The toilet was “The Head”
A drinking fountain was “The Scuttlebut”
A door was not slightly open it was “Ajar”
The uniform for going on a hike was “Spats, Gats and Tin Hats”
There were khakis, greens, and blues Some of you (not all) won’t recall a great portion of this but if you do, so be it. If you don’t, you missed a good time! The following is a page found in the book “Green Side Out” by Major H.G.Duncan, USMC (Ret) and Captain W.T. Moore, Jr., USMC (Ret).
You kept your rifle in the barracks.
Your 782 gear did not wear out.
Mess halls were mess halls (NOT dining facilities).
No vandalism wrecked the barracks.
Everyone was a Marine and his ethnic background was unimportant.
We had heroes.
Chaplains didn’t teach leadership to the experts.
Getting high meant getting drunk.
Beer was 25 cents at the slop chute.
Skivvies had tie-ties.
We starched our khakis and looked like h-ll after sitting down the first time.
We wore the short green jacket with the winter uniform.
We wore Sam Browne belts and sharpened one edge of the buckle for the bad fights.
We kept our packs made up and hanging on the edge of the rack.
We spit-shined shoes.
Brownbaggers’ first concern was the Marine Corps.
Generals cussed.
Generals paid more attention to the Marine Corps than to politics.
UA meant being a few minutes late from a great liberty, and only happened once per career.
Brigs were truly “correctional” facilities.
Sergeants were gods.
The tips of the index and middle fingers of one hand were constantly black from Kiwi shoe polish.
We scrubbed the wooden decks of the barracks with creosote.
We had wooden barracks.
Privates made less than $100.00 a month.
Privates always had money.
You weren’t transported to war by Trans World or Pan American airlines.
Barracks violence was a fight between two buddies who were buddies when it was over.
Larceny was a civilian crime.
Every trooper had all his gear.
Marines had more uniforms than civilian clothes.
Country and western music did not start race riots in the clubs.
We had no race riots because we had no recognition of races.
Marine Corps birthdays were celebrated on 10 November no matter what day of the week it may have been (except Sunday).
Support units supported.
The supply tail did not wag the maintenance dog.
The 734 form was the only supply document.
You did your own laundry, including ironing.
You aired bedding.
Daily police of outside areas was held although they were always clean.
Field stripping of cigarette butts was required.
Everyone helped at field day.
A tour as Duty NCO was an honor.
Everyone got up a reveille.
We had bugle calls.
Movies were free.
PX items were bargains.
Parking was the least of problems.
Troops couldn’t afford cars.
You weren’t married unless you could afford it.
Courts-martial orders were read in battalion formations.
We had the “Rocks and Shoals.”
Courts-martial were a rarity.
Marines receiving BCDs were drummed out the gate.
NCOs and officers were not required to be psychologists.
The mission was the most important thing.
Marines could shoot.
Marines had a decent rifle.
The BAR was the mainstay of the fire team.
Machine gunnery was an art.
Maggie’s drawers meant a miss and was considered demeaning as h-ll to the dignity of the shooter.
Carbide lamps blackened sights.
We wore leggings.
We wore herringbone utilities.
We had machine gun carts.
We mixed target paste in the butts.
We had to take and pass promotion tests.
We really had equal opportunity.
Sickbays gave APCs for all ailments.
We had short-arm inspections.
The flame tank was in the arsenal of weapons.
We had unit parties overseas with warm beer and no drugs.
Marines got haircuts.
Non-judicial punishment was non-judicial.
The squad bay rich guy was the only one with a radio.
If a Marine couldn’t make it on a hike, his buddies carried his gear and helped him stumble along so that he wouldn’t have to fall out.
The base legal section was one or two clerks and a lawyer.
We had oval dog tags.
Marines wore dog tags all the time.
We spit-shined shoes and BRUSH-shined boots.
We wore boondockers.
We starched field scarves.
We worked a five and one-half day week.
Everyone attended unit parties.
In the field we used straddle trenches instead of “Porta-Potties.”
Hitch-hiking was an offense.
We used Morse Code for difficult transmissions.
The oil burning tent stove was the center of social activity in the tent.
We had unit mail call.
We carried swagger sticks.
We had Chesty Puller.
Greater privileges for NCOs were not a “right”.
EM Clubs were where you felt at home… and safe.
We sailed on troopships.
We rode troop trains.
Sentries had some authority.
Warrant Officers were not in their teens.
Mess hall “Southern cooking” was not called “soul food.”
Marines went to chapel on Sundays.
