Sgt Grit,
Saw an article several months ago about a certificate given to members of 2/2 called the bearded bum certificate. Enclosed please find the attachment with the certificate in it. It was signed by Lt.Colonel David A. Brewster. I don't know if all Marines got one but we who were at the jet airfield side of Guantanamo, opposite mainside did receive one. The Cubans had the beards so the Colonel thought it a good idea for us to grow a mustache "To confuse the beards across the fence"!
Recent articles concerning the M-1 Garand and the M-14 seem to be a point of confusion as well. I do remember being issued the Garand at MCRD Parris Island, Platoon 381 in August of 1960 and again at Camp Geiger ITR. I still had the M-1 at Camp Lejeune until the later part of 1961 or early 1962, at which time we were issued the M-14.
Sgt. of Marines
Bob Tompkins
1960-1968