I had the extreme pleasure of serving for one of the finest Marine Commanders – LtGen William M. Keys when he was a LtCol Commanding 3rd Battalion 5th Marines in 1977-1979. He was also a horseman and allowed me to participate on the Camp Pendleton Mounted Color Guard in a TAD status. While on the Color Guard I came under the Command of another great man – Major Jim DiBernardo (deceased 2009) who spent 62 months as a POW in Viet Nam. The Mounted Color Guard came under Joint Public Affairs MCB Camp Pendleton. After saying all that, here is my OOORAH story ….
One day while in Maj. DiBernardo’s office picking up some TAD orders for a Parade we were going on, I let out a semi-loud OOORAH (excited about the location of the parade), the next thing I knew a Woman Marine Colonel Margaret A. Brewer (who was later the first WM appointed to Brigadier General) came rushing in wanting to know who said that; Major DiBernardo told her it must have been someone in the hall. After she left he informed me that she can’t stand to hear a Marine say OOORAH, so as I was exiting the building I gave her the loudest OOORAH that I have ever yelled.
Semper Fi,
GySgt Sam Reed
P.S. One key rider not in picture is Ret. MSgt Manny Lopez
I am very proud to add that General Keys is from a small town near where I grew up and ,Uncle to one of my sons high school classmates. He was the commencement speaker at their high school graduation and I got to meet him and shake his hand. Thanks for the memory. Harry 1371
One more thing, there is a bridge on a main county road that is named the “Lt General William M. Keys” bridge. Harry 1371
I’m in full agreement with Col. Brewer. The childish yelling of “ooooohra” is stupid…..leave that stuff to the army.
I understand where you are coming from, but, you should learn the history of that saying before you comment. Marines are a highly motivated group of men. We are highly competitive too and part of the pride is showing our spirit. The saying originated with the Recon Marines of Korea who were often transported by Sub to their assignments. The subs when diving had a horn that was sounded that made an Aaugha sound. The recon Marines started using it as a motivational tool during runs and physical training. which got shortened to Oorah. It is our tradition and history that make Marines stand out. I was a Marine DI at MCRD San Diego. We used it with our recruit platoons as a motivational tool. This history and tradition in stories passed from drill instructors to recruits and from Marine to Marine add a rich color and history to our Marine Corps.
OOO-MF-RAHH!
Regretfully, I was never able to see the mounted color guard live as I spent most of my career either in WestPac or east coast. But I do fondly remember always seeing them leading off the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. I hope they will maintain this tradition in the future.
OORAH!!! Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
LtGeneral Keys was an amazing officer. He served in the First Battalion, Ninth Marines in Vietnam. We have had him come to several of our reunions. He has set up several special events for us for our reunions, including the Marine Corps Museum, and having our reunion banquet there. After he retired, he went to work and eventually became the head of the Colt Firearms Corporation. He donated a special Colt .45 for several of our auctions at our reunions. Anybody who knows General Keys has the utmost respect for him!
I believe Manny Lopez and I served together with Golf 2/7 Weapons Platoon M-60’s San Mateo 72-74 he was one squared away Marine.
Is the Bill Bostic in this photo the same LCpl Bostic that owned bar; The DMZ Bar; in Angeles City in the Philippines?
Those who served in 1/9 with Gen. Keys when he was Capt. knew he was a good man and a leader of Marines. And he would do great things in life.
Any idea when that picture was taken? I was on the mounted color guard from 1977-1978 and I think Bostic is in the picture I have during my tenure. I also spent time on the backs of El Noche and Columbian.
I drove the Mounted Color Guard out of Camp Pendelton the summer of 1968. We did 6 parades that summer. One 29 Palms, one Utah, 2 Montana one Wyoming and one in Colorado. Great job!