Lieutenant Of Marines

By Bryan J. Lash

The sixties brought us many things: women's liberation, free love and draft dodgers. More importantly, America was involved in helping the fledgling democratic Republic of Vietnam withstand attempts from the Communists of North Vietnam to conquer them militarily. America sent its bravest and brightest to assist and train the Vietnamese. Unfortunately, history will probably show that most Americans opposed this action. This is a story that chronicles the experiences of one man's journey to be a U.S. Marine during this time in history. It covers his time as a boy, through college, to leading the world's finest fighting men in combat. He discovered many life lessons along the way, not the least of which was the real meaning of the famous Marine motto: Semper Fidelis.
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Sgt Grit Newsletter and Special Offer Update

We apologize for the inconvenience. As you are well aware of by now, we have been experiencing mail delivery issues with the Sgt Grit Newsletter and our Special Offers since April 29, 2014.

That being said, we have switched to a new system and now in order to ensure that you receive future Sgt Grit mailings in a timely manner we will need you to re-subscribe using the following link: read more

TAPS

On June 1, 2014 the USMC lost a buddy, Brigadier General Jim Hall, USAF [Ret.]. He crewed on Twentieth Air Force B-29’s during WWII, on missions over Japan. In March 1945 he crash-landed on Central Field, the Iwo Jima Emergency Airfield, aboard one of the first aircraft to use it. He never missed a chance to speak of his debt to the Marines, living and dead, who secured Iwo Jima. He took every opportunity to personally thank the Iwo Jima veterans for saving his life (and the lives of his fellow airmen). He served 3 wars, in combat: WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Among his many decorations and awards, he wore silver Parachutist Wings. He originated the television series “Ripcord.” He tested man-rated parachute systems for the USAF. He created the “Buddy System” and the “4-line cut.” He designed and filmed the survival instruction film: “Passport to Safety.” Jim always repaid his debts; he saved countless lives. Semper Fidelis, General Hall! read more

Mounted Color Guard Albuquerque 1971

Marine Corps Recruiting Station mounted color guard in Albuquerque, NM, was formed in 1970-72 to assist with the recruiting efforts throughout the state. The four Appaloosa horses and a special trailer, with all the equipment and McCollum saddles, were donated by a former Marine Korean War Veteran who was very patriotic and wanted to see the Marine Corps succeed, and to carry on the tradition of our mounted Marines. They traveled many miles riding in parades and personal appearances. This was the only Marine Corps mounted color guard that ever existed in the state of New Mexico. read more

That Was Then, This Is Now

I read in your column recently someone said he was a Real, Real Old Marine of 85. I've always thought age was a figment of the mind and if you let it get to you you'll worry about getting old and infirm. I never had time for that, I only had time to do my job and think about what I had to do next. read more

Camp Hansen

Sgt Grit!

I had to back up Sgt E-4 C.J.Oudendyk story about Camp Hansen, 3rd Marine Divison in 1956. When the Marines transferred me from Japan to Okinawa. They put me at Camp Hansen, I was Cpl Myers, cook/baker but no place to work. The only thing left was the boiler in a quonset hut. There will be some pictures to let anyone know what I mean. In one of the pictures I'm setting there with you guessed it, C-rations, but the troops could not tell the difference, we would doctor the stuff up. read more