Author: SgtGrit

‘Aumakua: Sacrifice in a Fallujah Hell House

The November, 2004 offensive into the city of Fallujah, Iraq—dubbed “Operation Phantom Fury”—placed the individuals involved into the renowned annals of Marine Corps narration.  The young men that meticulously stormed into the city will forever have their own unique moniker: Fallujah Marines—a name that has involuntarily set them apart from other Iraq War veterans.    read more

Historic Marine base gets 1st-ever female general

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — For the first time in its 96-year history, a female general is taking charge at the famed Marine Corps training depot at South Carolina's Parris Island.

Brig. Gen. Loretta Reynolds, who is also known as the first female Marine to ever hold a command position in a battle zone, takes charge Friday at the installation south of Beaufort. read more

Eagle, Globe and Anchor

Robert A. Rainey
A/GSO
U.S. Embassy San Jose

No offense taken.  I have worn the USMC uniform with pride. I did so for almost 4 years.  I took care of MY marines and they took care of me.  I have been in fights with Navy personnel because of their disparaging me and MY Marine corps Uniform.  I have also been cussed and spat on because of MY Marine Corps Uniform(this happened in that lovely city by the bay).  Unlike you, I did not have a choice but I am PROUD of my Marine uniform, and will be buried in it.  I was authorized by the Department of the Navy, United Stated Marine Corps to wear the uniform.  It was Issued to me at USMCB Camp Lejeune, NC in Oct, 1968.  I last wore my Marine uniform in Apr, 1972
Semper Fi
Doc Davis read more

WWII Marine and Army Engineer brothers

Hello Sgt Grit!

I feel like I know you, though I’ve not yet had the pleasure.  My husband (a “ NOLOAD” Marine) and I are hoping to attend next year’s “Grit-together”.  We are hoping to bring my Uncle Marv, a WWII Pacific Marine, with us!  He turned 86 this weekend but acts 56 (sometimes 26!) and in typical Marine fashion can out-drink any of us! Uncle Marvin was the youngest of 4 boys, my father, Charlie, was the oldest.  We lost my father in 1996.   Uncle Marvin says “When Pearl happened they were ‘fighting mad’ and ready to go! They attacked MY COUNTRY!”.  Three of the four boys enlisted (one uncle was 4F because of polio).  Uncle Marv joined the Marines while my dad (Charlie) joined the Army.  Dad was assigned to the engineer corps, Uncle Marvin was a grunt…  he says “they taught me one thing in boot camp….how to kill” .    I grew up listening to tales from their journey through that time.  Never any combat stories, those are still too painful…Uncle Marvin still has nightmares EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, 60+ years later!  ALL gave some!  Uncle Marvin recently told me his promotion story…on Saipan he was promoted to Corporal because there were only 2 men left in his squad and “the other guy was a sissy!”…  No ceremony, no fanfare, no celebration.     The most remarkable tales are of the three times the two of them met up with each other while in the Pacific…Can you imagine!  No computers, no cell phones and they found each other 3 times!  I have attached some pictures of them together on Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa!  Two red neck, hillbilly boys who grew up in the hills of Kentucky!     These men are truly of  “the greatest generation”….. though each generation breeds its own brave men and women, The Few – The Proud!    I couldn’t be prouder than to retell their stories to anyone who will listen these days!  Hopefully we’ll be able to share a few next year!   I hope this is worthy of posting in your newsletter.   Even though I am not a Marine I wear my colors proudly and boldly!    Forever Faithful and Proud to be an American!   Charlita Mangrum Smith