I was stationed at Camp McTercus from March 1970 to March 1974. I worked for Special Services at Tin Can just below Camp Courtney. The NCOIC of Special Services was Top Walker. Walker liked to volunteer me for special assignments ranging from civilian payroll clerk, brig detail, NCOIC of the warehouse, etc., besides my regular job of Col. Wilson L. Cooks' driver.
Category: Proud to be a Marine
EGA on Trops
Wearing EGA on Trops and Khaki Uniforms. Taken at Kaneohe Bay in 59; MACS-2, MAG-13, 1st Marine Brigade, FMF.
I had an MOS of 6741, Aviation Electronics Operator, but also was the Operations Clerk and we always wore collar emblems on the both uniforms.
Pete Kristall
Marine Blue Benz
I always planned to get another Mercedes SL convertible and this 2004 fell in my lap at a great price. Since it is Marine Corps Blue I decided to dress it up with Sgt Grit parts.
1st – A Marine badge in front grill.
2nd – The AMG logos on the side were removed and replaced with
USMC logos.
3rd – On the trunk is a Semper Fi Plate holder holding my Vietnam
Veteran plate, Marine Combat Veteran sticker, Silver Star
sticker, and Marine Corps screws to hold the plate.
Beirut Bob
Bob Colyer is a good customer who drops by Sgt Grit whenever a load brings him within a couple of hundred miles. All the staff knows him well.
His handle is self-explanatory. Very proud and motivated Marine.
Semper Fi Bob
Sgt Grit
Old School Boot Camp Picture
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I am one of your customers! I served in the Marine Corps from June 1952 to June 1955, with 15-months service in Korea. I joined on my 17th birthday, was out on my 20th, and was a Sgt. at age 19.
Attached is my "Old School" boot camp picture. I am on the top row, last on the right.
Hard Duty
Just read this article about a MARINE that was at K-Bay. I was also there from '63-'64 as my last duty station. I was at Station Special Services, hard duty. I was a lifeguard at the Enlisted Pool… shower shoes and a bathing suit was The Uniform of the Day. I also had the privilege of going to the Aviation Physiology school so that I could go up in a jet. One of my bosses was a pilot and had to fly so many hours to qualify for flight pay, so he gave some of us the opportunity to fly with him. WE got these pictures from the gun camera.
John Cerullo
MCB Kaneohe
To Moe LeBlanc, Cpl. E-4. If you contact MCB Kaneohe and explain your situation, an escort will be provided while you are visiting and you will be shown around. BE PREPARED. Almost nothing is the same. All the housing and barracks and work areas have been rebuilt with new construction. I was just there in July and was amazed. They do have an excellent Pacific War Memorial just inside the main gate. An exact copy of the Marine Memorial in D.C., see picture.
Chesty’s House
Sgt. Grit,
My brother-in-law owns the Chesty Puller house in Saluda, Virginia. Recently he sent me some photos of an award ceremony that took place there. I have no other information as to who these Marines were, or who was getting awarded what. It's a pretty good picture of the group in front of the entrance to the Puller house.
True Difference Between Aviators
On a carrier, the Naval Aviator looks over at the Catapult Officer ("Shooter") who gives the run up engines signal by rotating his finger above his head. The pilot pushes the throttle forward, verifies all flight controls are operational, checks all gauges, and gives the Cat officer a brisk salute, continuing the Navy/Marine tradition of asking permission to leave the ship. The Cat officer drops to one knee while swooping his arm forward and pointing down deck, granting that permission. The pilot is immediately catapulted and becomes airborne.
Walkabout
Phil Odom, Sgt, F 2/1, '68-'70 (left), Houston, TX.
Ron Bates, Sgt, F 2/1, '68-'69 (right), Canon City, CO.
These Marines came by the other day. Ron said they are on a "Walkabout" to see seven of their Vietnam buddies. They are making the trip in the motorhome pictured. I had a nice talk with both of them. It is great to get together with you buddies. I have a group from Vietnam and we have been getting together since 1987. Always great to see them.
Have an outstanding trip Marines.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit