Sgt Grit,
In February of 2004 myself and 15 of my fellow Marines were selected, from 2/6 Wpns Co. 81's Plt. currently on deployment in Okinawa, to go on a six week training opp in the Philippines, we were joined by Fox Co. and all there to help the "new" helicopter pilots with live fire operations. All went well and we were sent back to Okinawa.

Being the only fully equipped Marine Co. with my Weapons Co. attachment close by we were asked to stop in at Iwo Jima and escort the Veterans around the island for the anniversary. That was the most powerful experience in my young life and will no doubt never be forgotten. I can't explain the feeling of being on the troop transport slowly climbing wave after wave inching towards the island. It would be unimaginable to do that under fire, the ramp slowly dropped and one truck drove off.... dropped strait to the axels in "the sands of Iwo Jima." Walking around the beach waiting to get the truck out I would sink up to my ankles in the sand... mind you I have no gear on, just cammies and a weapon. And to hear the stories of all the men who returned to the island that tried to take their lives... a very sobering experience, the details they remembered the colors and expressions on the faces of their opponents. every detail as if it were yesterday.

I was very lucky to get to meet so many heroes in one spot, there are fewer and fewer survivors able to make trips like that and I will never forget it. Today I have a small amount of the "Sand" in a bottle on my shelf, just to remind myself of the sacrifices made before me. Thank you one and all.

Michael A Weiss
Cpl USMC 2000-2004

Zippo Lighter

Speaking of Major Duncan, this picture was taken on USS Saint Paul while WO Duncan and detail escorted John Wayne and some other actors to Hawaii for the filming of "In Harm's Way". (Dunk is at The Duke's left shoulder.) Dunk was in the barber's chair when some movie gofer rushed in and said that The Duke needed to get in for a trim immediately. Of course Dunk got up for The Duke. WO Duncan invited him down to the Marines' quarters for some sea stories. He spent quite a bit of off time there. At the end of the cruise, the Marines presented The Duke with a Zippo lighter which he proudly carried, and showed off, for many years.

Semper Fi to two class acts

Mike Smith, L/Cpl
CAP 4-3-2 and 2-2-1

Well, I

There is a Country and Western song that goes something like "when you hear "deer", you think Bambi; I think antlers on the wall"...
My son (8th Marines, retired) told me sheepishly about his encounter with a deer:
He was walking in the woods at night with his buddies and his flash- light almost hit a deer.
He decided it would be a good idea to put it in a head-lock and wrestle it to the ground.
The deer didn't think it funny and started to kick. "What did you do?", I asked.
"Well, I killed it. I pulled my Ka-Bar out of my boot and cut it's throat".
Then what?
"Then we ate it"
Once a Marine....
mm

Cream Of The Crop

Greetings to you all at Sgt. Grits PX, This is the Khe Sanh Veteran of the 68' 'Tet, Howell JB mentioning that it is amazing of certain quotes that came out of book camp, that we all still remember so well. Every night before hitting the rack, like a ritual, the same quote, " Everyday is a holiday in the Marine Corps, every meal is a banquet, and the dirty ol flag is a dirty ol flag is a dirt ol rag, good night Chesty, where ever you are." Apart of the ritual was that 10 minutes when the smoking lamp was lit before taps. And for no other reason, being just a boot, there was always something about the sound of taps, always making me somewhat teary eyed, and not until I left Khe Sanh did it really ring home. To this day I cannot hold back tears and I shake all over when I see mention of Vietnam or even Iraq, because after it's all said and done, the voidness left from war, in a climate of indecision, as to the purposes of such harms way for many. I saw it mentioned prior of a statement of the cream of the crop going to college, I agree is a very close minded statement, I think many of us would have enjoyed going to college during those precious productive learning years of 17 1/2 to 22 years old. But the call of duty as an American many do not understand and may never for some. But the greatest among us are the ones who are willing to hang their life for what they believe in. And the families who suffer along with the soldier. This is the real cream of the crop. Howell, JB 3rd Shore Party BN A Co 68' Tet Khe Sanh Khe Sanh re-supply zone

Heartfelt Thanks

To: C.D. Crutchfield, Sgt USMC
Regarding newsletter dated June 5

My memory is good for some things but is a blank for others. For instance I don't recall my platoon designation but do recall quite clearly my boot camp experience. The reason I am writing this to your attention is to inquire if you are in fact the Sgt. Crutchfield who was a Drill Instructor at Parris Island during the summer of 1968, with SSgt. Martin as our SDI, 1st Bn I believe.

