GP tent thrown over
them and they leaked everywhere the canvas touched the lumber.
Our chief cook, Sgt Wainscott, was the Battery "liberator of all
goods not deemed important enough to post a guard" and in
December of '66 some "homeless" corrugated followed him back to
the Battery. We cut the tops off the tents and gave the
corrugated a new home. Somewhere around the end of monsoon
season, a good sized stack of 1"x6" lumber mysteriously showed
up in the Battery compound. Since the Marine Corps wasn't an
organization to allow anyone or anything to just lie around,
like most good suburbanites, we sided our homes.
If you Google SEA hut, you'll find this description:
"When the 16- by 32-foot wood-frame tent is
modified with a metal roof, extended rafters, and
screened-in areas, it is called a Southeast Asia (SEA)
hut. An example of the completed product is shown in figure
9-21. The SEA hut was originally developed in Vietnam
for use in tropical areas by U.S. troops for berthing;
but, it can readily be adapted for any use in any situation. It
is also known as a strong back because of the roof and sidewall
materials."
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
Strung With Comm Wire
Sgt Grit,
It took me a long time to copy this; it was written by me and
another Marine in the early days of 'Nam (1966). It went to the
tune of "Big Iron" by Marty Robbins, but I think it works quite
well as it stands.
Courtesy to my lifesaving friend, Louis B. Glassburner, SSgt of
Marines, wherever you may be. We used to sing it, and I played
an old guitar, strung with comm wire...
Peter C. Formaz
It was early in the morning
on hill 881
Charlie thought he'd sit up top
and hold it with his guns.
The artillery was ready
and his troops could not be seen,
But Charlie didn't reckon on
The Leathernecks in green.
With bayonet and rifle
They were good, ol' Charlie found
For when they came up face-to-face
He was beaten to the ground.
Uncle Ho sent Charlie down
To capture old Quang Tri
But the Leathernecks who faced him
Were determined to stay free.
Now, as the battle heightened
and the shells began to fall,
Charlie found his soldiers
With their backs against the wall
Across the Ben Hai river He needed to retreat
'Cause Charlie found
the Leathernecks
Impossible to beat.
But it was not easy
Just to turn and run away,
Because, you see, these men in green
Had something left to say.
For Charlie found no matter what
His soldiers could not win,
And were forced to make their final stand
At a mountain called Co Din
Where Charlie's soldiers used to stand
the ground was damp and red,
There was nothing in his battle lines
But the wounded and the dead,
For Charlie's troops have gone away
Their Maker for to see,
They'll ne'er more feel the Wall Of Steel
Of the Leathernecks in green.
I Had A Recruit
Sgt Grit,
I remember readying a story about a wm ( women Marine ) being a
PMI at Okinawa and how hard it was being one there. I give her a
lot of credit for doing her job. But I too was a PMI with the
mos 8531 at camp Pendleton Edson range. Being at the PMI there
at the shack at 0430, waiting for the recruits to march in the
PMI shack area to start the first day ( day one )
Starting from day one, at the bleachers, to the circles, to the
firing line. then work with the recruits for night firing, then
to the combat training course. that took more time than two
weeks for some PMI's to work with their recruits. And took a lot
of your time away from your home. But that's Being a PMI at
Edson Range. We've got to wear campaign covers.
As for me, I was a PMI and the SNCO in charge of the coaches
school that I had to train ( two weeks training ) and get them
ready to be coaches on the firing line with the recruits. I
liked being a PMI, I worked with the navy chaplains on weekends
on the 9mm pistols and the shotguns. I also won a bronze and
silver medal with the m16a2 rifle.
I was a single person then, so I spent most of my time there at
the range with my recruits after hours talking about how they
did on the firing line. working with recruits from the start is
a very hard task. Some of them have never shot a rifle before,
so that's where your skills come in. I had a recruit that could
not hit the target for nothing! He was a small recruit. As I was
watching him shot slow fire, I notice that he had a hard time
putting the rifle in his shoulder, no matter how loose the sling
was, and elbow underneath the rifle, I took the recruit with me
to the armory and had the armor change the rifle butt from a A2
to a A1 rifle butt. The rifle butt on the A1 is shorter than the
A2. Well, I got the recruit to qualify. I also made some PMI t-
shirts for the staff there. (for those PMI's remember those t-
shirts). I guess to me that was the old Corps.
