Category: Marine Corps Stories

DaNang Ammo dump

I was part of a 12-man team from MP Co. 1st MarDiv taken to Dog Patch and some of the local villages to evac. The civilians. Most memorable was the tear gas as it covered an area as far as you could see. Taking a break that night I was laying on my flak jacket at the entrance of the air base watching cases of ammo being tossed into the sky and blowing up. As I laid there, there was a swoosh next to me. I looked down to see a large chunk of metal, glowing red hot. It was the fuse plug from a 500lb bomb. I tried to take it home but was relieved of it when I hit El Toro,CA. It's ironic as I was able to bring a Chicom rifle and Dagger home but not a twisted chunk of iron. read more

Sgt Grit Reunites Young Love

I'll attempt to make this short, but it will be however it unfolds. Harken back to June of 1966 – the train ride we all took (well some of us anyway) from our hometown to face the greatest challenge we would ever face – Marine Corps Boot Camp. A young, very unworldly, 17 year old striking off to be counted as one of THE FEW. read more

March Into The Fence

I thought your readers might enjoy the Before and After photos from my Boot camp Graduation Book, Platoon 304, graduation date 6 March 1967, MCRDSD. S/Sgt. W. Zeiferts was Platoon Commander. He smacked me once on the Big Grinder because I was stupid enough to question a drill command. Sgt. R. Ramos was the Drill Instructor. He would take off his web belt and throw it in the air when we screwed up. It was scary and funny at the same time. read more

Final Formation GySgt Kevin Kyle

A recent motorcycle accident claimed the life of our dear friend and customer GySgt Kevin Kyle. This Marine left us too soon at the age of 50. Gunny Kyle served in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq and other combat operations. He was an avid shopper at Sgt Grit. Anytime Gunny walked into the showroom, I always made my way over to speak with him for a bit. That was a treat for me. This Marine was just awesome. When I first met him, he had just got off the plane at Will Rogers Airport here in OKC from Iraq. We were having morning chow that day at Sgt Grit for the Marine Corps Birthday. He came straight over to us that morning and had breakfast with his brothers and sisters. He said, that is where he needed to be. That was a special morning. Unknowingly to all of us, he became the "guest of honor" quite literally. It was an honor to have him home and there with all of us. Gunny was a really neat guy. He always had a smile on his face and he always made you feel that he was really happy to see you that day. He would do that with anyone. He will be missed by all. read more

Patriot Series Harley Davidson

I bought my first Harley through HD's military sales program in 1991, a Softtail Custom. Now on my third HD, it is also USMC related, it's a 2007 Road King Classic "Patriot" series USMC model (they did other models as Patriot series that year). The designation Patriot got you a special tank emblem that included the seal for your branch of service. My best friend is the general manager at the dealer. He lived a couple blocks away and used to swing by after work for a "cup of whiskey." A $17K bike was soon over $20K, but when I picked up "The Sarge" there was a bottle of JD in each saddle bag! read more