Weekend liberty to a distant place was a rarity.
The color of a Marine’s skin was of no consequence.
The Marine Corps was a big team made up of thousands of little teams.
We landed in LCVPs and always got wet.
We debarked from ship by means of nets over the side.
We had parades.
We had pride.
We had Esprit de Corps.
Field scarves (neckties) were made of the same material as shirts, and had the same consistencies as a wet noodle. There was no tie clasp to keep it from flapping in the breeze.
Shirts were tailored and spit-shined.
Khakis were heavily starched, and you had to run your arm through the pants leg to open them up. Shirt pockets could not be opened and you carried cigarettes in your socks.
There were no back pockets in uniform trousers.
Buttons on your “Blues” were really brass, and you shined them using jewelers rouge and a button shield.
Piss-cutters had a single dip in the rear.
Semper Fi!
“Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas”
“Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever”
United States Marines
I remember that…most of them, but then I also remember as they changed over the years. You have to admit that you can get to the beach a helluvah lot quicker and more precisely aboard an Osprey or an air cushioned landing craft. Neither of which have I experienced, but it has to beat the hellouta going over the side, dangling on a cargo net, while the mike boat bobs up and down in rough seas. Or, as technology supposedly improved and you went off the front of an LST in an amtrac to sink and hope that you will soon surface and not get breached in surf. Semper Fi!!!
Never had the pleasure of going out the front of an LST on an Amtrac. I heard other Marines talk about it though. Glad I never had to do that! Did travel to Vieques with 8th Eng. on LST . Still remember the name ( TRAVERSE COUNTY). Did not like that at all either! Harry 1371
I remember going over the side and making beach assault at Vieques We had one Sgt who flipped over and got caught with his leg between the net and the side of the boat and we had full packs and rifle. Thank God the were 2 huge guys that got him upright. Then we landed on a sand bar got stuck 100 yards off land. The Navy guy was trying to explain explain to the Capt what was going on. The Capt kept yelling put down the ramp. Finally he put down the ramp the Capt yelled charge and away we went the Capt stepped off the sand bar and he went under pack and all. A few guys stripped off their packs and went in after him. Finally we had to be pulled of the sand bar.
And while you are dangling on that cargo net while the papa boat (probably not a mike boat) bobs up and down in rough seas, you’d best not step off the cargo net until both feet are firmly implanted on that steel deck!
Nothing but respect for the “Old Corps”and admiration for the “New Corps” carrying on the tradition. Taking the fight to the enemy. OORAH!
Thank you very much. My husband enlisted at 18, served in Korea at the Chosin R. and Viet Nam. Retired after 42 yrs. Thank you again. Wonderful.
Linda, thank you for your service and your husbands. Semper Fi
Oh Yea, Plt 239, I remember most of these very fondly now but not so
At the time. Love the Corps no matter What. Too bad we can’t choose
The Greatness of Old and Intermingle Old & New. Simply put”Up-To Date” Proud & Bad!!!
Bob-E-4, Viet Nam Vet
Never went overseas on a troop ship. First time to Vietnam left MCAS, Cherry Point, NC on a USAF C-141 in Oct 1966 and after two stops for refueling we landed at DaNang AB in a rainstorm. Returned stateside in a Trans World aircraft. Second time went via commercial jet and returned same way. One year in Iwakuni, JP was the same way, commercial jet. Lucked out on troop ships.
Platoon 340 June 20, 1963 DI’s trained us the old Corps way, Remember most of the above wouldn’t change a thing. Proud of the new Corp keeping our tradition alive.
Semper Fi Marines
Brown shoes
Herringbone utilities…man, those were the “saltiest” I never owned a set but envied the Sergeants, Staff Sergeants and “Gunnies” that did. They’d come back from the laundry heavily starched and totally lacking any O.D. Green….it had all been washed out years ago.
Marines wore ‘blouses’ and ‘garters’. Nam Green Beanies actually wore pantyhose to keep leeches from swimming up their urethras during river crossings. Yet they were all America’s best fighters.
MSgt Jim Alexander, USMC Ret. 1964-1996
Went to South Vietnam 1967 in a LSD (landing ship dock) troops and equipment, 30 days at sea, stopped in Honolulu and Philippines. I was a E-5 Sgt. Master at Arms of the Mess deck with a duty belt, everyday at sea. When we hit port, I got two days shore leave and every one else got Port and Starboard duty. Those were the good old days! I carried a M-14 with a full auto switch (never used it) only 20 rounds Mag in Vietnam. I Never fire it because I was a Radar Tech on top of Monkey Mountain. The USMC and US Army combat troops were getting the new M-16 with no bolt assist on them. Very bad, many marines and army troops died from that mistake, by the powers in charge. To all of you Vietnam Vets WELCOME HOME! Semper Fi.
