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See alot of forum members signing off "Semper Fi".
Just curious as to how many former Marines are members of this forum. I know Dick Culver was a Marine. To keep this post M1 Garand related, how many of you were issued the U.S. Rifle Cal .30 M1 in boot camp. Funny, when I got discharged from the Marines I didn't think I would ever want to see an M1 again, now look what happened, I can't get enough of them.:beerchug: Semper Fi, Joe
Me, from 1962/1965. I was issued an M14, but I now own 19 M1's and 2 M1A's.
Semper Fi
Vietnam type here, in from '66-'69, 16 months in beautiful downtown ChuLai airbase. M-14 in boot, Garand in ITR, long electronics school, Garand at Pendleton for more training, M-14 in Nam, turned it in for the Matty Mattel rifle. Own 3 HRA Garands, 1 Standard Products Carbine, 1 SA '03, 1 Remington 'A3, 1 Remington 1917, and a M1A. D@mn it sucks getting old.
Semper Fi
OFC
OK Joe you know that there are no former Marines. Once a Marine Always a Marine.
Semper Fi...Jeff
Marine Corps League, Tripoli Detachment #844, Marion, Indiana
Jeff, give me a bit of credit for not saying "EX", that would have really got me flamed. Semper Fi, Joe:DQuote:
Originally Posted by U.S.G.I.
Ok your off the hook...
6/68-6/71 mos 2532 radio relay, M14/16, RVN 3rd Mar Div HqBn Comm Co Dong Ha. 23 M1s but have been buying those cute little Arvn rifles lately. Semper Fi Al
Have 3 at present, have had a dozenhttps://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...HPIM1498-1.jpg
I can think of at least 2 EX Marines .... Lee Harvey Oswald, and Dan Rather.Quote:
Originally Posted by U.S.G.I.
Resp'y,
Bob S.
Boy, you think youo've seen some nice stuff and then yoou see that.
USMC 1985 to 1989
3rd AAVBN H&S co
BN Maint.
1rst MAR DIV
I say that I am a former active Marine.
My love for my country lead me to serve.
Becoming a Marine made me feel like a part of America and not just someone in it. I love the Marine Corps to this day. It was my biggest mistake to ever leave. But I was young, and always thought I could go back, but it wasn't meant to be.
Semper Fidelis to all the Marines here, and those serving today.
Wpns Co. 3/8 81's, 80-84 Beirut Veteran. Shot expert with the black rifle.
(235). Nice to be in good company.
Parris Island, June 1962, Platoon 238!!! Wood barracks.
The M-14 was the first high power rifle I ever shot, only shot .22's growing up. Didn't know what we had, new out of the box. In ITR, used some really dogged Garands, but they were fun.
Today, have a few Garands, some M1A's, but it's not the same.
You are only young once.
Two enlistments 1980-1988, MOS 6534 Aviation Ordinance, VMFAT-101 (F-4J and S models), VMAT-102 (A-4) VMA 211(A-4) and VMA 214 (A-4), so yes I am a "Blacksheep" and had the pleasure of meeting Pappy Boyington. Had the M-16 in boot camp and the old .45, got out before the transition to 9mm or the newere M-16. Humped a M60 more than once which sucked. I am a rookie collector, 16 M-1 Garands, 1 1903 Springfiled, 2 1903A3's, 2 Inland M-1 Carbines, 1 1917 and an AR-15 Carbine along with a couple of .45's and a few wheel guns.
Semper Fi
1954 - Rather enlisted in the United States Marine Corps but failed to complete recruit training due to his childhood bout with rheumatic fever.
Sir, I was an 0311 in the '80s and early '90s. Had an M16A1 in boot camp in '84.
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
1959-1970. Will
Mark, you gave it your best shot and that is what Marines do. I must say, I really enjoy the pictures you post. Thanks for taking the time to share.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark in Rochester
Semper Fi, Joe
1972 with general chapman, cmc
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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/...e741bb.jpg?v=0
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1968.
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/...b527a8.jpg?v=0
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1969.
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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1180/...8d4c53.jpg?v=0
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20 years later.
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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1329/...0a9316.jpg?v=0
MCRD Parris Island, SC 1963 1st RTB Plt 121 M14https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...bootcamp-1.jpg
ITR Camp Geiger, NC M1 Garand
HQ Co 6th Marines (2533) 1963-1964 M14 Dang those 2531s! They got the 45 and I had to hump 9+ lbs of rifle!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/08...keeffeandI.jpg
1ST ANGLICO FMF Camp Smith then MCAS Kaneohe, Hawaii 1964-1966
Semper Fi! :beerchug:
Art
Yup...PISC 1958, 2ndBn, Plt 225..M-1 issued and carried for years.anybody 'member rubbin' linseed on stock for hours? Now have 2and shoot them often. Would not sell or trade for anything..
