Tattoo on right hip and leg.
Author: SgtGrit
Memorial in Honor of My Hero, My Son
A Memorial Tattoo in honor of my Son LCpl. Harry R Swain IV KIA Jan 31, 2005 (1983-2005). https://www.facebook.com/lcpl.swain
AH-1W
On my rib cage, gotten right after I returned in memory of Capt. Ryan K. Iannelli, has his name across the tailboom and the date he died as the BUNO
Teufel Hunden
Vietnam Era Tattoo with Vietnam Service Ribbon.
Sergeant Striped
Sergeant chevron with Eagle, Globe, and Ancor – MOS – and dates of service in it.
A Fine Product
Here I am again, shamelessly hustling myself out with a t-shirt, and embroidered cover from Grit. AND, with the new Marine. Parris Island somehow has changed in the last 44 years. But, they are STILL turning out a FINE product.
Tom Flynn
No Bayonet For The Carbine
I would like to point out a flaw in our beloved Iwo Jima Monument, the Marine with the shouldered M1 Carbine clearly shows the Carbine with a bayonet attachment, The WWII issued carbine did not have a provision to attach a bayonet to the barrel; no bayonet for the carbine existed during WWII. The bayonet attachment device at the barrel was an improvement as well as an adjustable rear sight for windage and elevation, there was also a modification to the stock and a new magazine release button to hold the heavier 30 round magazine from falling out of the trigger housing and a bayonet was designed for the Carbine.
The Good And The Bad
About two years ago I received a phone call from Jim Kozelouzek, my bunk mate at Parris Island. We were in platoon 321, January 13, 1966. We had neither met nor spoken since graduation. I had orders for FMF WestPac, ground forces and he went to weather school in NJ. After ITR and language school I went to HQ Co, 1st Marines in August 1966. Jim arrived later and deployed from DaNang to Dong Ha.
MCAS El Toro (kinda sorta)
It is with great sadness I send these photos. Some will recognize some things, but all of the barracks are gone. All of the housing along Tabuco/Irvine Blvd are gone. The first pic would be of the old gate #2 where the F-4 was on the pedestal. I have a story about that for another time… one pic is the old commissary gate and some from where the Main Gate used to be. I am trying to document as much as I can.
Leather Carving
I served with 3/4 in Nam in '65-'66. For a long time I have wanted to create a leather carving of our Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. I began this project in early September of this year.
Thank You,
Vann, M.L. Sgt.
S/F