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.
Sgt. Grit, I have once again finished reading American Courage. The discussion about Jihad Johnny could, if one cared, give one pause. However, I would like to say to my fellow Marines, do not talk to me of the likes of Jihad Johnny, for I have known many real heroes and walked the hallowed ground on which they fought and died.
My friends, fellow readers, I would like to spend the time to tell you a story, a story that is as true as the sky is blue. A story of true patriotism, bravery, and actions that had been taken throughout this country's history by the men and women in uniform who have served this country with great honor and pride so that we Americans can live with the freedoms we have today. A story that in my hopes will never be forgotten so that future generations can realize that this is just one of millions of stories of sacrifice, honor, and duty that so many before them have shown in the face of odds that were most definitely stacked against them. A story of a Marine, yet not just any Marine, but my grandfather. A man that I will always be proud of, about whom I will always speak to those who will listen, and who I will always hold in the highest regard.
As one reads through the list of combat medals: three Purple Hearts, three Silver stars and four Bronze Stars, one wonders how a single Marine could have seen so much action and managed to survive. But, through two wars, Korea and Vietnam, Sergeant Major Louis Rountree has proven to be a survivor.
Gunnery Sergeant Donald A. Levesque (RET) comes from a small town in Massachusetts. In 1962 at the age of almost 19 years old, having three years work experience and being high school dropout, Levesque joined the United States Marines. After graduating from Parris Island, his assignments included "G" Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines at Kanioi Bay, Philippines, C Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina; Drill Instructor at F Company, Second Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island; and L Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Division, Viet Nam. Serving a little over 7 years at the age of 25, and just completing his eighth combat operation, Gunny claims he received his "blessing of blindness." Yes, on April 10, 1969, at 3:33 p.m., Levesque, with the second-hand on the "3" on his waterproof Timex watch, which he wore on his lapel, took a licking and his watch stopped ticking. He proclaimed, "There must be something above me as to why I'm still kicking."
This exchange between Senators Glenn and Metzenbaum is worth reading. Pretty impressive impromptu speech! Next time someone accuses you or any veteran of not having a "job" because you're in the military, quote Sen Glenn.
"How can you run for Senate when you've never held a 'job'?"
The two bravest Marines I saw on Iwo Jima black sand beaches were Colonel Louis C. Plain and Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. I don't know this for a true fact, but to the best of my knowledge; the Col. and the Gunny came in on the third wave Basilone was the boat leader in Platoon Leader Second Lieutenant Roy Johnson's LST (Landing Vehicle Tracked) In a private conversation with Lt. Johnson, while sailing from Spain to Iwo Jima aboard LST 10 Landing Ship Tank Basilone told Johnson, he intended to win a Second Medal of Honor. This doesn't sound like John Basilone talking.
On May 20th, 1959, at 17 years of age, Carlos N. Hathcock II fulfilled his childhood dream by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. His ability as a marksman was soon recognized by the instructors on the rifle range at Camp Pendleton where he was undergoing recruit training. Later, while based in Hawaii as a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, Carlos won the Pacific Division rifle championship. Following his assignment in Hawaii, Hathcock was transferred to Marine Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he quickly found himself shooting competitively again. This time he set the Marine Corps record on the "A" Course with a score of 248 points out of a possible 250, a record that stands today. The highlight of his competitive shooting career occurred in 1965 when Carlos out-shot over 3000 other servicemen competing to win the coveted Wimbledon Cup at Camp Perry.
In 1950, Bill Barber saved the lives of 8,000 Marines. His five-day stand with 220 men against a force of 1,400 is considered one of the greatest holding actions in Marine Corps history.
Barber, 78, was raised on a farm in Kentucky. After learning that Germany had invaded Poland, he joined the Marines at age 19. He earned a Purple Heart at Iwo Jima and the Legion of Merit in Vietnam. In between, he earned the country's highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his heroism in Korea.
March 23 is four years from the date that those serving in United States Army 507th Maintenance Company, Army Forward Support Battalion 3d Infantry Division, North Carolina Marines of Task Force Tarawa and Air Force 347th Rescue Wing 41st and 38th Rescue Squadrons gave their lives in the name of freedom. The lives of eleven Soldiers, eighteen Marines and six Airmen ended on March 23, 2003. Thirty-five families are grieving to this day for their American heroes.
Private Jones was assigned to the Marine induction center, where he was to advise new recruits about their government benefits, especially their Serviceman's Group Life Insurance (SGLI). It wasn't long before the center's Lieutenant noticed that Private Jones had almost a 100% record for insurance sales, which had never happened before. Rather than ask about this, the Lt. stood in the back of the room and listened to Jones' sales pitch.
