I really love your newsleter. Your newsletter would have been a great compliment along with Stars and Stripes and the Sea Tiger while I was in Vietnam.
My first Birthday Ball took place at the California Club in San Francisco in 1968 when I was stationed at Marine Barracks, Hunters Point. The guest of honor was non other than Pappy Boyington. Unfortunately, I was plagued with the Hong Kong Flu but nevertheless, I proudly participated with the color guard during the celebration. During the "present arms!" command, I was swaying as I lowered the American Flag. Mr Boyington assisted me by bringing the staff up to its proper position. He could see that I was ill and after the ceremony he suggested that I find a comfortable place to rest and to not partake in the celebration (drinking). I regret never getting his autograph and I definately regret never taking pictures.
GySgt John D. Foster
USMC 1966-1979
Despite your illness at the time, your having attended and participated is remarkable and worth remembering.
Being a Marine, Great! Participating in color guard at Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Outstanding! Meeting and ACTUALLY speaking to a World War Two Marine Corps Legend who was awarded a Medal of Honor: Priceless!!!!!!!!!
I’m blown away with the hair length in the photo. I realize that the year was November 1968 but it must have been a pretty lax Barracks to not require “High and Tight” haircuts for the Ball. I spent two years at Marine Barracks San Diego NS, CA. 1966 thur 1968 We were required at all times to have a #3 haircut. Anybody that put some time in FMF knows thats whitewalls with 1″ on top
That was the first thing I thought of when I seen the picture long hair FMF 1959-1963 ,Chesty would not approve.
A haircut doesn’t define a Marine. I’m sure they were Marine through and through …. and that’s all that counts. Semper Fi! my brothers!!
I agree high & tight on hair, FMF 56 – 59.
They look like Marines to me,and how can you tell that hair is not tight on the sides?
I attempted my first ball at 29 Palms in 1969 after returning from a tour in Nam. High and and tight was the order of the day.