I was in Platoon 124 when JFK came to MCRD San Diego in 1963. We were at the Pugil Stick Pits where he came to observe. I drew the largest recruit in our platoon to fight. Pvt. Garner knocked me around the pit just a few feet from JFK. It was a sad performance on my part. That is me in 1968 in Leatherneck Square.
Windward Marine 4 Oct 1963
A little history from the "Windward Marine" the base newspaper for Kaneohe MCAS. I was stationed there in VMA 212 from 1961 to 1963.
Norm Spilleth
1960 – 1964
60th Reunion On Board PI
Here are some pics of my reunion on board PI… you will notice that I am having a conversation with the mascot… he liked my beard also. The second is with the Depot CG and SgtMaj and the third is in front the Brig & Brew. At one time it was the Brig, the cells are still there but used for storage. It is the "Slop Shoot" now. We celebrated our 60th year as Marines with our respective Ladies!
This Helmet And A Picture
Today, the wife and I went for our weekly local road trip in beautiful sunny (that sounds better than ungodly hot) Arizona. We went to the Commemorative Air Force Museum. We looked at an F-4 Phantom and other planes of past conflicts. Over in a corner was a little LOCH on display. It did look like the one our AO's flew. On the floor on the right side was this helmet and a picture.
Father’s Day Gift
Loving my Father's Day Gift from my wife & kids!
Semper Fi, that is all!
LCpl Hidalgo, David P.
Get this moto performance polo at:
1963 JFK Visit to MCRD
Re: Lee VanTreese's June 18 post and photos of JFK's visit to MCRD… The date of those photos was Wednesday, November 6, 1963. My attached photo of the President was taken that same day.
During that time I was a squad leader in Charlie 1/5, 2nd Platoon. On the morning of the 6th the entire battalion was trucked from Camp Margarita to San Diego. We then formed an honor guard for the Presidents motorcade on both sides of the road all the way from Lindbergh Field to the main gate of MCRD.
EXCITEMENT! Shot At And Missed
My new book, EXCITEMENT! Shot At And Missed, has been available for only the past month or so, and the response is very much appreciated! Here's what MSgt Miles Kelly Hill, USMC (Retired) has to say about the book:
"This is one of the best military books I've read! It brought back memories of my time in the Marines. Everyone, whether a Marine or not, will enjoy this riveting, first-hand account of the F-2-5 Marines in Korea. The chapters concerning boot camp, both poignant and funny, brought back many memories of my time at MCRD. This is the real deal!"
Windward Marine 26 July 1963
A little history from the "Windward Marine" the base newspaper for Kaneohe MCAS. I was stationed there in VMA 212 from 1961 to 1963.
Norm Spilleth
1960 – 1964
Always Momentary Silence
I have to reply to the Article "Proud of Being A Marine." Yes, I fully understand that Tim Rudd's wife and Sgt. Grit's wife are proud of being married to Marines! I have been retired for 1 year now and frequently get questions regarding what I am most proud of/my greatest accomplishment: my Army service, my 36 years of teaching, being a Legionnaire, etc. Answer–being a Marine wife and being married to my beloved Marine for 38 years. There is always a momentary silence when I give this reply, but it's true!
Don’t Tread On Me
Against All Enemies, Foreign and Domestic, Semper Fi!