If so, I want to offer you my heartfelt thanks. While I was in training at P.I. I thought you were the worst s.o.b. I ever had the misfortune to run across. However, while serving with the 5th Marines in the An Hoa Basin area of Quang Nam Province, Republic of South Vietnam, I came to deeply appreciate your approach to transforming teenage civilians into hard-core Marine killers. Your influence contributed to the fact that I am alive today to make this comment. I can't say your training enabled me to dodge bullets & shrapnel like a Hollywood hero: I did catch a bullet in my right arm (ricochet off two concrete walls, only ones I'd seen since Da Nang!) and a piece of shrapnel in my forehead (helps me think better).

Again, I thank & salute you, SSgt. Martin, and Sgt. Daniels, our other D.I. Because of the three of you I became a Marine, survived combat, and there's no highest honor in my estimation. If you don't mind, pass on my thanks, and could you let me know if they're still alive & well.

Semper Fi,
Don Mallen, L/Cpl, (retired, due to wounds), Pennsylvania

Moto Tat

Sgt Grit,
I wanted to submit a Moto Tat that my son and I got over the 2007 Christmas holidays. My son is a LCpl CH-46 Crew Chief currently assigned to HMM-265 Dragons in Okinawa. I was a SSgt serving from 1982 - 1994. I am extremely proud of my son. The Latin states "Father and Son" - "Brothers Forever"

Semper Fi!
Thanks
Mark Oinonen

Jack Lucas, MOH

Today we lost a true American Hero. Jack Lucas, USMC, MOH Recipient passed away today.

Jack was a true American Hero, recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions while serving on Iwo Jima who survived jumping on 2 Japanese hand grenades. Jack loved the Corps, his fellow MOH recipients and life in general. A jovial man who noted when shown a picture of my Bulldog named Lucas, "Honey someone named a d*mn dog after me, I can go to heaven now"! I'm sure he is sitting there telling Jesus who is seated at the right hand of the father, "Hey you're in my chair"!

A brief Bio is located here.

Semper Fidelis and God Bless you on your final journey
Howie

FLOOD and AIR RAID

Sgt Grit

In July 1957 while drawing our 782 gear I noticed a Marine Sgt that looked so familiar but I could not place him. What I found out later it was Sgt Brown who appeared in the movie The DI with Jack Webb.

Sgt Brown was a Hollywood Marine with a large list of "games" we would play. One I remember in particular was "Air Raid and Flood". Sgt Brown, standing in the middle of the squad bay would cry AIR RAID and everyone would get under their racks. The Sgt Brown would walk through the barracks and if he spotted anyone's legs or arms or butts sticking out he would deliver a swift kick to the offending object .

Then he would holler FLOOD and we had to get on the top bunk. Sgt Brown would holler these commands so quickly that some of us were headed for TOP while others were going UNDER.

Rules were then in July that if the temperature was too hot for drill on the grinder we stayed in the barracks. These FLOOD and AIR RAID games were held during this time in the barracks with all windows closed!

I would love to hear from any former members of PLT 202 (The Growling Deuces)

Semper Fi
Section Leader PLT 202
Former CPL
Jim Cocke

Between The Huts

We all have memories of being in the Corps, and a lot of it started at MCRD, you know the Hollywood Marines. I have always wondered what happened to the DI's we had with Platoon 2023, 1966, Honor Platoon, esp a CPL O'Donnell. We could always know when he came to work, on the platoon street, between the huts, that he had been by the E-Club for lunch and had a few with his meal. We all know the stories and memories of Knuckle pushups on the grinder, squat thrusts in the sand outside of the DI's hut, esp when we would hear, " I can't hear you, start over". If there was on man I did not want to P!ss off, in my career, it was CPL O'Donnell.

I left MCRD and went to Camp Pendleton and then Memphis for Helo School, and the rest is history. Semper Fi, Once a Marine always a Marine.

Eddie Leach, SSGT, USMC, 1966 to 1969 and 1974 to 1980.

Rocking The Landing Craft

Sgt Grit,
Peter Wojciechowski, Sgt.53/56 wrote on 6-12 08 about being in Battle Cry as a 2533.

I was a Radio Operator [MOS 2531] and was in "Battle Cry" scenes shot in Jan 1954 on the island of Viaques in the Caribbean. I wonder how many other salts were there that read this great newsletter.

