Sgt. Grit,
I’ve contemplated writing you about this for several months after I had received some genealogy information from my cousin. I served in the Corps from 1976-1996, my first duty station was at 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. I was a Field Radio Operator 2531 with H&S Company then. I was assigned to Fox Company and Golf Company as their Battalion Radio Operator. I also worked in the Battalion S-3 for a short time after I picked up Corporal. While I was working in the S-3 at that time myself and a fellow Marine were looking at pictures of our past Regimental Commanders. When I was spied Col. Puller's picture. I remember commenting to my fellow Marine and said to him “Man Col. Puller is one ugly man, I would not want to be related to him”. Something I learned after many years of service to now, be careful for what you say or wish it may come true. Man did it come true.
As I mentioned earlier my cousin sent me some information about our family genealogy. She has been researching our family history for several years. The girl is very through but she missed something that only a Marine would know. It turned out that I have several famous relatives and one of them turned out to be Lt. General Patton who is a distant cousin. I remembered looking up some information on Lt. General Puller and it was noted that he and Patton were cousins also. I mentioned that tidbit of information to my cousin I’m quite sure she will be researching to see how we’re related but never the less as far as I’m concerned all Marines are related to Chesty. Some more than others.
Semper Fidelis
Daniel Dunn
SSgt USMC Ret.