I have not written a story to be posted here before, but after reading the latest post about Iwo Jima, I feel compelled to I also have a couple of Marine related questions I can’t find answers to. I am gladly attaching my e-mail, so if anyone can help me-Please Do. I served in The United States Marine Corps from 1966-1970. There is no such thing as a former Marine-I am temporarily unassigned. I was in Vietnam from September of 1967 to October of 1968. I was stationed on Hill 55, a radio man with the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marie Division. Our regimental Colonel was Col. Reverdy Hall, our regimental Sgt. Major was “Iron” Mike Mervosh.. Right before I retired, I was a bartender at The Marine’s Memorial Club and Hotel, San Francisco, California.
The president and CEO of the Association is Retired Major General Michael Myatt, former commanding General of the 1st Marine Division in Desert Storm. For those who haven’t been there, it is solely funded by various retired Marines and Marine organizations. It performs a vital function. It keeps alive the spirit of the Marine Corps, it is in charge of Fleet Week for the city, it hosts the Gold Star Mother’s Convention and it has a museum of privately donated items (among other Marine memorabilia, they have Pappy Boyington’s Medal Of Honor with the citation signed by The President, Franklin D. Roosevelt-an autographed picture of Ted Williams in his fighter aircraft and an autographed copy of Joe Rosenthal’s Iwo Jima Flag Raising, soon after it was published. A retired Navy chief I met at the V.A., was a photojournalist when he served. He told me that even though the battle for Iwo Jima was fought 72 years ago, it is still considered by photojournalists the world over as the most famous picture ever taken. Among other events, every year they have an Iwo Jima survivor’s dinner-Golden Gate chapter. The first time I met them (that year there were only seven who could physically make it there), I just looked and was amazed. My uncle had been at Chosin Resevoir and the Yalu river, but all he ever talked about was the Marines on Iwo Jima. I am proud of my Marine heritage because of that battle among all others. If anyone can answer any of the following questions, I would be grateful. In the movies about Vietnam, which are actually getting better, (1) I always see the radioman with either a short antennae, or the long one folded over. On my PRC-25, it was always the long one and always all the way up. They told me to just put a target on the top and don’t worry about it, (2) I NEVER had an officer or any one else, for that matter, grab the handset and try to contact anybody-they didn’t know how to call in a medevac and they would have fucked it up, they didn’t know how to run an air strike and drop Napalm, (3) Did anybody besides me get the typical movie (Full Metal Jacket) stream of verbal abuse with regard to race, color, religion, size, ethnic ability) and the accompanying violent physical abuse? It never, ever stopped until the morning we graduated and had earned the title “Marine”. Only then did the Senior Drill Instructor tell us why he did it. It wasn’t the reason you think. But it made perfect sense. I would appreciate any input. visiondive@hotmail.com
Sgt Grit wants to hear from you! Leave your comments below or Submit your own Story !
I was a 2531 in Nam in 67 & 68. Usually used the 3ft steel tape antenna,sometimes bent to stick the top in the pack. Don’t remember range with the steel tape. The 10ft antenna used for longer comm. Didn’t like that so far in the air. The prick 25 was great radio,all 21.9 pounds of it. Amazing the stuff you remember!
I also was a 2531 in Desert Storm. The PRC-77 replaced the 25 in 1968 which is very similar. I believe the range of the 3ft. tape was 3 miles. Now the 77 has been phased out to a 119. They called radio operators a “Battery Operated Grunt”.
We used the short 3ft for short distance patrols. and if we were to be out any distance at all we used the long whip. traveling we tucked it in the pack talking we let it fly full length. For some one only 5’7″ that 21 lb PRC-25 covered my whole back. a great bullet stopper. Verbal abuse went right thru grad day. Senior Drill Instructor never told us why but we figured it out and it saved some lives in Nam. out of 77 that graduated with me only 5 are left alive after Nam. We of course were lucky to be in special MOS’s that weren’t really combat arms. My original MOS was 2575 Special communications, later I turned into a 2549 comm chief. Officers never touched my radio. some times the Staff Sgt would but he knew how to call in strikes. Danger close was never said. Although we could hear the shrapnel flying over head.
