Category: Marine Corps Stories

Number 6 on the flight line at Phu Bai

I read the story in the Jan. 13 issue about the UH34D resupply of the Rock Pile in Oct. of 1966. The number on the tail looks like number 6. I was flight crew on the number 6 during Oct. of 1966 with HMM161 based at Hue Phu Bai. That might be me in the door of the plane sense there were only two us who flew with the number 6 and we were both on the plane. I can remember several times resupplying the Rock Pile. We could only get one wheel on a small platform with our tail sticking over the side of the mountain, and the wind blowing over the top made it difficult to stay there very long. Here is a picture of the number 6 on the flight line at Phu Bai.    Thanks, T L Smith

2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, April-October 2008

Just so happened to be checking out your site, when I saw the Marine Corps story section.  Naturally, I looked through the Afghanistan section, since it's where I fought when I was in.  I noticed Lcpl Wilson's parents had posted a picture of him, and I figured I would share not only his story, but the story of all of our fallen. read more

poem from Vietnam 1966

I don’t know where this might fit in, leave it up to you if you find it worth posting.

I was with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines 1966 in I Corps when I sent this home to my bride to be

OMEGA   Omega he said. Omega he cried The bringer of death, to one who just died. I am the last, you'll know on earth. The one who ends, your life from birth Omega he said. Omega he cried.   Your life in my hand, your future to give. You were born to die, not given to live. I am the end, of all you know, Sent from on "high" to bring you low. Your life in my hand, your future to give.   I never knew you, you never knew I. We did not question, but went forth to die. "Orders" they said, "The enemy kill" You were my foe, I did their will I never knew you, you never knew I.   The bringer of death. The reaper am I. Patiently waiting, for you to come by. Nearer you came. so unaware. To end your life, I did not care. The bringer of death. The reaper am I.   I look down my sights. I see you quite clear. The image I see, seems so very near. The recoil soft. You drop mid stride. What have I done. Another has died. I look down my sights. I see you quite clear.   Omega am I. Avenger so deft, That when I kill you, there's less of me left. Mine not to ask. I do as told. I kill you first, then I grow old Omega I am. Avenger so deft.   It is to late now. I've taken your life. A picture I find, of your child and wife. Do it again? You know I would. As you to me, as if you could. It is to late now. I've taken your life.   Omega, the end. Omega, it's done. The battle is o'er and no one has won. They lied to me. They lied to you. I took your life and took mine too. Omega, the end. Omega, it's done.   jade

SSgt Tibor Torok

Sgt. Grit

One of the finest men I’ve known and ever worked with.

Torok, Tibor 89, of Dania Beach, FL, formerly of Grand Prairie, TX, passed away surrounded by family on October 28, 2010.
A retired Marine, Tibor served in WWII-including combat on Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima-plus Korea and Southeast Asia.
A memorial service was held Monday, Nov. 1st, at Landmark Funeral Home, Hollywood, FL.
Burial will be with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. read more

Flag Pictures

I'm writing you this in response to the American Courage letter I received on 10 December 2010, specifically, the section by Henry J Lewis about his father, CPL Elmer B Lewis who fought on Kwajalein with the 4th Marine Division's first wave.  I and some fellow Marines who are working on Kwajalein today would like to show our appreciation to the Lewis family and our fellow Leatherneck.  On 12 December 2010 we are going to gather all the Marines on base and fly the American flag at half mast at the Veteran's Hall (American Legion post #44).  At 1000 hours, we will gather for a photo to submit for your next newsletter or if you would be so kind as to forward to the Lewis family.
    The people who serve and live on Kwajalein today pay special homage to our Veterans and see remnants of battles fought long ago, everyday.  This is our chance to show one that Marines are a family and to his family that their loved one is respected and that we are grateful. read more