Category: Korea

Fighting Huks

Enjoyed the story of fighting the HUKS. I too remember the time well. Was with MAG-16 (Helicopter Support Detachment) that provided transportation support to the fighting GRUNTS. We were home based in the middle of Clark Air Base field between runways in a tent camp. I was a SSgt at the time with Logistics Support with MAG-16 Group Supply at Oppama, Japan. 1956 – 1957. read more

We Want Men Not Married Men

It was on Sept. 4th about 25 or 30 of us were waiting to be sworn in to the Navy when the Chief said he needed to smoke cigarette and go to the head. When he walked out a Marine Staff Sergeant walked in and said they did not have enough going in to the Corps. Then he started to ask who was married. Those that who were married, when they said no, he would say "you're in" and if they said yes he would say, "we want men not married men."    When he had picked 13, he said, "you all just volunteered for the Corps. Of those 13, we all finished and there were only 32 that finished out of the whole platoon.   Top Sherry

Our 4 Generations

We are 4 Generations Marine Strong.

PFC Donald Carson….Korea

L/Cpl Greg Sims……….VietNam

Cpl. Brad Sims…………Perian Gulf

L/Cpl Scott Nokes…….Afghanistan (2x)

As a Life Member of the Marine Corps League, I displayed my Espirit De Corps with my MCL, New Jersey Plate. Now I am in Kentucky, I continue to show my pride, with my adopted state's Marine Plate. read more

Unlegal Invasion

Dear Sgt. Grit,   It's me, the Beer Runner!  I wrote to you last year after I found your website looking to replace the sword on a plaque given to my dad when he retired.  I am sending a picture of my mom with the sword and scabbard, back in its place of honor.  I'm also sending a picture of "Our Wall"; thanks to Sgt. Grit's store for some of the memorabilia.   When I was back in New York, I was able to go through a trunk that had a treasure trove of goodies my mom saved from 30 years of Marine Corps living!    The first thing I came across was a 493 page Guidebook for Marines.  What I found interesting was there is no date telling when it was published.  What I found even more interesting was a note my dad wrote on the last page and it read… "And on the seventh day the Lord rested… and Marines continued to fill sand bags."    I came across a newspaper article titled "Marines Teaching Dangers of Duds" at Camp Hansen, Okinawa.  The article was about a villager that set off a dud shell killing one and injuring the other.  Three Marine officers decided to come up with ways to prevent such accidents from happening again.  The three officers were Col. Mike Mosteller, Capt. Harry G. Hartley, and 2d Lt. David Luke.  My dad, Sgt. Patrick J. Kelly was in the photo holding up a "dud" shell.  I've also attached a copy of the article.   One of the most touching things I came across was a letter written to my mom on April 11, 1966 from Miss Margaret Jo Roach, USO Associate Director.  They originally spoke via the MARS station in Okinawa.  I've attached the letter; it's amazing in this day in age to see how our troops had to communicate with family "back in the day".   I also thought I'd share a letter written to my dad from a high school girl from Kwang in 1952.  She writes about the "unlegal invasion" of the North Korean Army and how our troops came to help.  It was simply written and her words do the Marine Corps proud.    I've also attached a couple pictures that were labeled on the back, "Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps)."  That's my dad pulling the lanyard of a 105mm howitzer sending a high explosive shell on the way to enemy positions.   And last but not least, in honor of the Marine Corps Birthday, I've attached a picture of my dad and my brother (age 3) at Parris Island November 10, 1968.  My dad served 30 years in the Marine Corps and I'm sad to say he died in 1985.  It seems like yesterday.  After 4 daughters, my parents had Patrick J. Kelly II and he was the pride and joy of our family!     My dad never got to see his son play pro football for the Denver Broncos or the NY Jets; he never saw him married and never got to see his grandson, Patrick J. Kelly III.  But dad was looking down and I believe had something to do with Patrick III being born on, you guessed it, November 10, 1999.  My brother died almost 10 years ago at age 37.  We do what many families do, keep memories alive through pictures, stories and in our case, Irish blarney!  That's the way they'd want it.   I would sincerely appreciate hearing from anyone that may remember GySgt. Patrick J. Kelly.   God Bless our Troops, God Bless our Veterans, Semper Fi!   Michelle Kelly Lewandowski   P.S. My dad would have loved your website and I know he would have had many stories to share!