USMC 63/67. Platoon 376 San Diego. Vietnam Nam 65/66. The Corps takes it constantly about the brutality of boot camp. I love our Corps. I am 74 now and will pick up an M 14 and hump again any time. Boot camp is a rite of passage. The weak don’t make it. Our DI’s berated us all the way every moment of the day. The difference —When a Marine says “Take the hill,” Marines instantly take the hill. No questions asked. God Bless all the Marines who have served and are now serving. Semipermanent Fi and God Bless Chesty Puller. Iwo Jima was a hard fought chapter in our history. Thank God for those Marines.
I do not know about the radio antennae because I fixed jets at ChuLai but I always heard about it giving away the radio mans position. As far as DIs my Senior DI, a SSgt never used profanity and was totally professional . He actually looked and acted like Dudley Doright even down to the square jaw and perfect smile. Another was an older E5 and swore a lot but was fatherly. The last was an E5 and he was the profane prick of the three. We disliked him. None ever hit us and the only abuse we considered was a long run after lunch on a day they served chocolate milk. I did see some physical stuff but nothing outrageous. On the last day, as Marines, all our DIs said, they were tough (they were) because if they ever found themselves in a fox hole with us they knew that would be just fine. None of these good Marines had been to RVN. In 21/2 years I was also an E5 and had twice the decorations of all my DIs. These men taught me how and I remember and thank them to this day. Semper Fi all.
I served in the Corps from 1945 till I retired in 1966. I also spent some time as a drill instructor at MCRD ( 1951-1952)in San Diego never did hit a recruit but did see others do it. Does not say I did nor on occasion grab them by the stacking swivel and shake them up a bit. I brought 4 platoons during my time as a DI. From there I was transferred to Camp Mathews the rifle range (now long gone)–CWFM
Glen Martin said the PRC-77 replaced the PRC-25 in 68. Maybe in the Army. We had the PRC-25 still in the Marine Corps. Of course we had 20 round mags while the Army had 3″s. I was with Mike 3/1 CUPP in 1970. We operated as squad sized units in the villages surrounding Hill 55. Always used the steel tape antennae on patrols. The segmented one when at our POS. I agree that an officer never took the radio to do anything. For one we seldom had one. We had our squad, M60 team, 60mm team and that was it. All on our own. Wait I forgot the squad of PF’S that were supposed to help us.
Memories fads us as time passes, but in Sept. 69/Aug70 we were called CAP units {Combined Action Platoons} My unit Cap 334/ 12 marines/1corpsmen at full strength and a platoon of PF’s. We all were 0311’s and humped 2 Bloops, 2/ 60’s{1600 rounds for each} 2 prick 25’s which all of us operated. Don’t remember humping any mortars. The highest rank in the unit with us was Sgt. Semper Fi
In 1958 I was in platoon 329 at Paris Island. Our DI kicked our ass from start to finish. We started with 85 recruits and graduated 50 Marines. Smoking a cigarette with a pail over your head screaming “I lost me bucked” comes to mind, as does right shoulder locked boxes! Boot camp works. If you don’t measure up, it’s a good way to wash out. Political correctness has no standing in combat.
I was platoon radioman I CO 3RD BN 8TH Marines 3rd plt. I used both the prick 6 and the 25 always used the tape antennae when in the bonnies at Lejeune we set up a 292 antennae in the co. cp 1962 – 1965 .I can still feel the chigger bites lol
! was an 0331 with Lima 3/7 & Kilo 3/5 in “70 in the Que Son mountains operating out of LZ Ross. I remember our radiomen normally had short antennas. Our radiomen & machine gunners got sniped at frequently. Air strikes & artillery were called in by our platoon commander when he was with us or the platoon sergeant or squad leader if necessary. As far as boot camp goes, yes, we were physically struck & abused by some of our drill instructors & I’m glad to this day they did that. All of them prepared us for what was coming up in Nam. No hesitation – get with the program. I feel that preparation helped me come home alive & I’m grateful for it.
Boot Camp at MCRDSD 11/64 – Mar69. Plt 3006. MOS 2531. 1st Mar Div., 1st Recon Bn. RVN 1966, 1968- 1969. Started with the AN-PRC 10 and later transitioned to the AN-PRC-25. What an improvement! Used the 3 ft. metal antenna when on the move. Used the 10 ft. whip when ion a fixed position and had bad communication with the shorter antenna. Pulled the 3ft down into the rucksack shoulder straps so as not to draw unwonted attention fro the bad guys….Can’t remember the DI’s holding “thump call”. Doesn’t mean it didn’t happen, just can’t remember. Do remember doing squat thrusts outside the duty hut for some transgression. Semper Fi!
