My name is Gene Crabtree. Retired GySgt (pictured on left). Recently I was asked by Jimmy Dupuy (pictured on right), if I could assist him with folding these two flags. I told him it would be an honor and I would be proud to assist him. He began to tell me the history of these flags. He found these flags in a box that he received after his mother passed away, they were not folded and he wanted to put them in Shadow Boxes. The flag I am holding is his Great-Grandfather’s William Curry Chisolm’s flag. He served in WWI. This flag has 48 stars, his Great-Grandfather passed away in 1926. The flag that Jimmy is holding is for his Father, Joseph Steven Dupuy. Mr. Jimmy served in the U.S. Marine Corps from ’65-’69. I can’t tell you the honor that this gave me and the sense of pride to assist in this Flag Folding.
Semper Fi,
Gene Crabtree
GySgt Retired
1981 – 2001
Hey Gunny, thanks for this story. Got me to thinking, my Grandfather was a WW-I veteran died in 1936 and not sure what became of his Burial Flag, if he even had a military funeral. Have to do some exploring. Thanx! Harry
Crabtree you look familiar were ur ever @ CMT h&s btln 3rd fssg Okinawa 85-86. I knew a CPL Crabtree when I was there. Even remember accident we had on a m151..
WOW. My eldest brother KIA, Vietnam. Sgt. USMC. He inspired my to join the USMC a few years later. I retired….GySgt. USMC
What an HONOR to even hold those flags. Much more to fold them and lay to rest in shadow boxes. I pray their medals goes in the boxes as well. A complete set.
I mean my God, they served in wars protecting USA ?? and her citizens!
Thank you for the story
This story was first posted on 7 Oct 2015. Although the sentiment is still just as valid, and the story still interesting, it sure would be nice if whoever runs this blog would just say that it is a re-post.
Semper Fi, Top Pro!!!
Top Pro,
Yes, this story is a repeat, but I am sure Sgt. Grit doesn’t get as many stories as he wishes to post on this site. Marines have many, many interesting stories but most of the time do not share for various reasons. My grandfather and father were examples of this and it took a Retired Major to tell me things they wouldn’t talk about.
Sir, you are most knowledgeable and share with all and yes I enjoy reading your comments/history in the “Corps”.
I would add, that some “ol” Marines are a bit “gun shy” in providing their time/experience because what I have seen is a few here jump on their letters as fake/want-a-bees”. My experience is that Marines through out the years have had to do things/mission, etc. that is unheard of in the Marine Corps. My father, Sgt. Frank Robertson told me of Parris Island during WWII in his recruit training then going back in “49” to Drill Instructor School. Long lost of stories Sir. Many on this site know me, not just in writing, but personally and I thank you and all that write to this site trying hard to pass-on Marine Corps History. I am sure you are well aware, there are changes coming for the “Corps” which I do not agree one F$cking Bit.
Take care Tp Pro. Hope my message doesn’t offend you too much. Know you are one H#ll” off a Marine.
Semper Fi,
Steve Robertson
“Chesty’s Friend”
PS: Have proof of this statement.
Steve – Thank you for your kind words, and certainly, no offense was taken. Hang in there and for God’s sake, don’t ever give up. Semper Fi!!!
Stephen, I believe you are referring to me as one that accuses some of printing fake stories. The way I see it, being a gunner and combat veteran, if something smells rotten it probably is rotten! I like most of the stories that I read, but there are some that just don’t pass the smell test. Especially the Vietnam stories. I realize that everybody has a story , but come on, some are really fake or at the very least over embellished, and that is insulting to me! Just a comment and opinion. BTW, I agree that the changes in The Corps are upsetting. Deactivating all tank battalions! Come on!!
China and Russia way out number us in tanks and yet we decrease ours . Makes no sense to me.
I’m with you Bill, some need to be called out. Don’t recall anyone coming out and defending themselves either, just start a dialogue, I’ll always admit when I’m wrong. Nick
I served with a Sgt Crabtree at An Hoa 1969-1970 he was from Oklahoma was he a relative
I have both my grandfather’s flag (WW I – Army) and my father’s (WW II – Marine Corps) burial flags proudly diplayed in Shadow Boxes in my office. I only wish my grandfather could have seen me in my Marine Corps uniform, he died before I went in).
Outstanding Gunny, just felt a tear roll down my face, outstanding!
Oohrah Gunny!!! God bless those men and also to you! Thanks for sharing. Outstanding.
I agree with Bill 0311. Top Pro were you in Hawaii 1972 -1973 Top BiHarri spelling may not be right, he was the comm chief at MABS 24 when I was there, I think probably the best Top I ever met
Hi Larry – I was at MCAS Kaneohe Bay from 2Feb1972 until 30Jan1975. I was assigned to Comm Support Company, 1st Marine Brigade but I worked as Logistic/Supply Chief most of the time, getting rid of retrograde comm equipment from 5th/7th Comm which were combined in RVN. I was FAP to Station Comm Center for a very short period before moving to H&S Bn to work in the Brigade S-4 Supply Office. I was working on a new special project: Pre-Positioned War Reserves (PPWR) for which the 1st Marine Brigade was used as a test lab. Later PPWR, mostly located at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, became extremely important for Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan. I lived in Kailua, Kaneohe Town and the last year (finally) at 1958B Hansen Circle. I was active in the Aku Marines Scuba Club (President for 1 year), played inter-mural softball and was on several base bowling leagues. It was, by far, the best assignment of my 20 year career. Semper Fi!!!
Top Pro
I think we must have crossed paths several times. I arrived 15th august 71, then on to 3rd Marine Regiment Hq for duty with Comm. On 10 April 72 I was reassigned to VFMA 212 for duty in Southeast Asia, we were told that it wasn’t Viet Nam. We came back from Nam on21 June 72 and I was reassigned To MABS 24 with Comm. Was Comm Support Co part of Provisional Support Bn. Also you reminded me of a term I had forgotten I was FAPed to Station Comm Center at El Toro. Good Luck and Good memories.
Larry
Comm Support Co was a detachment of 7th Comm Bn/Force Troops FMFPac which later transitioned to 3d FSSG. I’m really not sure of the status of Provisional Service Bn, with whom we shared our headquarters building (on the curve just north of the Base PX) and had the barracks next to ours. Do any of these names sound familiar: Fred Griffith, Gene Cook, King Wilson, Dan Darden, they were all communicators with various Brigade units. I think it is funny that you deployed with “VFMA 212 for duty in Southeast Asia” but it was not in Vietnam. Just pretend that you’re really someplace else. Semper Fi, Top Pro!!!
Top Pro
I agree, the official word was ” Not Viet Nam” but we all knew, once we were assigned we couldn’t leave base or phone anyone. The names don’t ring any bells, but it’s been awhile. Did you know a Ssgt Bobo, wire chief with 3rd Marine Regt. Hq Co., I’ve got pictures from then but don’t remember names. Our shop was down from Shore Party and the Regt. Aid Station. Oh by the way I left Kaneohe 3 August 73 for El Toro. Never did make it to the east coast or a West Pac tour.