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.
When I was in MCRD, Parris Island in April of 76, I experienced one of the most harrowing experiences of my life but at the same time one of the funniest.
We were in the 6th week of training and we had just put up a hog board (a bulletin board with pictures of our girlfriends wearing bikinis or less) at the front of the squad bay, just outside of the Drill Instructors quarters.
As the sun rose over Parris Island, the senior drill instructor realized that one of his recruits had gone AWOL. A search party was dispatched immediately. After a few hours the recruit was discovered hiding in some bushes. He was sent back to the base and promptly escorted to the drill instructor's office. The instructor asked the young recruit, "Why did you go AWOL?"
Sgt. Grit,
I am a former Drill Instructor. MCRD San Diego. 1958-1960. I?ve written this story for Marines. It takes place at Parris Island, (my alma mater) South Carolina. The shock is the same regardless of which coastal transformation station they attended. You are welcome to print it if you wish. I?m sure many boot camp alumnus will recognize something familiar.
Former Sergeant of Marines,
Matt Heslin
PI was like entering an alien world. My senior DI was M/Sgt Quiller, Herbert D. He was among other things a philosopher and genius with the English language, sort of like a Marine Eric Hoffer. (Hoffer was a longshoreman who wrote books, not that Quiller, H. D. would ever write a book) Herbert D. could use the word f*** as a noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, and adverb in one sentence. He gave me many things to take with me through life.
Marine Cartoons by Mark Reid
Sir…
I am writing in regards to the Chosin Reservoir campaign. My Uncle, who recently died, was one of 30 Marines left of 203 from the 1st.Batallion, Easy company. His name was Donald McDonald, but everyone called him "Jake". I have attached an article I scanned from the Toledo Blade newspaper written in early 1951. I was wondering if you knew of any other survivors from this battle, or his company, that might have known him. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I also have a December 25 1950 Life Magazine with his picture in it. If your interested, I would be willing to scan the entire article and send it to you.
Memories from Peter J. Ritch, USMC 1967- 1970. Viet Nam, 1968-1969 and a member of the USMCVTA.
In 1967, two days after graduating from college and having just received my draft notice in the mail, I beat the draft and joined the Marines. And just as my Marine Recruiter had promised, seven months later I was headed for ?my thirteen months and a wake-up? in Vietnam.
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction, as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors round the world.
Sgt Grit,
This Sunday my church will have our annual Memorial Day Service. We Honor those who have fought and died to allow us the right to worship and serve Jesus Christ. Those who have served will be recognized during the service, we have a Color Guard from a local high school ROTC come in. This year we will honor a special Marine who just passed away last week. Cpl. David Miller, he was an Iwo Jima Marine, a Purple Heart Recipient and most importantly a Pastor of 45 years. I sat next to him during our Sunday services and many of opportunity to talk with him. His love for the Corps was only surpassed by his love for Jesus Christ and serving Him. In Honor of his service to our country, I have enclosed something that I wrote to display on our bulletin board at my church. I am no writer, but just wanted our younger generation to remember where their freedom comes form and its cost. It is not directly related to the Marine Corps, but to all of our servicemen and woman. If possible could you pass this on to allow some of the youth of America to understand what freedom cost. Thank you to those who have served and serve.
Pride in the Marine Corps arose from the depths of Sgt. P.D. Crocket’s soul. You saw it in his eyes when he was singing “The Marine’s Hymn.” He looked like Kate Smith when she sang “God Bless America”. That summer of 1965 was hotter and more humid than usual at Parris Island. Sweat poured off everyone as Crocket realized he had a flair for acting, for the dramatic; even for comedy. But his leadership technique was unique. His goal was indoctrinating the recruits with discipline, and he achieved it one way or another.