I understand that range is still the same, but the rifle firing
is different? I guess the time has change. My primary MOS was a
3529, but I liked the 8531 MOS the most, working with the
recruits. then I went overseas again, to 9th Comm Bn, 1st SRIG,
where we did a 50 mile hump! Well, back to the Corps.
SSGT STEVEN MARTINEZ
EDSON RANGE-1988-1991
Look Of Astonishment
Sgt. Grunt,
I recently attended the Air Show at MCAS Miramar. I was walking
up and down the aisles of exhibits and stopped to talk to a
young Devil-dog. Incidentally, he didn't look old enough to buy
a beer. As we were talking, we got on the subject of the newest
technology, which took our conversation to the advancements in
GPS among other things. I told him that GPS was just coming out
when I was finishing my enlistment, and that we all hated it;
too big, too heavy, too difficult to use, too slow, and not as
accurate as we were with a map, compass and protractor.
A look of astonishment came over his face as he asked, "What do
you mean a compass and protractor?"
I told him, "You know, land nav." I proceeded to instruct him
in the finer points of intersection and resection.
The young hard Charger responded, "Oh, yeah, we learned about
that in boot camp. That's why we like you old-timers. We
learned about it, but you guys lived it. We always learn
something cool with you guys around."
"Old-timer," I questioned to myself. "I'm not even out of my
30's and this young Leatherneck just called me an 'old-timer' ".
Well, it took me a few days, but I accepted it as I figure I'm
now officially part of the "Old Corps".
Semper Fi!
Adam Doolittle
1988-1992
He Agreed
November 10, 1775 at Tun Tavern, there was a Marine recruiting
patrons of the tavern. The first one contacted was told if he
joined the Corps he would receive a free steak and a beer. He
agreed, and was asked by the recruiter if he owned a horse and a
rifle. He answered yes, and was sworn in and served his steak
and beer. The second one contacted was told the same thing,
joined, and said he had a horse and rifle.
The third recruit walked in and was given the same proposal.
Join the Corps and get a free steak and a beer. He agreed.
When he was asked if he had a horse and a rifle, he answered
that he had a rifle but no horse. The recruiter told him it was
o.k., the Corps would get him a horse. The first recruit leaned
over to the second recruit, and said "it wasn't like that in the
Old Corps".
Semper Fi Brothers and Sisters
Mark Harris
Cpl. '86-'89
Crash, Fire, Rescue
This is in reply to Gunny B: Some schools at Millington were
very advanced and required a 6 year enlistment to qualify. As
far as "They had to be screw ups, but not that bad though, since
the drop outs were sent to crash, fire, rescue."
As a former 7051 I would respectfully remind the Gunny that in
order to be a Crash, Fire and Rescue Specialist you needed to
know the principals of fire, each aircraft assigned to an air
station as well as those visiting so you could respond to an
emergency. Plus you had to be in top physical shape so you could
lift and evacuate pilot(s) and/or crew from a burning aircraft.
Many pilots were glad to see the Crash Crew when their planes
had a malfunction.
So before making such statements please turn on brain housing
group before engaging mouth. Also, as a former recruiter, the
highest rank an individual could go in under contract for was
LCpl, not Cpl and then they had to meet certain criteria. Semper
Fi!
Julian Etheridge
SSgt 1974 - 1985
0331/7051/8411
Fill A Small Bucket
Gary K. wrote about items that newbies were dispatched to
retrieve within the area. When I was in Nam at Khe Sanh before
the poop-hit-the-fan during Tet of '68, newbies were dispatched
to retrieve various articles. I was with A/1/13, artillery
support for 1/26. One of the items they were sent from one gun
to another with instructions to bring back was a "bucket of
muzzle blast". Another was a S-T-ONE. We were having fun with
these up until the siege started. To get the muzzle blast, we
would go to the fire pit where we burned stuff to boil our
utilities, fill a small bucket with the ashes and instruct the
guys to be very careful, that was all that was left in the
battery area. It was fun watching them walk very carefully and
panic if the breeze picked up and some of the ash blew out. That
was some of the things we did for fun.
