Marine Corps Stories – Page 441 – Sgt. Grit Community

Color Guard

Sgt. Grit,

Please find attached a picture of my wife and grandson with a Marine Color guard at the opening day of the International Quilt Festival in Houston. You have to love those promoters of this event. A prayer was said along with the playing of the National Anthem. Little Ethan was in awe of the Marines, so afterward the ceremony, he told his Grandma that he wanted to talk to the ?soldiers?. ( he?s only three?cut him some slack) He was somewhat intimated by the men when they approached but they soon were high fiving him and talking with the family. I wasn?t present but while quizzing him later, he told me ?They had flags and rifles?. I would like to thank these Marines for taking the time to visit with my bunch. Regretfully, my wife failed to mention to them that I was a member of the fraternity. If the members of that Color Guard do read this letter, feel free to email me. read more

Marine taking much needed R&R

Just got your newsletter which prompted me to share this recent photo of my daughter Brittney and son-in-law, Marine Corporal Jadd Joseph (from Houston -currently stationed in San Diego) taking a much needed rest in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Jadd just returned from his second tour in Iraq. We’re very proud and appreciative of his commitment and contribution. read more

Pictures

Me at Parris Island SC, in 1955. Second picture is me in a parade in 2006. Semper Fi Barbara E. Gove

Howdy From Texas

I’m proud to say that I am the future Mrs. of a Fighting Machine Marine, and my time with him has proven to be the best days of my life. I would like to thank all of the men and women who fight for our country, and I always have a prayer for those who haven’t made it home yet. My future Marine’s strength, honor and courage has toughened me up, and for once in my life I’m not afraid anymore. God bless America and Marines, both of which we would be nothing without. By the way, the catalogue merchandise is a big hit in my home!!! read more

The Littlest Marine

Sgt. Grit:
A couple-a years ago, I was surfing the net…keying-in words like: ‘Marine,’ “USMC,’ ‘Devil Dogs,’ etc. I came across this site/blog about this WW2 Marine. I’ve tried to retrieve it since, but haven’t been able to find it. I will try again. Isn’t that a great picture? Check out the “Littlest Marine’s” girlfriends bird legs…and the look on her face is priceless!! I’ll keep surfing and try to locate it again. Hope you can share this with all the other Marines out there. read more

From the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run

The first thing I thought when I woke up this morning, hearing the raindrops outside my window, how nice the weather permitted the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run

In Collin County yesterday!

For the second year, David and Hans worked hard with Ron, Jerry and Mike to make this a successful event. From the attached pictures you will see they accomplished their mission. One Marine soon to be heading back home with his family permenantly, will take tips from these guys to get one started in his hometown located in Arizona. Participation had doubled from the first year; from these rides I see many onlookers thinking, ?I got to get a bike?. And the passengers now want to get their very own bike. Sells are up, I am sure, after each of these rides! Each sponsor will be happy to participate again next year I am sure. read more

Chesty and The Boot

Chesty and The Boot properly attired in Sgt Grit’s bolo ties.

George Branch

One More Proud Pop

Sgt. Grit

I am attaching a picture of my son receiving his first salute from his little sister. She is a Corpsman at the Naval hospital at Camp Pendleton with 4 years in and a tour in the Sand Box under her belt.

He is now with the 6th Marines, 2nd Mar Div, the same Regiment I started in when I got to the FMF in ’75. read more

The Ka-Bar Tradition Continues

Dear Sgt. Grit,

I am the only son of a WWII Marine Corps aviator. My father, Capt. Doit L. Fish, was assigned to Marine Bombing Squadron VMB-611 as a PBJ-1 (B-25 Mitchell) pilot, Moret Field, Zamboanga, Mindanao, Philippine Islands. On May 30, 1945, Commanding Officer Lt. Col. George A. Sarles lead an all-day, multiple PBJ strike on the Kibawe Trail area near Davao, Mindanao. In the morning, Col. Sarles' PBJ was hit by Japanese anti-aircraft and crashed with him and three of his crewmembers KIA. In the afternoon, while en-route to the target area, my father and his wingman were advised the Colonel's aircraft was missing. After searching the area for the lost aircraft to no avail, the two PBJs attacked their assigned target area. My father's PBJ disappeared, never to be seen again. He and his seven-member crew were declared missing in action. The loss of 12 brave fellow Marine squadron members was VMB-611's highest single-day causalities in their short history. read more

Fathers Day

On 30 January, ’04, ( my 62nd birthday) my son retired as a Senior Chief, US Navy, at the Washington,D.C. Navy Yard.

I and all of my family was moved by the flag ceremony, as it is passed from one sailor to another and saluted.But nothing moved the family more when my son stopped in front of me and presented the flag to me. You see, I served in the Corp back in the early ’60s, 1st Bat.,2nd Div. The flag presented to me flew for two days at the Marine post in the D.C. Navy Yard. read more