Category: Marine Corps Stories

Boot Camp Sea Stories-Believe it or don’t

I've read so many sea stories about bootcamp that I have to share a few now and then.

When I enlisted in about the mid-seventies, out of six-seven other high-school buddy enlistees, only one other brave, misguided soul and myself boarded the bus to Will Rogers airport, (via AFEES in downtown OKC), eventually landing about 10:30 p.m. in San Diego, then on to receiving at MCRD. read more

Guarding the Gates

With a very heavy heart I'm sad to say we lost another fine Marine and a lifelong friend.

Sgt. Larry G. Nabb 2373839, of Fort Morgan, CO passed away on June 3, 2013. Larry served three tours of duty in Vietnam. I had the pleasure to serve with Larry from 1968 – 1969. 3rd Marine Div. Hq. Bn. Serv. Co. MT. Quang Tri. Larry is the Marine depicted in the attached Christmas picture that appeared in your Newsletter some time back. read more

3rd 155, 175mm Gun Btry

The 3rd 155/175mm Gun Btry (SP) held its 3rd reunion in Branson, MO this October. Our first time to Branson and we were not disappointed! By far the most military friendly place around. We met up with friends we haven't seen in 45 years. The highlight of the reunion was our unit Banquet and the fun of raffling off the gifts you sent us for our reunion. Thanks for your support and the great products you sell and your great newsletter. I look forward to reading it every week. Keep up the great work! read more

A Late Lunch

On October 23, 2013, I'll celebrate the 50th anniversary of my arrival at MCRD San Diego. In October 1963 I walked from my home in Hillsdale, MI, to City Hall with an idea to enlist in either the Air Force or the Navy. Those two recruiters had taken a late lunch, but the Marine recruiter, a Corporal, invited me to wait for them in his office and have a cup of coffee. While waiting I noticed all the brochures, posters, etc., and asked him about the Marines. I remember him telling me, "Oh no. You came here to see the Air Force and Navy. I'm not going to steal you away from them."  I responded that I wasn't under any obligation to those guys and just wondered what the Marines had to offer. To make a long story short, I enlisted in the Marine Corps and it was, by far, one of the best decisions I've made during my life. read more

Montford Point Marine

I had the distinct honor of attending the 'commitment' services for MGySgt Hosea on 11 October 2013 at the National Cemetery, Beaufort, SC. Although he passed away in Garden Grove, CA, back in June and had a full honors ceremony there he requested that he be moved to Beaufort where an infant daughter was interred in 1961. Nate, as a MSgt E-7, was my NCOIC in Base Electronics at Quantico in the late 50's when I was a Corporal (E-3). He was my 'boss', a mentor, an excellent example, and my friend. He died at age 85 and was a proud Montford Point Marine. He will surely be missed. read more

Corpsman In Viet Nam

I was a Corpsman in Viet Nam from 9/67 to 9/68.  I was a Delta Med at Dong Ha.  During my tour there I learned to respect the Marines I was with and all who came thru the hospital.

We recently did some remodeling and I had to go to the local building supply center.  When I was checking out, the guy behind the counter had a Marine Corps hat on.  He looked to be my age, so I asked him if he had been someplace hot and dangerous in the 60's.  He had.  I told him that I had been a Corpsman at D-Med and when I had been there. It turns out that he was wounded several times in early '68 and came thru the hospital.  I was in charge of triage at that time and therefore I saw everybody who came thru the doors.  No doubt, I took care of him during one of his trips to see us, if not each time. We have been good friends ever since. read more