Van Heflin, Tab Hunter & Aldo Ray ate with us in our Quonset hut mess hall [green powdered eggs and all]. Theme song was 'Honey Babe'. I was in scenes with 200 other guys but never thought to find someone to slow the shots down to see them better [one will clearly show the grunts on foot giving the finger to the pvssy foots who were riding in the 6x6s. We helped with several scenes. In one, we had a "Peter" boat high and dry on the beach with the front ramp down. Van Heflin was inside kneeling down talking on PRC 10 with the camera rolling from the open front and 5 or 6 of us on each side rocking the landing craft side to side as though it was in the water under fire. I also remember the Don Q and Isabella Segundo.

Frank Nelson Sgt. 53/56 H/2/2, H/1, H/12/3

Bette Davis

That ain't the way I heard it. Some stories impact for a long time, Cpl Doxey's story about Bette Davis and that movie were told back in ITR at Pendleton back in 1952. One of the instructors with a great sense of humor told the story about her pumping three or four slugs in to this guy and after realizing what she had done said. What will I do? Some joker in the audience answered "Pick up your brass and move back to the 500!"

Sgt Frank Athis PI 52

Honks

I sure get a lot of Honk's and Thumbs up with my Florida plates.

Sgt Polk
Plt 41 MCRD-SD 1948

First Recruits To

In 1964, we left MCRD for the new range facility at Camp Stuart Mesa - now the Edson Range Facility. We rode cattle cars from San Diego and then humped up the beach for a few miles and into the new barracks there. I was in Platoon 361 and I believe we were the very first recruits to use the new facility. We were issued M-14s at MCRD and that's exactly what we shot at Stuart Mesa. When we out posted to ITR at CamPen we were issued and shot M-1s and I never saw another one except for various drill teams and color guards.

Michael Hackett
SSgt USMC
1964-1969

Lovely Balmy Evening

In the section where it says, 'there is more' is an article on Ron Broward and his travails in Korea. Notice the writer says that a Sgt. from Able Co., guided the men from Charlie Co.,'back up' from where they had left. Did you know of anyone that was guided BACK to Charlie Company. Evidently the writer is referring to the 3rd. squad which was overrun in the first 30 minutes at about 8:30 p.m. CAUSE, NO ONE from Charlie company's squads moved that night from their position unless they were K/WIA, and that was a bunch. Whomever furnished the writer his information, I DON'T think they were in Charlie Companies position, and if they were would KNOW the next sentence is FACT. They, C-1-1, remained in their assigned positions until told to remove themselves the next morning about 9:30. As to the hill and it's present day designation, 516, there is a hill with that number, but 307, where Charlie Co., was, ALL NIGHT LONG, is south of what JPAC/CILHI has taken a GPS since 1999. The last trip, this year (March) FINALLY had one man from C-1-1, Leo Marquez, and he told them at that time, the designation they were using for C-1-1's location was not accurate. Also, the hill where Broward's figure seems to be imposed looking up as 307, 516, Horseshoe Ridge, or whatever, has a likeness of a picture taken by none other than JOHN CAMACHO, in their trip in 1999, and John has never been mentioned??

The trip this year, 2008 was supposedly to determine locations BY COORDINATES, furnished by Col. (then Capt.) Wray is what Bob Brockish related to me, and he was scheduled to make this trip but other circumstances prevented from going there a second time. There is NO WAY the markings (elevations) of THIS last trip could have put Charlie Co., on the NOW present location of 516 that Leo sent to me. They would have to be south of the PRESENT day location, that SOMEONE has designated. And Horseshoe Ridge, to the knowledge of men of C-1-1, didn't come into being until 1961, when Maj. (then Lt.) Hicks helped write volume 4., USMC Korea. He was the 2nd Plt. leader of Charlie Co., on 307. The 307 designation for that hill came about when the Japanese surveyed it in 1914. In the '70's the South Koreans surveyed the same hill and came up with a numerical designation of 309, a scant 2 meters variance. The four MIA's, 1 from Able, 1 from Baker and 2 from Charlie Co.
Bob, you might add what you were doing on 1081 for that lovely BALMY evening.
SF
NC

Daily Reminder

Dear Sgt Grit,
I nearly lost my shot at an EGA after a torn ITB nearly got me medically disqualified, I went back a second time and earned it. This tattoo is a daily reminder that it is a special thing to be a Marine.