Semper Fi
USMC 67-71. M-14 at P.I., M1 at ITR, M-14 stateside, M-16 in Chu Lai, no rifle at NAS Memphis. Like the M1 the best. Have and shoot them all. Compete in M.C.L. matches.
Will you allow a Navy dentist to call himself a "guest Marine?" I was 1-4's dental officer for the Vietnam and Cambo evacuations in 1975. While I was on Okinawa in 1974-5, I did have one small claim to fame; I won the 3rd Mar Div; Intramurals. Won the rifle, and rifle and pistol aggregate, placed 5th in pistol. MG Kenneth Houghton gave me my awards. It was in STARS AND STRIPES as "Navy Dentist Drills 'Em." After I won that shoot it was kind of like, "Ok, at least you can do SOMETHING..." sort of like the fat guy ("Pyle") in FULL METAL JACKET. Ahh, mess nights, the MAU camp in Subic, and the $hi+ River Bridge in the Po! Gotta love the Corps...
Before that, in college in San Antonio, as an Army ROTC Cadet, I shot a lot with 4th USMCR Recon Bn's sniper platoon. Kind of got "adopted" by Col. Bill Dickman and the Platoon Sergeant S/Sgt Stanfield after shooting high power with them at Camp Bullis; and had numerous opportunities to shoot with them at Camp Bullis and on various exercises. They were sure tickled when I won that shoot.
I on the behalf of myself and my family would like to thank all of you (All branches of the services) for your service to this country. Without such citizens as you this nation would not be. :super::clap::clap::clap:
HOW GOOD AND BAD !!!-Winchester uppp!!!
then down --Kalifornia,,aaahhhh
Was a 2531 during '76 - '80. Basic issue was the M16A1. Battalion high shooter.
0302. Echo and Wpns 2/6 81-83. Got hold of and carried an M-1(6 digit win) and an IBM M-1 Carbine on mobile patrols around the city and up in the Shouf Mountains. Officially carried a .45 though.UUURRRAAAGGGHHHH!
Skipper 9960;
In 1975, I checked out a Navy match M-1 in 7.62 to shoot an NRA approved match at Subic Bay, (which was later cancelled). I took it out to Boton Valley to get a zero on it. Incidentally Marine Barracks was shooting at the same time 1-4 was, and they had M-14s, we had XM-16E1s. This really raised some eyebrows (it shot very well), then I made the point of carrying it around the MAU camp and returned some salutes at Sling Arms and Trail Arms. I figured that was my one chance to do that with the old M-1. I like your spelling of "ARRRRUGHA!" - many variations exist! One of these days I have to learn how to post photos. I recently found some of Boton Valley Range and one of the Marine Barracks guys. He could shoot sitting cross legged with his elbows on the ground. Sort of "pro-itting" position.
Got my 1st issue at PI "tent camp" in Jan. 1951. Old Corps
SemperFi Old Benn
1975-1979. A1 version of the Black Rifle, but spent most of my tour on I & I duty, so I spent some time with the M14...honor guards, parades, etc.
I presently have 3 Garands (down from 4), including a correct '44 that looks possibly to have been a former Marine itself...all of it's "pagemates" on the old SRS site were USMC rifles, mostly out of Lejeune.
Semper Fi
Thanks Old Benn, from the other posts I was beginning to think I was the oldest guy on the forum. I feel alot better now, you are older than me. Semper Fi Joe :super::cheers:Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Benn
I wasn't even born yet Old Benn.:yikes:Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Benn
Semper Fi...Jeff
Served from 1986 to 1996. Gulf war veteran. Reconnaissance Marine0321/8652. Qualified expert with the M16A2 Service Rifle 5/5, M9 Service Pistol 2/2. Never fired the M1 Garand till 2005. Now I compete with it on a regular basis, reload my own and have the pleasure of earning all three CMP pins for it. Even was 95th in the country for a while in 2008, till I got bumped. This year I will try and better that 286-4X and maintain a position in the top 100.
10/52 to 10/61. Any time in Korea OldBen?
I'm not a Marine, but thought I'd inform you that "Clyde from heart of Texas" on the political forum is and was wounded on Iwo Jima.Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe W
1961 to 1966, M1--M14
USMC 1958-62 Joined at 17 years of age.