1967-1971. # 1090 San Diego
1968-1969 Viet Nam. Flew over and came back on a ship. Started out on hill 327 and finished in the valley at hill 55.
Did go to monkey mountain once driving a jeep. Going up was easy but going down was something else. Had the brakes smoking real bad but we made it, thank God! Finished out at Cherry Point, N.C.
Wayne L. were you their when the Danang Bomb Dump blew for thirty six hours right near hill 327. On April 25th I believe 69. I was stationed on the other side of Dog Patch when it blew. Maybe 1/2 mile away.
That was ASP-1 (ammunition supply point). I was with FLC/1st FSR out at Red Beach about 8-10 miles away. It was like a 3-day earth quake, every time things settled down you wondered if it was done and then there would be another blast. I went to see a good friend who was an EOD tech about a month later and they were still trying to gather and control things. Semer Fi!!!
Wayne:
I was on 55 and 10 about the time John Burke bought it (Carlos Hathcock’s A-Man when he was there). Made all of his kills with a scoped M-14. Burke is on the Silver Star rolls.
When Marines say they “went UP Liberty Road” I tell them, “That’s impossible. It was called Liberty Road because it was the way to get the hell OFF the hill”. LOL
SEMPER FI Wayne!
We called that portion of Liberty Road “Ambush Road” When were you at Hill 10 & 55? Have an engineer buddy that was assigned to 10 in 69′. Our platoon tried to keep the bridge open at the base of 55 going toward 37 early 69′. That’s where I got my centipede sting. Ouch! Harry 1371
Harry, hope you get this. Wasn’t ignoring you; just don’t get the time I’d like to read Grit. DAV Transportation Site Coordinator in Fl., six and a half years on a Veteran and Family Advisory Council to the director of VA Hospital, VA “My Life, My Story” project, AND SEVEN GRAND KIDS from 2 to 21. Big money $000,000.00 LOL.
Medevaced out spring ’69 after second hit from AK. With the 0311 and 8651 Recon (now 0321) we pretty much lived in the bush. Here’s one for a 1371’r: Where does the smart Marine run for cover? Behind the blade of a D-9 bulldozer. DAMN STRAIGHT. SEMPER FI!
Catch you on the next Grit newsletter.
Thanks for the Welcome Home. USMC 67-71 Vietnam 68-69. I did get to see Bob Hope December of 68 in Danang with a few thousand Veterans. I was stationed in Danang in the lst MAW.
Oh yeah! Monkey Mountain, found out decades later that is was Mon Ke mountain or such. I closed out MACS 4 there in early ‘71 and finished out my second tour with MACG 18. Thanks for the memory jogger. Semper Fi!
Remember?
Swooping
SPLIBS
CHUCKS
BAMS
Wetting down the stripes
Swooping=good!
Splips, chucks and Bams=not so good!
Yeah, I recall most of that stuff. but “Shirts were tailored and spit-shined.” I don’t remember ‘Spit-Shined’ shirts.
Devil Doc /USN/8404
1973 – 1988, Medically retired, Honorary Sgt USMC.
I remember all those words well. I slept in a bunk between the Chucks and the Splibs because I was a “Half-Breed” Mi’Kmaq Indian . Oh them Broad-Assed-Marines. Pelkey,Roger R . 195- – – – PI April,26,1961
I remember a lot of those, mostly all good, although technology improvements are great, there is no replacing the camradre of the Old Corps. Plt 1008, Oct 1958 MCRDSD
Remember those “fights”. Never kept a grudge and never let anyone speak ill of my opponents. Our Gunny always made it quite clear there were only “green” marines. Hated those damn spats…
Attached to 1/7/1 and 3/7/1, ending up in 7th Mar. Reg. surgery dept.
Went down many cargo nets, landing as HM3, Charlie company aid man. Not my favorite activity, btw. Many years ago but still great memories as a corpsman with Marines. “Once you go green, you don’t want to go back”.
