Sgt Grit:
In a recent newsletter, a letter from a member of Platoon 317 (Feb – April 1962 San Diego) inspired me to write this letter. I was a member of Platoon 316 (Feb – April 1962 San Diego of the 316 Series). Our Drill Instructors were SSgt Sharpe, Sgt Smith, Sgt Lyons, and Cpl Norman. SSgt Sharpe and Sgt Smith were with us during all of Boot Camp while Sgt Lyons and Cpl Norman replaced another Drill Instructor part way through training. I am pictured bottom row 3rd from the left.
We were the first platoon to be issued the M-14. I remember that my Dad had an M-1 and he taught me how to break it down. When we were issued the M-14 I was very surprised. The first thing I noticed was the flash suppressor. The first time we stacked arms all the rifles fell to the ground. It seemed that the Drill Instructors were learning on the fly along with the recruits. Of course we did not know it at the time.
The M-14 is a lighter rifle than the M-1. This could have been the reason for an accident during bayonet training. We were learning the basic movements when the recruit next to me got a hands on demonstration from the bayonet instructor. The instructor did a vertical stroke with the rifle and because of the lighter rifle it went too far. He sliced the recruit across the cheek with the bayonet. The instructor nonchalantly said "Go to Sick Bay". The recruit had a 4 inch scar across his cheek. At the rifle range everything went smoothly. All but two members of our platoon qualified. We were an Honor Platoon and Honor Series.
After graduation, we went to Camp Onofre at Camp Pendleton for ITR. We were issued M-1's. I was chosen for the first guard duty. The Corporal of the Guard had us fall in and proceeded with rifle Inspection. The first Marine brought his rifle to port arms and opened the bolt of the M-1 with his right hand. The left hand is utilized with M-1. He was livid and started screaming about what had just occurred. He went to the next Private and the same thing happened. He finally asked what was going on. The Private in front of him informed the Corporal that we had M-14's in Boot Camp. He was never told about the change in rifles. He could not believe that he was sending us out on guard duty with a rifle we had never seen or used.
About 8 or 9 years ago, I was attending an informal gathering of Marines in Santa Cruz, California. I had just met Larry Marquez a new member of our MCL Detachment. As all Marines do when they meet, we traded information about our Marine Corps experience. He told me he had entered Boot Camp in February 1962 and was in Platoon 315. I replied, " That was was the last Platoon with the M-1." He said, "How in the ____ do you know that?" I said "I was platoon in 316 and the first one with the M-14." From that moment on we were best buddies. He was a bugler in the Drum and Bugle Corps and also played for Marine Corps Funerals.. As of last year, he is guarding the gates of heaven and playing his bugle for all to hear. Semper Fi.
In conclusion, I have one question. Does anyone know the date and number of the first Platoon at PI that was issued the M-14? Thanks Sgt Grit for the great forum you have provided us. Keep up the good work.
Cpl Jack Dufour 2003491 1962 – 1965