Category: Old Corps

When I reported for training at OCS, Quantico we had a very large group reporting at the same time.  It took a long time to receive out issue of clothins, boots, etc.  This did not slow the training a bit, we marched, ran and did exercises in our civilian clothes.  Also they made us pay for our arrival hair cuts.  Two months into our training (November) it was getting cold and one morning I was almost asleep on my feet.  Very early in the morning I was first out of the mass hall and standing on our painted foot steps.  It was still dark and very cold.  I thought I was alone and put my hands in my trouser pockets for warmth.  I did not see the DI in the darkness and he started hitting my hands with a big stick and shouting to get them out of my pockets.  When we finished and got our commission in mid December my hands were still sore.  I never put my hands in my pockets again for the next 20 years.  My class received our commissions in December 1957 and I left the Corps in October 1977.  Bennie Parks USMC Retired read more

I joined back in 1975 right after the pull out and was in for four years.  I was stationed most of my time in at Courthouse Bay in Camp Lejuene N.C.. Well one of the things that I'll never forget happened right before morning formation.  Being in AMTRACs and being in HDQT platoon in Alpha Co.  We dealt with a rather rough bunch of Jarheads.  Anyway right before the CO. Gunny came out the incident happened.  The rumor was going around that so and so was going to have an accident.  Well 1st Platoon had a problem child at the time and the guy just wouldn't get it together and 1st was getting fed up with the guy.  Anyway long story short problem child had his shoulder dislocated right there in formation and being right next to 1st platoon all of our little HDQT platton heard it plain as day.  Kind of felt sick to my stomach actually.  Anyway after formation problem child was led away to sickbay by the two guys that did the dirty deed and I over heard them saying "not a damn word or you'll get worse." Old corps yah I was in the old corps and proud of it.  Grin and bare it.  Problem child didn't say a word and got his shit together and the culprits never got foundout.  Yah maybe it was a little like jailhouse justice but that's what it was like at times.  Oorah! read more

I was reading about another Drill instructor on Sgt. Grits newsletter and was thinking back on my experience at PI. Of course getting off the bus was scary, but when our plattoon formed (136) we were in a building standing behind our uniforms. Well I saw a big dude (6' 4" about 250lbs) that had a black belt on and two other DI's walking around. I said to myself oh S–t what have I gotten into now. The rest of the time I was there it felt like hell. But thanks to the DI's for helping me with my disipline and laziness, they made me a part of the best fighting force in the world "United States Marine Corp". I could hardly believe it that I survived the boot camp and the yelling and physical fitness that we all endured. There again I was a Marine. Thanks to GYSGT Johnston my senior DI, Staff SGT. Cullen and SGT Downing for making us Marines. read more

In reguards to the unranked marine joe featherston,  who served 1963 to 1965 in kaneohe bay to phu bai, RVN.

I first went to Vietnam in April of 69. Returned home in April of 70, only to return Juy of 71 for my second tour. Being trained as an 0351 my first tour, but when I got there they made me an 0331. read more

I bought something at the flea market over the weekend, and I don’t know what it is.

It is about 8” in length, and the metal is brass.  I know it is a Marine Corps. Item.  On the back of the brass, it is stamped England. read more