Just like most Marines, I honor all Marines, especially those who served during WW2 and Korea. Recently I had the honor of meeting a Marine from the Battle of Iwo Jima, Pfc. Robert Hensley, 3rd Marine Division. As a Garland Deputy Marshal, I get the chance to meet many citizens during the week. On one occasion 3 months ago I observed a senior citizen entering the lobby of the building I am assigned to. As he got closer, walking slowly with the aid of his cane, I noticed that he was wearing a cover with the Marine Corps Emblem. So I gave him a strong "Semper Fi Marine" greeting! He stopped, straighten up and looked over at me and with a slight smile on his face he returned the greeting! And as almost all Marines do, I asked when he served and what unit he served with. He responded proudly that he is a WW2 Marine and served with the 3rd Marine Division at Iwo Jima. So he stopped next to my desk and we discussed our experiences in the Corps. As you can guess, my part of the conversion was brief and his was a bit longer and more interesting!
Category: Marine Corps Stories
Hard Lessons From My Old Man
After I graduated high school I spent the summer in unrepentant sloth. Graduation parties, bonfires on the beach, and the consumption of alcohol led to many late nights and even later mornings. I hadn't gotten a job nor had I registered for college. Why would any 18 year old when he was having so much fun, right?
They Are Brothers
Let me start this story by saying, I know each of these warriors well. I consider both to be great friends. Pictured is Cpl Greg Coats and SSgt Codi Tanksley. I could write a book on these two Marines, but I will keep my observation short this time. Both of these Marines were in the store at the same time this past week. These Marines both served during the Iraq War and served heroically at that. I made sure that these two met when they were in. I felt the need to bring these brothers together.
Love Them Blues
Reading all the stories of our dress blues I've got one that I would like to share. After I returned from VN, at the end of 1966, I was stationed in Norfolk and was on light duty, after having knee surgery at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, when our Top asked me if I had a set of blues. Having been in the "Corps" long enough to know better than answer right of way. I asked "why"?
Windward Marine 4 Oct 1963
A little history from the "Windward Marine" the base newspaper for Kaneohe MCAS. I was stationed there in VMA 212 from 1961 to 1963.
Norm Spilleth
1960 – 1964
Sad Performance
I was in Platoon 124 when JFK came to MCRD San Diego in 1963. We were at the Pugil Stick Pits where he came to observe. I drew the largest recruit in our platoon to fight. Pvt. Garner knocked me around the pit just a few feet from JFK. It was a sad performance on my part. That is me in 1968 in Leatherneck Square.
The Most Boot PFC
From the "wayback" files 1969. 2nd Anglico, Courthouse Bay. The memory is fading… I think that is Lt Col. Schuler (sp) presenting me with The Navy Achievment Medal with Combat V. After the photographer left and the door was closed the Lt. Col. advised me that on my way to the barber shop, I might want to stop and see the Corpsman about getting some regulation eyewear.
Always Momentary Silence
I have to reply to the Article "Proud of Being A Marine." Yes, I fully understand that Tim Rudd's wife and Sgt. Grit's wife are proud of being married to Marines! I have been retired for 1 year now and frequently get questions regarding what I am most proud of/my greatest accomplishment: my Army service, my 36 years of teaching, being a Legionnaire, etc. Answer–being a Marine wife and being married to my beloved Marine for 38 years. There is always a momentary silence when I give this reply, but it's true!
Windward Marine 26 July 1963
A little history from the "Windward Marine" the base newspaper for Kaneohe MCAS. I was stationed there in VMA 212 from 1961 to 1963.
Norm Spilleth
1960 – 1964
EXCITEMENT! Shot At And Missed
My new book, EXCITEMENT! Shot At And Missed, has been available for only the past month or so, and the response is very much appreciated! Here's what MSgt Miles Kelly Hill, USMC (Retired) has to say about the book:
"This is one of the best military books I've read! It brought back memories of my time in the Marines. Everyone, whether a Marine or not, will enjoy this riveting, first-hand account of the F-2-5 Marines in Korea. The chapters concerning boot camp, both poignant and funny, brought back many memories of my time at MCRD. This is the real deal!"