I graduated from MCRD San Diego in November of 1959. I was selected as the Honor Man of my Platoon 156. At the graduation ceremony I was presented my certificate by Col R. W. Boyd, Commanding Officer Recruit Training Command. After graduation and ITR at Camp Pendleton I received my orders to go to MCB 29 Palms. After 1 year one of my buddies Cpl Kosloski who was the driver for Col Boyd was being discharged in about a month.
Col. Boyd asked him to find a new driver. Cpl Kosloski asked me if I wanted the job. At first I was hesitant because as a young marine I kind of feared Officers and this was a Col. that I would be driving for. Kosloski told me that Col Boyd was a great man to drive for and that driving the Col would be my only job. I would carry my liberty card with me and when the Col was off, I was off. Hearing this I went to an interview with the Col. Kosloski and I entered the Col’s office and Kosloski introduced me to the Col. The Col asked me if Potocki is a Polish name and I said yes sir. The Col then thanked Kosloski for bringing him another Polish marine and further stated that if I was as good as he was I would be his new driver. I drove along with Kosloski until he was discharged so I could learn the ropes.
Col Boyd was the Assistant Base Commander to Brig. General Bowser and after General Bowser was promoted to Major General, Brig. General Lewis J. Fields.
One of Col Boyd’s pet peeves was marines that did not salute him in his car. (NOTE) The car I drove was a 1959 Plymouth Green Bottom and White Top and had a plaque of an Eagle on the front.
Whenever a Marine walked past the car and did not salute, the Col would say, Cpl Potocki stop and tell that Marine to come and see me. When the Marine, no matter what rank he or she was, would stand by the back door where Col Boyd was sitting and render a salute. Col Boyd would not return the salute until he chewed the marines ass. I never heard anyone chew ass like Col Boyd could.
Col Boyd was one of the greatest Officers I had the privilege to know and serve with.
I also had the privilege to drive for the Secretary of the Navy, LTG. Lewis J. Fields and Commandant General David M. Shoup who was awarded the Medal of Honor
Semper Fi
Cpl E-4 Stan Potocki
1959-1963
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Great story, Stan! You bring back many memories, some good and some not so good.
The good: After WWII my father was discharged, but was ordered back to active duty when the Korean War broke out. He was subsequently assigned to Camp Breckinridge KY to help train recruits for that war. His Commanding Officer was named Col. Kosloski, and was one of my first mentors. The Col. and his wife had no children, so she would dote on me and my older brother, and we absolutely loved it. I distinctly remember having a picture of them on our mantel for many years.
Now, the not so good memory, and something that I could never understand from day-1. That was the practice of saluting vehicles, official or not, occupied or not, I always thought it was just (in the vernacular of LtCol John Taylor, US Army from NC) “dog shit dumb.” I could understand saluting a passing vehicle in a parade or ceremony, but just driving road doesn’t make any sense or rate a salute in my opinion. I think it kind of reflects the over blown ego of the person occupying the vehicle. Just in case you’re wondering, no I was never chewed out for not saluting.
Some time I’ll tell you how I really feel. Until then, Semper Fi, Top Pro!!!
I had a bad-seed cousin who’s big thrill in life was to hot-wire daddy’s (Maj, USA) Cadillac and drive through the gates and around the base, gathering salutes. Eventually, word got to the base C.O. and that crap stopped.
Similar story: Jack Adinolfi and I were 2nd Lts. reporting to 2/6 in January, 1966. All officers were trucked to the back gate and we hiked in to mainside before meeting LtCol Weiler. We were less than a mile from 2/6 when I heard a horn honk. I looked up and saw the red flag with 2 silver stars. I saluted. Jack Adinolfi did not. General Herman Nickerson’s driver “requested our presence” and we hustled over and both saluted this time. The general quickly dismissed me and really chewed out Jack. I walked slowly until Jack caught up and we reported to LtCol Weiler. Of course, by the time we arrived, EVERYBODY in the office already knew what happened. LtCol Weiler was faulted because he had a 2nd Lt. in his command who didn’t salute 2 stars! LtCol Weiler had never met us!
Jack was in the doghouse until we left 2/6 in early ’67. He redeemed himself with a silver star in RVN.
Wanted to read Lt. Adinolfi citation for Silver Star but, can’t seem to locate it on the roster. Is spelling correct? Bill
Well, this is embarrassing! There was even an article in Leatherneck Magazine about Jack, as a company X.O., when his C.O. was WIA. Jack took over the company. He was awarded a Bronze Star, NOT a Silver Star! I am wrong! My apologies.
You obviously are a student/researcher, Bill. Perhaps you can find more on Jack Adinolfi and reply, either this week or next. Your attention to detail is appreciated.
Semper fidelis!
No results on the Bronze either, but that doesn’t mean much, the Bronze Star roster is probably about 85-90% Accurate same as Purple Heart. Side line, heard that the Army gave Bronze Stars if a soldier had a good bowel movement.
Don’t know about a bronze star for a bowel movement, but my best friend of 76 years (and a Marine) claims that his brother was in the Army in RVN and claims that he received a bronze star for stealing a refrigerator!
Humm, so only Polish Marines was good enough to drive the Col. around?
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My experience is a little different, I received a reprimand for saluting while on road post duty at the rear gate of our compound near Marble Mt. Due to excessive sniper activity in the area we were warned by the Sgt. Of guard not to salute any vehicle leaving the compound thought to be carrying officers. All officers within our compound were aware, but when I saw the Commanding Officers Jeep approaching I automatically saluted. The Col. was not in the Jeep but, the Sgt/Maj. was . Was not really an ass chewing , just a shake of his head and asked me to repeat the order of the day. All I could say was “Sorry Sgt/Major”. Bill 0331. E-2/1
When in doubt , salute!