Category: Other USMC

Zippo Art

In your latest newsletter, Jerry Nealey Sr. asked about Zippo art. Here is the lighter Charlie Battery 1/13 had designed while we were in Vietnam. I believe it was designed by Lt. Eberhardt (Deceased).

I have seen another one like this with a different date on it, but this is the original one. I do not have a picture of the back, but on that side the lid had: read more

Motivation

I went to MCRD San Diego in Oct 1967. Platoon 2092 and Honor Platoon. After training began there wasn't a day gone by that we didn't get "motivated" by one or all the DIs.This usually meant standing at attention, arms down to your side while you were "motivated". You knew you were in trouble when the DI called you in the "duty hut" and he puts on his black gloves so he wouldn't leave any marks. One recruit wasn't holding his m-14 right and the DI shoved the barrel into his face splitting his lip. They sent him to sick bay and told him to tell them he "tripped over his footlocker". Things like this went on daily for eight weeks. Did all the "motivations" make us better Marines? I don't know. I went to Vietnam and came back in one piece. I will say this of all the training I received boot camp had the biggest impact on me. When we got to ITR and BITS all the "motivations" stopped. I guess because we had access to live rounds and the troop leaders were afraid of getting shot.(ha). I have no ill feelings toward my DIs now. But at the time those three guys had to be the meanest and cruelest the Marine Corps had to offer. If you are planning on joining the Marine corps remember these three things. One, keep a low profile. Two, don't draw attention to yourself and three be in the very best shape of your life before going in. Football two a days aren't anything like you are about to experience in bootcamp. Other than that its a piece of cake. read more

Hill 881 S

In memory of 2 LT. Joesph [ Bussy ] Mitchell, who was Plt. leader of 3rd. Plt. M-3-3  and  was KIA on Sunday morning April 30, 1967 while leading assualt on VC and NVA positions on the hill. Bussy was born to be a Marine and gave it all he had. He was my friend, classmate and fellow Marine. RIP Bussy {some called him Buzzy} and Semper Fi In memory of all Marines that were lost on 881 and 881 S. read more

Lost and Found Plt 1229

Sgt. Grit:

I would like to know if there are any other Marines from Platoon 1229 who might be interested in a reunion. The roster photo lists each member and what state they were from or what state I think they were. I would appreciate it if everyone could take a gander at the photo and roster to see if they recognize anyone. If you do and know there whereabouts please let me know. read more

Intended To Be Funny

I enlisted in the Marine Corps for four years the week I turned 18, in 1965. I served in Okinawa, Phu Bai, 29 Palms, and at the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Seattle, Washington, where I was part of an Officer Selection Office (OSO) team. I was honorably discharged as a Sergeant, went to college, was a computer programmer, went to law school, and have practiced law for 32 years. The Marine Corps gave me discipline and determination, and I am proud to be a Marine. read more

Guadalcanal Heroes

I read with interest Gunny Rousseau's letter on "Guadalcanal Heroes". Not everyone has forgotten about Guadalcanal. Not many of them (all heroes in my opinion) are left. Had the Marines failed there, the results of WWII would have been significantly different. Guadalcanal does not get the attention of campaigns like Iwo, but it was a victory of greater historical significance. read more

My Heart Is With Them

The brothers memories are alive and well in my home and on my ranger. On a daily basis I salute them all… especially the ones we left behind who are still waiting to come home like they were promised. I was a peace time Marine, but my heart is with them. Salute to all who served and are serving… read more