Here's a photo of that famous Jacket. Much more comfortable than the "Blouse." When I got out I almost had a bidding war going for it. Should have kept it, but.
This picture was taken on Sanjo Street, Nara Japan 1953. I was a Corporal then.
Category: Other USMC
Remembering
Remembering
Sgt Grit,
I recently took note of the Battle-Jacket issue that has been getting press in your newsletter. I went through boot camp during the last vestiges of the brown shoe (leather) era and was issued one Battle-Jacket and one green blouse as part of my basic clothing issue. I cannot speak for others; but the Marines in my units never referred to this article of clothing as an Ike-Jacket. I do remember that the Battle-Jacket was very comfortable and very popular – especially amongst those who were not issued one.
Family Business
Family Business
Sgt Grit:
I enjoy, as do all Marines who read your letter, the success stories, the trials and the pride of fathers and grandfathers who attend a graduation ceremony for their own family members who are keeping the tradition alive. When my son finished high school he spoke to a Marine Recruiter and then came home to discuss it with me. While my chest swelled at his selection of the Corps for his inquiries, I had one question and that was what his goal in life would be. He said he wanted to be a doctor and to have a military career and I informed him the Corps has no doctors. Lots of bayonet operators but no doctors.
More “Special K”
From a former Marine
From a former Marine
I read your Sgt. Grit American Courage Newsletter each and every time it comes out.
Being a former Marine from 1992-2002, I served with my older brother and father in a Marine Reserve Unit.
I just wanted to let you know I appreciate everything you do for our Devil Dogs and the other military organizations.
Jackets on Deck one more time!
SgtGrit:
Perhaps you can find space for one more footnote on the “Ike” vs. “Battle” Jacket discussion on-going.
I enlisted in April 1947 and after boot camp was issued Dress Blues and a Khaki and Green jacket (take your pick for the name). I may be getting old, but I do clearly remember many of us calling them “Ike Jackets” and we didn’t even know much about “Ike” in those days, something about his being an Army General in WWII (just joking of course). I sure found out who he was when I was in Korea and heard he was coming there to ?bring us home? (see picture) but the only guy that went “home” with him was his Army son.
3 Most Respected Medals in the World
3 Most Respected Medals in the World
hello Sgt grit here are the 3 most respected medals in the world.they are displayed in every Marines museum in scranton pa.
S F dom
Cherry Point
Cherry Point
They were still issuing those in the summer of ’62 at MCRD San Diego. I don’t recall ever being instructed on the appropriate time and/or way to wear the scarf.
It stayed folded up in my sea bag for four years, two months and twelve days, only coming out for a junk on the bunk. I still had it up until last year but never knew what to do with it.
Colored Iwo Jima
Colored Iwo Jima
Sgt Grit,
I’m married to a Marine up at 8th and I and I spent a lot of the summer at parades. I took a picture of Iwo and I played around with it on a picture editor. I hope you like it!
Semper Fi,
Kathleen Heckman
My Uncles and Aunt all served…
My Uncles and Aunt all served…
Dear Sgt. Grit –
Although I never served, I consider myself a Marine “in spirit”. Not a “phony Marine” that I have often read about in your online newsletter, but someone who has always had much respect for the U.S.M.C.-(JHJ was my favorite Uncle!) as well as all the branches of our military. I appreciate that I live well because others sacrificed. Freedom isn’t free!