SgtGrit – Page 715 – Sgt. Grit Community

Jackets on Deck one more time!

SgtGrit:

Perhaps you can find space for one more footnote on the “Ike” vs. “Battle” Jacket discussion on-going.

I enlisted in April 1947 and after boot camp was issued Dress Blues and a Khaki and Green jacket (take your pick for the name). I may be getting old, but I do clearly remember many of us calling them “Ike Jackets” and we didn’t even know much about “Ike” in those days, something about his being an Army General in WWII (just joking of course). I sure found out who he was when I was in Korea and heard he was coming there to ?bring us home? (see picture) but the only guy that went “home” with him was his Army son. read more

From a former Marine

I read your Sgt. Grit American Courage Newsletter each and every time it comes out.

Being a former Marine from 1992-2002, I served with my older brother and father in a Marine Reserve Unit.

I just wanted to let you know I appreciate everything you do for our Devil Dogs and the other military organizations. read more

More “Special K”

Sgt Grit,

Thought that Doc Wheeler – who was proud to call Allan Kellogg friend ? and your other readers, would enjoy the attached pictures confirming that ?wild sea story? he was told by a pink tint-bespectacled, Corvair-driving Marine at the SNCO club at Camp Delmar. read more

Family Business

Sgt Grit:

I enjoy, as do all Marines who read your letter, the success stories, the trials and the pride of fathers and grandfathers who attend a graduation ceremony for their own family members who are keeping the tradition alive. When my son finished high school he spoke to a Marine Recruiter and then came home to discuss it with me. While my chest swelled at his selection of the Corps for his inquiries, I had one question and that was what his goal in life would be. He said he wanted to be a doctor and to have a military career and I informed him the Corps has no doctors. Lots of bayonet operators but no doctors. read more

Remembering

Sgt Grit,

I recently took note of the Battle-Jacket issue that has been getting press in your newsletter. I went through boot camp during the last vestiges of the brown shoe (leather) era and was issued one Battle-Jacket and one green blouse as part of my basic clothing issue. I cannot speak for others; but the Marines in my units never referred to this article of clothing as an Ike-Jacket. I do remember that the Battle-Jacket was very comfortable and very popular – especially amongst those who were not issued one. read more

The Famous Jacket

Here's a photo of that famous Jacket. Much more comfortable than the "Blouse." When I got out I almost had a bidding war going for it. Should have kept it, but.

This picture was taken on Sanjo Street, Nara Japan 1953. I was a Corporal then. read more

My Marine Spencer

My Marine

I always enjoy reading the stories from Marines and their family members in the Sgt Grits newsletters, and seeing the photos they include. I'd like to share my pride in my husband with my own letter and photos. He recently retired from the Marine Corps, here at Quantico, VA, after nearly 29 years of service. He was able to be joined at his retirement by many members of his family including his parents, brothers and their families, daughter and son and daughter-in-law! And of course, me, his wife! He retired shortly after his safe return from an Iraq deployment. Our son is also a Marine veteran, having served his 4 years as an armorer, and now working for a police department in CA. Thank you for letting me brag for a moment on the my Marine! I've attached a few pics I hope you will allow me to share! read more

3/6 Welcome Home… OOHRAH

Sgt.Grit,

On August 9th 2007,my sons Marine 3/6 unit came home from Iraq,it was the 2nd tour for them,the first tour was the Anbar province on the Syrian border,we made the trip down to see the return of these heroes,we are from Michigan,it was the 2nd trip to Camp Lejeune for us,after we greeted our son CPL David Somerville,and his friend and roomate CPL Chad Lamb,I must have spent the next hour walking up to as many Marines as possible to say welcome home and thank you,by the way the temperatures that day 115 degrees. My son David and Chad recieved the (NAM) medal NAVY AND MARINE,we still don’t know what they did,but we do know that both of them had volunteered to be coptered around Iraq to pick up the belongings of fallen Marines,well over 70 missions,I wanted to share this with your readers,we are so proud of all of our men and women,to all the members of the 3/6,welcome home,you are all heroes to all of us,SEMPER FI.JOB WELL DONE read more

Miss My Family

Sgt. Grit:

Two branches met in the middle.

My husband, GySgt Thomas Reichard has been a US Marine all his life. Tough, strick, hard-core all the way. Well raising three boys in the military lifestyle and being married to one, is rough on a mom. But the boys soon obtained their sweet revenge when dad was TAD in Germany (just after 9/11). Both our oldest sons joined the Army. Dad was livid. As a mother and wife, it was difficult to agree with either side which branch was the best. Who is the roughest in all this….mom!!! read more

Sands of Iwo

Well I didn’t make the 400. My consolation is that at least I have had the Honor of actually setting foot on Iwo. It was in 1954, the 3rdMarDiv conducted landings out of Japan. We landed on the opposite side of the island from the original landings. Didn’t think of taking a bit of the black sand then. After the operation, I guess we were too excited just having the opportunity to explore the battle sites including going to the top of Suribachi. Although many of us had fought in Korea; THIS WAS IWO! There were still many signs of the battle; wreckage, coastal guns still in cave emplacements, etc.. I’ve included a photo of myself at the monument on Suribachi. That’s me on the left. read more