I remember most of those things since I joined the Corps in January 1959. That was a time of transition. Utilities were changing over from herringbone to solid green. Crossed rifles were added to the stripes on our sleeves (not that I had any). We were still issued the M-1 rifle, spit shining our boots and shoes for hours upon hours sitting on our buckets, looking forward to the smoking lamp being lit. Once in the infantry at Camp Pendleton we were allowed to go on liberty. You had to wear dress trousers, shirts and shoes or your uniform. You had to check out on liberty with the Duty NCO and get your liberty card, which you returned to him upon getting back . I can also relate to going over the side of a ship and climbing down a net into a small boat that was going up and down. Then waiting in that boat for what seemed hours to land on some unknown beach. What I remember most was that all Marines were the same, regardless of the color of their skin. We were all Marines and proud of it. I guess now I’m part of the old Corps and proud of that. Semper fi
Me also, PI Plt 113, 1959, Med Cruise many landings, Vieques for mountain training, I would do it over in a heart beat.
Semper Fi
Old Corps vs. New Corps is just perspective. Some changes are good, others not so good. I was fortunate to be on Barracks duty, I spit shined my shoes, but it became a requirement to buy the corfram shoes since we were to be uniform. The only time we distinguished the color of someone’s skin is when we had more than one Jones or Smith etc., then it was the Light Green or Dark Green Marine when pointing him out to somebody. Semper Fi !!
You must be a CHUCK, or lived in a cocoon…I was in the Corps in 1959, and every base I went to had their group of base begets…(sp). New titles I had never herd be fore like wetback-splib- Gook-chief just to name a few……
awesome. be sure to post on facebook!
sgt., 0311, 19-09-1966 to 18-08-1969; rvn 03/1967-04/1968, h&sco., 3/9; mcrdsd, platoon 3322, 19-09-1966.
semper fi!
Joe Tedeschi 1966-1972
Spent six years in the USMC Reserve.
After college.
Loved my mortars.
Became company president, mayor of my town, ran for US Congress.
98% of every thing I learned was in the Corps,
People don’t understand that being a Marine is the greatest honor one can have serving his country.
I guess it not cut out for every one.
Not all Marines are honorable , There is a sitting U.S. Senator ( X-Marine ) that lied about being in Vietnam! Still got elected! Harry 1371
I bristle when I usually hear the term X-Marine. Not this time, Harry. You are spot on! Blumenthal does not deserve to be called Marine or even former Marine!
Yeah. Thought X would be a good fit in this case. Harry 1371
PLT 152 D CO. 1ST BN July 1963. Brown leather, Hairy Boots, and Hairy Boondockers, Chrome Domes, and holding the “brown Listerene mouth wash” in your mouth for as long as you could, and God help you if you were one of the first to spit it out……. GOD BLESS the USMC and all the Drill Instructors who taught us how to survive…………………………………
Vern Hughes Sgt: 50-54, Amphib. Recon.
BAR man. Pusan to the punch bowl.
Rubber Boaters! First Chopper Assault,
Hill 884 in combat history!!!!
The shoes were cordovan in color not the old brown. The green blouse was a copy of
The “ Ike “ Army jacket of WWll.
Used Broken Coke bottles to cut away the
Hair on rough out boondockers.
Snapped too and by your leave passing all brass!!! Borrowed a chopper with Maj. Kerby Smith for recon. But came back with 8 little Korean Deer. Had company
Venison for two days. Troop ships going & comming, + Veiques over the side!!
Now 89 years and still formed in fire, upright, head up, chin in, shoulders back
And awaiting the Commanding Generals
Travel orders. GODS BLESSINGS TO ALL
MARINES EVERYWHERE and as we learned from the Subs klaxon horn:
Ooooooggghaaaaa. Or as we now say
Oooorrraaa. Semper Fi
God bless ya, Vern!! Your just about the oldest Marine I ever seen posted here. Take it easy and Semer Fi!!!
Never had a set of Blues, or Ike Jacket, nor brown shoes. Did go over the side into Landing Craft, ate in Mess Halls, and spit shined shoes sitting on a bucket. Marine Corps 964/1969. RVN 65/66/69. 0311/2311. Semper Fi
Get very emotional and filled with pride reading above remarks. So very honored to be part this exclusive fraternity. The brotherhood of Marines. God Bkess you all!
I’ve been collecting USMC uniforms and 782 gear for over 35 years. There’s just a few points about the uniforms mentioned above:
1. The Marine Corps didn’t initially specify the ‘Sam Browne’ belt (That’s of British origin, gaining favor during the Great War).
It was correctly called the “Officer’s Belt, Model 1935” until after WWII / Korea when the term Sam Browne began to appear in the Marine Officer’s Guide.
