After reading Cpl Bill Reed and LCpl Art Monterari’s failed salute stories, I wanted to share mine. While stationed at Camp LeJune I was a warehouse supply clerk. There was a LT that worked in the office in my warehouse. Every morning when she would get to work, I would see her drive up and go over to the dock to wait for her to walk by. One morning my OIC was walking in with her, and I said the same thing I did every day, Good Morning Lieutenant. My OIC said how about Good Morning Sir? I then said one of the dumbest things I ever said on active duty, She outranks you so I was not talking to you. I actually stated the Marine Corps policy states when addressing a group of officers, you only address the senior officer, but I could see on his face he heard the first way. To which she said he is correct. Needless to say I was on his sh-t list after that until I left to go to Desert Shield with CSSD-40. I never once in the 2-1/2 years that I worked with her called her ma’am, always Lieutenant. That was one of the most beautiful women I ever met in the Corps.
Thanks,
Cpl J Baerncopf
1988-1992
It can be either Sir or Ma’m or by their rank.That is what they told us to do 50 years ago.
I went to NCO school at PI in 1979. In my class there was a WM Sgt. she was drop dead gorgeous! I got to know her in every aspect of the word. Best Marine Corps training I ever had!
This story was first posted 22 Oct 2015. I first worked with BAM’s (Beautiful American Marines) while assigned to Station Communication Center, MCAS Cherry Point NC in mid 1967 until the end of 1968 when I was ordered back to RVN. I found all WM’s to be exceptionally smart, motivated and a pleasure to know. Contrary to popular belief, they are neither dumb nor “easy” as I discovered when I made an unwelcome pass at one. Throughout the rest of my career it was my pleasure to know and work with many WM’s, enlisted, SNCOs and officers, in various units and assignments. They are indeed and asset to the Corps. Semper Fi!!!
What Rank was you OIC? A Warrant Officer or a Lt? I am a retired Captain of Marines Mustang Officer.
USMC Mustang Association No 762.
With the exception of the year I spent in Vietnam, I only worked with and for WM Officers. It was my pleasure to work with a dedicated group of individuals who were professional in every sense of the word. My last active duty assignment was at Camp Del Mar. at Pendelton, where I work for Lt. Susan Steiner as well as then Capt. Ann quebedeaux (sp). After rejoining the Corps in the Mid 80’s, (Reservist with 6th Engineers in Portland Or.)I heard from a Major during a IG that Capt. quebedeaux later became a Full Bird.
Remarkable Lady!!!
Salute
Sgt. Tom Golden 1968 to 172
In 1976 as a Marine Corps rifle company, weapons platoon sergeant I walked by my company commander and another captain outside of our barracks one morning. As I passed them I saluted and said good morning gentlemen. My C.O. told me to come back and informed me that Marine Corps officers are not gentlemen, they are Marines. I replied “yes sir”, apologized, walked away and never made that mistake again. OORAH!