I was in Platoon 124 when JFK came to MCRD San Diego in 1963. We were at the Pugil Stick Pits where he came to observe. I drew the largest recruit in our platoon to fight. Pvt. Garner knocked me around the pit just a few feet from JFK. It was a sad performance on my part. That is me in 1968 in Leatherneck Square.
Category: Proud to be a Marine
The Most Boot PFC
From the "wayback" files 1969. 2nd Anglico, Courthouse Bay. The memory is fading… I think that is Lt Col. Schuler (sp) presenting me with The Navy Achievment Medal with Combat V. After the photographer left and the door was closed the Lt. Col. advised me that on my way to the barber shop, I might want to stop and see the Corpsman about getting some regulation eyewear.
EXCITEMENT! Shot At And Missed
My new book, EXCITEMENT! Shot At And Missed, has been available for only the past month or so, and the response is very much appreciated! Here's what MSgt Miles Kelly Hill, USMC (Retired) has to say about the book:
"This is one of the best military books I've read! It brought back memories of my time in the Marines. Everyone, whether a Marine or not, will enjoy this riveting, first-hand account of the F-2-5 Marines in Korea. The chapters concerning boot camp, both poignant and funny, brought back many memories of my time at MCRD. This is the real deal!"
1963 JFK Visit to MCRD
Re: Lee VanTreese's June 18 post and photos of JFK's visit to MCRD… The date of those photos was Wednesday, November 6, 1963. My attached photo of the President was taken that same day.
During that time I was a squad leader in Charlie 1/5, 2nd Platoon. On the morning of the 6th the entire battalion was trucked from Camp Margarita to San Diego. We then formed an honor guard for the Presidents motorcade on both sides of the road all the way from Lindbergh Field to the main gate of MCRD.
Father’s Day Gift
Loving my Father's Day Gift from my wife & kids!
Semper Fi, that is all!
LCpl Hidalgo, David P.
Get this moto performance polo at:
Good Conduct Medal From 1958
You may wish to inform Marine Farris that my GCM has a bar and was issued July, 1958 per picture attached.
Tom Schwarz
USMC 1497XXX
1955-1959
Platoon 1066, 1969
The Marines of Platoon 1066 MCRD San Diego 1969 met in Branson, MO once again for our seventh annual reunion on 4-7 June 2015. We were again joined by our two surviving Drill Instructors, SGT Eddie E. Alley and GYSGT Anthony Gatling. Our Platoon Commander (Senior DI to you Parris Island Marines out there), SSGT Guadalupe Gonzalez, was KIA in Vietnam after returning for a second tour there after he finished with us at MCRD. He stepped on a mine while on patrol. He has a place of honor at each of our reunions.
Windward Marine 29 June 1962
A little history from the "Windward Marine" the base newspaper for Kaneohe MCAS. I was stationed there in VMA 212 from 1961 to 1963.
Norm Spilleth
1960 – 1964
Good To Go For One More Day
I had this made for me to keep my wife NANCY Ann's ashes & my MARINE memories in. Every time I open it up memories come flooding back. As long as I know what I'm looking at I'm good to go for one more day. The only people I care to share with is my USMC brothers & sisters. One day my ashes will be placed next to hers, then it is finished.
That’s Me In 1969
Been diggin' on Sgt Grit for quite a while now. Thought I'd submit this flick, from one sarge to another. That's me in 1969. Semper Fi. I was in Truck Co., HQ Bt., 2nd Mar. Div.
Michael Giles