Category: Marine Corps Stories

TAPS

On June 1, 2014 the USMC lost a buddy, Brigadier General Jim Hall, USAF [Ret.]. He crewed on Twentieth Air Force B-29’s during WWII, on missions over Japan. In March 1945 he crash-landed on Central Field, the Iwo Jima Emergency Airfield, aboard one of the first aircraft to use it. He never missed a chance to speak of his debt to the Marines, living and dead, who secured Iwo Jima. He took every opportunity to personally thank the Iwo Jima veterans for saving his life (and the lives of his fellow airmen). He served 3 wars, in combat: WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Among his many decorations and awards, he wore silver Parachutist Wings. He originated the television series “Ripcord.” He tested man-rated parachute systems for the USAF. He created the “Buddy System” and the “4-line cut.” He designed and filmed the survival instruction film: “Passport to Safety.” Jim always repaid his debts; he saved countless lives. Semper Fidelis, General Hall! read more

That Was Then, This Is Now

I read in your column recently someone said he was a Real, Real Old Marine of 85. I've always thought age was a figment of the mind and if you let it get to you you'll worry about getting old and infirm. I never had time for that, I only had time to do my job and think about what I had to do next. read more

Mounted Color Guard Albuquerque 1971

Marine Corps Recruiting Station mounted color guard in Albuquerque, NM, was formed in 1970-72 to assist with the recruiting efforts throughout the state. The four Appaloosa horses and a special trailer, with all the equipment and McCollum saddles, were donated by a former Marine Korean War Veteran who was very patriotic and wanted to see the Marine Corps succeed, and to carry on the tradition of our mounted Marines. They traveled many miles riding in parades and personal appearances. This was the only Marine Corps mounted color guard that ever existed in the state of New Mexico. read more

Camp Hansen

Sgt Grit!

I had to back up Sgt E-4 C.J.Oudendyk story about Camp Hansen, 3rd Marine Divison in 1956. When the Marines transferred me from Japan to Okinawa. They put me at Camp Hansen, I was Cpl Myers, cook/baker but no place to work. The only thing left was the boiler in a quonset hut. There will be some pictures to let anyone know what I mean. In one of the pictures I'm setting there with you guessed it, C-rations, but the troops could not tell the difference, we would doctor the stuff up. read more

No Civvies Allowed On Base

Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) Memphis where Sailors and Marines learned how to be aviation technicians was actually in Millington, Tennessee about twelve miles North of Memphis.

Attached is my graduating class picture posed in front of the school's jet trainer. All the Marines in the picture got orders to Kaneohe Bay MCAS, early in 1961. Anyway, Gunny Bednarz brought back some memories in the last newsletter regarding Cinderella liberty during the week and weekend liberty when you didn't have the duty. No civvies allowed on base but you could rent a locker in downtown Memphis conveniently located at the bus stop from Millington to keep your civvies off base. Rumor has it that the commanding Admiral owned the lockers and that was the reason for the no civvies order on base. The best place to go in Memphis on liberty was the USO club. read more

Into DaNang Without A Pass

One pic of DaNang Airbase. The other two are from inside DaNang city limits. E5 and below were not allowed into DaNang without a pass. But formalities are not a problem for my buddy LCpl DJ Huntsinger, later SSgt. He invited me to go to DaNang with him. Sounds great let's go. We get a few hundred yards from the gate to DaNang and he says we need to wait here. I say wait for what. A ride he says. He finally tells me what he is about to get me into. Being a dumbazs LCpl also, I agree. read more

Tribute Jerseys

I wanted to share these photos. Our baseball team wore digi desert jerseys with a name of a fallen Marine across the back of each jersey to commemorate these heroes. The top photo is of former Marines CPLs Klent Luschen (02-10) and Josh Wells (03-11) with their sons. The second photo is during a moment of silence that the team dedicated to these Marines for their sacrifice. read more