Harold Jury
A/1/13 from Sept. '67 thru Nov. '68
Just A Picture
Anyone who precedes the next generation is the "old Corps"
I imagine the WWI generation looked upon the WWII Marines and
said the same thing who said it to the Korean Marines, who said
it to the Vietnam Marines who say it now to the Gulf Marines who
are saying it to this new generation.
The Corps adjusts to the times, just as any organization does.
The need for a better educated and "technology aware" Marine
nowadays doesn't mean they are less qualified or are "softer"
Marines than we who have gone before them. I would have to say
the opposite is true.
Look at the hand-to hand combat, look at the weapons, look at
the logistic, communications and aircraft! Boot Camp is still
the hardest and most feared by people who want to join the
service and much thought still goes into being a Marine versus
being a doggie, wingwiper or swabby.
Last but not least, the main thing that has not changed is the
Pride we felt and is still felt on graduation day and when we
put on our uniform and walked down the street. The "Old Corps"
is just a picture, just a window in time as to what the Corps
looked like back then, that's all.
Greg Bourlotos, New York
1959
50 years ago this month made the big jump into life in the
Corps.
Platoon 280 Second Bn. Honor platoon, everything except the
range.
This was our company and platoon leaders for 280 series
Company "E" Co. Capt. E.E. Evans
Series Co. Lt. D.S. Rilling
Senior Drill Inst. Sgt. M.H. Cooper
Junior Drill Inst. Act. Sgt. F.M. Burke
Junior Drill Inst. Act. Sgt. D.I. Kolek
Read His History
On TV a few weeks back a young sergeant from a unit of the 8th
Marines that made a comment that Marines of the past had nothing
on Marines of today, that young sergeant needs go back and read
his history again. Every Marine who has served on foreign soil
during combat has to endure their own hardships. Marines of
WWII had endure many years at time away from their families for
years till they got to come home. Marines of Korea had to
endure the extreme cold of the north, the Marines of Vietnam had
the extreme heat and monsoons of the jungle. Yes the Marines of
today serve many back to back tours. He needs to get counseled
and told to keep his option to himself and his mouth shut in
front of reporters. Because the media can blow anything and
everything way out portion.
richard cox GySgt retired 3/4/76 - 3/31/96 0369
Healthy SOS for old vets-Bob Hall's version
Measurements: Tablespoon is one of them big, silver things from
the mess hall, not a little bitty plastic thing.
2 pounds ground turkey
2 tablespoons no-trans-fats soft margarine
1 cup freshly cut chopped onion
1 small can mushroom pieces
4 tablespoons whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons crushed garlic
4 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 cups skim milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Whole grain toast
Brown meat, add margarine and stir. Add onions and cook until
they are translucent. Add flour, stir and cook two to three
minutes. Add garlic, soy sauce and Worcestershire. Mix
thoroughly. Transfer to larger, microwave bowl. Add skim milk
and microwave till it thickens, stirring frequently. Serve on a
shingle (whole grain toast}.
Robert A. Hall
Til I Die
I joined the CORPS in November of 1978 as soon as I was 17.
My cousin was killed in Nam (he was 1st Marine RECON). I will
never forget those 2 MARINES knocking on the door to tell my
Aunt that her son was killed by a kid with a grenade. I decided
then that I was going to be a Marine, and a few short years
later I enlisted.
We were trained by Vietnam vets, they said we were the "NEW
CORPS" if this was the "NEW CORPS" I was certain I wanted
nothing to do with the "OLD CORPS". They trained us to hard and
very mean. I am proud to be of the "NEW CORPS" of that day. As
should any Marine today should be proud to be of the "NEW
CORPS". the "NEW CORPS" has better training and way better
equipment than my generation of "NEW CORPS" has and we had
better training and equipment the our BROTHERS from the "OLD
CORPS" had.
