Fear, by General George S. Patton, Jr.

 

Fear

 

 

I am that dreadful, blighting thing,

Like rat holes to the flood.

Like rust that gnaws the faultless blade,

Like microbes to the blood.

I know no mercy and no truth,

The young I blight, the old I slay.

Regret stalks darkly in my wake,

And ignominy dogs my way.

Sometimes, in virtuous garb I rove,

With facile talk of easier way;

Seducing where I dare not rape,

Young manhood, from it's honor's sway.

Again, in awesome guise I rush,

Stupendous, through the ranks of war,

Turning to water, with my gaze,

Hearts that, before, no foe could awe.

The maiden who has strayed from right,

To me must pay the mead of shame.

The patriot who betrays his trust,

To me must owe his tarnished name.

I spare no class, nor cult, nor creed,

My course is endless through the year.

I bow all heads and break all hearts,

All owe me homage — I am FEAR.

    

General George S Patton Jnr

Initial Phase 1

Dear Sgt Grit,   Enclosed is my Initial Phase I copy. I kept the original all these many years.  I joined on 15 Sept 1953.  Arrived at PISC MCRD the following day.  Check out those prices!   Within seven months me and my ‘band of brothers’ were in Korea. The armistice was in effect and we faced stragglers, houldouts, die hards and plain old bandits.  After spending a swell 13 month tour of duty in Frozen Chosen we boarded the ‘Go Home Boat’ and 18 days later we were back in the US of A. No one flew home in those days. I arrived in Vietnam in Jan of 1966, pulled 13 months of duty and left in Feb of 1967. That was my first tour there. From your catalog page it appears I was in country about three years before you. (you didn’t miss much: white tee shirts and spit shined boots etc etc”   Back in the day I was in Plt 343 Company I Second Bn. We had eleven battalions but that was paired down to nine when my platoon graduated 6 Dec 1953.  I still keep in touch with my DI who lives in Jacksonville NC he’s in his 80’s.  Upon retiring I can compare all the rifles I fired in combat: The M-1, M-14, M-16, M16A1.   Enjoy the list.   Bob Hughes USMC (53-79) 6511/8061/8511/9999   Santa Ana Ca 92706-3049

The Peace Time Marines

Just today, I read a post where a peace time Marine reservist came forward to air out his issues with not be called or refereed to as a Veteran.   Let's put this issue to bed – once and for all. Marines who served our country in peace time have my utmost respect.    When duty called – they answered. When integrity, loyalty and honor were hangingin the balance both then and now – they fulfilled their oath of office.   We can't pick or chose our battles – we must support and defend our country – when and if we can and without any preference or indecision.   You Marines are brothers to us and never allow for one day —anyone come between us.   Thank you for your service to our country.   Gene T. Spanos U.S. Marines Sgt 66-71 2322547 West Pack ground forces RVN – DMZ 11th Engineer Bn – Squad Leader 2/68-2/69

1st Battallion 11th Marines Heavy Artillery / Alpha Battery

I got this tattoo to pay tribute to my time in the Marine Corps as an artillery cannoneer. In the background are the heavy artillery cannons. In front of cannons is the 1st Marine Division Insignia the diamond and the number 1 which should say Guadalcanal but it is covered. On top of the 1st Marine Division is the skull which was designed by a Marine from our unit. Around the tattoo at the top is “Alpha 1/11” and at the bottom of the tattoo our unit motto “Rain of Pain”. With the help of my friend/tattoo artist I created this design. read more