It was with great USMC pride that I learned our Senior Drill Instructor GYSGT Charles "Rigor" Mortis became SGT MAJOR later in his career. He exemplified everything that defined the term United States Marine. For all the Marines who knew him, we are also greatly saddened to learn of his final orders given February 11, 2011.
I was extremely proud to have had the opportunity to get my butt chewed out by one of the best. He gave me the chance to be squad leader, not because I was the tallest, strongest or largest in our platoon, but because I proved to him and myself that I was worthy of this honor. We all had felt like dropping out and quitting on those morning runs around the dust track in Parris Island, especially if you were back of pack eating dirt kicked up by the front of the platoon. The thought of giving in to those feelings wasn't going to let me fail the SDI. Not wanting to disappoint him pushed me beyond what I thought was possible.
Firing expert on the range and seeing that hint of a smile from the Gunny in recognition was the affirmation. The handshake from him on graduation day brought out a real smile, and much to my surprise, all of the emotion built up inside throughout my boot camp experience. Something that still has been unforgettable. Those Marines who served with him and raw recruits that were trained by him have special memories: cadence call, sarcastic wit, special nicknames (mine was alphabet) for our platoon members, humor during mail call, ability to scare the cr-p out of you at any opportunity and too many others. For all of those people commenting about their knowing him, I'm sorry for your loss and share these pictures.
Thank you SGT MAJ Charles "Rigor" Mortis, USMC.
SGT Dave Charbonneau
Platoon 353, 3rd Battalion I Corp
USMC 2571 1966-1970
MarSuptBn Co "K" Correy Station Pensacola ,Florida
NavCommSta Co "G" Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico