I read several letters on this site concerning the bad food some Marines ate a different mess halls. My first thought was why did they not use the condiments (salt & pepper) that was available on the table. Then another reason hit me, maybe they just did not like that particular dish that was on the chow line that day.
I was a cook in the Marine Corps for almost four years. Never have figured out why I was chosen for this MOS but being a Marine I did it to the best of my ability.
I used to have some regrets for being a cook instead of a grunt or any other MOS but I finally came to the realization many years later that that job had to be done by someone.
Not to toot my horn but Myself and Lcpl. Sam Jackson received a Meritorious Mast (Attached) from Lt. Col. Joseph E. Muir (K.I.A. on 9/11/65) for setting up and maintaining a field mess in Chu Lai South Vietnam for Lima Co. on August 12, 1965. It was not until several years later that I learned of Col Muir’s death which makes the Meritorious Mast much more meaningful to me.
I was also awarded a Letter of Appreciation (attached) for a job well done on March 27, 1967 at TBS at Quantico, VA
I am now done venting concerning the Marine Corps Cooks!
Remember all Marines no matter what the MOS are First & Foremost A Rifleman.
Carl (Paw) Anderson
Corporal U.S.M.C.
