One morning, instead of going to “A” school, I went to sickbay from the barracks instead of going to class first, then being sent to sick bay. In the tradition of shoot first, and ask questions later, I was written up UA. I was called to the first shirts office before doing the dance on the CO’s carpet. I explained to the first shirt the circumstances behind my being written up UA. Upon completion of my story, he asked me my name again. I replied “Pvt. Gibson” The first shirt said “oh, we’re looking for Pvt Carson, get the hell out of my office” This was about the only time it counted to have two last names.
Category: Main
When Times are Trying, Just a Little Humor
Around the winter, spring of “68” the TET offensive was in full swing. I was a ammo tech H&S Co 3/7 around a little village called Dia Lac at the four corners. When most Marines called it a day they would leave their radios on after Armed Forces Radio went off the air. That way it would come back on in the morning without having to turn it back on and you know it was around 0600 hr. This particular morning around o545 hrs we started catching incoming and, of course, there was a scramble to get your stuff to a hole or bunker.
Eagle Globe and Anchor
My first. 14 years after I got out.
Platoon Book
Looking for platoon book from MCRD San Diego platoon 184 from 28mar1966 to ??
49 Years Ago
July 5th 1967 I was wounded early morning serving with 2/9 near the DMZ, Semper Fi to all who served past and present.
Parris Island Broken Arm 1970
On July 5th, 1970 I arrived at Parris Island after a long bus ride from Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, there were yellow footprints. I was 17 at the time and my Dad had served in the Army so naturally, I had to join the Marines. Anyway, I was a pretty squared away recruit. Tried to just look forward, stay under the radar and get the hell out of there as quick as I could.
My second Marine Corps Tattoo
Got this, my second Marine Corps tattoo 24 years after I retired.
Larry Goldfinger
CSMO
I had just reported aboard B-1/10 at GTMO in December 1973, newly graduated from the Basic Field Artillery Officer Course at Fort Sill. We were a composite battery down there, 105mm and 155mm howitzers. I was the billet of105mm howitzer platoon commander. We had just completed my first FIREX when I gave the command “MARCH ORDER” No one moved. I was stunned, and thinking what now lieutenant! Then my platoon sergeant gave me a nod and yelled out “CSMO”, and as any Marine 08 knows, the platoon was a blur of movement. Lesson learned.
Jack Webb
Jack Web documentary made in 1961–A Force in Readiness– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSRqFwuggKY
My USMC tattoo
My traditional style eagle, globe and anchor. I served for 6 years in 1986-1992 and was a jet mechanic on A-4 Skyhawks. (seatshop) I also did a tour as a Marine Security Guard in the first class to accept women. 3 of us graduated MSG school in 1988. 1918 is the year women were allowed to join the Marines serving in the reserves. I added the date to my tattoo as a hat tip to the women who came before me. My step father was a Marine and in November my son graduated from Parris Island, so now we are a three generation USMC family.