so where do I start , I enlisted shortly after high school . My old man was a mean drunk so when he found out he wan me over with his tractor smashing my right hand . that put my enlistment on hold till it healed . Only thing was the healing was slow and took into winter . I had run away from home and sleeping in an old ’56 ford wagon my sister gave me . Freezing my butt off . They finally let me go in right after Christmas of ’64 . My hand was less that perfect , my feet were flat , short and skinny from being under nurished . The medics had me standing bare foot in my skivies on a cement floor all day . there was some big guy that kept saying do your feet hurt ? Of course they were killing me but NO SIR was all he got out of me . At some point a group of DI’s show up to evaluate me . They told me just say so and you can go home . I broke down with ” I have no place to go . ” There was a chin up bar there and I impressed my Senior DI with a few Chin ups using only 2 fingers on my right hand . I remember him saying ” he’s only using 2 fingers , hell I’ll take him ”. He taught me to eat , walk tall , look people in the eye when I spoke , self esteem …..EVERYTHING . I owe everything I have , everything I am to the Marine Corps .
less than fit ,
Hey Raymond – Sounds like you had a tough time, and must have really wanted to be a Marine in the worst way. I have always been amazed by the perseverance and desire exhibited by many young Marines when they were faced with adversity. I learned a lot from Col. R. L. Shuford, who would present “DFIU” pins to those who performed well with little or no supervision, and didn’t foul it up. That’s what I liked most about my career in the Marines, knowing and serving with men like you. If that picture is you on sea duty, you must have learned and done well. Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
I tried to shorten this up as best I could . I’m long winded by nature I guess . I had NO upbringing so no one ever say ” don’t say that , don’t do that , that’s not cool , etc. The Marines I was stationed with did . I never played team sports { couldn’t hit a softball } so in high school I was made fun of but in the Marine Corps the guys I was against would be yelling ”watch the bat hit the ball ” . Even though I was playing against them and they wanted to win they were trying to teach me. My old man had a tree business so I was really strong for my 100 lb size . The first time I connected with a ball that went a mile I was so dumb founded that I stood there and got thrown out at first base . [ I think ] . I was 17 when I went in , always love the uniform . I was was in PI Dec. ’64 . Only did 3 years . Wish I had it to do over again :} Semper Fi , Bro
Reminds me of my dear son
He enlisted in the Marines at 19.
Never married but bought his dad &stepmom’s house when they were in ill health and lived with them taking care of them; until they passed.
He passed away 12/17/2018. He was my son, and I miss him terribly.
Love the Marines. When I was young I would stand and salute when I heard the Marines Hymn
HooRah
The Marine Corps Hymn always gives me goose bumps and when I cut myself I bleed green :}
Hi Raymond,
Hold your head high being a Marine is NOT easy.
My husband is a Marine as is our very good friend Joe.
As you can see, Marines are very dear to my heart.
Thank you for your service
Thank You , Semper Fi , Maggie