Sergeant Grit,
In the February 09 issue of Sgt. Grit News, Cpl. M. Winnie asked if there were any other uses for the issued buckets. In platoon 237 MCRD San Diego, early fall of 1951; at the rifle range, our DI gave us (one time) close order drill with the buckets over our heads. Was chaos, but hilarious.
Our DI’s Cpl’s J.R Smith and J.R. Baughman, did have a sense of humor; as witnessed during formation waiting for chow, they would call out the musical section of our platoon to perform. The musical section was 2 recruits humming on wax paper covered combs.
Enclosed is a copy of an unofficial patch for VMR-152. At that time VMR-152 was an air transport squadron stationed at El Toro; Barbers Point Naval Air Station , Oahu, Hawaii; and at Itami Air Force Base, Itami, Japan. I do not know who designed the patch, but think it probably represents some of the local Japanese ladies feelings about VMR-152 personnel.
Don Weber 1199xxx
USMC Sgt 1951-1954
SSgt USMCR