Garden, Derek

Bulkhead-line

Sgt Grit,
I have a question for our brother and sister Marines of today. What are recruits called or referred to in boot camp? When I went through Parris Island (Platoon 2063, July 1981), our DI's, SSgt Krause, Sgt Mazenko and Sgt Ishmail called us recruits (along with a host of other names I won't mention here.... lol), explaining to us that we were not yet privates in the United States Marine Corps, because, they explained, the rank of E-1 private was a respectable rank in their beloved Corps, and we sure as h&ll were not worthy of belonging to their Corps! They further explained, that until we made it off their island alive, we had not yet earned the title United States Marine, and as such, were recruits, not privates! lol

My "favorite game" in boot camp was Sgt Ismail's sadistic game of "Bulkhead-line". For what seemed like an hour, he would have us sprint back and forth from the bulkhead to the line (yellow line on the squad bay deck) in probably half second intervals. He would just yell out, "bulkhead.. line....bulkhead....line", and we would race back and forth between the two points, never actually reaching our objective before he screamed out another command. Its hilarious now, but was physically and mentally draining back then, especially having to do it, just after running PT or drilling on the grinder! He would chuckle his broken-English little sadistic laugh and shout... "Ha,...ha, ha, ha....SO, you want to play games?..... OK.........We will play games! Ha, ha, ha, ha! " He was crazy! I am laughing hard as I type this, but, let me tell you, back then, his version of a game was not the sort of fun I ever related to games!

Many thanks to our brothers and sisters serving in Iraq and God Bless you all!
Semper Fi,

Cpl Mike Kunkel
0331 Lima 3/8
1981-1985

Seen The Devil

Sgt. Grit,

I read your email every week, and find it interesting to hear about all the Marines that pass through. I thought this "USMC Song" might be interesting to your readers. I joined the 1st MarDiv at Camp Pendleton in June55, just after they returned from Korea, and this song was very popular at the time. It's sung to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic', and goes like this:

My eyes have seen the Devil on the Shores of Tripoli, and he wore the Globe & Anchor, just the same as you and me. He also had had a Guide Book and a Hash mark on his sleeve and a bottle in his hand.
Glory Glory what a hellava way to die,
Glory Glory what a hellava way to die,
Glory Glory what a hellava way to die, as a Ragged A$$ Marine!

I too remember Camp Matthews. When we went to the shooting range, we marched over hill & dale from MCRD, SDiego (Platoon 108 from Milwaukee, Wisc) to Camp Matthews. This was in Feb/Mar55, and slept 4 Marines to a tent with an Oil Burning stove in the middle, but, no Oil to burn. It was so cold; we slept with our towels wrapped around our head, and our socks on our hands. We used to DUCK Walk with our Sea Bags up Mount Agony in the mud, and after it was over, our DI's ran us to a hole in the fence, and dared us to leave at night (no one did). Those that didn't qualify at the range went through some humbling experiences (we had 5 in our platoon). They had to put all their utilities on backwards (skives too), shoes on wrong feet, and skip holding hands running around the Platoon singing "I'm a Sh$tbird, I'm a Sh$tbird".

I went from the rank of Sergeant, got promoted to Sergeant again (this is when the ranks were restructured) it was a frustrating time.

Semper Fi, and God Bless all who are in Harms way!
Bob Winecki, Sgt/E-5, USMC
55-56 1st MarDiv Cp Pendleton, 56-58 MCRD SDiego, 58-61 HQMC, Henderson Hall

What A Ceremony

Yesterday, Sat 14 June, we of the Indianhead Marines (a rebel outfit out of Rice Lake Wi) got to see the pinning of a new Second Lt. Very few, who are not stationed at Quantico, ever see this. We have a Ret Col in our outfit who's son just finished OCS and was allowed to get his Second Lt bars pinned on at our Meeting Sat, by his Mother with his Father Col Greg Roth conducting the ceremony. In the audience was Second Lt Daniel Roth's Grandfather also a Marine. About 25 Marines were also there. What a ceremony! God Bless Second Lt Daniel Roth and all the Marines. Semper Fi Bob Olson

In That Light

Sgt. Grit:
I always look forward to your newsletters. You have some of the greatest quotes ever made. Some people have the gift of saying things so eloquently.

I always look to see if I recognize any Marines I knew while I served. So far, I found one, and through you, have re-newed contact with him. Although I don't know most of those who write in personally, I realized that I know them on another level. We are all brothers, having served with the finest fighting force of the greatest country.