I loved the M1 and never thought I would have the opportunity to own one.
I shoot it every chance I get. My eyes are pretty bad, I can't get any rounds in the bull at 500yds. I'm reduced to eight rounds in the bull at 100 yds.:lol:
I'm also not a former Marine, however, I will die a Marine.
79-86 Airwinger!!!!:thup:
Just picked up a Garand last week!!!!
SEMPER FI
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZPhil
I hope you paid for it MARINE...
Semper Fi...
LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by U.S.G.I.
An old Army saying. "Don't even leave the garbage dump unguarded when Marines are around. They don't steal because they need to-they steal because they like to!"
I worked with a couple of retired "Old Breed" Marines, both ex-china Marines and learned then never, repeat never, play cards, dice, pool or any game, including Candyland with them. The concept of fair never enters the picture. What a wonderful education they gave this poor dumb teenager.
Bob
Served from 1985 to 1991, will always consider my self a "3/7" Marine as that was my first assigned unit. Bought my first M1 in 1991,was hooked after having shot one that one of my Company Gunny's owned in 1988.
Semper Fi, Rob
We captured a couple in Iraq, mid fifties Springfield and an H&R, so I had the good furtune of carrying an M1 in real life. The Somalians had some BM59s.
Own two M1s and two M1As. We still use the M14 as a Marksmans rifle, the EMR and DMR. Both still in service untill the EMR totally replaces the DMR.
I will be a former Marine in a few months-retiring soon.
S/F
Ok, lets get this "former" Marine thing cleared up.
The way I see it, You earned the title "Marine" when you graduated from boot camp, so you will always be a "Marine".
"Infantry Marine", will be a retired "former" active duty Marine but still a "Marine". Those that served honorably, but did not retire, are also still entitled to be known as a "Marine", but are "former members of the United States Marine Corps.
The one thing none of us are is an "EX-Marine", no such animal.
Congratulations and good luck in retirement.
Semper Fi,
Joe
Is a Marine who is dishonorably discharged still considered a "former memeber of the Unitd States Marine Corps"? I'm not trying to smart off by asking the question by the way; just curious. Former member of the United States Army. ;) Carl
I swimmed with an M1 in the pool at MCRD P.I. in 1965 during combat swimming training. It was completely rusted and the stock look like driftwood.
The Title United States Marine
It Can Not be Inherited
Nor Can it Ever be Purchased
You or No One Alive
can Buy It for Any Price
It is Impossible to Rent
and It Can Not be Lent
You Alone and Our Own
have Earned It
with Your Sweat, Blood and Lives.
You Own It Forever
The Title "United States Marine"
1983 - 1987 in the Airwing.
Then had a 5 year break in service and joined the Army Dogs down the street.
2 trips across the water and one mad wife.
Well he was a member of the USMC prior to the Donald Duck so I guess he is "a former member of the USMC". As far as the title Marine, I would think that depends alot on the circumstance of the D.D. Let's say he had spent 10 honorable years as a Marine, served in combat, received a number of decorations including, say, a Navy Cross and a few Purple Hearts. Then in that 10th year he did something stupid that resulted in the D.D. Would I still refer to him as a "Marine" ? You bet I would but others may have different ideas.Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl R
Thanks Joe.Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe W
I see there's a bunch of crazy Jarheads around here that shoot M1s. That's really good stuff.
SEMPER FI !!!!!
A large group of Taliban soldiers is moving down a road when they hear a voice call from behind a sand-dune. "One Marine is better than ten Taliban".
The Taliban commander quickly sends 10 of his best soldiers over the dune whereupon a gun-battle breaks out and continues for a few minutes, then silence.
The voice then calls out "One Marine is better than a hundred Taliban soldiers".
Furious, the Taliban commander sends his next best 100 troops over the dune and instantly a huge gun fight commences. After 10 minutes of battle, again silence.
The Marine voice calls out, "One Marine is better than one thousand Taliban".
The enraged Taliban commander musters a thousand fighters and sends them over the dune. Cannon, rocket, and machine gun fire rings out as a huge battle is fought. Then silence.
Finally one wounded Taliban fighter crawls back over the dune and with his dying words tells his commander,
"Don't send any more men, it's a trap. There's two of them".
Ah, San Mateo. I was in "Suicide Charley" 1/7 about the same time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sgt. Rob P.
Semper Fi,
Ron H.