For enlisted swine, the leather “Service Belt” was worn with greens. The color was Cordovan brown. The enlisted leather version was discontinued late 1942 due to leather shortages (and use as a weapon with sharpened buckle) but Old Salts wore them right up through the end of the war. The cloth version – used today with green blouse – was adopted in 1942.
2. The Corps didn’t have ‘Ike’ jackets because Ike (Eisenhower) was a Doggie. It was either a Battle Jacket or a Vandegrift jacket, based on the Brit’s jackets of similar design, and adopted by First Mar Div while in Australia after Guadalcanal campaign. A modified version was still being issued (according to sea stories) as late as 1963-64. I was issued one in Boot Camp (MCRD SD) in late 1961.
I remember many of these. I noticed it’s oft repeated about colour of Marines in the OP’s listing. Everyone was a “Green Marine,” except the “dark Green Marines.” Still, we were ALL Marines. BAMs became WM’s and that became salacious. Still, we all did our duties and excelled. Better than being an army doggy or Uncle Sam’s A$$ F*%&3rz. We either got sh*7 talk from them or respect, because they were afraid of us. We all knew how to shoot; KD course taught us that. Good times. Wish I had stayed in to retire, but it wasn’t to be. Can always tell a Jarhead from the rest, we have a certain way of carrying ourselves. Semper Fi!
Many memories —- swoop circle – splibs – chucks – cargo nets – mule – Vieques – issued one battle jacket – spit shine dress shoes – boots – visor – holster – polish brass belt buckle and buttons for dress blues – was given 2 sets of herringbone – big fight at E-M club at Gitmo Bay – was in from April 1962 to 1968 – Kennedy’s funeral duty and funeral duty for Gen. Douglas McArthur – while stationed in Washington D.C. – E company 2nd battalion 6th Marines – worked the brig in Quantico
I went in Mar of ’77 and we spit shined our shoes and boots, starched our sateens and lightly starch our cammies, polished our brass with brasso or dura glit, swept and mopped the cement floors in the barracks every day and on Thursday afternoons we had field day and inspection. Being in 2nd Med. Batt. I believe that our inspections were a little tougher than the 1stsgt. and CO. We had Sr.Chief and an MSC officer. (MSC – Medical Service Officer) Most of the time it was great being a Marine in a Navy battalion.
In ’78 we did ‘Solid Shield’ and I was on the Francis Marion LPA 249, we climbed over the side on cargo nets onto a Mike 6 boat. There was a crusty old Chief running it and dropped the front about 200 yds. off shore. I was lucky cause I’m 6’5″ and the water was up to my chest. There were a few who had a hard time especially when the waves came through. Yes we had full packs and rifles. I should have rode out with my generator but our Sr.Chief wouldn’t let me. Also it was on an LST, which I was glad not to be on.
Michael – I was with 8th Comm Bn, aboard the USS Francis Marion for that same operation. I understood that it was the last landing that she conducted with U.S. troops. She was sold to Spain in 1979. Semper Fi!!!
The best thing I ever did served. 4/71. /76. 2 /2 H co. Proud to be a Marine 03 31. Gunner. Thanks to all MAN & WOMEN. That’s has served and those that Still DO. GOD Bless all. Robert Dean PLT. 247. Paris Island. SC.
Imagine a time when adventurous men made their way to a tavern in Philadelphia. A calling that they answered not knowing full well what they were getting into. But they answered the call. A call to duty. A call to adventure. To serve this country. Men with names like James,Jay,Morgan, Joe,Harold,Henry,Willards,Stoney,JC,Edd,Harry, Roberts,Gary,The Deuce,Bob,RKO,Bill,Moe,Lavern,William,Gary,Roger,Richards,Art,Herbert, Michael,Wayne So,Ron. To set sail on wooden ships with tall masts. To fight pirates in a far off country. To rescue Americans abroad. To serve our national interests. To be a part of something bigger than themselves. I can see the spirit of serving and sense of adventure and serving in all who post here I am extremely proud to be part of the old Corps to the new Corps from the first volunteers in Tun’s tavern to the warriors of today. I salute you all and say SEMPER FIDELIS!
The Marines of Gen. Archibald Henderson’s era would have absolutely MARVELED at this list. I also have flights of fancy about what it will be like for Marines a hundred years from now.
’51-’76
Retired and I still have the feelings every time I see a Jar head in uniform or hear any of the military
musicals. AS far as i’m concerned, the Corps taught me every thing worth learning.
Semper Fidelis to each and every one of you Marines. Keep your chin(s) up and things will be all right.
Bill