He just turned 3 but he's Daddy's boy!
Category: Marine Corps Stories
Gunny Sgt. Barbosa
Sgt. Grit a few years back I sent you a comment about my Gunny Sgt. Barbosa and it was about the time we were out in the field (1958) and climbing a monster of a hill at Camp Pendleton. Well I was in great shape for I had just finished playing football for the First Marines and was feeling my oats when I grabbed the tripod and 30 light and humped up the hill passing everyone in my path. When we got to the top of the hill Gunny Barbosa came over to me and said "Don't be a Smart A-z Conners" I remembered that and will never forget his comment as long as I live and never did it again…
Vietnam 1968 Thanksgiving Menu
Thought you might like a copy of this since everyone talks about chow. I agree Hill 55 had the best mess hall.
Commanding General’s Thanksgiving Day Message (inside of menu)
Thanksgiving is an American holiday in every sense of the word. It is a traditional family affair and each of us will be missed this year as our loved ones gather for the occassion.
Dress Blues Marine Monument
Dear Sgt Grit,
My name is Harry J. Daigle. I joined the Marine Corps in 1953 at the age of 17. Feb 28 1954, was when I graduated from MCRD. I stayed in the Corps 8 years, 8 days, and 8 hours. I got out as Cpl. E-4 like you did. I would have enlisted for another 6 years if they have given Sgt. E-5 I left the corps Dec 8, 1961, and after 58 years I still love the corps. As you see by the monument in my front yard, next to my American flag and the Marine Corps flag I bought from you. I just want to share my monument with all other Marines, celebrating the Fourth of July.
Drummed out of the Corps
In the 1960's I was in Alpha Company 1st Bn 7th Marines 1st Marine Division stationed at Camp Las Pulgas on Camp Pendleton Calif. I participated in a ceremony that drummed an ex marine out of the Corps. He was escorted to the gate where the civilian police were waiting for him.
Vietnam Chow and C-Rats: Chili In His Helmet
Sgt. Grit,
I had to send you these pictures. Others have talked about cooking in their helmet but I thought you would like to see what we made. Here is L/cpl Jim Berry fixing what we called chili in his helmet. We would ask our folks to send us chili powder and tomato sauce. Then we would empty out all the meat products from a case of C rations mix heat and serve. We were on the go a lot and made the best of any situation. My dad sent me a care package every week, these consisted of cigarettes, a local newspaper, salami, pepperoni, cookies and a small jar of manhattans, a family drink. Jim was my best friend in Vietnam we shared everything. Sadly Jim was killed in a motor cycle accident a few years after getting home.
Charlie’s Angels
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. There were very few of us female Marines. We built a reputation for our company, 9th Comm Bn "C" Co., by working hard and proving we belonged. There were none that compared. To my sisters in arms, my "Angels" from Charlie Co., SEMPER FI !
Man Cave
Dear Sgt. Grit staff;
I took a picture of mine and my son's cave. It's still a work in progress, but we thought you might enjoy! My son was thinking that you should have a Marine Corps Man Cave contest!
Cpl. Jonathan D. Wright & Tyler Wright
United States Marine Corps
Semper Fidelis
Navy vs Marines
And the rivalry continues.
A Marine and a sailor were in the bar arguing over which was the superior service.
After a swig of beer, the Marine said, "We had Iwo Jima."
Arching his eyebrows, the sailor said, "We had the Battle of Midway."
11th Marines Bar
You might want to show this to the Boss. Its the 11th Marines bar sometime in 67 or early 68. I was with G Btry 29th Arty. Searchlight and We shared the Bar and Chow Hall. I have a few more pictures of base camp if he would like to see them.
Bill McLean