I put these on my truck in November when my son LCPL Vincent Smejkal, US Marine was deployed to Afghanistan. Lots of people make comments, some good – some not so good, but that's why my son is there to allow people their freedom to say what they want. There are a few names I've written down of those that have made fun of what I have on my truck… I plan to have my son pay a visit to them when he gets back to discuss it.
Category: Proud to be a Marine
Photos From World War I
I have been given the honor of maintaining the personal items that belonged to my paternal grandfather, Oscar Steiner King, USMC 1917 – 1919. Among them are a number of photos from WWI and what appear to be some official U.S. Marine Corps photo post cards taken during boot camp. My grandfather was with the 78th Company, 2nd Marines, 6th Battalion. He was part of the 2nd Replacement Battalion which replenished the 2/6 after the Battle of Belleau Woods.
1953 Dodge M37
This is a frame-off restoration of my 1953 Dodge M37 that took 2-1/2 years. All components of the vehicle have been restored and overhauled to new Mil Spec or better condition. All old paint and trust was removed down to bare metal and repainted. The hard top was removed and converted to the current soft top now in place. In addition specific depot installed items found on USMC vehicles were fabricated and installed. With the exception of some welding and the machine work on the engine, all work was done in my garage. Just shows what a stubborn old Marine and some wrenches can do.
MCRD San Deigo
Not a story just a couple of questions. I may be having a senior moment but it seems that I remember that the slogan The Few The proud used to end in The Chosen does anybody know. I am looking for anyone who went thru boot in July Aug and September 1959. I cannot remember the platoon number and all my information and platoon picture was destroyed by a tornado in GA. During the nineties some names I remember were Curry and Zenkie was from Muleshoe Texas, also had a member named Parrish a copy of the platoon photo would be geat appericated. Email me at waltermarycarleen@hotmail.com. Thanks McCormick always a marine..
Bi-Polar Marine 1969-1973
Bi-polar from age 9 -present. Age, now is 63. U.S.M.C 1969-1973. The Marine Corps put me through some changes that ensured my survival.
I did not sh-t my first six days on active duty (06/16/1969-six days). Reported to Senior D.I. S/Sgt. V.D.Martin for solution-butter.
Barber Shop
This picture came from a barber shop in Garmisch, Germany. Go figure, we are everywhere!
Andrew Karim
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Major Times Three
Here goes…
I was commissioned thru the Regular NROTC program at the U. of Minnesota in 1963 and, of course, joined the Marines. (I decided to be a Marine when I was 8 years old.) I was the SupO for the 2d Radio Bn, then served 2 "wonderful" years of sea duty aboard the USS Wright, CC-2 (C.O. of the Marine Detachment). Then my wife "convinced" me to leave the regulars, and so I went right into the active reserves (Supply Management Officer for the 4th Marine Division; and finally as a Major, Company Commander, India Co, 3d Bn., 24th Marines. (Never went to Vietnam – 2 sets of orders to WestPac (Viet Nam); both cancelled.) I had an NSG top secret clearance, and the Navy NSG did not want to risk Marine junior officers getting captured… which did happen in 1965 …bummer). And LBJ would not call up the Reserve 4th Marine Division. (15 years).
Back For A Visit
I had to chuckle when I read Gunny Rouseau's comments about going back to Vietnam… I spent several tours in-country, as well as a tour with TF Delta in Nam Phong, Thailand at the tail end of the war… I've been back to Vietnam almost a dozen times over the past 7 years or so, landing the first time at Noi Bai Airport on the north side of the Red River outside of Hanoi… The Gunny mentioned BaNa and 1st Recon Bn, so I'm wondering if he may remember a friend of mine who was a platoon/patrol leader with 1st Force Recon Company back about that same time — Ric Miller… Ric was a mustang and a former Vietnamese interpreter on his first tour.
Motivated Sgt Grit Customer
This is what a Sgt Grit customer looks like… POW bracelet, watch, t-shirt, cover and a cane. Outstanding Marine! The pictured Marine is Marine Vietnam Veteran Gary Pogue, Sgt. '72-'78, Motor T.
Semper Fi!
Kristy
Get the USMC Cover and POW Bracelet that Sgt Pogue is wearing at:
Cool Kids And Salty
The green field scarf was part of our uniform issue at MCRD San Diego in the summer of 1962. We were never instructed on what to wear it with, how to wear it or when to wear it. I remember it being kind of silky. Is that my Alzheimer's starting to kick in? Still had it until several years ago or maybe I still do. I recall being shocked that we were required to pay for our sea bag issue and our bucket issue. Sure put a hole in my meager paycheck.