Out of HS almost a year (1960) Working as a stock boy at Lord & Taylors. Another stock boy had just gotten married at 25 1/2 yrs of age. Got drafted. Cut off age for the draft was 26. Me another stock boy were discussing this snafu on our break. Did not relish the idea of getting drafted. I ruled out joining the Army, Navy and Air Force right away. Every guy I knew who joined the Army was either deployed to the South or Germany. I would have loved going to Germany but definitely did not want to go South. Did not want to be at sea for weeks if not month with a bunch of swinging d–ks. Had no particular skills so the Air Force was not a fit for me. I had the impression that Marines traveled which I always wanted to do. We decided to go speak with the local recruiter. Took the little test and was on my way to PI 30 days later. When I woke up the morning I joined the Marine Corps that was the FARTHEST thing from my mind. NEVER RGRETTED THAT DECISION. SF
Good story, William. I replied to this yesterday, but must have forgotten to click on the “POST COMMENT” button because my reply wasn’t here today. I was just thinking, did you consider and would you have made the same decision had you remembered that Paradise Island is located in South Carolina. Regardless, it sounds like it all worked out well for you and that’s what is important.
Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
Good morning Top Pro. I just read the latest posting, and one thing that gets me, and I guess its time for me to comment on “Once a Marine always a Marine” I’ll probably get a lot of flack for this but its just not so. Somehow I got picked to be a Chaser. My last jobs as a Chaser I picked up a Marine from the infirmary at El Toro. Then spent 3 days escorting him to his courts-martial and chow. If I remember right he got 3 years at Portsmouth. I found that to be the most nerve-racking assignment as a Chaser. I was one almost out of ITR. But enough of that will you be driving from Las Vegas to San Diego if so I’d like to show you what I did with my momentos also here’s my ph# 8059019138,hope to hear from you.
Larry