The Korean War, in which the Marine Corps fought and won some of itsmost brutal battles, was not without its gallows humor.
During one such conflict, a ROK (Republic of Korea) commander, whose unit was fighting along with the Marines, got on the horn to legendary Marine General Chesty Puller, to report a major Chinese attack in his sector.
“How many Chinese are attacking you?” asked Puller.
“Many, many Chinese!” replied the excited Korean officer.
General Puller asked for another count…. and got a similar, anxious answer: “Many, many, MANY Chinese!”
“X*#dammit!” swore Puller, “Put my Marine liaison officer on the radio.”
In a minute, an American voice came over the air: “Yes sir!!?”
“Lieutenant,” growled Chesty, “exactly how many Chinese you got up there?”
“General, we got a whole shitload of Chinese up here!”
“Thank God.” exclaimed Puller, “At least there's someone up there whoknows how to count.”