SOUNDS LIKE THEY COULD NOT TAKE THE PHYSICAL/VERBAL ABUSE,HOW DID THE ‘CRY BABY GREEN MAGGOTTS ,GET OUT OF PI/SD . ON THE BUS?THEY SHOULD HAVE BECOME A DOGFACE FOR ALL THE CRYING GOING ON.
This is a special request for one of my Drill Instructors who at this time is in Hospital battling for his life again. I grad.15 Sept.1965 Parris Island.The first day I thought the DI’s were going to kick everyone’s ass and swab the deck with us. But that only lasted i/2 way down the row of racks in Plt.145.I was never beaten, I saw beatings and I was hit a few times.May have taught me a lesson that later saved my life.6/66-6/67 was in Chu Lai, RVN. My original MOS was 0811, Cannoneer,with to many operations and incoming rockets / mortars to recall. Took 10 of us every month to serve with Grunt Platoon in the field for one month. I have kept in touch with one of my D.I.’s through the years and reunited with my Senior D.I. when I was stationed back at Weapons Btl. as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor at Parris Island.What a Awesome Responsibility and best duty I ever had training new recruits to master a weapon I knew they would be using within a couple of months to kill the enemy, and save their or their buddies life’s.Prayers out Marines to Sgt. B. Goodnight my D.I. who is battling Pneumonia with the only lung he has left.Sgt. Goodnight lost a lung and was suffering from COPD in 2012, and by the Grace of God has had a good 5 years till now.Most of you can thank Your D.I.’s for the men you are today.Salty language aside, they may have had to adjust your uniform from time to time and get your GIG line straight, but I know what kind of boy I was when I got to P.I. @ zero dark thirty one night and busted my ass not to be the last SOB into those Yellow footprints, and the I also know 12 weeks later what kind of Man that my parents saw marching on that Grinder, and later by the grace of GOD and my Buddies who fought beside me when we came home. Semper Fidelis
Iron Mike put the fear of God in you from 20 feet away on Hill 55. I was there from the time 7th moved north until August 68. Best day was in Chu Lai 7 or months after boot camp when one of my assistant DIs (Sgt Hunter) came through. I was an E-4 and he was still an E-5.
USMC 1966-69. At P.I. I started out as a short, chubby kid- Platoon 1066 – Caught a lot of grief from DI’s until I shot one shot from perfect score at rifle range. From then on the DI’s called me their Tennessee Squirrel Shooter! And they left me alone. I was a 2533 radio operator and went to Vietnamese language school. VN Feb’68-April ’69. Spent time in different units working with Kit Carson Scouts and carried a PRC-25 mostly with 3′ tape antenna. Sometimes a unit Comm section would have a “directional” antenna which was a square …maybe 4’x4′ on a tall pole that was pointed in the necessary direction. For a short time I was a radio operator in the FDC of a 155-SP which was fascinating to me to see how a FDC works. In 1968 there were a lot of tire missions and we usually had 2 or 3 radio operators on duty and often were running multiple fire missions. The officers and the artillery enlisted mission plotters ( can’t remember formal title) were quick and good. Occasionally we’d get a TOT (time-on-target) mission where multiple batteries would fire so all shells came in at exactly the same time. I never understood how it was all planned but quite interesting. One fire mission I remember was when I was called by a marine recon team. They were running down a trail and were adjusting fire to their rear as they ran. It was very intense early morning moment for us all in that FDC. Thank you for your service and God bless the Marine Corps.
