Sgt. Grit a few years back I sent you a comment about my Gunny Sgt. Barbosa and it was about the time we were out in the field (1958) and climbing a monster of a hill at Camp Pendleton. Well I was in great shape for I had just finished playing football for the First Marines and was feeling my oats when I grabbed the tripod and 30 light and humped up the hill passing everyone in my path. When we got to the top of the hill Gunny Barbosa came over to me and said "Don't be a Smart A-z Conners" I remembered that and will never forget his comment as long as I live and never did it again…
Well I had the pleasure this past May to be in San Diego with the Elks Convention and met with Gunny Barbosa of which he insisted I call him Artie. I let him know if I would have done that when he was my Gunny it would have been my A-z. and he said you are so right.
We were in San Diego for I am a Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler plus Trustee and Lodge Leader of the Tracy Elks Lodge 2031and our convention was at the Town and Country it was our State Convention so I called him a few months ahead and made arrangements to meet with him.
Well we met at MCRD and we went to the Officers Lounge for lunch my wife Laura and Artie and of course myself. We had a great visit and he gave a medalion and we chatted and then he gave us the 3.98 tour of the Museum of which he is a docent and instructs recruits on military history.
He retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant E-9 and to sit and chat with a HERO such as Artie was something I will cherish the rest of my life for he was very open to talk about how he recieved his medal and it was very heart whelming and it brought tears to my eyes.
When I was in I had no idea of what he had done and it wasn't until years later I read what he had done and all I can say is wow.
I went through MCRD in Jan. 1958 in PLT. 305 and boy has it changed. We use to have Quanset Huts and now they have it seemed like hotels to live in.
Well Sgt. Grit I had to let others know that even though he wears the honor next to the highest Medal of Honor he is a true Marine through and through.
Thanks much,
Mike Conners