Sgt Grit is a place where Marines can come and meet other Marines, share tattoos and stories, keep up with Marine Corps news, or shop for USMC gear.
Sarge
I got the best Christmas present any father could ask for from his son. A NEW MARINE! My oldest, Ryan, just graduated from Parris Island Friday, December 18, 2009. He is 3rd Generation to walk down this path, and would like to share photos of family members that have preceded him. In order of succession there is – Grandfather (wife’s father), myself & son.
I have been blessed as so few have. Not only did I earn the title Marine… but I also had the opportunity to return to MCRD Parris Island 27 years, 74 days later… when my son earned the title Marine as well! Old Corps. New Corps. It's our Corps!
I enlisted in 1953 and went to San Diego on January 3, 1954. (I know-Hollywood Marine)
Korea ended in November of 1953 so most of the drill instructors were vets from the war as was ours. He was Sgt Dilks and had one eye that looked slightly to the side so keeping your eyes straight ahead was nearly impossible when he was in your face. Did the drill instructors pass out physical punishment? Yes, and it was deserved for the most part. They did have their games using us as punching bags but it was all part of the process of getting us ready if Korea broke out again. Many recruits owe Sgt Dilks their thanks for setting them up for life itself. If you're still with us Sgt Dilks: Thank you!
Marine bikers passing through on there way to Cripple Creek Colorado Rally.
SgtGrit:
Here are a few Marine Corps related Virginia License Plates I have had in the past. Most are obvious to our Marines, including an abbreviaed "Tun Tavern." W15E25" of course were my two units in Korea ('52-'53): WpnsCo, 1stBn, 5thMarines & "EasyCo, 2ndBn, 5th Marines."
Gunny G
To add to the "collection." Attached are the Marine Corps license plates on my Buick LeSabre (Marine 1) and Honda Accord (Kor&VN)
Semper Fi.
Gerald F. Merna
1stLt USMC (Ret.)
Mustang: 1947-1968
Korea: '52-'53 1stMarDiv
Vietnam: '66-'67 3rdMarDiv
These plates can be obtained from the Secretary of the State of Illinois by any Illinois resident who is an active Marine or a Marine veteran.
May God stand at the right hand of all our Brothers and Sisters-in-Arms, now and always as they are deployed to far away lands, dedicated to defending the cause of Peace and Freedom. May he comfort them and their families during this Holiday Season. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sarge:
As per your request for license plate pictures in a recent newsletter, below are shots of my front and rear plates:
Semper Fi,
Dave Engler, Cpl. USMC (410936) 1942-1946 (H&S/2/12/3rd Mar. Div./FMF PACIFIC)
Northern Solomons, Bougainville, Guam, Iwo Jima
