Author: SgtGrit

Bea Arthur

In July 2009, a Jerry D. was telling all about famous people that contributed to Society but have also earned "The Title", he mentions Bea Arthur (Golden Girls) having categorically denied she was a Marine. Here is an update w/pic:

DECEMBER 9 – While she strangely denied serving in the armed forces, military records show that the actress Bea Arthur spent 30 months in the Marine Corps, where she was one of the first members of the Women's Reserve and spent time as a typist and a truck driver. read more

USO Shows

In my 27 Years of Service I've seen a lot of USO shows (actually this is the term used for all shows shown to us in a War Zone). Top Actors during the 1920's, 30's, 40's made USO Shows during WWII, most of them went to the European War. I did get to see Bob Hope, Jack Carson and some lesser named Actors, but not often. Now in Vietnam most of the military men were not familiar with this group but the Girls were Pretty with short dresses and did a shimmy or two. This was the Group Al Jolson (WHO?) put together and sent to Vietnam. No l didn't see Al, Jolson was a big hit during the 1920's and 1930's, and he died in the 1950's so he wasn't there, but if you have a Group and a Manager who's still around, they could be sent to perform for us. You can see the guys enjoying seeing the girls. read more

Visited Your Warehouse

Dear Sgt. Grit,

My fiance and I visited the warehouse on November 6th. For many years Robert has wanted to visit and to meet Sgt. Grit in person. We loved the shop, his collection, Sgt Grit himself, and the staff made us feel right at home. Thanks for doing all that you do and for being there for your fellow Marines. read more

1954 Ford and 45 Years

I have seen in the past few newsletters, Marines sending pictures of their cars and trucks with items from your store. I have just completed a nut and bolt restoration/customizing of my 1954 Ford F-100. I wanted to have something special made to honor my friends, friends I made 45 years ago in a really ugly hooch. I had the honor and the privilege to be with 11th Marines and living, eating, a tad bit of drinking, and standing watch with Don Whitton, John Gugliotta, and Jim Fuller. We still speak and visit to this day. read more

The 12th General Order

By Ken Zebal

In the early 1960s, 2nd Tank Bn had a well-established fire watch program at the tank park. Generally speaking, two lower-ranking Marines from the flames platoon and each gun company were posted at the tank park inside their respective tool sheds from about 1800 to 0600. I was a PFC at the time and was assigned fire watch for Charlie Company along with Pat Rogers. Pat and I went to boot camp at Parris Island together (Aug-Nov '63) and then to ITR at Camp Geiger (Nov-Dec '63) before reporting into Co "C", 2TkBn (Dec '63) and then going on boot leave. This was my first fire watch and may also have been Pat's. We were nominated by our Platoon Sergeant, S/Sgt "Gunny" Jandrozits, and then hand-selected by the Company Gunny, GySgt Sam Fullerton whose sea bag read like a WWII war novel. After everyone else went on liberty call Pat and I were briefed by the Company Gunny, went to Mess Hall 207 across the street and were issued mid-rats. In those days it was a brown paper sack filled with a sandwich, hard-boiled egg, apple, container of milk and a napkin all lovingly prepared by one of the cooks. read more

Navajo Code Talker

What a wonderful 239th Marine Corps birthday event:

This morning I met and conversed with an ultimate WWII Marine Corps Pacific War veteran, Navajo Code Talker SAMUEL HOLIDAY!

This Marine was at the American Legion Post in Wickenburg, AZ, promoting his book, "Under The Eagle". My wife Shirley and I spoke for some time with 90 year old Samuel and his daughter, Lupita. Lord, he seemed to be wearing as many ribbons as Col. Puller! read more