I am a former Marine illustrator and Drill Instructor. This image was taken on 29 March 1982, by SSgt. Bill Daley, of the final work of art I created after leaving the Drill Field at MCRD before heading off to my new duty station –MCAS El Toro.
Challenge:
Though it has been long since painted over, do you know what building it was in?
Semper Fi.
Duke Windsor
www.dukewindsorstudio.com
Hey Duke,
Although I have absolutely no idea where the mural is located, I can speculate that it must be some-where around “Drill Instructor School.” It is s0 sad that it has been painted over. Are you absolutely certain that it was destroyed as you said? I am planning a trip to Las Vegas & San Diego in mid -May and I sure would love to see it (provided that Covid is under control then.)
It brings to mind the murals painted on the walls at Patch Barracks (Hqs USEurCom) in Stuttgart, Germany. I was fortunate to have visited there in the early 1980’s when we were transitioning the Arab countries to USCentCom responsibility, and also as C4S Liaison during Exercise Bright Star 83.
They were originally done by soldiers of the Wehrmacht 7th Panzer Division (also known as the Ghost Division) prior to WWII and remained after the war. Field Marshall Erwin Rommel had once commanded The Ghost Division. I had heard also that some of them were destroyed by remodeling, but others were removed and relocated. I sincerely hope that they were successful in that endeavor. After retirement from the Corps, I wouuld tell people that when Marines die and go to heaven their sent to Stuttgart, Germany.
I’ll be sure to look at your web site in more detail. Hell, I might even buy something.
Semper Fi!!!
Top Pro
There’s no such thing as a former Marine, the title is earned for life.
To Joe Bucci, just wondered if you made your comment for any particular reason, but if it was because of Mr. Windsor’s comment, he does not say that he was a former Marine. He states that he was a “former Marine illustrator and Drill Instructor”. He ends his posting with a “Semper Fi”, so I am sure the knows that he will always be a Marine.
Duke,
I have always be impressed with artist in the Marine Corps. A most talented breed and devoted to their love of the Corps and their fellow Marines. At Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, “Puller Hall” we had such an artist, Sgt. McKenna. He painted a number of Murals, in the Gym of the 6 fallen 2nd F.A.S.T. Marines in Iraq and other very beautiful Murals thoughout the walls of the Command.
Regiment moved into Yorktown and “Puller Hall” changed. Heard that all the beautiful work done is gone as they gutted the building and rebuilt.
Must say, your work is inspiring Marine. Anything done by you in the Corps was more than “Good-To-Go”!!!!!!!
“Chesty’s Friend”
Steve Robertson
I, too served on the drill field from 1974 to 1978, went to MCAS Iwakuni for a year and then to MCAS El Toro. Service on the drill field was one of the most demanding but also rewarding experiences for my time in the Marines. I also enjoyed my time at El Toro.
To Joe Bucci, just wondered if you made your comment for any particular reason, but if it was because of Mr. Windsor’s comment, he does not say that he was a former Marine. He states that he was a “former Marine illustrator and Drill Instructor”, which to me says that he “was” a former illustrator and Drill Instructor for the Marines, not that he “is” a former Marine. He ends his posting with a “Semper Fi”, so I am sure the knows that he will always be a Marine. If you were just making that statement just for the heck of it, then I apologize. Semper Fi