M-37 truck

Sgt Grit, In your 2Feb2012 newsletter, T. Stewart asked about a truck he called a “weapons carrier”.  I believe the truck his referring to is a M-37.  I’ve attached a couple of pictures I found.  When I first arrived in Vietnam, Sept 1966, several of us were told we would spend the next 2 weeks providing security for a LAAM  Battery atop hill 327.  Our ‘hooch was at the base of 327 so we were trucked day and night in the back of a M-37, called just a PC if I remember correctly, up and down the hill.  I definitely remember that after 2-3 days of up and down the road, more like a path, in the back of the ‘PC’ I was more concern with surviving the ride than I was of the possible VC attack.   Rick Leach CWO3 – Retired

Did I Do Enough

Just completed writing my memoir of 33 years in the good old USMC (May 41-May 74), service in WW II (Guadalcanal & Tarawa), Korea and Vietnam.  Enlisted as 16 year old out of Fair Park Hi in Shreveport, La., was a MSgt at outbreak of Korea and commissioned a 2ndLt in summer 1950, retired as a Colonel in 1974. A great career, lucky all the way, would do it again in a heartbeat.  Doubt they could use an 87 year old, however!  Memoir entitled "Did I Do Enough?" and available through lulu.com/spotlight/dididoenough.  Had an e-mail recently from one Chuck Bell, who was a Corporal under me at Camp Pendleton in 1951 when I was a First Lieutenant (Radio Platoon Commander).  He had obtained my memoir and located me through my book.  Would enjoy hearing from other Marines I have served with over the years.     Regards  Colonel Elwin B. Hart USMC Retired  (I held all enlisted ranks (Pvt to MSgt 1941-1950) before commission in 1950.)

Beirut Vets In Massachusetts for Daryll Bradley

For daryll Bradley, Hey Marine. We must have crossed paths over there I was a track commander with 3/8. Anyway most of us went to the State Police. Steve Godfrey is still on the job and chapter president of the mass. chapter of Beirut Vets. He could find some guys for you if you want.  Semper Fi read more

1st night in country & bud at the club

Another FNG story, I reported in country and was picked up by 7th Comm. when we arrived I reported in and the gunny showed me an area to rack out and stow my gear and that it was late so after a quick orientation on what to do in the event of Rockets etc. he told me to go to the E club for a beer and we would finish checkin the next AM. So after I got my gear in line I went up to the club (pic attached) ordered a Bud and no sooner opened the can and started to take a big swig the 175's on the next hill started firing. needless to say i covered my clean utilities with beer and just about soiled my skivies, not realizing it was outgoing not incoming. everyone in the club got a good laugh out of the FNG.  speaking of the club it was nice, Story goes it was paid for with insurance $ by a L/Cpl's mother. he was with a tank Co at an earlier time and was killed on that hill. Officers tried to take it over but she made sure it stayed enlisted because her son was not an officer. If anyone knows the story and the name maybe they can fill in the blanks. my memory isn't the best .   Ron Preuss Sgt  2233915 RVN 68-69                                    read more

Cpl Karr’s Original Design

Decided I wanted an original design, so I went with an EGA on top with Red instead of good ol’ black and white, and then I wanted to put the USMC below, filled with our nations colors, the red white and blue, and then to personalize it all to let everyone know who I am and what I did in the Corps, I finished it with my final rank and my MOS… Semper Fi read more