The fact is after every advancement in training and knowledge
come the "NEW CORPS" and all the FRESH and FUTURE fresh MARINES
should cherish the fact that some of us old timers call the "NEW
CORPS" because they are better equipped and trained then we
were or our BROTHERS were. I will still get into a bar room
brawl if someone starts S**t with one of my young BROTHER home a
leave from the SANDBOX (I have done it more than once)A Marine
is never alone if there is another Marine in the room no matter
what right or wrong it does not matter if you are "OLD CORPS" or
"NEW CORPS" that is my true feelings on the whole issue. I am a
Marine till I die my "EGA" is still tattooed on me and will go
to the grave with me. we are the "FEW THE PROUD" for a reason
and none should ever forget that.
LCPL Bryan Waters
3Bn3Mar 1978-1983
51/49%, Reserves
GySgt. Rousseau was right on line with the numbers of Marines at
the start of Korea. Within a month, another 150,000 + had been
called up and activated. Many directly to Korea, to fill out
the Division for Inchon. The rest filled in the 2nd Division,
and started the nucleus of the 3rd Division, and when Chesty
came home, he had his fingers in that also.
AS to the Commandant standing for the preservation of the Corps,
you bet, along with a few others, some who resigned their
commission, to purposely be able to gather the information
necessary to present to Congress, and the results are well know.
No thanks, as related at to the thoughts and feelings of some
four/five star army generals, the president and their feelings.
And by April/May 51, the 'on-line fighting force in Korea was
51/49%, reserves. And, as related, the Commandant had some
direct definite help in keeping the Corps ALIVE, by some who
actually retired from the Corps to be able to gather the
necessary information, to relate to Congress, FACTS, that led to
their decision and the present day Corps!
SF
Norman Callahan
C-1-1 Korea 51-52
Chesty's last regimental command!
Reunion 8th & I, 1963
I am putting together a mini reunion for the Marines of 8th & I
Drill Team, Color Guard and Body Bearers who served under Lt.
Bill Lee during 1963 following the assassination of President
Kennedy for the Death Watch at the White House & Capitol, Body
Escort, funeral and burial at Arlington National. These are the
same Marines who buried President Hoover, General MacArthur, NFL
half time shows, joint ceremonies for arrivals, departures of
dignitaries, wreath layings and guarded both President Kennedy &
Johnson at Camp David.
It will be in Dallas, TX December 4,5 & 6, 2009.
I can be contacted for details.
Ed McCloskey, Team "63-65"
ed.mccloskey @ verizon .net
Zero vs. Ought
Sgt. Grit,
Some of the real enjoyments of reading the letters sent to you
are the parallels that come up reminding one of their own Corps
experiences. Cpl George Lent mentions remembering his rifle
serial no. I, too, still remember mine probably because of the
incident that took place when we had finished with a lecture
period. We fell back on our stacked rifles and instead of
retrieving our rifle from the stack our Drill Instructor handed
them back individually by serial no. (something you had to
know). My rifle serial no. was 3056009 and when I referred to
it I always said 3-zero 5-6-zero-zero-9, the Drill Instructor
barked out 3-ought-5-6-ought-ought-9. It took me about 4 or 5
seconds to convert the oughts to zeroes; you got it, I was too
late and you can bet I paid for it That serial no. will die
with me..
Billy E. Fox mentions the cost to the United States for the tree
damage on Guadalcanal. While I was in MOS school one of the
instructors, who had taught at the University in Lubbock, Texas,
told us that the National Debt included the cost of tree damage
in Korea plus the tree damage on the Pacific Islands during WWII
(like Guadalcanal) that were owned by various foreign countries.
In fact, he and some other Marines were severely chastised for
cutting down some trees in Korea to build a bunker. While I
don't understand why and I don't agree with the practice, I must
assume there is some truth involved.
Stan Brangham
Cpl of Marines 53-55
Semper Fi
Motivation Platoon
For Steele, WJ, Plt 261, PI, 1959...interesting you should
mention Motivation Platoon at PI in 1959...since the East and
West Recruit Training Regiments are pretty much standardized,
and I know for an absolute fact that the Motivation Platoon at
MCRD SD did not come into being until early 1964...since I was a
plank holder, transferred there from 2 years in L Company. Any
DI's out there from PI in the late 50's who can advise? In SD,
Motivation Plt was part of Special Training Branch, and came
under HqCo, RTR.
Dick Dickerson, Maj. USMC Ret.
