Category: Marine Corps Stories

Three things that I am most proud of in my life

A photo that we did at Marine week in St. Louis 2 weeks ago.  What a blast, I swelled up with pride to see the Corps that I am always so proud of.  I tell everyone there are Three things that I am most proud of in my life and that is my Children, Nick and Jamie, to be a nurse and help people and to have served my country as one of the best A Marine.   Oh Rah    p.s. i also worn my Sgt Grit not as lean not as mean t shirt.    thanks and Semper Fi Theresa Bonuchi (PIATT)

The Greatest Father’s Day Gift Ever!

As a former Marine Sergeant (circa 1972-1976) I was of course thrilled that my oldest boy Kurt chose to do a hitch in the Corps.  Curently a Lance Corporal, Kurt found himself in Afghanistan over the recent Father's Day.   He makes phone calls when he can but as you might expect, I had little expectation of a timely card or letter on Father's Day.  He missed it by one day and sent an E-Mail apologizing for missing the day itself.  I opened the attached photo and was floored.  It turned out to be what I personally consider one of the best pictures ever taken and a perfect Father's Day card for any ol' Jarhead.     I have sent it to everyone, made it my wallpaper on my computer and it's the last thing I see each night when I power down.  I thought it was well worth letting everyone see, so attached is what I consider one of the best Father's Day card a Marine father ever got.     Former Sergeant Kevin Kjornes.   PS.  Wish him luck on a safe return because he doesn't need skill, the Corps gave him all of that he'll need.

The DI Sword & Color Guard Incidents

Situation (1) :  During the very hot, humid summer of 1967 or 68, I'm a Marine Drill Instructor standing in front of our recruit platoon (sorry, forget number) at Parris Island.  We are about to Pass In Review.

I'm at Parade Rest with sword (point of sword to the deck).  On the command "Attention" I attempt to raise the blade so the point is 3 inches from the deck.  The sword won't move!  Suddenly, I hear the preparatory command "Present" (ARMS).  I was able to raise my right hand just in time.  What happened?  The tip of my sword had sunk in the ultra-hot asphalt. This incident could have been very embarrassing. read more

Looking Back At The Old Corps

In 1965, one special career Marine had excelled as a leader of men. Yes, he had claimed membership in "the few, the proud", but more than that, he was gung-ho, a hard-charger, a member of the "Old Corps". At age 37, Sgt. J.R. Mickel was senior D.I. of Platoon #135 Company, 1st Recruit Battalion. To most raw recruits at Parris Island, he might as well been God Himself. He not only commanded their respect; he led them beyond the call of duty. As an 0300 infantryman, he'd earned the Silver Star for bravery in Korea, with combat stars for time of actual enemy encounter. The recruits knew all of this, although he, himself, never told them. read more