Category: Old Corps

Fired On The Hucks

Ref: Newsletter 5/23/13 "Cold War" by Donald J Patterson. I too served in the Cold War era. Knowing my Marine brothers, I feel that few, if any, think lesser of those who served in the Cold War era.

I'm 76 years of age and still have vivid memories of the men I served with and the jobs we did. "Operation Strong Back" was a Cold War operation at the behest of the Philippine government. The 12th Marines went into the field and fired on the HUCKS (commies) up in the mountains. You will not find any written matter about it, but it did happen. read more

Taps from Newsletter 053013

A while back, I posted a story about Lorton Berry. He had been in the Navy, 1940-46. Was attached to the 1st Mar Div, communications, in the Pacific. Served at Guadalcanal, Tinian and Peleliu, to name a few. Knew "Chesty". When I met him, he said he was missing some medals and one was purple. I contacted Rep. Marsha Blackburn in TN. Took a while, but her office was in contact with his daughter. And, a gentleman from Memphis Honor Flights contacted me, via Sgt. Grit. Thanks, Sgt. read more

ShinolA Shoe Polish

When I graduated from boot camp, MCRDSD (1962), I remember having a choice of either Sea Duty or Embassy Duty. I talked to my Senior Drill Instructor (Gunnery Sergeant Venizia) and asked him what his thoughts were on my duty station choices. I remember very clearly his words to me. "Sea Duty is the greatest duty station the Marine Corps can offer you… now, YOU make the choice!" read more

Memphis Belle

Enclosed is a photo of a Marine Corps amhib nicknamed "Memphis Belle" coming up the beach at Okinawa in Eric Hammel's book "Islands of H-ll".

As the archivist and historian for the Memphis Belle Memorial Association, Inc., an organization chartered to restore and educate the public about the B-17F "Memphis Belle", a bomber from WWII, I am on the lookout for "Memphis Belle" and associated material. Although the airplane, which the city of Memphis saved from the smelter in 1946, has been moved from Memphis to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. We remain involved in the restoration and development of her history. This effort produced a book about the "Belle" entitled "Memphis Belle Dispelling the Myths". What I am looking for is information from anyone who was on Okinawa during the fighting that might possibly remember things about this vehicle. I realize that it is a long shot, but Marines remember things that many people don't. read more

Parachute Rigger

I've been asked what this WW2 sleeve patch represents. It would seem to designate a Parachute Rigger. There were other such patches worn on the lower sleeve until about 12/31/47 (same time we lost Division Patches). For example, crossed Signal Flags for telephone wireman and 'Lightning' sparks for radioman. Can anyone confirm? read more

Lost and Found Newsletter 23 May 2013

It's been over 57 years since I became a Marine at MCRD Parris Island, and with the exception of one of my DI's (SSgt Richard E. Buice) who I ran into at Camp Lejeune in 1965; I haven't seen nor heard from any of my Recruit Platoon members. I've done internet searches and phone directory searches, advertising in the Marine Times, Leatherneck, etc. with no luck. I was thinking that perhaps some of those Marines who get the Grit newsletter just might be one of those Marines from Platoon 197 who graduated with me in March 1956. Attached is Platoon photo. read more