We Cleaned It Up
My husband, Rick (USMC 77-80) and I always knew our son, Aaron,
was a warrior. In preteen years his bedroom assumed a
camouflage identity. In teen years USMC posters were added. At
16 he and his best friend, Austin, worked out with the local
poolees. They memorized the hymn, the prayer...if it could be
memorized, they did so. The neighbors would see them sparring
in our front yard, or running the streets together.
Twelve days after he turned 17 he took us down to sign his early
enlistment, which we proudly did. He continued to be a
committed Poolee only now he and Austin ran the streets in their
Poolee shirts sometimes carrying the USMC flag Aaron had mounted
on a pole.
The plan for years had been to go in on the Buddy program, but
plans don't always work out. It turned out Austin would
graduate 2 weeks behind Aaron--and too late to be in Aaron's
wedding as the best man. Aaron asked his Dad to step into that
role.
The Bride and I worked hard to create a very classy Marine Corps
wedding and feel we really succeeded. We did some things that
would set apart this wedding in everyone's mind. One was having
one of the groom's sisters as a bridesmaid with the bride's
sister, and the other groom's sister filled the role of
"groomsmaid". The processional was unique, too, in that
Aaron had only graduated four days prior to their wedding, so a
sword was out of the question.
However, a year or so previous
Austin had given Aaron a Ka-Bar for his birthday. So without
Aaron knowing, we cleaned it up (with the Bride's permission, of
course!). Rick placed it in his belt at the back under his
dress jacket and at the appropriate time the pastor announced
that we were departing from tradition just a little. Rick drew
the sheathed knife from behind his back and held it out to Aaron
for inspection. Aaron drew it out, inspected it and they
proceeded to cut the cake. The guests LOVED it!
Perhaps Sgt Grit readers will enjoy the pictures, too.
Harriet Cook
Proud wife and mother of United States Marines!
The Last I Heard
Sgt. Grit, This is a story I wish to share with my fellow
Marines, that shows that the Corps is a true family. In 2008, I
was inducted to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society, an
honor for any veteran in the State of Arizona. The Award was
presented to me by Governor Jan Brewer and Arizona Veterans
Affairs Director, Joey Strickland.
In June 2009 in the early evening I received a telephone call
from Mississippi, and my caller ID said O.E. Gamble, a Marine
who I have not talked to or seen since 1958, when I was in
Grammar and then High School. When I answered the phone "Top"
Gamble said, is this Bill Pakinkis from New Jersey, and I said
yes. He told me he had seen my picture in the SMDA Newsletter,
and he called me to tell me how proud he was of me, and that he
always knew I would turn out to be a good Marine that he had
hoped I would be.
O.E. Gamble, was now a retired SgtMaj, and 96 years old, a
veteran of WW II and Korea. In the mid-fifties he was the NCOIC
for USMC Recruiting Station in Paterson, NJ, I volunteered my
services at the Recruiting Station and he was our counselor to
our Boys Club, the "Gyrenes", a prelude to today's Young Marines
and Devil Pups. O.E. taught me everything about the Corps
because he knew I was going to enlist in ' 62 so, he wanted to
get me ready. He was transferred back to Division, and that's
the last I heard from him since '58, until this past June.
A couple of days ago I received my Quarterly SMDA Newsletter,
and in the "Taps" Section I read SgtMaj. Orville E. Gamble, SMDA
Past President, and Wife Maree, SgtMaj Gamble died a month after
I talked to him, and his wife of 70 years, died two days later.
O.E. Gamble taught me a lot about being a Marine, and I thank
him for it. I tried to contact him during my Marine Corps
career, but to no avail. I wanted to share this story, to show
that the United States Marine Corps is a family indeed.
GySgt W.F. "Bill" Pakinkis (RET) 1962 - 1984
Cleaning Out The Garage
Sgt Grit,
Recently, while cleaning out the garage, I found these two
goodies from 1955. Even after all these years, these verses
brought a 78 year old Marine to tears.
Jim Reed S/Sgt USMC 1948-52, USMCR 1954-55
Leathernecks
Laud these men as they march along,
Each a note to a famous song,
A proud and fiery song of glory,
That tells a true and mighty story,
Horrible the way that it was written,
Endless they with bullets smitten,
Radiant though in right and glory,
Ne'er will you find a brighter story,
Ever ready for our calling,
Constant each unto his calling,
Kindred giants who guard the free,
So t'was, is, and ever shall be!
