Island of Vieques
Dear Sgt Grit,
After recently placing an order with your company, I began thinking about my tour in the Marine Corps – 1959-’63. Most of the arms & weapons in your catalog are of current use. My weapon of choice was the BAR and, to me, was one of the few hand held weapons with controllable firepower.
I am enclosing a photograph of myself on the Island of Vieques, P.R. where the 2nd Marine Division used to go for live fire exercises. I am holding my BAR in the ‘walk & talk’ position. When fired from this stance the rifle makes a withering sweep that would be hard to escape. Some of your ‘old school Marines’ might relate to this weapon and time.
My tour at 2nd marine Division was spent in Hotel 2-2 and Delta 1-8 companies. Although I never saw any active combat duty, I always kept myself combat ready, mentally & physically. I also tried out for the National Marine Corps Squad Competition held at Quantico, VA but was transferred. Some of these modern day tuffies out to try double timing a couple of miles in body armor (the old style) and gas mask, with weapons, & field marching packs & helmets. Believe me, it will separate the men from the boys!
Semper Fi!!
David Barron
1860302 – USMC