In that light, I want to thank all who served before my time and all who have served or are serving since my time for their sacrifices and loyalty. This coming November 10th, The Marine Corps Birthday, I will raise a glass in toast to all.

I want also to thank my drill instructors, Gysgt. C. J. Dotson, Gysgt. D. P. Herker, and Sgt. R. E. Sampson, Platoon 199 for their leadership and influence in my life.

Sgt. Mark Ryalls 1968-1972
VMFA-451 & VMFA-235

Old Canal Marine

Sgt. Grit;
With sorrow I must report the last roll call for an old Canal Marine, my brother-in-law Sgt. Curtis Adkins 1st.Mar.Div, 4th Batt, 11th Marines. We know the night mares and bad dreams are over and final piece has come. Time is getting short for those who remain and we must tell and let them know what a great job they did. When we see these old salts tell them thanks. Time is creeping up on us from the Korean era, Semper Fi to those still with us.

Sgt. Fred T. Franz
2nd. Amph. Recon
1953-1956

Brown Bagger

I have heard a lot of talk about down town Jacksonville but I have does anybody remember a place right across the bridge going from the main gate of Lejeune into Jacksonville. I think it was called the Brown Bagger. Never made it in there as a Marine but spent many a night in there as a senior at Camp Lejeune Sr. High School. Obviously they didn't check id cards very closely. I was 18 and most of the people with me were at least a year younger than I was.

Semper Fi to all past, present and future Marines.
Randy Waters
1969-1975

Blatant Capitalist Pig Plug

OOO-RAH Sgt. Grit,
I just about tackled the UPS man as he walked in the door with my Sgt. Grit box. I am so excited! I needed the box by today to surprise my Marine with new t-shirts and patches to put on his new motorcycle riding vest. We are going to a veterans rally in Moses Lake, WA (where they have the traveling Wall) with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association that my Marine is a part of. I was so worried that they wouldn't arrive in time so I gave him the camo riding vest yesterday... well they are here and I couldn't be happier. I have never seen some of the patches that he used to have and I know it will be an emotional thing for him to see them again! Thank you for being a part of this memorable weekend in our lives. We will be sure to tell everyone where we got our awesome t-shirts and gear. P.S. not sure but think he might be planning to 'pop' the question while we are there. Will let you know and send pics of it happening in our Sgt. Grit gear.

Semper Fi
Sgt. Pennington's Girl

Look After Each Other

We are MARINES!
Almost every month I have an appointment at the VA hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I am an executive but, when I visit the clinic I always wear my Marine Corps T-shirts to show my pride.... Every single time I meet a new friend (a Marine- of course) and we talk for ever, because I love the Marine Corps and the history behind it. I have met Marines from Vietnam, Korea, Saipan, Guadalcanal and others. They are always happy to see other Marines (not too many here in P.R.) and I show them my respect with a warm "Semper Fi". Some people do not understand why we look after each other and I have to say.... That's why we are so special. That's why we are so proud. That's why we are MARINES!

Cpl Muñoz, D.
Medically Retired
Military Police & Security Forces

The Fog, The Fog, The Fog

Sgt Grit:

In July 1962, my 6th Comm. BN from FT Schuyler, NY was sent down to Little Creek, VA for two weeks amphibious training. Early one morning we were put in grandstands to watch West Point ARMY cadets do their "NAVY" landing exercise. A few days later it would be our turn to do the landings. It was so foggy we could only see about 100 yards off the beach. The NAVY beach master on the loud speakers was very apologetic for the fog. If we did not have fog, you could see the NAVY assault ship. If we did not have fog, you could see the NAVY, destroyer giving gun support. If we did not have fog, you could see the NAVY SEALS parachute out of their planes. If we did not have FOG you would see NAVY F-8 Crusader jets simulate strafing the beach, which we have wired for explosives. Unfortunately, the fog has grounded all planes and the airfield is closed, but the landings will proceed without air support.

After a while, we began to hear the NAVY landing craft engines in the fog coming closer and closer, but we could not see anything. The grandstands became quiet as we all looked towards the ocean. About 200 yards off the beach, we could gradually see the lead landing craft coming out of the fog. The NAVY beach master keyed his mike and proudly yelled, HERE COMES THE NAVY!.

