Ernie Cheatham was the CO of Task Force X-ray… the entire organization of Marines that were tasked to clear the City of Hue during the 1968 Tet "celebration". I do not know where he was during the first few days of the fighting… but suffice it to say that our four tanks spent the vast majority of our time serving as a shield for the hapless Marine grunts who were thrown into the meat grinder and with carrying the wounded to be medivaced or their lifeless bodies to Grave Registration. See the attached photos…
Category: Marine Corps Stories
Bruce The Moose
These photos were sent in by one of our long time customers, Grace Washburn. The pictured Devil Pup is Bruce The Moose… Showing off his Marine Corps attitude and his dress blues.
Teresa Bolhuis
Customer Service Rep
Sands of Iwo Jima Cast
I bought a fixer upper 7 years ago and was in the market to buy a front door. I ran into the proprietor Arthur who I noticed was wearing a USMC ring proudly. We shared sea stories. He not only gave me a great deal on a door, he gave me a copy this photo… to boot! He was proud and I made him mark where he was in the photo and sign the back of it. Stated that soon afterwards his unit was sent to Korea… I currently have it on top of my mantel at home.
The Black Rifle
Sgt Grit,
Several stories have been posted recently about the Stoner rifles. Here's a little more info:
Eugene Stoner developed this rifle, and it had several variations. Most notably, the M16. He was the father of the M16. To fully understand the development and Vietnam problems with the M16, read the book "The Black Rifle", it's very informative. I met him once while working for Colt Firearms in the early 90's. He was also a WWII USMC Veteran.
2/4 in 1965-66 at Chu Lai
The attached photo is the original sign that was placed at the entrance to 2/4 in 1965-66 at Chu Lai. I recently received it from a 1st Division friend who also served during the same period and brought it home with him when he returned to CONUS. During the period this sign greeted all who entered 2/4's TAOR, the commanding officer was Lt. Col P. X. Kelly who later became the Commandant. Just want to share it with all who might remember, and remember the legacy of 2/4, second to none, the Magnificent Bast-rds.
Presley O’Bannon
We all learned about Presley O'Bannon in boot camp and if we've read any history about the war against the Barbary pirates we've learned more about him. His name is always spelled "O'Bannon". Does anyone know why his name on his tombstone in the Kentucky State Cemetery is spelled "O'Banion"?
Twelve and Twenty
January 1967 to February 1968, I was with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Lima Co., 3rd Platoon, 3rd Squadron. This is my recollection of time in country. I would like to share it with my fellow Marines who served with me if any of you are still alive.
Crossed Rifles
In reply to Brown Side Out, Green Side Out.
When I went into the Marines (Sept. 1959) the new rank structure was just getting started.
We had the M1 and BAR, hence the crossed rifles on the new chevrons. Since then we have gone through the M14 (I was on the Troop Test Program for this), the M16 (that got a lot of Marines killed in Vietnam), and a lot of new shooting irons since then that I can't keep up with. And there will be more to come.
Cartoon-like Drawings of Wars and Marines
I found this drawing that was like all the other cartoon like drawings of Wars and Marines. I thought maybe your readers might like to see what Marines thought like back then. Note the M60 Machine Gun on his shoulder and the Fierce Eyes and the way he carried Grenades.
How many battalions were at Parris Island
I am a Viet Nam era Marine 1963 to 1969. I was talking to a son of a Marine that was in the Corps before me. He then pulled out a graduation book to show me his fathers pictures. First thing I noticed was in the front of the book there was no picture of the present Commandant or anything referencing any dates at all. What it did say was that there were 5 battalions at Parris Island. I knew of 3 battalions were for the men and the 4th is for women, but I hadn't heard of 5 battalions. Does anybody know what the fifth battalion was designated to, and any idea what time period this all took place. All I could surmise was that the amount of troops that were going through at the time must have demanded another battalion. Thanks. Botch (Sgt of Marines)