I have a patch for VMO-3 which has a Vietnamese motto underneath. What does this mean? I have tried researching it on the internet, but can find nothing.
Thank you,
Dave
Category: Vietnam
Nearly Choked to Death
First off, wanted to say to Jim (the Ole Gunny) McCallum thanks for the great story about AV-8-ers. I was sucking on some pogey-bait at the time and nearly choked to death laughing. At first I was really into the history lesson because it's one of my favorite subjects, and I've read a few books about Genghis Kahn. About 2/3rd's of the way through I caught on. I realized I've flown with quite a few Phu Khen AV-8-ers and even one Phuc Dup AV-8-er (he broke the skid on a Huey one day landing a bit too hard). Love your stuff Gunny. Keep 'em coming, please!
Declaration of Desertion
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Saw the story about the lad who was arrested for "being AWOL at Sea…" Marines can and do fall between the cracks.
I had graduated from MCRD in August of 1968, but a paperwork snarl kept me at Graduate Casual for three months instead of going onto ITR immediately. First thing the following morning a Corporal approached me at 3rd Bn. HQ and advised me that I was on the morningreport as UA…
5 Lous
Grit,
Attached is a picture of the 1/1 81's forward observer radio operatort re-couping at Phu Bai after TET. The world famous 5 Lou's, from left to right:
Mark Anderson – AKA "Big Lou" – Chicago.
Bruce Coe – AKA "Lou" – Elmirya, NY (Deceased).
Ron Meyers – AKA "Little Lou", AKA "Superman".
Bill Guntor – AKA "Medium Lou", AKA "The Derilict" – Central Mass.
Tom Waltz – AKA "Squog", AKA "Lou" – NH.
My Dad Edward S. Garza
Found this picture of my dad with Martha Raye in Vietnam.
Better Than Nothing
Sgt. Grit,
My compliments to you & your folks on your great Newsletter & the quality gear I've purchased from your catalog.
Also, one of the things that Ddick mentioned. C-Rat butts, old but better than nothing, they'll choke you to death until you get used to them, if ever. I had the "luxury" of smoking many in the (2) tours I was over there. For the Sgt's information, the Lucky Strike's did have a green ring & also on the Camel packs, the camel only had one hump, not two, like on the "newer" packs. If you'll check out the attachment included with this e-mail, you'll see what I mean.
Dear John
Selection letter for the 'Dear John of the Month' award.
Old Jarhead Rotorhead
Simply a visit from an old Jarhead Rotorhead. Active '68 – '74. Marble Mountain, I Corp, RVN Dec '69 – Dec '70. Flew with HML-367. Scarface. Off to show respect by visiting the RVN Wall. More next
week.
Marine Recruiting Ads
I found some Marine Recruiting ads in a program from the 1942 Annual College All-Stars vs the Chicago Bears. Thought you might be interested. You could tell it was war time. Lots of ads for the other branches also. Ads for War Bonds, scrap metal drives and such. Maybe some of our WWII Marines will relate to them.
Big Stink
Your comment about Canadians serving in Vietnam:
"I know we have a lot of customers in Canada. This is just my own guess, but I imagine more Canadians crossed the border and enlisted in the Marine Corps during Vietnam, than cowardly Americans who escaped across the border the other way."