Just at that moment, at eye level with the grandstands, 25 feet off the deck, two F-8 s roared down the beach in front of the grandstands and pulled up disappearing into the fog. The beach master, with his mike inadvertently still keyed open started yelling at his radioman, what was that? Who in H*** are they? The airfield is still closed! We could hear the ground / air chatter over the open mike. The beach master asked the pilots how did you take off from a closed field? The two pilots said that they took off, since no one was using the airfield. The beach master, confused, clicked off and then clicked on his mike and announced that in spite of the fog, two NAVY pilots volunteered and took off in the fog to support the WEST POINT ARMY landing. Gentlemen, look down the beach to the right.

With the first landing craft about 50 yards off the beach, the two F-8s dropped out of the fog and came roaring down the beach. In front of the grandstand, the beach just exploded with synchronized explosions. We were covered with a ton of sand and salt water. As the jets roared by, one pilot saluted the NAVY beach master and our Battalion in the grandstands. The other pilot saluted the ARMY in the landing crafts. On the sides of both jets, in large letters, it said: MARINES.

I would like those two MARINE pilots to know, that as they roared back into fog, the ARMY cadets in the boats and my Battalion in the grandstands just went wild. We cheered them and cheered them for risking their lives in taking off from a fog closed airfield to support ground troops. We all returned their salutes.

SGT John J. Cullen, USMC 1950137 (1961 -1967)

More Jazzland

Sgt Grit: Just read Cpl Libby's letter about Jazzland and it brought back some old memories. I was at Lejeune from Fall of 61 to Oct of 62 and remember going in either Jazzland or Birdland to hear Paul Peek and the Peek a Boos. Believe he had a female singer by name of Martha Brown that I thought was something else. Both bars were near the bus station which is probably why those are the only two I rememeber. The bar maids would let you have your picture made with them for a dollar which was quite a sum in those days. I accumulated several but they vanished many years ago. Also remember that the Jacksonville police would make periodic checks of the bars. There would be two of them and a huge German police dog. One of the officers would walk thru the bar while the other one and the dog stood with his back to the wall just inside the door and would closely watch the officer who was walking the bar. I don't remember anyone ever being stupid enough to try and start anything with them. Cpl Libby's comment about the bus being a vomit express is accurate . This was especially true if you took it back to base after around 2100. One night I was coming back late and by the time I walked from the Lejeune station back to H &S 2/8 I was in extreme need to urinate. Ran into the barracks and barely made it to the head. As I was standing there I noticed that I was looking into a mirror and wondered when they had placed them over the urinals. Next morning while shaving I realized I was looking into the same mirror. I 'm sure I was not the first or last to use a wash basin as an urinal but after that point I always remembered to run a lot of hot water before using the basin.
John P Vaughn L/CPL
1942842 (61/65)

Sea Tiger

Sgt. Grit,

One of Capt. Jim Hill's pictures from his visit to The Basic School caught my eye in the 4 June newsletter. He and his friend are standing by a statue in front of one of the buildings which I don't recognize after the forty-two years since I was there. The statue shows a Marine in the traditional leadership pose--weapon pointed forward, left hand raised, signaling, "Follow me!" The statue reminds me of a photo I first saw on the cover of the old Sea Tiger newspaper back in March of 1967 while on Operation Desoto in the Duc Pho area of "I" Corps. One of my platoon mates (2nd Platoon, "F" Company, Class 4-66) at The Basic School, Lt. Jerry Gorney, was shown in a very similar position to that of the statue, except that he was holding a .45 cal. pistol. Not long after seeing that cover photo, I learned that Jerry had been killed up around the DMZ. Jerry was former enlisted and left behind a wife and two little girls, as I recall. He was a fine young man (forever young).

I included that picture in a letter to my wife, but that letter has since been lost. Many years later, while on a trip somewhere, we stopped at an outlet mall (probably north of San Antonio, TX). While browsing in a book store, I found that same picture on the title page inside a large pictorial history of the Vietnam War. I don't remember the title of the book, but I do remember that the publisher erroneously stated the lieutenant's name as "Garney". I regret not buying that book, and have never seen a copy since. I was wondering if one of your readers might be familiar with it and be able to give me the necessary information to locate a copy.
Semper Fi!
Tom Downey
Once a captain, USMCR; always a Marine
1963-'76

Marine Movie Madness

I'm late again and missed the actual movie quote newsletter. But, here are two that everyone may find interesting:

The first place I was stationed in Nam was Chu Lai in 1966. One of my buddies was Ignacio, a real Italian from of all places, Italy. He was not an American citizen, but he wanted to be and thought that if he joined the Marines and fought for us it would be easier for him to become a citizen. So there we were, in Chu Lai and one night they were showing the Batman television show on a screen behind the FLSG mess hall. In this episode, Batman and Robin are going to fight a villain, I think it was Catwoman, in an Italian restaurant. The POW! Ka-BOOM! and WHACK! starts and Robin jumps up and says "Holy ravioli, Batman!" That was too much for Iggy, he jumped up and ran up to the screen and begins to scream "I'm a gonna killa that kid." (You have to do it with an Italian accent to really get the flavor of it.) We had to pull the poor guy away.

