Category: Proud to be a Marine

Commandant’s Christmas Card

Earlier this year, I inherited the personal items of my paternal grandfather Sgt Oscar S. King, so I sent a few of the photos to you. Here is another set from his collection. Both of the men pictured served with my grandfather in the 78th Co. 2/6.

The photo of the Marine sitting is Cpl. Haas, and the second is Sgt. D.B. Hill, from Crowley, Texas. This man and my grandfather were good friends and remained in touch many years after the war. If there is anyone out there who knew these men, let me know. read more

Semper Fidelis Through And Through

Hello my name is Jennifer Kenyon and my husband Justin is a Marine. We had this photo taken with our son when he was only 2 weeks old. I really wanted to share it with you because it's just a great picture! I was hoping maybe you could share it with others by putting it in your newsletter or magazine. Thank you and have a great holiday! read more

Never Quit, Never Give Up Attitude

Here is how I used one of your coins. Most tombstones (called Memorial Stones today) tell you little or nothing about the person. I wanted anyone doing genealogy on me or my family to know that I made three accomplishment in my life. When I die, people will know that I am currently still a Marine assigned to guarding the streets of Heaven. They will know that I was a Chiropractor. And I was pilot. read more

Looking For 11 Other Marines

I am a past member of the USMC, 5th Com Bt. July 1965 through June 1966. I have attached the picture I took of the Christmas billboard 1965, a picture of our Christmas tree and a picture of the 5th Com. Btn. logo sign.

OK now you know who I am. I am interested in finding 11 other Marines that landed from Japan in DaNang in July 1965 to set up General Walt's Command Center. I have many pictures of the swamp we lived in "Dog Patch" and the area we survived in. read more

Me Looking Important

During the Korean War, damaged equipment (Tanks, Truck, Weapons Carriers and such) had to be taken to Combat Service Group about a hundred Miles behind the lines. But just getting on the lines was the only pleasant part of the deal. Tent with heat, bunk beds and Fresh hot Chow. Sometimes stopping enroute and getting a meal at an Army or Air Force Post where the food was served at tables with checkered table cloths and Pretty Korean Maidens. Of course the terrible part of the ordeal was the dirt, smoke and dust that covered you. But as you can see at the bottom of the locomotive is a pipe where steam comes out. So you put your "C" rations in an expeditionary can, pull the can up the steam pipe and have the engineer turn on the steam for just a moment or two… VOILA… Hot Chow. read more

prisoner and left in dakness/ back in el Salvador 1985

in 1985 I enlisted thinking that I wasn't going to pass the course and I did in 1985 on January 15,1985 I got to san Diego to start my training again I thought I was not going to make but I did and then 6 weeks later we were send to el Salvador,we were there for six month before they told us that some American women got killed and that's when it all began for me and to of my friends we had a few men leave the came were we were camp at and they got captured and myself and 2 other were send to look at area I was a sniper in recon a 2 others with me,we help about 135 escape from were they were kept and we got caught was a prisoner of war for 4 years my two brothers in arm were killed I waited for my turn it never came people from el Salvador help me escape got me all the way to acunia ,Mexico gave money to cross to united states I know I have not spoken to only one other person and that's my wife its Bernhard when you learn that the government never looked for you but make you as killed in action just want others to know,I have received a silver star and other medals,just wanted to tell others don't want it to keep eating with in me read more

“Ike” Jackets versus “Battle” Jackets

Daniel Flynn indicated that the term "Battle" Jacket was utilized by Marines, and soldiers wore "Ike" Jackets.

I obtained my Marine "Ike" jacket sometime in late 1953 and being somewhere near 80, I do not remember exactly how I came to own it.  The only name on the inside of the upper right sleeve is mine.  I have photos where I am wearing it as a PFC; Cpl; and Sergeant (E-4)  Since the jacket has the stripes of a Sergeant (E-4), I must have stopped wearing it by the time I was promoted to Sergeant E-5) in March of 1961.  I remember how proud I was to earn Sergeant (E-5) and if that jacket could still be worn, it would have had Sergeant (E-5) stripes sewn on. read more