Category: Marine Corps Stories

Parris Island Platoon 151 Reunion

Our Parris Island Platoon 151 graduated on Sept. 25, 1962 and just completed our 3rd Reunion. This gathering was meaningful because during the past year we found the family of D.I. Sgt. Murphy who had passed away in 1967. The photo includes his wife and two sons along with D.I.s Snogles and Gartside and our platoon members. Sgt. Murphy's wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were able to attend and celebrate the contributions of all our Drill Instructors to the Marines that we became. We attended an impressive Graduation on Friday with followup visits to the Depot on Saturday along with golfing and sightseeing. Several of our members had so much fun at previous reunions that they brought their own military friends to celebrate with us. One of these was a D.I. for one of our platoon members who was reassigned after a medical event. Proving once again just how small the Marine World really is. Steve Price, a Marine himself and local Living History Instructor, gave us an interesting presentation on Marine Corp history. The bonds of our collective Parris Island experience continue to this day and we acknowledge our connection to all Marines past, present and future. SemperFi Marines! read more

Friends and Brothers

Dear SGT,

I just wanted to write you tell you how much I enjoy your news letter, I joined the Corps in 1989 . I was in 3/5 Kilo Co Weapons Plt, while i was in it was the greatest time of my life I didnt know it then but it really was. I made friends that i will have for ever . Each year we take some kind of trip to catch up with each other this year we went the the White River in Ark, the things we remeber when we are together lol. Well anyway here is a pic of the Greatest Marines i know once again thanks for the news letter and keep up the good work. read more

Meeting Skip Adams

My name is Cpl Owen King of the New Century Young Marines. I am 11 years old. May 27-June 5, 2010, our troop took a trip to Washington DC.

Tuesday night we went to the Iwo Jima Memorial to witness the 8th and I Silent Drill team and Sunset Parade, but, unfortunately it was cancelled. That was a real bummer. But, we did meet a Marine that survived the Iwo Jima attack. His name is (Harold) Skip Adams, he is 83 years old. He came over to us and took the time to talk to us, about Iwo Jima, about the raising of both flags on Mt Surabachi, drilled us, and took pictures with us. It truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity! I know not too many made it out of Iwo Jima, and the fact some are still alive, was absolutely amazing to me. He was a very interesting man. He deployed with the 5th Pioneer Battalion, B Co of the 5th Marine Division. He landed on Red Beach One the morning of 2-19-1945. read more

Meeting a general

I took the roadster over to the store to get a 7up ande some pogie bait for the weekend. As I drove in some old guy in a suit bowed and gave me a short round of applause. I said hi and then looked at his hat. It said ROK but he had a 1st Marine Division pin. I showed him the EGA on my shorts and we got to talking. This dude had some war stories. I asked him if I could take his picture and he was very happy to say yes. He shared some of his pictures and there were pictures of Marines with him. He was at some 1st Mar Div Function in Oceanside. His friend came out of the store and we had a good conversation also. When I asked if I could take his picture he said yes. He went to the car and got his coat, he is a GENERAL. I'll send you the pictures, they are on the phone. read more

The VFW – Philly GritTogether

 I was invited to a gathering last night along with about 11 other former Marines.

We met at a VFW club in Philly on Martin's Mill Rd.

I am not a member of the VFW and have never been to a VFW club, so this was a first.

Plenty of parking, cool central air, pool table, a couple of flat-screens with the Phils getting clobbered, shuffle board, darts, and a boatload of men mostly my age enjoying each others company is what I discovered. read more

In Remembrance of Michael Portella

Sgt.Grit,  

Enclosed is the obit. of a real fine Marine. Sgt. Portella, was a member of the WWII, DI's for many years, and traveled back to Parris Island, with them until a few years ago, when they all got a little old to travel anymore, and many had passed away. You would bring a lot of joy to a bunch of WWII, Marines if they could see Mike remembered in your great newsletter. Thank You. read more

Another Marine reporting Sir

"Another Marine reported to St. Peter this week. My father, Albert R. Ruggiero, PFC, 1943-1946, passed away on 11July2010 in his home of Huntington Beach, CA. He served with the 9th MAW, Cherry Point, NC as a radioman on a B-25 bomber. He was a native of Grenich Village, NY. Upon leaving the Marines he moved to California with his mom and resumed his life in Los Angeles, CA where he worked as a deputy sheriff in the West Hollywood area then with IBM and retiring from IBM after 36 years. He is survived by 2 sons, Ralph & Paul and his daughter Christina. He was a wonderful good natured man and will be missed dearly. I love you dad. Semper Fidelis. read more