San Mateo, also was the home of the 28th Marines for awhile. i was with them for a few monthes, long enough to go to NAS Fallon NV for 10 days of cold weather training. when we returned i had WESPAC orders.so i'm one of a select few that had cold weather training before i went to Viet Nam:confused: Semper Fi Al
Now that 7th Marines is out at 29 Palms, who's been staying in San Mateo lately?
comm pogue - you're one of the lucky 5th MarDiv members from its reactivation, a neat distinction!
Semper Fi, Rob
Sir, the last time I was there in '91, the 5th Marines had been moved up to Mateo from Margarita. I was with the 1st Marines at Horno at the time. Who knows what changes there have been since then.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sgt. Rob P.
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
In 74 while stationed in the 2/155 how btry at Camp Lejeune our arms building, little brick building in area 10 our armorers found 2 garands stashed up in the attic of the building. I got to look at them and aside from some surface rust they looked pretty good to me. I was trained on the 16 and didnt know then what I know about garands today. Semper Fi, John
Quote:
Originally Posted by riverbottom
Hey, was that in, what at the time, was the M.T. area, across from the 10th Marines ? I think I put those Garands there sometime in the mid 50s. :eek:
Numerous friends and classmates went into the Marines during the 1965-66 period. They were issued the M14 at boot camp and sometime later were swapped out with the AR15/M16. Another guy who was a little older than myself joined the Marine Corps in 1959 and was issued the M1 Garand rifle. Would guess that the period for transition in the Marine Corps from the M1 to M-14 was sometime in the early 1960s. No doubt somebody on this board who directly served knows better. Being first line "shock troops", the Marines would have the latest weapons.
In 1962, while in High School we were doing the ROTC thing and used fully operational M1 Garand rifles. Don't recall firing them, but the rifles were complete and functioning with firing pins. This was in greater Boston, Massachusetts. Can we imagine how things have changed? Today if they saw a dozen or so male high school students marching around with shouldered rifles, an Emergency would be declared. The SWAT team and crisis intervention consortium along with a bunch of alphabet named Federal Agencies would appear on the scene and arrest us.
To recollection the Massachusetts National Guard had M1 Garand rifles up though early 1970s or perhaps later. A co-worker friend, who happened to be a Colonel in the National Guard side of 126th Yankee Division, offered to sign me up with an Officer's Commission. Holy Moly! He wanted me to be his right hand man aid. I would have been a 45-day wonder "2nd Louie"! Still don't understand how that officer enlistment thing worked, but it was totally different from joining as a ground level grunt. Suppose that if his drinking buddy, the General, signs off on the other pal's enlistment, then the appointed toad goes off for Officer Training to learn how to eat with a knife and fork?
:beerchug:
I still regret not having seized the opportunity, but that's another story. :rofl:
Anyway, I went down to Camp Curtis Guild in Reading, Massachusetts sometime in 1973 to schmooze with the Colonel, who was still trying to woo me to sign on the dotted line. Remember getting a grand tour and saw some National Guard troops drilling with M1 Garand rifles. There were no M14s anywhere in sight. Recall too the Colonel pointing at a bunch of M151 army jeeps. Was informed that as an officer in the 126th, I'd be able to drive around in my own assigned jeep as much as I could stand.
At the time, the only M1 Garands that we civilians could get our hands on were either the one per life time from the DCM, a scarce stray cat rifle that showed up or a questionable welded receiver piece.
:wave:
[ QUOTE] Would guess that the period for transition in the Marine Corps from the M1 to M-14 was sometime in the early 1960s. No doubt somebody on this board who directly served knows better. Being first line "shock troops", the Marines would have the latest weapons ]
Capt. Quahog - The Marines never got anything before the Army at that time. It may be different now, I am not sure. I believe the Army turned in the M1 for the M14 in 1959, but I was told by a Marine that he swaped his M1 for the M14 in 1963. As I heard it, the whole Marine Corps did not switch over to the M14 at the same time. Maybe a Marine that served at this time, 1962 - 1964, can let us know how the Marine Corps transitioned to the M14. :dunno:
This gave me goose bumbs when I read it.
The Title United States Marine
It Can Not be Inherited
Nor Can it Ever be Purchased
You or No One Alive
can Buy It for Any Price
It is Impossible to Rent
and It Can Not be Lent
You Alone and Our Own
have Earned It
with Your Sweat, Blood and Lives.
You Own It Forever
The Title "United States Marine"
Thank you
I hit Parris Island in March of 1963. We were issued M-14s at that time.
