When I returned from Korea, still in one piece, I was assigned to DI School at San Diego. So after 13 months in Korea I am going on 24 months of Training Recruits. So as DI School progressed and we were getting ready for Graduation and all Korean Vets were to report to Sick Bay. We were given a poison to kill the internal bugs common to Korea. I took the Poison as directed (who is going to tell the people that kept you alive in War…NO!} so On Graduation day, I passed out as did a couple others. We were hauled to Sick Bay then to Balboa Naval Hospital, we were dying of the Poison given us to keep us from getting sick. In the Hospital I was given my DI Diploma and later lost it!!! Fortunately mu Enlistment was up and so I asked for Recruiters School, what could be easier. (by the way in those days you were paid $360 for 6 year Enlistment, YOU HAD TO WANT TO BE A MARINE).
So I went to Parris Island for Recruiters School and just before Graduation Day, Parris Island notified all Ex-DI's they were needed due to an over flow of recruits. So here I go again, back to school, but first the Psychicrist. You were handed a sheet of Paper and told to draw a human, when that was done you were told to turn the paper over and draw the opposite sex. Then you went for your visit with the MAN! So I was accepted again and issued this lousy, put together by some office clown, Diploma, notice it is signed, sealed and delivered.
As I was getting reader for a platoon, most of us johnny-come-latelys were told we didn't have to push recruits and could go to our Recruiting Station.
Mine was in Detroit, a friend from Korea was going there with me. When we were introduced to the Commanding Officer, my friend turned white, I didn't recognize the Major but later my friend told me he was the Major Relieved of his command in Korea and we were in his regiment. After 3 months on Recruiting duty the Major called us in his Office and told us we were unfit for Recruiting duty. It took5 years and four Inspector Generals to rid my Record Book of that. BUT I made Staff Sergeant the month following,Two years Ilater, made Staff Sergeant (Acting). In twixt and tween I served at Camp Lejeune and Bermuda where I serve three Delightful years. GySgt. F. L. Rousseau, USMC Retired