Sgt Grit is a place where Marines can come and meet other Marines, share tattoos and stories, keep up with Marine Corps news, or shop for USMC gear.
Sgt. Grit,
It’s funny, lately, I’ve been meeting Marines that served during the ’80s, ’90s, and 00’s years, and when we talk about our experiences, enlistment years, and MOS I always have a hard time explaining the 106mm Recoilless Rifle and 50cal spotting rifle. They have absolutely no idea what this fine weapon was all about and how much fun it was to shoot!
Master Sgt. Aaron Torian
2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion
Afghanistan, Jan. 29, 2014
Award: Bronze Star Medal w/ Combat “V”
During a combat operation in Afghanistan, Master Sgt. Torian’s unit came under heavy machine gun and underslung grenade-launcher fire. Maneuvering across open terrain, Torian exposed himself to enemy fire in order to establish better satellite communications and observe the enemy’s maneuvers. He then effectively coordinated multiple rotary-wing close air support missions with rockets, guns, and a hellfire missile. Two weeks later, he was killed in action. “What I admire most about Aaron was his relentless, competitive spirit; unrivaled work capacity and zest for life, family and friends,” said Charlie Goodyear, a long-time friend. “All these things made him an incredible Marine, friend, husband, and father to his family.”
My father is Richard Miles went to boot camp at Paris island . He graduated April27 1976. Platoon 140, I believe he said one of his drill instructor was Sgt. Green. we are trying to find a copy of his graduation year book for Christmas. Also he was with 1st Bn. 3rd marines alpha co. They have a west pac yearbook also, has a camouflage cover, and a cruise book from 2nd Bn. 3rd marines supply . A white cover with red lettering. If anyone has access to any of these 3 books we would like to purchase any of them. At any price. He is disabled and in a wheelchair. We would greatly appreciate any help. You can contact me his son @ milomiles89@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your time to all veterans.
While visiting a friend in Fredericksburg, Va… in 2000, I was leaving a Cracker Barrel after breakfast. I saw an old man with a Marine cover and ask him, as we always do… when and where were you… he replied he had served for over 35 years and ask me the same. I told him I was in from ’61 to ’63. He asked when I went through PI and what platoon I was in.. . I told him August, ’61, 2nd. Bt. Plt. 258… He ask if I remembered my DI’s. I said of course and name all 3… the second name I gave him was Sgt. Roberts… he smiled and said… “Did you say Sgt. Roberts?”… I said yes… he smiled again and said…………. “Your looking at him!”… I just about sh**…. We had a few good laughs and I shook his had and went away with a lot of memories…
When Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Sinclair spoke at Chris?s funeral he said the following: ?Chris?s platoon commander called him the most likable marine in the platoon, no one griped or had a bad day if Cpl Scherer had anything to say about it. Lieutenant Douglas Orr told me that though the living conditions in the field have been harsh over the past two months, and the marines have been working and fighting in 120 degree temperatures while wearing body armor and carrying ammunition, weapons, water, and equipment that typically weighs over 70 pounds for each marine, he never heard Chris complain or even question their circumstances – not once. NOT EVER.?
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I am the only son of a WWII Marine Corps aviator. My father, Capt. Doit L. Fish, was assigned to Marine Bombing Squadron VMB-611 as a PBJ-1 (B-25 Mitchell) pilot, Moret Field, Zamboanga, Mindanao, Philippine Islands. On May 30, 1945, Commanding Officer Lt. Col. George A. Sarles lead an all-day, multiple PBJ strike on the Kibawe Trail area near Davao, Mindanao. In the morning, Col. Sarles’ PBJ was hit by Japanese anti-aircraft and crashed with him and three of his crewmembers KIA. In the afternoon, while en-route to the target area, my father and his wingman were advised the Colonel’s aircraft was missing. After searching the area for the lost aircraft to no avail, the two PBJs attacked their assigned target area. My father’s PBJ disappeared, never to be seen again. He and his seven-member crew were declared missing in action. The loss of 12 brave fellow Marine squadron members was VMB-611’s highest single-day causalities in their short history.
Here’s a photo of that famous Jacket. Much more comfortable than the “Blouse.” When I got out I almost had a bidding war going for it. Should have kept it, but.
This picture was taken on Sanjo Street, Nara Japan 1953. I was a Corporal then.
I received orders to TopGun November 1978, after I&I duty Millington, Tn. Long story short, it was 8-5, M-F, I was bored with so much time off, attended College (high school counselors told me Mexican Americans were too stupid for college), I took 9 classes a semester while still doing my duties. Flight line ops, metal shop, seat shop, hyd shop. Operations and logistics when we had a class and we left Miramar. Officer saw what I was doing, they sent me to be back seat qualified. Dilbert dunker, swim qual, ejection seat etc. I flew back seat and got to experience the G’ and stick time. After I received my bachelor of science degree. I was offered to go to the board to become an Naval Officer. I passed the board, next I received a call from detailer telling me I had orders for the Drill Field. Great I said, I’ve wanted to go back 1074- 2-78. Oh you want to go, yes I said. “ oh you can’t go, where else, Recruiting duty, “ Nope, Embassy duty, Nope. I want to go where NO ONE wants to go! Ended up to Okinawa, and then aboard a ship to Lebanon.
Anyway being the Senior Marine of 15 enlisted and 3 Marine officers was great duty. Was back there again 1986-1988.
Cpl. Jason Dunham
3rd Battalion, 7th Marines
Iraq, April 14, 2004
Award: Medal of Honor
Cpl. Dunham’s squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt a distance away. Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander’s convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Dunham and his Marines advanced, they received enemy fire. Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led a fire team on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles attempting to depart, Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Dunham. Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. He immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat and, aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. (DoD & U.S. Marine Corps photos)
