Some years ago I was visiting an Old WWI Vet. We talked about our wars and he said, one of the biggest problems of WWI was the "COOTIE's" which were lice. He showed me the outfit he made to help remove cooties which was much like the one I have shown here, the date on this cartridge head is 1917. When they were relieved from the front lines and moved to the rear area they started big fires and got great pots of water boiling. They took their clothes off and dropped them in the boiling water, while the clothes were boiling they bathed usually like I did in my three wars, in a small basin (helmet) of water. The clothes were taken out dried and put on again free of "Cooties". The VFW even had a "COOTIE" Club after the war for the guys that served in the trenches and suffered "COOTIE's". The club was phased out after some of the other wars we had to fight. I would imagine that Iran and Iraq have some dandy bugs.
Author: SgtGrit
Boot Camp Buddies
In March of 2012 I submitted a story about my foolish act at MCRDPI rifle range back in 1958, which appeared in Sgt Grit newsletter of April 5, 2012. Surprisingly, another member of my boot camp Platoon 281 happened to see it and requested my contact info. After receiving notice from Sgt Grit I promptly and eagerly replied and days later I received an email from that Parris Island "boot camp buddy" Richard "Rich" Robbins on the west coast. We both thought it a little amazing, that after 56 years, we once youthful, 17 year old Marine recruits, now 73 and 74 year old senior (Marine) citizens, were suddenly re-connected by an electronic device called email. Needless to say, this mutually unexpected reunion has been enjoyable for both of us, engaging in nostalgic boot camp recollections and typical USMC scuttlebutt. Comparing notes we find our civilian lives and interests have many similarities, plus we both still adhere to certain Marine Corps habits, such as grabbing our shirt-sides, pulling them tightly-in backward then stuffing them into the backside of our trousers and also, aligning the edges of our shirt-front, belt buckle and zipper flap of our trousers. And don't even think of stepping on our shined (for the most part) shoes.
Providing Support
Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation
Established in 2012, is a charitable 501c.3, not-for-profit organization that pursues specific endeavors and goals through the vision of Marine Corps Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams. The Foundation is carrying out his vision to honor and recognize Gold Star Families by establishing permanent memorial monuments in communities throughout our country.
Sgt Grit Is Building Interest On Pinterest
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Yellow Footprints
MCRD SAN DIEGO, Dec. 1951, believe me they were there, and you damn well better had your feet on them. I call it "a night to remember".
Watson, R A…'51-'55
What Yellow Footprints?
By April 1951, I had already been USMCR for 2 years; my boot camp days were spent in the 3dRTBn, SDiego. No yellow footprints for years to come, at this point. Also spent time with the 7thRTBn, Separation Bn, and 1stRTBn, before going to NAB, Coronado, with Chesty as CG, in 1953.
Still looking for L/Cpl. George Marshall
My conversation with L/Cpl George Marshall 1967 during Tet at Quang Tri. during a medivac of wounded from Khe Sahn. I had submitted my first article and no responce. I have a photo of L/Cpl George Marshall. Also his photo was in the book I protest by David Douglas Duncan. L/Cpl Marshall is playing his Guitar in a bunker. The Photo was also in Life Magazine. I have the original picture out of life magazine signed by L/Cpl Marshall that makes it personal. Submitted by Sgt. Glenn A. Gray USMC.
175’s In Vietnam
Fox 2/12 in Khe Sahn 1967, Robert Stewart seems to be correct on longevity of the 175 the Army used at Camp Caroll in VN. 400 rounds they must change the tube. I'm not sure if Bob ever called in for 175's, but he sure used the 105 from Fox.
3rd Bn, 5th Marines, Vietnam​
I have been attending the 3rd Bn, 5th Marines, Vietnam reunion for 11 years. For the first 9 years, I was the only one attending from the 81 mm mortar section in which I served. I had not been contact with any member of the section since I rotated back to the states in Aug., 1967. I started a computer search for the section members in 2012. Out of about 25 Marines that I served with, I have located 17. This past year there were 9 of us attending with a promise of 4 others attending in 2015. One of them had died of leukemia and one of those attending had leukemia but was in remission.
Wishing I Was Still In Afghanistan
(This is not a suicide letter)
Tonight, as a United States Marine with 3 combat tours to Afghanistan, a Bronze Star w/ "V" for valor (heroism), Purple Heart, and 2 Navy Achievement Medals for actions in Afghanistan… I thought about SUICIDE. I didn't think about it because I thought life was too hard. I didn't think about it because I didn't think I could conquer whatever obstacle lies ahead. After all, what can stop a Marine…Nothing.