Then, a few months later in 1967 I'm with the Korean 2nd ROK Brigade around Bin Son (I think it was Bin Son, we were about 16 miles south of Chu Lai). The 1st ANGLICO' s were stationed there spotting for the Koreans and I was living in their tent. Someone got the movie Stagecoach with Ann Margaret and was showing it on a sheet that had been put on the side of a building. The Koreans loved American woman, particularly those with ample proportions. There were about 600 Koreans and about 18 of us Americans watching this movie when Frank (the American baker) gets up and goes to pee on the sheet in the face of Ann Margaret. The Koreans were incensed and a riot started. I ended up in a latrine with half a dozen guys on top of me. That was the last American movie they showed there in a long time.

Steve Eslin, Pvt to 1st Lt
US Marine forever

Note:
I emailed asking Steve what Frank had against Ann Margaret?? Response follows:

Not a thing, he was drunker than a skunk. And, Frank did not have all of his marbles. Not that many of us did at that time. Frank was a weird character but was absolutely the best field baker I ever met. He went to the Koreans to teach them how to bake but they simply did not have the knack for it. The first night he was going to bake I went with him because I was starving for something other than Kimchee and rice. He made 600 apple turnovers that melted in your mouth. The Korean general, Kim I think was his name, found out about them and sent a squad of Korean MP's to sn*tch them. Frank stood his ground and Kim only got about 200. The next day Kim sent for Frank and me and we thought we were going to get shot. Mainly because we had heard he had had others shot before us. When we got to the Korean HQ, they had a ceremony and gave Frank a Korean Colonels uniform. Everyone in the place had to salute Frank, a US Marine Corps PFC. They gave me a Lieutenants uniform (also a Marine PFC) and I got saluted by all the enlisted personnel. What a riot. I have several other really good stories about Frank and his twilight zone behavior. But I never saw him afraid, nor did he ever back down from a fight or a tight situation. Even the Anglico's, some of the bravest and most daring guys I ever met, never got on the bad side of Frank. No one was sure what he would do next. Unfortunately I can't remember Frank's real name. We called him Frank, short for Frankenstein, because he had these strange lines on his face, sort of like he had a face transplant.

55 Year Old Sgt

Sgt Grit I am a SSgt in currently serving with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 in Cherry Point NC. I recently returned form deployment with an Iraqi Highway Patrol Police transition team. I had the pleasure of serving with a Marine that is from right there in Oklahoma City . His name is Jim Roper and what a story he has. He was in the Corps from 72-76 as an MP attached to HMX-1. He got out became a OK State Trooper and in '05 reenlisted in the reserves at the age of 52 to go serve in Iraq. I caught him on his second tour with CAG in Ramadi Iraq and it was quite funny to see a 55 year old Sgt in the Marine Corps. The funniest thing is the looks he would get. Jim is an awesome man and an equally awesome Marine. If you get a chance look him up In January he retires with 30 years of service as an OK State trooper.

Semper Fi
SSgt Jeffrey Beaty

Short Rounds

Dear Sgt. Grit,
My favorite line is from "Heartbreak Ridge":
"Be advised-- I'm mean, nasty and tired. I eat concertina wire and p!ss Napalm. And I can put a round in a flea's a$s at 200 meters..."

GREAT MOVIE

Semper Fi
Landry, L.D.
Sgt 0431 1987 to 1995

As Marines, we mourn the passing of the youngest M.O.H. recipient of WWII, Jack Lukas. I met Jack and Gunny Earmey two years ago. I bought Jack's book, and both autographed my original 7th War loan WWII poster. Jack was impressive and the Marine guard at heavens' gates will be even stronger with him there.
Jim Davenport
former Sgt, USMC

Never underestimate the power of the Sgt Grit catalog, it gets just about everywhere!
When asked where did you hear about us on the website, one customer stated:
"found in the Head onboard USS Nimitz"

To Sgt. Thomas D. Smyka USMC, "Super-Tech" 65-68: I, too, have the occasion to meet former Servicemen. When they mention, I was in the (Army, Navy, Air Force), my response is always, 'Ours?' Can't say I get as polite a response as you seem to get, but if they aren't Marines, they simply aren't.

