There are two people who are most responsible for me joining the Marine Corps…..Jack Webb and Leon Uris. Webb because of "The D.I." The first time I saw that movie I was absolutely entranced by the (*beauty?*) and discipline of boot camp. It seemed so logical and organized. Then someone gave me a paperback copy of Leon Uris' "Battle Cry" and I was completely hooked. After reading about Danny Forrester and his squad, through bootcamp and into the South Pacific, I was hooked. In 1967, recently an ex-college student and facing the certainty of the draft, there was no place for me except Parris Island and the United States Marine Corps. (Oh, the follies of youth.) But I survived and, to this day, I'm proud that I can still call myself a United States Marine. Thank you, Jack and Leon. May god smile over your eternal souls.
Cpl. Tom Mahoney
('66-'71)