I went to SD boot camp on 7 June 1974. I’ve looked through my DD214s and I’m unable to find what my platoon number was. I’m pretty sure we graduated in Sept 1974. Reason for my search is I’m wanting to get copy of my boot camp photo album. Without platoon number all places with them can’t help me. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. I would like to leave this with my family. I can be reached at aj_jm964@yahoo
Arthur J. Moon
SSGT. USMC
You might want to try going to https://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=Home
Register yourself and then look for members of your boot camp platoon.
There may even be a picture of your platoon graduation photo there. Good Luck.
I would try and use yours 214,because it has your start date.i went to pi and when I came home I registered my 214 at my local courthouse! Thanks and good luck
Try contacting the museum at MCRDSD. Some years ago I wanted my platoon photo (but I knew my platoon number). They sent me the photo. They would know what platoon numbers graduated in September 1974.
GOOD LUCK
I’ll never forget my boot camp number, the I’ll black drill instructor walked on his toes you think your going to skate through boot camp 2032 1979 what a time
I went through boot camp at SD, Sept. 1966, Platoon 1107. I can’t believe anyone could ever forget their platoon number, or their D.I.’s names.
Sgt. Dennis Edwards 0811/3041
RVN 1967-68
I agree with you Dennis. I went through boot camp during the late summer of 1960. My platoon number was 363. The D
rill Instructors were SSgt. Marvin Paxton, SSgt (E-5) Dale Flickinger and SSgt (E-5) Richard Bair.
Think. Hear your drill Instructor yell “platoon ### on the road “
I went through Parris island in 1967 with platoon 366. and will never forget when our di’s picked us up at reception and one of them said they would put weight on me as I was 6’2″ and 138 pounds. after requesting permission to speak, I said that I would lose weight. he couldn’t believe it. I left boot at 136,
Also check the website yellowfootprints .com since you remember your start/end time (approximately) and where you went to Boot Camp at, that may jog some memories. They have a pretty good data base.
I think you can get what you want here. Check this out:
https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/Office-of-Legislative-Affairs/Congressional-Correspondence-Section/Records-Request/
The DD214 doesn’t provide information about series/platoon numbers, only the final duty station when separating from active duty. It will provide your start date of active duty, which may indicate your likely start/finish dates of basic training. Estimating your graduation date will trigger the series graduation and perhaps help your recall.
Gregory & Keith offer some good advice. You can also post your request in Leatherneck Magazine ‘Reader Assistance’ (Mail call) by emailing: s.bock@mca-marines.org
I strongly urge you to obtain your comprehensive service records from the National Personnel Records Center [NPRC] by going to VA.gov or Archives.gov and downloading Form SF180. Those records will tell you a great deal about test scores, promotions Conduct & Proficiency marks, duty stations, deployments, health, schools, awards, and much more. Allow about three months for a response.
I do have to observe that few Marines ever forget their platoon, their DIs or their service number. At my age, I often forget where I left my keys or phone, why I went into a room or even what I ate for my last meal but I still remember the 11 General Orders, the phonetic alphabet, my radio call sign, the characteristics & nomenclature of the M1 rifle, and how to call in a fire mission …
Good luck in your quest and Semper Fi!
I agree with Edwards, can’t believe anybody would ever forget that number. “Platoon 3081, on the road,” is forever etched in my brain housing group. Aug 66, San Diego, CA. Semper Fi!
A brief search of MCRD San Diego’s list of platoons for 1974 indicates there were no platoons that started training 7 June 74. However, considering the week in Receiving/Staging didn’t count towards the training cycle, we see Platoons 3054 and 3055 starting on 18 June and graduating September 74. Platoons 3057 and 3058 followed two weeks later, along with Plt 1066.
I located a photo of Plt 3063 graduating (according to the sign in photo) 11 Sept 74 [GySgt Keith] but it doesn’t show on the MCRD roster (above).
My best guess is our poster graduated with 3054, 3055 or 3066.
Platoon 177, August 1964, the number on my motocross bike is 177 a tribute to our Corps.
Semper Fidelis
Viet Nam 1965-66
Can’t believe you can’t remember your platoon #. I can still hear my DI yelling 247 on the road.
I arrived at MCRD San Diego 03 June, 1974. I was 2nd Battalion, Gulf Company, 2053 Series, Platoon 2054. We graduated 30 August, 1974. Even with that information, I can’t find my Platoon book. Good luck.
Sgt. D. Edwards, I was in the same series as you, Plt. 1108, Sept. to Nov. 66′. I not only remember my DI’s name, but I remember your SDI, SSgt Strickland. Quite a story behind the reason why I remember him so well. Also, I think your Plt. Guide was a Marqui, or something like that, him and I had quite a go in Pugal Sticks.
D. D. Thorin, SSgt. 0311
RVN June 67 to July 68
I think I remember you standing just outside of the duty hut door, I am sorry Hatchway, and your D.I.’s where pinning your strips on, I am sure that felt good. If you were an honor Guide, you had to be good. Semper Fi
D.D. Edwards, Sgt. 0811/3041
RVN March 1967 to 25 March 68
Give the guy a break. There is probably some reason why he cannot remember, after all we all have some problem as we are all human and mostly all MARINES. Jeff Smith 1974-1981 Plt 3038/Mos 5831
I’m with you Jeff…I have met some draftees that want to forget they were even in the Corps. I remember my platoon number, graduation dates, etc. But, I have no idea what my lock combination or my rifle S/N was. As I get older, many things have faded from my mind. However, I remember that I was, am, and always will be a UNITED STATES MARINE and cherish my short time in the Corps. PI. Platoon 215, graduated 9 March 1966……..Bob 1381 Vietnam 66/67.
I wonder where the last 50 years have gone to !!! It’s a wonder that some of us are as sane as we are, considering our lives to now, but I am not complaining, the Good Lord, has blessed me, in the past, and he continues to pull my fat out of the fire to this day. Praise the Lord !!!!
Sgt. D D Edwards
Arthur I did a quick search and came across a listing of MCRD San Diego platoon start and stop dates for 1974. There isn’t a listing for 4 June 1974 but possibly you can use the platoon numbers in your search to find your name.
3054 18 JUN 1974 04 SEP 1974
3055 18 JUN 1974 04 SEP 1974
3057 26 JUN 1974 12 SEP 1974
3058 26 JUN 1974 12 SEP 1974
Hope this helps
Semper Fi
Arthur,
Do you remember your battalion? The first number of your platoon is the battalion number. Mine was 2nd battalion, so the 2 in 2077. I went in just after you in mid July. I’m guessing your ply number is less than 77 so probably one of the 3rd battalion numbers that have already been posted.
Good luck in our quest.
Respectfully submitted
Ssgt Steve Allen