-John Polly
The Kid Marines
We stood together, the kids were there,
They were combat ready and they had that stare,
Marines every one, and trained to know,
That for their country to battle they go,
The kids were thinking how it would be,
Not at a beach, but in a country not free,
Thinking of home and the gal next door,
They gazed at a beach they would soon explore,
Boot camp, training, the relentless drive,
All for the kids, so they would come back alive,
Back to their homes and loved ones there,
Yes, they'd know the fight was not in despair,
Two hundred yards and the fight would begin,
They were ready each one, their faces grim,
With the knowledge of battle that would soon begin,
They'll take that beach, they know what it means,
Their country, their home, the gal in her teens,
Their flag, old glory in her fine silken sheen,
Sure they'll win, they got guts, those kid Marines.
--Sgt Bradford W. Davis
Retirement
Hi Sgt. Grit,
I thought some of your Marines might like to see what a Retired Marine does in Florida.
Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Gy/Sgt. Lew Souder
1956 - 1976
OohRah & "Semper-Fi"
For Military Merit
Sgt. Grit
In regard to Thomas C. Bogan's advice to Sgt. Breens father in
the October American Courage Newsletter. The Purple Hearts in
our family, Chief Yeoman James F. Davis, June 1943, Battle of
the Atlantic, U.S.C G. Cutter Esconaba. K.I.A. Captain
Frederick E Deacon D+12 June 1944, Normandy K.I.A. P.F.C. Paul
F. Thomas U.S.M.C, February 1945, Iwo Jima W.I.A. And Captain
Charles J. McDonald U.S.M.C., March 1963 Vietnam W.I.A., are
engraved on the back "For Military Merit"
I would defer to anyone who has Valor on the back of his or hers
Purple Heart you are allowed to engrave the back of medals so it
may happen. What bothers me is I am unaware of this decoration
having been issued in different distinctions, I.E. Merit or
Valor if this is true we have all missed a very late boat off
the dock I am suspicious of the claim, and await the legendary
can of worms only your newsletter can uncover.
McDonald, Dennis T, Cpl.
1845828 / 0341, 1958 / 1964 Semper Fi.
Note: Legendary newsletter, I like that. Thank you.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Both Were Overwhelmed
To Sgt. Grit
I recently went through a box that had been packed up for over
forty years. I rediscovered my medals, ribbons, certificates and
awards that I had received while serving my country in the
Marine Corps ( Feb. 1965 to Jan. 1971 ) After some
consideration, I decided to display them and my pride of
service. I also thought I would surprise my Father and Brother
with a display of their service. My Father, now 84 Yrs. old,
served during WWII in the Pacific( USMC 1942 to 1945 )
He was
at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan and Okinawa some of the most
fierce battles the Marine Corps has ever had. My brother was in
the Army ( 1969 to 1972 ) Both of them were overwhelmed when I
presented them with their displays cases. The pride in their
face was worth a million dollars. I often find my Father gazing
at the display on the wall. Thank you for all your help and of
course for the availability of all the products I purchased from
you. ( See Attachments 1, 2, 3 & 4 )
NOTE : I know myself and many of my veteran buddies are still
not totally sold on commemorative medals. They feel that because
the Government did not issue them that they were not earned. But
I know in my case I found using them along with the rocker
patches really help to tell the whole story of my service. Also
I used another case, marked with a brass plaque saying
commemorative medals, it made all the difference in the world.
It help to tell where and when I served. ( See Attachment # 1, 2
& 3 ) In ( Attachment #4 ) is my Father's case. The rocker
patches help to tell the story of the battles he was in and
where he served and when. I hope these tips might help you sell
more of your products and help other when putting their displays
together.
Semper Fi
Sgt. Michael James Smith USMC Ret.
Note: We can customize a shadow box for you. Call 888-NOV-1775 (888-668-1775) if you'd like details...or get some stuff and make your own...great memories. Semper Fi Sgt Grit
ITR
Sgt Grunt; An old photo of ITR, this was when you got the M-14
in boot, M1 Garand in ITR and back to the M-14 everyplace else.
