Category: World War II

Sgt. Grit,   I was a Vietnam Marine and served at Camp Books, FLC, from 1970-1971.   My son, Matt, served with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, from 2006 to 2010, and was deployed to Fallujah, his first time out.  The battalion was assigned a float on the second deployment.    My father served with "M" Company, 3rd Bn., 8th Marines, in World War II.  "M" Company was the battalion weapons company.  I've attached a photograph that was taken, of "M" company, in June 1943, when they were at Camp Paekakariki, New Zealand, some months before the assault at Tarawa.   What prompted me to send this photo, was that I was watching the HBO series "The Pacific".  In the final disc, there is a profile of the Marines who were depicted.  The first is of John Basilone.  There are several photos of "Manila" John, wearing his winter service greens after his return to the states in 1943.   Sergeant Basilone wears the rank insignia of a WW2 Platoon Sergeant, one service stripe, and the 1st Marine Division shoulder patch  on the left sleeve of his blouse.  There is no rank insignia on the right sleeve.   After seeing that,  I noticed that the same is in the attached photo, although the Marines are wearing combat jackets.     I do recall that World War 2 Marines wore rank insignia on both sleeves.  My father's uniform certainly did.  I guess that I'll have to give him a holler, and see what he says.   Feel free to post that photo.   Semper Fidelis, Jim O'Brien Sergeant, USMC 1969-1972

Sgt Grit, 782 gear and 03 rifle I carried on Guadalcanal. I will be 92 in November.  Speedy Spach

Hello Sgt Grit!

I feel like I know you, though I’ve not yet had the pleasure.  My husband (a “ NOLOAD” Marine) and I are hoping to attend next year’s “Grit-together”.  We are hoping to bring my Uncle Marv, a WWII Pacific Marine, with us!  He turned 86 this weekend but acts 56 (sometimes 26!) and in typical Marine fashion can out-drink any of us! Uncle Marvin was the youngest of 4 boys, my father, Charlie, was the oldest.  We lost my father in 1996.   Uncle Marvin says “When Pearl happened they were ‘fighting mad’ and ready to go! They attacked MY COUNTRY!”.  Three of the four boys enlisted (one uncle was 4F because of polio).  Uncle Marv joined the Marines while my dad (Charlie) joined the Army.  Dad was assigned to the engineer corps, Uncle Marvin was a grunt…  he says “they taught me one thing in boot camp….how to kill” .    I grew up listening to tales from their journey through that time.  Never any combat stories, those are still too painful…Uncle Marvin still has nightmares EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, 60+ years later!  ALL gave some!  Uncle Marvin recently told me his promotion story…on Saipan he was promoted to Corporal because there were only 2 men left in his squad and “the other guy was a sissy!”…  No ceremony, no fanfare, no celebration.     The most remarkable tales are of the three times the two of them met up with each other while in the Pacific…Can you imagine!  No computers, no cell phones and they found each other 3 times!  I have attached some pictures of them together on Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa!  Two red neck, hillbilly boys who grew up in the hills of Kentucky!     These men are truly of  “the greatest generation”….. though each generation breeds its own brave men and women, The Few – The Proud!    I couldn’t be prouder than to retell their stories to anyone who will listen these days!  Hopefully we’ll be able to share a few next year!   I hope this is worthy of posting in your newsletter.   Even though I am not a Marine I wear my colors proudly and boldly!    Forever Faithful and Proud to be an American!   Charlita Mangrum Smith