Category: Marine Corps Stories

Proud Grandfather

Love reading the various stories you share with us. I came across this picture that was taken 4 years ago at my sons graduation from Parris Island. It was and will always be one of the most memorial events in our lives. Not only because of what my son accomplished but the fact that my father (Cpl Kenneth Oltman) could be there for that impressive day. We weren't sure that my mother and father would be able to attend because he hadn't been well but all the plans worked out for them to come. While standing in the bleachers listening to the men and women singing the Marine Corp Hymn I looked over at my father who had tears in his eyes singing along. He was so proud of his grandson, you could just see him beaming. My father since passed two years ago from cancer but when ever I hear :"From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli…" I remember that day and how proud my father was of being a Marine. It brings tears to my eyes and makes me beam with pride. He was and will always be our inspiration. read more

Parris Island Recruit Training 1958

Howdy Sgt Grit;
I seen an article of a Boot Camp picture dated back in 1958 by a fellow Marine; name "Bob G" Ser# 1804023. I would like to have my boot camp picture placed in your magazine in hopes that Bob G can see the close resemblance of our graduation day just 2 weeks apart and my Ser# was 1801103. Small world. I finished up with 22yrs plus and retired as a 1stSgt. Enclosed is my Recruit graduation picture. I hope Bob G is seeing this picture. read more

PFC Dustin M. Swihart

Sgt Grit,

I'm sorry I missed your photo contest, I don't know how I missed it. Anyway I'm sending you a picture the day my son graduated from Parris Island, Dec 19th, 2009. That is the proudest day of my life. He has gone on and completed MCT and MTC. He just reported to Camp Lejeune, 2nd Tank Battalion. God bless all those that serve our great nation!! read more

My Favorite Day in the Corps

I graduated from MCRDSD on October 14th, 1976 Plt. 2074. After commencement services releasing all of us, the base commanding General's motorcade drove up in front of the theater at the end of the parade deck. Everyone stood back as Major General Kenneth J. Houghton got out of his car, and walked directly up to my father. My senior DI turned white. read more

The Gunny

Been looking for this for a long time, finally found it. Dou you have any older than this? My proudest day was when I was handed my eagle, globe, and anchor. Now for the Old Corps we used to say, "There's the Old Corps, The New Corps and this S.O.B. A Marine isn't happy if he ain't BI$#%&N." Hoppe someone out there is still alive and sees themselves in the photo. read more

Bootcamp Photo

Please add my boot camp photo to your collection. I’m the last Private on the right in the top row.

The excitement for us was the Cuban Missile Crisis. They actually played radio news reports in the mess hall. The Drill instructors told us we’d skip ITR and be fam firing our weapons from the fan tale of a ship on our way south. It was resolved before we left though, and we went to ITR right on time. From there, I reported to the 2nd Amtrak Battalion at Courthouse Bay, Camp Lejeune. read more