Author: SgtGrit

Sgt DT Lang

Just finished reading the latest newsletter and found a few things that pertained to some of my service, IE: the pinning of stripes, and the field landing at (sp) Aranchi Bay, Spain named Operation Steel Pike??? not sure…….  

I was promoted  to CPL by The Commandant of the USMC during an formal Evening Parade at the 8th & I Barracks along with a few other members of the 2nd. place GOLD SQUAD or Combat Squad Competition unit in 1963. Since the 3rd battalion had already boarded ships to the Med and embarked, we got to fly to Rota, Spain, and then on to Malta where we finally caught up to our shipmates. So, no one ever 'pinned' on anyone of us who made CPL. read more

Leadership and Reflection

I am a Former recruiter out of OkSouth/Norman and have been back in the Fleet Marine Force for over a year now since leaving Oklahoma. If there is one thing you could ask me that I have missed about Oklahoma I'd say it would be Oklahoma Football and the Sgt Grit Staff… Nowhere in my career have I met such a wonderful extended family, whom are so dedicated to taking care of the Marines and our Beloved Corps values. I have been on deployment overseas now for 5 months and just received a package from Sgt Grit… It was not only packed absolutely perfectly, but filled with shirts, coins and a few other things that have been passed out to the locals in the country and our Marines. The package has boosted Morale and the Marines have enjoyed the things you have sent to us all. The package not only proved how much the Sgt Grit crew cares about the Corps and it's Marines, it proved that the spirit of being a Marine is alive and well in Sgt "Don" Grit himself. We like to say that Marines are a direct reflection of their Leadership… Well, the Sgt Grit Family has obviously gotten Leadership and reflection right the first time. I will follow Sgt Grit to the end! Thank you all for the wonderful packages that you have provided to the ones that Serve you! read more

New P5-Amtracs

I was a driver and gunner in and Amtrac company at White beach on Okinawa. In 1958 we gave our old C3-Amtracs left over from the Korean war to the Chinese nationals. We got these new P5-Atracs. The Amtrac carried a squad of men from a ship to a beach and then inland. I am sure some old infantry men would remember taking a ride. read more

Study Abroad Program

This past weekend my son came home from a seven month "study abroad program" hosted by the University of Afghanistan – Helmand Campus. During his course of study he & his fellow fraternity brothers got to visit all the satellite campuses the Marine Corps has to offer for their area of operation, in addition to many of the local cities & towns. To my understanding, think this experience has earned him enough credits for a unique dual degree in International Relations & Route Clearance, with a minor in Muslim Studies.  read more

Iwo Jima Medal of Honor Recipient

Here is a picture of myself and the last surviving Battle of Iwo Jima Medal of Honor recipient, Cpl. Hershel W. Williams. I had the great honor of meeting Mr. Williams at the Tulsa Medal of Honor Day ceremony, Saturday, April 27th 2013. He is 89 years young and still sharp as a tack. As I was standing next to him some guy had said he had spent 13 years in the Army. Mr. Williams said, "you know what the Army stands for?" "It means Ain't Ready for the Marines Yet!" We all chuckled and the Army guy even said he had never heard that one before. It was really a great day.  read more