Platoon 38

Sgt. Grit:

I am enclosing a picture of my Platoon from 1948. I enlisted in May of 48 in Oregon. They gave me train ticket from Portland to San Diego, meal voucher and a bus token for the San Diego bus system. My instructions were go to the Depot, catch the train, and in San Diego take the bus to Gate 5. Report in. I was the only one going to the Marines on the train several going to Navy. read more

Bootcamp Photo

Please add my boot camp photo to your collection. I’m the last Private on the right in the top row.

The excitement for us was the Cuban Missile Crisis. They actually played radio news reports in the mess hall. The Drill instructors told us we’d skip ITR and be fam firing our weapons from the fan tale of a ship on our way south. It was resolved before we left though, and we went to ITR right on time. From there, I reported to the 2nd Amtrak Battalion at Courthouse Bay, Camp Lejeune. read more

My Favorite Day in the Corps

I graduated from MCRDSD on October 14th, 1976 Plt. 2074. After commencement services releasing all of us, the base commanding General's motorcade drove up in front of the theater at the end of the parade deck. Everyone stood back as Major General Kenneth J. Houghton got out of his car, and walked directly up to my father. My senior DI turned white. read more

PFC Dustin M. Swihart

Sgt Grit,

I'm sorry I missed your photo contest, I don't know how I missed it. Anyway I'm sending you a picture the day my son graduated from Parris Island, Dec 19th, 2009. That is the proudest day of my life. He has gone on and completed MCT and MTC. He just reported to Camp Lejeune, 2nd Tank Battalion. God bless all those that serve our great nation!! read more

Proud Grandfather

Love reading the various stories you share with us. I came across this picture that was taken 4 years ago at my sons graduation from Parris Island. It was and will always be one of the most memorial events in our lives. Not only because of what my son accomplished but the fact that my father (Cpl Kenneth Oltman) could be there for that impressive day. We weren't sure that my mother and father would be able to attend because he hadn't been well but all the plans worked out for them to come. While standing in the bleachers listening to the men and women singing the Marine Corp Hymn I looked over at my father who had tears in his eyes singing along. He was so proud of his grandson, you could just see him beaming. My father since passed two years ago from cancer but when ever I hear :"From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli…" I remember that day and how proud my father was of being a Marine. It brings tears to my eyes and makes me beam with pride. He was and will always be our inspiration. read more