the D. I. did thump us- and yell and push us around- and get in our faces too! We are better for it – we were called girls and some felt humiliated- but when we Marched in Review on Graduation Day – and we finished and were dismissed- our Senior D I called us to attention and dismissed us calling us LADIES- and we were busting with pride after that. Only the strong survive boot camp – and only chosen continue on during the enlistment as Marines. Now after Vietnam – we are finally recognized and thanked for our service to the Great United States of America- and Semper Fi- Marines
Boot camp, Dec. 68-Mar. 69, Plt. 3065. Next to smallest recruit in the platoon. Never saw beatings, but most got thumped one time or another. Always had verbal abuse, everyone. I once earned squat thrusts forever in the corral. As is normal, about 80% made the 12 weeks and graduated as brand new privates in the a Marine Corps. We were Marines. I was guaranteed a special MOS after AIT, to Comm. School in San Diego. Graduated a 2531, Field Radio OperatorAnd got orders to Vietnam. Took leave, went to staging at Camp Pendleton (sheep shit hill), then to El Toro for flight to Oki. Got shots and flew out to DaNang. Orders to Third Recon, then to 2/4. Assigned to H&S Co, Comm. Platoon at Vanderbilt Combat Base. Was rocketed very first day. Was naked except for boots and zippo and Marlboro’s. Dove into bunker, hit head, knocked out and woke up in a cesspool. My welcome to an exotic place where my job was to kill as many Commies any way I could with my PRC-25, and sometimes a KY-38, get re-supply, get medi-vac, call for air support, artillery and do radio relay. Get sit-reps and send and receive general comm. traffic. Used the tape antenna on the move and the 10′ whip straight up when stationary. I now serve as a Sgt. in Guardian Co., Texas State Militia, a Constitutional Militia, defensive only, protecting and defending our family, our neighbors, each other and the Constitution which I took an OATH to do in 1968.
Like the majority of Marine veterans, I take great pride of my time in service, men I served with, our glorious history and proud traditions. Since the day I got back home posted up the American and Marine Corps. flags.
I joined the Corps. at 17yrs old, served 4yrs active duty and another 4 in my hometown Marine reserve unit 88-96’ because I so missed the comradery. After boot camp & SOI was sent to Dragons Plt WPNS Co 1/7 1st Mar Div. Made 4 deployments over-seas in that time, two in Okinawa, the Persian Gulf War and jungle warfare school down in Panama (if I can count that one, haha).
Boot camp in 88’ was intense to say the least and we all thought ‘what the hell did I get myself into!’ We never had straight up physical violence by the DI’s but doesn’t mean they didn’t jack you up or drop you on the spot & get bent. Unable to stop until there was a puddle of sweat the size of your head. Verbal abuse in full effect, but by 3rd phase we were so hard nothing bothered us. In the end, we had to keep from laughing over the colorful retorts from some misdeed.
As far as RTO we all had to hump it on patrols now and then, we had the PRC-77 with a short tape antenna bent over. Fortunately grunts now cross train a lot and work with forward observers & Marine pilots on proper radio procedures/protocol. We learned how to call for fire, medivacs and fixed wing for close air support.
If you’re looking for an excellent & pretty damn accurate Marine Corps. flick check out HBO’s miniseries ‘Generation Kill.’ It follows 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Multiple recon Marines who were actually there either starred in it or were behind the scenes doing maintenance on weapons, vehicles and equipment. Only soundtrack heard was when the guys were singing during the operation as we can all relate to kill the hours of boredom, haha.
On a side note, after the cease-fire ordered in Operation Desert Storm received a combat promotion to Cpl. Maj Gen Myatt and (then) Lt Col Mattis promoted me outside of Kuwait City.
Marines have always been a tight nit fighting force and it amazes me how many times over the years I’ve come across Marines who stomped the same ground or served with people I knew.
Take care brother… Sgt Horn, Justin D
USMC 1967 – 1971 . MOS 2531 RTO SCHOOL MCRD SAN DIEGO, CA VROC CLASS 9. VIETNAM 1ST BN 1ST MAR . MARCH 1969 -FEBRUARY 1970 . MAJORITY OF TOUR WITH C CO. 1/1 . 1/4 OPERATOR ALWAYS USED 3 FT. TAPE ON PATROL. USED 10 FT. ANTENNA WHEN COMM BAD PLACED ON THE DECK WITH HANDSET STRETCHED TO ITS LIMIT.
I was a Combat Eng. On hill 55 around that time supporting 3/7 . Maybe you were one of the radio man with the grunts when we would sweep the roads for mines in early morn.
DID YOU GUYS SWEEP THE ROADS AS FAR SOUTH AS I BELIEVE IT WAS HILL 10 ALSO. IF SO THAT WAS ME.
Yes we did.
The sweepers missed one of the road mines just West of Hill 10 on the morning of July 6, 1968. About 10 of us in a 6X were headed to Danang for a day of R&R right after getting the go ahead after the sweep. We found the road mine with the right front tire. Not the way to start the day!! R&R was cancelled for day, too.
was with 60 mortars on hill as radio orerator
I carried the bodies of a couple of radiomen back while overseas who had the long antenna. Their untethered antennas came in contact with hot electrical power lines while on movement. At least that is what I was told. Very sad in every case.
