I attended the University of Parris Island in October of 1963. Unlike several, I beat the draft by enlisting!! Boot Camp restrictions are something ONLY a Marine would understand. Among them was a restriction of movement in the barracks after lights out. Unfortunately, natures movement are about the ONLY thing that ignored Drill Instructors! In the middle of ONE night, nature took command and I sneaked into the head around two A.M. It was pitch black and I had to feel my way to the closest relief station. I was in the middle of my mission when I heard the station a couple down from me release it’s cargo. I was frozen and no further relief was possible. As I listened, the other visitor completed his mission and I heard him walk across the floor. THEN, the lights came on! There was one of my Drill Instructors! Let’s just say it didn’t take me long to finish my business! The rest is a blur of memory! Bill Kidd, SSgt, USMC, 1st Battalion, Platoon 185
Category: Marine Corps Stories
Parachute Rigger
I’ve been asked what this WW2 sleeve patch represents. It would seem to designate a Parachute Rigger. There were other such patches worn on the lower sleeve until about 12/31/47 (same time we lost Division Patches). For example, crossed Signal Flags for telephone wireman and ‘Lightning’ sparks for radioman. Can anyone confirm?
Eyes Of A Gunnery Sergeant
“The Gunny”
When I first went into the Marine Corps my DI was a Platoon Sergeant, he was something akin to a God, Officers were beyond that because we only saw them once or twice. Then when we went to the Rifle Range at Camp Matthews and were snapping in with our M1 rifles. I’m afraid I still had some of that softness remaining from civilian life (from just a few weeks before) and fell asleep while snapping-in in the Prone position. I was awakened by being picked up by collar and seat to a great height and dropped. I landed atop my M1, my chin hurt, my chest hurt and I believe my knees hurt somewhat also. I looked up into the flaming eyes of a Gunnery Sergeant who had to be something between a God and the Devil, if I read those eyes right and the flow of language, I felt I was near Death. He then picked me up off the ground and set me to doing Off Hand with him watching my every move. When the rifle muzzle dipped I got a whack and I got madder, another whack and I got so d-mn mad I was going to lower my rifle and slug him.
175MM Gun
I appreciated GySgt Rousseau’s discussion about the merits of several rifles used by Marines, and that all weapons are just an extension of the proud Marine using them. I have fired most of the small arms used by Marines in the early 70’s, including the M16. I have also used the M1 and M14. My opinion as to their relative merits: it depends on the situation. All three are fine rifles. For long work, greater than 300 yards, the M1 or M14 would be my preference. I really did not see much difference in accuracy between the two. One thousand yard shots could be made with confidence. For shorter distances and humping through the boonies, the M16 would be my preference. The lighter weight of the rifle, magazines, and ammo; and shear fire power are obvious advantages.
Blue Cover used in 1957 by Silent Drill Team
The Blue Cover was still utilized in 1956-57 as this photo from 1957 attests. I was a member of the 3rd Silent drill Platoon at Marine Barracks, 8th and I St., Wash. DC. The photo was taken at San Diego Recruit Depot as we performed our drill.
Ralph E Reimers,
Sgt USMC 1955-59
Sgt Grit wants to hear from you! Leave your comments below or Submit your own Story !
HEY MARINES! I NEED SOME HELP.
Hey, SgtGRIT readers and contributors! I need some help. You and SgtGRIT helped me out before with my first book. Now I’m looking for more funny, true boot camp stories that you either experienced yourself or witnessed. I would love to hear from some Women Marines as well this time. Also, I’m sure there are some ex-Drill Instructors among you that could share some pretty funny stories. If you’re willing to contribute stories (yes, more than one can be used) please include your date of enlistment, duty station (PI or SD) and your bootcamp picture if available.
NAVY CROSS AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED
Cpl. Stephen E. Austin, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment was posthumously awarded with the Navy Cross July 21 for his bravery during the Vietnam War in 1968.
Commandant of the Marine Corps General Robert B. Neller presented the award to Austin’s daughter Neily Esposito and brother Allen Austin during the 50th anniversary reunion for 1st Battalion 27th Marine Regiment. The Navy Cross is the second highest valor award after the Medal of Honor.
DI’S PASSION TO TEACH LEADS HER FROM DRILL FIELD TO RIFLE RANGE
Surrounded by a sea of recruits and the smell of hot brass, it’s easy to spot Staff Sgt. Estefania Patino’s campaign cover and trademark green marksmanship instructor jacket as she patrols Chosin rifle range’s firing line, inspecting weapons and encouraging shooters as they sight in on their targets.
mount suribachi photo
my story is more of a question. all your products just motivate the hell out of me! In 1982 I took a picture of mount suribachi from a CH-53 flying off the deck of the USS Peleliu. Our hop was to pick up mail being dropped off by a C-130 on Iwo Jima. I believe it to be divine providence that I took that picture. There is no other picture in existence like this one, as time and vegetation has slowly hiddened it’s scars. I believe this photo had to taken. I believe it compliments joe Rosenthal’s famous photo to a T! I would love to show it to sgt. gritz as you are my brothers. And let me know what you think. I don’t know how to upload a picture but can email. If you do not reply no problem. But I do believe this picture should be kept in prosperity for all time to honor all who battled there.
A letter I sent to Commandant Dunford
Sgt Robert Hougher USMC Ret.
POB 1270
Fairfield, IA 52556
24July2018
Dear General Dunford
I am a Viet Nam era Marine. I was in Nam all of 1970. I enlisted at age 17. I had received a couple of meritorious promotions and was a Sergeant shortly before I turned 19. I was hit by friendly fire in late December 1970. There needs to be a different definition for friendly fire. It wasn’t friendly to me.