Sgt Grit is a place where Marines can come and meet other Marines, share tattoos and stories, keep up with Marine Corps news, or shop for USMC gear.
To add to the "collection." Attached are the Marine Corps license plates on my Buick LeSabre (Marine 1) and Honda Accord (Kor&VN)
Semper Fi.
Gerald F. Merna
1stLt USMC (Ret.)
Mustang: 1947-1968
Korea: '52-'53 1stMarDiv
Vietnam: '66-'67 3rdMarDiv
Gunny G
SgtGrit:
Here are a few Marine Corps related Virginia License Plates I have had in the past. Most are obvious to our Marines, including an abbreviaed "Tun Tavern." W15E25" of course were my two units in Korea ('52-'53): WpnsCo, 1stBn, 5thMarines & "EasyCo, 2ndBn, 5th Marines."
Marine bikers passing through on there way to Cripple Creek Colorado Rally.
I enlisted in 1953 and went to San Diego on January 3, 1954. (I know-Hollywood Marine)
Korea ended in November of 1953 so most of the drill instructors were vets from the war as was ours. He was Sgt Dilks and had one eye that looked slightly to the side so keeping your eyes straight ahead was nearly impossible when he was in your face. Did the drill instructors pass out physical punishment? Yes, and it was deserved for the most part. They did have their games using us as punching bags but it was all part of the process of getting us ready if Korea broke out again. Many recruits owe Sgt Dilks their thanks for setting them up for life itself. If you're still with us Sgt Dilks: Thank you!
I have been blessed as so few have. Not only did I earn the title Marine… but I also had the opportunity to return to MCRD Parris Island 27 years, 74 days later… when my son earned the title Marine as well! Old Corps. New Corps. It's our Corps!
Sarge
I got the best Christmas present any father could ask for from his son. A NEW MARINE! My oldest, Ryan, just graduated from Parris Island Friday, December 18, 2009. He is 3rd Generation to walk down this path, and would like to share photos of family members that have preceded him. In order of succession there is – Grandfather (wife’s father), myself & son.
This story starts in April 1964 when as a young and eager 17 yr old. I departed Staten Island, NY for Parris Island SC. When we arrived at the receiving center we were greeted by the usual screams of, "Get off my f'n bus" and "Get on my yellow footprints" (receiving used to be up by the Iron Mike statue for those of you who came after we left), it is now down past 2nd btn. and the schools building. I digress back to receiving, well we did all the forms and made our phone calls to who ever answered the phone at home. Then some of the group were picked up and went to their platoons, the rest of the group were sent back to the classroom in receiving where we waited 2 days for the rest of our platoon to be selected, as we later found out, to be members of the Stoner 63 Rifle/Weapon System Test Platoon. We became platoon 236. That was when we met our loving caretakers and banes to our existence for the next 13 weeks. Our drill instructors S/Sgt.. Edwards, Sgt Hall and Cpl. Later to become Sgt Wade. Well I don't need to elaborate on the thumps and other eccentricities these gentlemen performed on our young bodies. Locker box manual of arms was a favorite and moving house was another. Oh and when we got to the rifle range "get neckid and waller" in the steam room was a real treat. We started with 95 "Laddie Bucks" and graduated 62. As you know the most enjoyable sight in my entire time in the corps was seeing that long causeway disappear out the back window of the bus leaving recruit training depot Parris Island.
Sirs,
Our son, Aaron, graduated from MCRD San Diego 30 January 2009. Things were such a whirlwind that I never got to take a photo of all the Marines in our family standing together that day. Our friends from Washington, Rick (Vietnam era Marine) and Donna joined us. Rick and Aaron have a special relationship. Also my husband's mother and stepfather, Harry, drove in from Arizona. Grampa Harry served in the Marines in the 50's. And my husband served in the late 70's/early 80's. Four Marines proudly representing the Corps and our family that day.
Sgt.Grit.The"PICS" MCRD .San Diego.I served with 2bn.4th Marines.Echo Co.0331.I got wounded in Feb.25.1969.Check out the web. www.lzrussell.org.I took these "PIC" on Feb.25.2009.At San Diego for Reunion of LZ Russell Survivors.I meet these DI for photo shoot.Im Mr.John Carranco.San francisco.I was born in San Antonio.Texas.THese PICS where did boot camp training in 1967.The famous"yellow-foot-prints''a recruit symbol for 12weeks as a "BOOT".Talk to Marines that remember "yellow foot-prints' in MCRD Training in San Diego.