6-65 to 2-74 Plt 331 PISC, my recruiters told me I would get my ass kicked every day and the Drill Instructors didn’t let me down. Ground Radio Repair School 66-67, MOS 2841.RVN 67-68, I was assigned to A-1-12 in support of 1-3. Artillery Batteries don’t rate Radio Repairmen so I was OJT 2531 and Got good Pro and Con marks in both Mos’s. April 67 we became SLF A and Participated in 17 combat operations, including Operation Buffalo with 1-9, and Operation Beau Charger, the first authorized entry into the DMZ. The last 3 months I humped the boonies with 1-3 and usually used the 3′ tape but never folded. Occasionally used the 10′ whip and it does draw sniper fire. Rounds sound like Bees as they pass your head. We had an LT as FO but he never touched the radio. Did a second tour in 69-70 with 9th Engrs. Spent as much time as allowed on night patrols or Mine sweeping the road.
I was with the 2nd Platoon of Alpha Company 1/3 SLF Alpha during Buffalo and Beau Charger. Glad to see you made it home.
Boot camp mcrd san diego 1974. Never got hit but we did have one di that specialized in biting your ear while screaming at you. Im asian american and rarely heard racial abuse though it did happen. The words “gook” and “slope” come to mind. However, almost all the di’s were nam vets so i just shrugged it off. Seemed to work cuz i got that meritorious pfc at the end. The BEST di we had was GySgt Knight. African American career grunt. He never raised his voice but was the funniest man I ever met in my life. He would discipline us with humor, and whoever laughed first got the most extreme punishment. Corporal Furey E2/7 0311, 1974-1980.
Served 67-70, all at MCRD or Pendelton. Was a 2841 Ground Radio repair. Was with HQ, 27Mar, and 3/28. Last unit was 5th FSR at Camp Pendelton, a 4th and limited 5th echelon repair shop. Don’t know when the PRC-77 was adopted by the Corps, but I never saw one or even heard of it. Our shop did LTIs on all the radio gear from the 3rd Mar Div when it pulled out of Nam. No PRC-77 in their gear either.
1963 to 1969, ground radio technician, MCRD electronics school in San Diego, Boot camp was the greatest experience in my life, DI’s made us into real men. Worst thng I remember, someone got hold of pogy bait and left a wrapper outside and the DI’s found it. That night they woke us up around 3AM sent 1/2 the troops out for buckets of sand, the other half for buckets of water. Threw it all over the place, bunks, walls and the floor. We had until 6 AM to have the place squared away. We learned about trust and teamwork real fast. In Comm school, we were transitioning from some of the tube type radio’s (PR6’s) to the newer all electronic radio’s, spent a lot of time in class. The big Comm centers were a nightmare but easy to troubleshoot. No doubt, the marine Corps was life changing, what a history, something to be real proud of. Semper Fi
In the Nam October 66 till November 67. Was a 0311 until they handed me a radio in December 66. Was on Hill 55 for 5 months. Still remember that hell hole well. I was in Delta Company 1/26. After Hill 55 we went to Khe Sanh until I rotated. Missed the siege, just there for the prepping. The prc 25 was an awesome radio, never let me down. Semper Fi to all.
Went to Boot Camp at MCRDSD, April 1968. B Co, Plt 179, Honor Platoon. Our DI’s were : Sr DI, Ssg Contraras, Sgt Flores and Sgt Wright. I don’t recall any real beatings, but they got your attention. I don’t regret any of the treatment in Boot Camp. It prepared me for my tour in VN, April 1968 – April 1969. I spent most of my tour with L3/5, as their Forward Air Controller. I carried the PRC 25. Mostly used the 3′ tape. Nobody liked it when I had to use the 10 footer. It was a give away to our position. It also made a great target. I had one shot off. Anyone else have that experience? I never had any one take my radio, except CO, Captain Gomez, just to help get someone’s attention, to make them aware of the need for Air Support. I was the only one to call in Air Support, and Medivacs. Semper Fi, once a Marine, always a Marine.
Pulled liberty at the Marines Memorial Club on the way back from making an amphibious landing in the Aleuitians with a BLT from 1stMarDiv in ’55. At that time, there was a YWCA across the street and we made contact with some gals communicating across the street. As I recall, ended up with about 11 Marines in my room, someone even sleeping in the tub. Was a great weekend!