I graduated from Boot Camp in 1959 Plt. 145, C Co., 1st Bn, MCRD, Parris Island, SC. Served with Charlie Btry, 1st Bn, 12th Marines, Okinawa from Jan. 1960 to June 1961. Returned to Camp Lejeune June 1961 to August 1963 with 8" Howitzer Btry, Force Troops (Cuban Missile Crisis). DI School August 1963 to Dec 1963.
Drill Instructor 1963 to 1966 3rd Bn, PISC, also served as a DI Motivation Plt, and Hand to Hand Combat Instructor.
Served with 12th Marines, 3rd MarDiv in Vietnam (DaNang, Dong Ha, Phu-Bai, Quang Tri.
Served with 2nd Force Service Regiment, Camp Lejeune.
Would like to hear from former recruits, Marines I proudly served with.
Gunnery Sergeant Lawrence Thacker Jr.
God Bless the United States Marine Corps!