My son just gave me a M1 for a gift, h&ll of a shooter.
Regards; Tony Nemitz
K Rations...Yum! Yum!
Sgt Grit : Photo of PLT 174 Regimental Honor Platoon MCRD SD
1962 PLT Commander GySgt Thurmond, DI's Sgt Sanders, Sgt Trver,
Cpl Johnston. And a classic photo of K rations served up, makes
McDonalds look good don't it?
Semper Fi Tony Nemitz.
1953
I'm the third "grunt" in the top row... third from the right
W. Bellock
Set Back To T-1
While I was in boot camp during march thru june 1976, one of the
best memories I have is when our series (1025) I was in PLT 1028
was summoned to one of the class rooms. Once the series was
settled the series commander ( 1st Lt G.G. Gisolo ) told us that
as a series we have failed the 1st phase prac app as a whole and
that the whole series was going to be set back to T-1, we were
told to hang our heads not look around, not talk just walk
outside.
I am thinking holy s--t how am I going to explain this one to my
parents and I am going to be here longer. Just before I reached
the hatch Lt Gisolo tells us all to stop and look back and with
a dead pan face Says "April fool's ", one of the best memories I
have of boot camp. Of course I was a Hollywood Marine.
Richard Cox GySgt Retired 3/76-3/96 0369
Older Caveman
Sgt Grit,
It is truly amazing about the stories that continue to be
written about the "old Corps" vs. "new Corps". I actually
thought when I first joined that there were two separate Marine
Corps until I got wise. I heard this joke awhile back that I
think will put the constant "back n forth to rest". Here goes...
There were these two U.S. Marine cavemen standing in front of
their cave when they noticed two younger Marine cavemen,
carrying boulders on their back. The older caveman told the
other...back in the old Corps the boulders were bigger.
It is just fitting that we are the only branch that tries to
outdo each other...how befitting! I say to all of us...doesn't
make a d*mn bit of difference as long as we are the "Marine
Breed".
R/S
Charles J Sotomayor
Marine Breed
No One Out Marines
Hey Sarge,
That 8404 "squid"... me thinks he was a Hospital Corpsman and
that is a best case scenario... not a Field Corpsman who
actually served in the field with Marines... Purple heart or not
(where and how did he get it? I was friends with a Field
Corpsman who prior to that had been one of the early "seal
team" guys in 'nam and got his eardrums blown out [by a grenade
thrown into the river he was infiltrating by a bad guy]... to
finish his "20"... they made him a "club" (slop chute)
manager... (it's a good thing to be friends with the manager of
the NCO club!) He almost always wore the Marine uniform with his
Navy chevrons. He was very proud to have been a Marine Field
Corpsman... He was well liked by all of us "Jarheads" that
frequented the "club" at Camp Butler, Okinawa (He even let me
borrow his car for a "date")... Even the Hospital Corpsman I
knew were good guys and there was a mutual respect...
I think that this self proclaimed Corpsman is just a jealous
little man... No one out Marines a Marine... even a marine... ;]
Marines and Field Corpsman bond and are part of the
brotherhood... I think that this guy is just a bitter man that
wishes he could have been the real deal but couldn't cut it...
and btw... I never knew anyone who had to bribe a Corpsman to
shut up about his... Leaky deeky... but anything is possible...
Some hospital types were just plain jerks, didn't like Marines
and just loved to put it in a Marines medical record... But the
ones I met were a-ok... One guy even came up with a hangover
combo... Never did find out what the "little black pill was"...
But the white one was a regular old APC... I suspect the black
one was some kind of "b" vitamin... (I hope)... But the point
is...there was a camaraderie with most Corpsman... So I have
serious doubts about the "squid"...
Sgt. R. L. Mirabile
USMC
1963-1969
"If we would have a stable society, we must have dangerous Old
Men."
"The good youths are guided and disciplined by Old Men."
Grim Beorn
Short Rounds
Sgt. Grit could you possibly put a short note in your
newsletter. We are looking for former members of Platoon 141 C
Co San Diego MCRD 3/19/67 T05/11/67 Honor Plt for a possible
reunion 6/2010.
If you were in this platoon please contact Gene Darrow at
bcrailboxcars @ aol .com
Thank you.
