Re: GySgt Rousseau letter on leggings. The Marines of WWII and Korea were not issued leggings to be worn with utilities. That's what made us Leathernecks different vs Army boots which took time to tuck in and lace up and could be deadly, as GySgt Rousseau pointed out.
Author: SgtGrit
Almost Always Had Good Chow
In my Marine Corps I almost always had good Chow. Now here's the facts, There's Officers Mess, Staff NCO Mess, NCO Mess, and the Mess Hall where we went to eat CHOW, call it what you want, it was Chow. I have to admit I grew up during the Depression and my Mother couldn't afford great lunches, but going into the Corps didn't enlightened my life by finally getting better food.
It Was The Dress Blues
In response to Mike Benfield's statement that Dress Blues are too ostentatious, I guess to some that may be true. Personally, I've always thought Blues are snazzier than any uniform in existence, even when you see Army and Navy personnel in their dress uni's with a chest full of medals they got for things like cleaning the head, completing a course in Underwater Basket-weaving, etc. Dress Greens look good, as does any uniform a Marine wears because they are always squared away. But, if you show anyone in the world a picture of a U.S. Marine in Greens or Cammies, chances are they'll think it's a Dogface. If you show them an individual wearing Dress Blues, they know it's a United States Marine. It is the one uniform that sets us apart from armies all over the world.
Being The Oldest Marine
I served from June of 1956 through September 1959. I had the distinct pleasure of serving directly for Commandant General Randolph McCall Pate. My office was directly across from the Commandant's and four doors down from the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Wilbur Bestwick. I have an album that contains many pictures, letters, and Christmas cards from Generals, Colonels, etc. What a duty for a Corporal! I would have reenlisted and been a career Marine, but unfortunately my wife and I had a son that the good Lord decided to take home two days after his birth 28 days before my discharge date.
I Forgot To Thank Her
In reference to Sgt. John Clary's post about the Bob Hope show, here's a picture of Ann-Margret leaving the venue after the show.
As you can see Sarge, I got pretty close to her. A few years ago, I got even closer. She did a show at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino where I was a Security Officer. It was my pleasure to be her escort after the show; taking her through the back hallways to the service elevators and up to her room. Let me assure you that she was just as beautiful and sexy as ever and as nice as can be. My only regret is that I was so busy doing my job; guiding her around hazards and spills and making sure she wasn't accosted, that I forgot to thank her for Da Nang.
A Great Marine
I came across a picture of me taken 1 Sept 1967 at S-2, 2/5, An Hoa SVN. The S-2 tent is in the background and I believe it is MGYSGT Bill Wolf in the doorway. He was the 1st Marines S-2 Chief and we and the 5th Marines were involved in Operation Union. I was assigned to S-2 Hq Co, 1st Marines and worked for Top Wolf. I rotated about 29 Sept 1967 and Top Wolf stayed on for the move to Hue.
EGA with USMC lettering
I like how this one came out. It’s meant to be displayed (as photographed) when I cross my arms, or when I am driving with my arm out the window, or riding my motorcycle. I dig it. The tattoo further up on my arm of the Skull, K-Bar, Wrench and Brush was subtly related to my Marine Corps service (K-Bar was the representation) and other parts of my life. I knew this big EGA tattoo was going to be next so I wasn’t too worried if people didn’t “get it”. This spot on my forearm is much more prominent and will be seen much more, and thats where I wanted my EGA to be. And together they look pretty awesome.
Custom Design With You In Mind
You want something unique, well-made, and personalized from an idea that you have had stuck in your grape. Well, look no further because Sgt Grit has you covered. Lynn Lam, our Customs Order Specialist, has the knowledge and the know-how to make your idea a reality. Whether you want coins, patches, t-shirts, decals, or mugs… Let Sgt Grit design you a customized creation you will be sure to love!
Continental Marines 1775
I have been out of the USMC for almost 20 years, but always wanted a USMC tattoo. I like history, so I wanted a USMC tattoo that was historically significant and off-the-beaten-path, so I chose the Continental Marines insignia that is depicted on the USMC’s dress uniform buttons. This piece was done at Old Anchor Tattoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
What is a Hero
What is a Hero?
I would like to take a minute of your time, and just throw in my two-cents in here concerning an issue on one of the other groups here.
I spent twenty-years of my life serving the United States Marine Corps, (1974-1994); there has been nothing in my life of 58 years that can come close to even matching that day on the Parade Deck of MCRD San Diego on a November day in 1974, when I earned the title Marine!