After Boot Camp we went to Camp Geiger, NC for Infantry Training (ITR) and used some of the most beat up Garands I've ever seen. We had tree operated M1s (ram the op rod against a tree to cycle it), M1 operated M1s (place the butt on the ground and have your buddy butt stroke the op rod to ge it to cycle) and single shot M1s. I never would have expected Marine rifles to be in such poor shape. They shot ok but cycling was always a treat. :banghead:
By the way, all the ammo we shot was AP. There were tungston penetrators lying all over the live fire ranges.
Once I got to LeJuene in September 1963 ( HQ Co 6th marines) I was issued an M-14.
Semper Fi !
Art
Hit Parris Island June 20, 1962, 10:00 PM. Five minutes later, Parris Island, or someone there, hit me.
We were issued M-14's brand spanking new. A slightly older guy in our gun club, said he was there in Oct 1961 and says they were the first platoon to have them.
Nothing like laying at the 500 yard line with a zeroed in M-14 and cranking 9 out of 10 in the 5 ring.
Thanks 0311, that sheds a bit more light on the subject. If recruits were issued the M14 in Oct. 1961, I would guess the transition from the M1 took place about that time throughout the Marine Corps. It doesn't seem likly that recruits would train with the M14 if they were going to be issued an M1 Garand when they arrived at there permanant duty station. 1961 is somewhat earlier than I had thought.Quote:
Originally Posted by 0311Shooter
Hopefully we will hear from some Marines that served in one of the Divisions in 1961 and can place a firm date of when the transition took place.
Semper Fi
1976 to 1980, 7051 Aircraft Crash Rescue. MCAS Beaufort, SC. Harrier nightmare during my term. The old AV8A's. When the Harriers were in the air we were on our toes.
Every Thursday am at PI we could check out an M16A1 and fire a match. Due to the economy tanking in 78 it was decided to cut back on giving out the ammo. It relegated us to firing pistol matches with the Government issue Ruger 22's at MCAS Beaufort.
I cannot understand the hoopla about rifles with USMC lineage. As far as I'm concerned all rifles that pass through my hands have a Marine Corp lineage!
Work hard, Play hard. Semper Fi! Brothers!
Another sign of the times. In the mid 1950s, the M1 rifle that was issued in boot camp went with the Marine to ITR and then to his next duty station. The rifle stayed in the Marines custody at all times, it was never turned in to an armory. Most Marines kept there M1 in there wall locker along with uniforms and other clothing. There were rifle racks in the barracks but they had no locks so very few rifles were stored in them. Even when going on liberty or leave the rifle stayed in the wall locker. In the 3 years I spent in the Marines I never heard of an M1 rifle being stolen. It may have happened but it was few and far between, and I never heard of a single incident. Packs with bayonet attached, also were strapped to the foot of our bunk and these too, never disappeared. Someone know when this practice came to an end and rifles started to be locked up in an armory when not in use ?? Semper Fi, Joe
A good buddy of mine Gerry Chrissman says when he went in the Marines in early 1966 he was issued an M14 and carried it for about two months in country. They gave him an AR15 and sent him on his way. He brought it back some weeks later and tracted down his M14 and carried it until they forced him to carry the "new" M16. He sad it was an even bigger POS than the AR15.
Joe,
All during my time (1963-1966) we kept our packs and cartridge belts hanging off the racks with cut pieces of coat hangers as hooks. The rifles were kept in a common rifle rack in the middle of the squad bay and each rifle had its own combination lock. The rack itself was not locked so we had access to our rifles at all times(as well as the responsibility to keep em clean). The only ones to turn their weapons into the armory were the troops issued 45s. All handguns were kept in the armory. Any time I was transfered to a new unit I turned in my weapon to the departing unit and was issued a new one at the new unit.
I left in the early summer of 1966 and it was still that way then.
Art
Thanks Art, seems it was pretty much the same procedure regarding the .45.
I like the "cut pieces of coat hangers" idea. Marines always seem to be able to improvise if it makes life easier.
If we'd been in the Army I would imagine that the DoD would have let out a contract for a "suspension system, field gear, rack display, one each" and payed several thousands of dollars a unit
:rofl:
[QUOTE=snell;38390]If we'd been in the Army I would imagine that the DoD would have let out a contract for a "suspension system, field gear, rack display, one each" and payed several thousands of dollars a unit
:rofl:[/QUOTE
:super: That's for sure. I sure hope the Marines of today get new gear. It looks like they are now being taken care of. It is about time.:thup: