Author: SgtGrit

I have been blessed as so few have. Not only did I earn the title Marine… but I also had the opportunity to return to MCRD Parris Island 27 years, 74 days later… when my son earned the title Marine as well! Old Corps. New Corps. It's our Corps! read more

I enlisted in 1953 and went to San Diego on January 3, 1954. (I know-Hollywood Marine)

Korea ended in November of 1953 so most of the drill instructors were vets from the war as was ours. He was Sgt Dilks and had one eye that looked slightly to the side so keeping your eyes straight ahead was nearly impossible when he was in your face. Did the drill instructors pass out physical punishment? Yes, and it was deserved for the most part. They did have their games using us as punching bags but it was all part of the process of getting us ready if Korea broke out again. Many recruits owe Sgt Dilks their thanks for setting them up for life itself. If you're still with us Sgt Dilks: Thank you! read more

Sgt Grit,

It's been 52 years since this picture was taken, but it would be nice to have a reunion. Anyone interested could contact me at fboconnel [at] verizon.net.

p.s. i'm the third "grunt" in the top row.. third from the right….. again thanks

50 years ago this month made the big jump into life in the Corp. Platoon 280 Second Batt. Honor platoon, everything except the range.

This was our company and platoon leaders for 280 series.

Company “E” Co. Capt. E.E. Evans
Series Co. Lt. D.S. Rilling read more

Hi, I found this in my fathers Marine Corps Recruit Book from Paris Island, First Battalion Platoon 78 – Honor Platoon Sept. 21, 1955 and thought you might like it for your web site.

Dear Sgt Grunt.

While looking at photos posted on your website I found one of Platoon 78 Ist Battalion Sept 1955. One of the DIs is Sgt A V Stacey. I graduated at Parris Island in Sept 1954 in Platoon 315 C Company 4th Recruit Training Battalion. The Senior D I was Sgt P A Wood and Sgt Stacey was one of the junior D Is. I considered all of my Drill Instructors to be the finest of men and great Marines. and there were none more fair and upstanding than those of Platoon 315. read more

A PICTURE OF MCRDPI CLASS OF 1962 PLATOON 150.

THOSE WERE CERTAINLY THE DAYS.

SEMPER FI

Sgt Grit,

I found your website when I was looking for Christmas gifts last November for my son. He has wanted to be a Marine since he was twelve years old. In November 2008 he signed up and was in the Poolee program the rest of his Senior year. Although he wasn’t a Marine yet, we purchased a few items from your site and tried to become enthusiastic about his decision (which I’m very proud to say we are very happy for his decision). It is a very scary thing for a Mom to let her son grow up and go out on his own but when you add joining the Marine Corps to the mix it adds a new dimension to the feeling. Nonetheless, I have since enjoyed your newsletter, loved the items you sell and found great comfort from the stories I read in the newsletter. I have since discovered what Honor, Courage and Commitment truly means and now understand the pride felt by all Marines, new and old. I have learned to embrace my son’s decision and to be very proud of his decision. I wear a badge with my son’s picture and tell everyone I meet about how proud I am to be a Mother of a US Marine. read more

Here is a photo of the sign I made for my son when he graduated from MCRD. His graduation date is on the bottom corner. The other sign was made by his 8 year old sister who is extremely proud of her brother!! (As we all are!!)

Thanks for all the stories, etc. read more