After reading recent pieces about the old rifle range at Camp Mathews I wanted to share one of my more memorable boot camp experiences which, in this case, occurred at Mathews. Comments and other funny boot camp stories welcome at bootcampstories2@gmail.com. This excerpt is from my book “SH*TBIRD! How I Learned To Love The Corps”
Camp Matthews
In august of 1964 I was in platoon 359 and we were the very last series to qualify at Camp Matthews.While at the rifle range in early august one of the instructors gathered our platoon around to tell us what had just taken place in the gulf of tonkin.He then stated that all of us had better learn how to shoot the m-14 with proficiency because in about a year from now we would be in Viet Nam.How prophetic his words were as in june of 1965 I arrived there with c-1-9.I was proud and slightly surprised that I qualified as an expert with the m-14. SEMPER FI
COLD TRAINING, WARM FAREWELL
U.S. Marines from across III Marine Expeditionary Force, and members of 5th Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, say goodbye as exercise Northern Viper 2020 comes to an end, concluding the training that has taken place for the last few weeks in Hokudaien and Yausubetsu Training Areas, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 26 to Feb. 8, 2020.
“Chesty Puller’s House”
Dear Sgt. Grit,
A number of years ago you posted that Gen. Puller’s Home in Saluda Virginia was for sale. I responded to you on the Status and a long story. Well today, went to Saluda to return family items to the Middlesex County Museum because almost all had ties to “Chesty”. The Director of the Musuem has been trying to get me to visit “Chesty’s House and meet the couple whom bought it. Because of the lengthy drive from my house to there, I failed. Today, the couple was waiting for me. He is a Marine. He and his wife are spending alot of money trying to restore this 100 year old home to its orginal condition.
Mr. Sharpe make one H$ll of an offer to Marines, the Marine Corps League. Show up, bring a Marie Corps Flag….they will raise the flag, then lower it and issue a signed document that this flag was flown at “Chesty’s” house. And if one visits, “Chesty and Virginia” are buried 10 minutes away at Christ Church.
Thanks Don for your love and support of your beloved Marine Corps and keeps so much alive and infront of many.
As You Remember,
“Chesty’s Friend”
Steve Robertson
*Have proof of this statement.
Thought your Marines would be interested and know you are one strong supporter of the General. You and I have exchanged a number of mails through the years regarding “Chesty” and yes, have spoken/responded to some of the posts in the weekly newsletters. They are always interesting and at times challenging to say the least. But they are all good.
Camp Mathews
I joined in 1964 and received rifle training at Camp Mathews. I still remember hearing our PMI saying “Aw Ha (upward tone), Ah Ha (downward tone), Caught you M….. F…er” when we were doing something wrong. I think Camp Mathews in now part of UC San Diego – Third College (may have a better name now). I remember the nice hills we got to run in. I was in Platoon 128, known as the running platoon. One of our PMIs took us out with the intent to run us into the ground. This worked out just the opposite. I also remember Viet Nam being two words, not one. CPL Robert Coghill – Viet Nam 65-66
A DAY IN THE OAK
AT SEA —
U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations – From sunrise to sunset, Marines assigned to the Battalion Landing Team and Combat Logistics Battalion conduct training every day to increase their physical fitness, knowledge and lethality aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill.
Camp Mathews, the lost infantry school
In the early 1960’s, I took Marine Corps Military Science while in high school in El Cajon, Ca. Our Instructor was Lt Col Stidhan. His duty station was at Camp Mathews. He taught armor recon. During Spring Break and Summer camp, our high school detachment would receive our down and dirty instruction there. When I joined the Corps in 1966, Camp Mathews was no longer there & we had our rifle range at Edson Range, Camp Pendleton. It’s a real small world, especially in our beloved Corps
Banana Rum
From about July 68 to Apr. 69 I had the pleasure of being assigned to the ferry crossing of the Song-Tu-Bon located at “Liberty Bridge” about halfway between An-Hoa and Hill 37. From time to time,not often,we would venture into the Ville of Dai-Loc ,located near Hill 37 to purchase some services and other items. The Locals made a beverage made from bananas we called it banana rum, don’t know what they called it, but it was one of those drinks that you never really knew what the alcohol content was. It was like drinking Sloe Gin went down smooth but after a few drinks POW! Sit down,drink,but don,t get up to fast or you might fall. Banana Rum, the original Jungle Juice. What reminded me is that one of my buddies is making his version of Jungle Juice for the Super Bowl. Harry 1371
Manual of Rakes
After completion of 5 months Special Communications Training at Pensacola NCTC in 1968, I had two weeks to wait for my overseas orders. My instructions were to “just stay out of trouble”.
While hanging out in the barracks one day the 1st Sgt picked me out and told me to round up 6 other Marines and go to Special Services, check out some rakes, and proceed to the Base Chapel and rake the leaves. Having done so we were on our way to the chapel when we encountered and officer. He stopped us and asked who was in charge here. I saluted and told him I was. (at the time Lance Corporal.) He said we were a disgrace and should march where we were going in an orderly fashion. So, I had everyone line up, snap to attention, present rakes, right shoulder rakes, and march in a column of twos, calling cadence all the while. When we arrived at the Chapel, the Chaplain was thoroughly impressed. After that I quit hanging around the barracks and went to Pensacola Beach every day to work on my tan. Lesson learned.
Rifle Range-Camp Lejuene
Summer 1960, two week summer camp for Reserves. Had to re-qualify and on qualification day it started pouring rain just as we were on the 500 yard line and using M-1 Garands. Score wasn’t the good and with the rain It wasn’t going to be a good time. The rear sight was filled with the rain and had to blow it out to be able to see the target. Those in the butts must have wanted to finish and get out of the rain because I shot all bullseyes on the 500 and I know that it was bullshit. But, hey, they marked and I wasn’t going to complain. Shot expert that day.