Connely/R.
USMC, RVN, '66 - '68

I am a USMC proud SGT '99-07 made the best friends ever and served my country with pride, crossed both ponds, across Asia and Europe',into the sand box of Iraq. thanks very much Sgt,Grit.for keeping us brothers and sisters connected with each other.oh,and one last movie quote
"What is it Private?"
How do I get Out of this chicken s@#T outfit?"

aliens Lt gorman and pvt.hudson

Sgt Murphy, Patrick A. '99-07
2nd & 3rd Mar Div

Sgt Grit: J-ville, Dear J-Ville, you moth eaten town...
Across the st. from Jazzland was a hock shop where you could hock your high school ring for $2.00, go past the bus station to the Brooklyn Spaghetti House and get a pizza and beer, then rescue your ring on pay day for $3.00. That was 1956-58. The "second front" outside of Geiger's walk out gate was a great place to get into a fight, get drunk and shoot the 22 cal rifles.
Semper Fi Cpl Rowe 1623289

Personal Computer: $600
Hi-speed Internet Service: $35
Computer for Dummies Book: $11
Computer Class Tuition: $600
Sgt. Grit online store and newsletter: Priceless

Cruzin' Mel Man
Semper Fi

Your Still Bigots....You Always Have been Ignorance Reins Supreme.

OKKKiIEE Style,
Bigots with a smile.

Semper Fidelis and GOD BLESS BOXER
jarheadmuscle @ prodigy.net

Note:
It is amazing how many of this kind of email have grammatical mistakes. Ignorance Reins Supreme, yes!
You're, not Your.
Sgt Grit

VMF-VMA-311 Reunion

Alexander Joseph Marchese, PFC. C-1-1
Guarding the gates for us!
57 years, June 9, 1951, KIA
and
WE REMEMBER, ALWAYS

Semper Fidelis
Norm Callahan

My favorite movie quote is from Clint Eastwood as GySgt Highway in Heartbreak Ridge:
"The way I see it is, you can come along peacefully OR we both can go to the hospital to get my boot outta you're a$s."

L Maines
Corporal of Marines 1990-1994

For dj huntsinger ssgt, when that army lad made the remark about why marines were on ships and the sheep remark. Next time you hear the word "army" remind them that it stands for , "aren't really marines yet"!
Chuck stark hospital corps usn
"Almost a marine"
Riviera beach, fl.

howdy,
clint eastwood in "heartbreak ridge"
"you can hit me, kick me, run me all day. just don't BORE me"

G. F. Nye, D. O.
Chief, NB-CBOC
LCDR, MC, USNR (Ret.)
BN Surg 5/10, 3/6; Rgt Surg 10th Marines

USA and USMC Flag Pin

Battle Flag T-Shirt

Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Gung Ho
OOHRAH
Sgt Grit

Gear up for Independence Day

A great 4th of July outdoors must include some OUTSTANDING Marine Corps summer items. Yard tent, camo swim items, chairs, cup coolers, aprons, and more!

New Items

Mossy Oak Eagle, Globe, and Anchor hat Insulated Thermos USMC Afghanistan Hitch Cover Marine Corps Band & Drum & Bugle Corps DVD When in Doubt Empty the Magazine Decal Marines 1775 Skull Decal Marine Corps MP Corrections Pin Attitude is Everything Note Pad The Harrier Jet and the USMC DVD Nail Clipper/Bottle Opener All Our New Items

Only While in Stock

Eagle Flag T-shirt on Carolina Blue Soft Rifle Case Digital Desert Fear is not an Option Mug 99% of the Population Need Not Apply Bumper Sticker View All Closeouts

Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:

You receive both (alternating weeks)...so what's the difference?

In short...The AmericanCourage Newsletter has MORE family member stories, "support the Corps" stories from Marines, and patriotic quotes. It started after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to give supporters of the Marine Corps and American patriots a voice.

The Sgt Grit Newsletter is HARD CORPS Marine! If you are interested in topics that delve into Marine Corps history, Corps Stories, Boot Camp and other things that "only a Marine might understand" - then be sure to read the Sgt Grit Newsletter (every other week) - More about the newsletter

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