Bended Knee Speech,
General Alexander A. Vandegrift, USMC
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Date: 6 May 1946
Event/Occurrence: Presented to the Senate Committee
on Naval Affairs
Sgt Grit,
I read the letter from Major Whelan, Inactive Major, in the last
newsletter and remembered what a old cigar chewing, tough as
nails, Major I served under told me about 1965. He claimed
(rightfully) that there were no ex Marines, only live Marines
and dead Marines.
Lee Appleton, Inactive SSGT, USMC
1964 - 1971
Back when I was in 19 (mumble mumble mumble) There was a poem in
"Leatherneck" about the "Old Corps" All I remember of it was the
last few lines.
"the Old Corps
The Old Corps.
There never was really an Old Corps.
Tun's First Marine sneered
when the second appeared and muttered
'It's not like the Old Corps.' "
Semper Fi
Jim M.
I guess that I am from the Old Corps having enlisted in the
Marines in 1950 and served in Korea from 1950-51 and served the
rest of my enlistment at MCAS El Toro in Santa Ana, CA. As
always, I will be attending the Marine Corps Birthday on Nov, 10
at Ukiah, CA. It is true that once a Marine, always a Marine. As
I was having a rather bad day in Korea, I had a Sgt. tell me
that I would only remember the good times in the Marines and not
the bad times. He was wrong but even with the bad days, I am
still proud to be a Marine.
Cpl. Robert Nimmons
Sgt. Grit:
As always enjoyed reading it.
I am an old Fart 3/40 to 3/46 active. Attained rank of Master
Sergeant. 3/46 Into Class 3b Reserves, never recalled
Finally placed on the Retired List, time given for some National
Guard time and time in VMS-5R before going regular
N0 pension, did not earn one, not griping.
Ended up a Master Sergeant 273744
Howard Fuller
Cpl. Deasy...
Well said... it is that time of year again to remember those
brave men that we lost that day. We all remember it like it was
yesterday. Let us not forget the others lost during that Beirut
era as well as those who have gone before us in all conflicts,
battles or wars. Heaven is a much better place knowing they are
standing guard.
Semper Fi Brothers!
Cpl Westrick, Bryan U.S.M.C. 1982-1986
Beirut 1983
Outside Tun Tavern ten Marines, stood in formation, the
second Marine turned to the First Marine and Said, "WOW I got
two cups of Rum inside" The First Marine said, " D*mn you
should have been in the OLD Corps we got only One."
Nuff Said
Thomas G. Hill
GySgt USMC (Ret)
I would like to write about the young Marines of today. Their
service makes me proud to wear the EGA on my shirts, etc. I have
a young friend, a Staff Sgt. Just returned from active duty.
Ryan is a fine young man and I see leadership qualities that
gives me pride in our Corps. The older Marines gave us pride in
our uniforms and we hopefully gave some back to them and to the
young Marines of today. As the young ones do to us. This is
Esprit de Corps. It's the heart of who we are.
Jim Krantz,
Cpl. Dec '58 - Dec '62.
When the 03 was equipped with a Weaver scope it went from a
"stripper clip" weapon to a single shot weapon. With the scope
attached you could not load or eject the clip.
CW Robertson, Sr.
Another reason to love Leathernecks (YouTube Video)
No one wants to go war. But there comes a point where ya' feel
the need to just punch some idiot in the face because they won't
leave you alone. Love is agreeably the most wonderful thing in
the world. However, there are those who have no compulsion
against killing innocent people for no good reason at all.
That's where Marines come into it.
God, Country, Corps. (not necessarily in that order)
Michael J Nichols
ooo-rah!
And Semper FI to all my brothers, especially those in harms way.
I visited an American Legion hall during a Blue Star Memorial
marker the other day and I asked the Commander of the Post if
they had gotten their new M-1 ceremonial rifles in or were they
still using the Springfield 03's. He told me that they still
had the Eddystone 1917 30-06 rifles.
I have never heard of this rifle and yet I guess it does exist
and wonder if it was a rifle that a lot of you have heard of.
Monte L. Railsback
MSgt USMC (Ret)
USMC Black Socks
Black U.S. Marine Tie
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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