Author: SgtGrit

How many battalions were at Parris Island

I am a Viet Nam era Marine 1963 to 1969. I was talking to a son of a Marine that was in the Corps before me. He then pulled out a graduation book to show me his fathers pictures. First thing I noticed was in the front of the book there was no picture of the present Commandant or anything referencing any dates at all. What it did say was that there were 5 battalions at Parris Island. I knew of 3 battalions were for the men and the 4th is for women, but I hadn't heard of 5 battalions. Does anybody know what the fifth battalion was designated to, and any idea what time period this all took place. All I could surmise was that the amount of troops that were going through at the time must have demanded another battalion. Thanks. Botch (Sgt of Marines) read more

Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi

A decorated Marine and former 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Combat Veteran, has been held in Mexican prisons since 31 March 2014 for accidentally making a wrong turn that led him to the Mexican border. Recently re-locating from his home in Florida to San Diego, CA, for treatment for PTSD – Sgt Tahmooressi had his belongings in his POV to include his personal firearms. With no way to turn around, once he arrived at the border he informed the Mexican border patrol of the situation and that he had his personal firearms in his possession. He was then arrested on weapons charges and was taken to Tijuana La Mesa Penitentiary. After many verbal and physical threats, abuse, and being subjected to poor living conditions – Sgt Tahmooressi was moved to El Hongo Prison in Tecate. His trial is ongoing. read more

The Marine In The Picture

You can tell Gunny Rousseau that the Marine in the picture with his article on 'Scrounging in Vietnam' is (was?) Sgt. Lucas, a team leader with Alpha Co. 1st ReconBn. I don't remember all the details but he was wounded being extracted from a hot LZ sometime in late '68. He 'nodded off' when the Doc had to cut out part of the wound – took him months to live that down. read more

WWII Cover Returned To Marine

(Article by Patrick Whitehurst of The Daily Courier)

There are those who believe everything happens for a reason. If true, U.S. Marine Corps veterans Lee Paul, 88, and Lee Dortsch, 91, were destined to meet. But, while both served in World War II, both landed on Iwo Jima on the same day, and both had the same commanding officer, they never met at the time. That changed last week, however, when the two met at the Prescott campus of Northern Arizona Veterans Affairs. read more

Brown Side Out, Green Side Out

This is how you do it. On August 8th, the US Marine Corps Uniform Board released a survey seeking input about three proposed uniform changes for active duty and reserve Marines. The three changes are:

Altering the color of enlisted rank insignia from black to brushed brass for Woodland MARPAT utilities. read more

Once A Corporal Of Marines

3rd squad all present and accounted for!

Just thought I'd add my two cents to the discourse. To the Marine recalling, "praying to the sun god". Yes, I remember it vividly; we had to "pray" during "qual" week at the rifle range. We had been doing a whole series of stretching exercises that week so "praying" actually to me was rather easy and I was quite surprised I could accomplish that feat having never thought of myself as flexible. read more