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August 29, 2024 — is the 108th birthday of the Marine Corps Reserve.
For anyone unaware, members of the Marine Corps Reserve “are trained in combat and can be mobilized for
active duty in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations.”
Celebrate their birthday with these inspirational quotes from current and former
members of the Marine Corps, as well as admirers!
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1. “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.” ― President Reagan
2. “Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share.” ― Ned Dolan, Marine veteran and CIA officer
3. “A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You’re a Marine, just in a different uniform and you’re in a different phase of your life. But you’ll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There’s no such thing as a former Marine.” ― General James F. Amos, (First aviator to serve as U.S.M.C. Commandant, 2008 to 2010)
4. “Marines are built through the ethos of struggle and sacrifice.” ― General James L. Jones of the Marine Corps.
5. “The Marine Corps was the first father figure I had ever known.” ― Art Buchwald, Pulitzer prize-winning newspaper columnist
6. “I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world!” ― Douglas MacArthur, American military leader
7. “For over 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation. We make Marines, and we win battles.” ― Charles C. Krulak, Retired United States Marine Corps General
8. “‘Hardness,’ I was learning, was the supreme virtue among recon Marines. The greatest compliment one could pay to another was to say he was hard. Hardness wasn't toughness, nor was it courage, although both were part of it. Hardness was the ability to face an overwhelming situation with aplomb, smile calmly at it, and then triumph through sheer professional pride.” ― Nathaniel Fick, author and former USMC officer
9. “I've always been proud of being a Marine. I won't hesitate to defend the Corps.” ― Jonathan Winters, World War II Marine veteran, later actor and comedian
10. “In the Marine Corps, I was used to people doing what they said and saying what they mean. There was a higher purpose and calling in the Corps. Everyone works toward accomplishing something together, and there's a common goal. In entertainment, the same isn't always true. You're in it for yourself in Hollywood.” ― Rob Riggle, actor and comedian and Marines lieutenant colonel
11. “I'm not scared of very much. I've been hit by lightning and been in the Marine Corps for four years.” ― Lee Trevino, Hall of Fame golfer
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12. I loved being in the Marine Corps, I loved my job in the Marine Corps, and I loved the people I served with. It's one of the best things I've had a chance to do." ― Adam Driver, actor and former Marine
13. “We have a saying in the Marine Corps and that is 'no better friend, no worse enemy, than a U.S. Marine.' We always hope for the first, friendship, but are certainly more than ready for the second.” ― John F. Kelly, retired Marine general and former chief of staff to President Trump
14. “Men do not fight for flag or country, for the Marine Corps or glory or any other abstraction. They fight for one another. And if you came through this ordeal, you would age with dignity.” ― William Manchester, author and World War II Marine
15. "A ship without Marines is like a garment without buttons." – Admiral David D. Porter, USN, 1863
16. “They (Women Marines) don't have a nickname, and they don't need one. They get their basic training in a Marine atmosphere, at a Marine Post. They inherit the traditions of the Marines. They are Marines.” – Lieutenant General Thomas Holcomb, USMC, 1943
17. “You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth – and the amusing thing about it is that they are.” – Kevin Keaney, attorney
18. Old breed? New breed? There’s not a damn bit of difference so long as it’s the Marine breed.” – Chesty Puller, United States Marine Corps Officer
19. “The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps! ” – Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States
20. “In the Marine Corps, we're taught to put America above ourselves.” – Todd Young, United States Senator
21.“I do not believe I could have built FedEx without the skills I learned from the Marine Corps.” – Frederick W. Smith, Former CEO of FedEx
22. “Spread the gospel that the Marine Corps is a force that has changed. We're not in 1942 anymore.” – General James F. Amos, Four-Star 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps
23. “Whatever the job is, we can do it. That's why the nation has a Marine Corps.” – General Amos
24. “One day, you'll get out of the Marine Corps; you'll put your uniform up, but you'll never not be a Marine.” – John F. Kelly
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Chesty Puller: The Legendary Marine’s Tale of Valor and GritMonday, January 29, 2024 Reposted from AMAC Newsline - Written by Ian Gargan |
Few names resonate with the same tenacity and valor as that of Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller. A hero in the truest sense, Chesty Puller’s story is one of unparalleled courage and devotion to his troops and country. His journey through some of the greatest battles in history exemplifies why he is not just a Marine’s Marine, but a symbol of American heroism.
Nicaragua: The Making of a LeaderOne of Puller’s early tests came in Nicaragua. Amidst the Banana Wars, he led his men with a combination of tactical brilliance and fearless aggression. It was here that he earned his first Navy Cross for his leadership, a precursor to the many accolades that would follow. World War II: Heroics on DisplayAs World War II engulfed the globe, Chesty Puller found himself at the heart of some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific. At Guadalcanal, commanding the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Puller’s men held the line against relentless Japanese attacks, earning him a second Navy Cross. His strategic acumen and indomitable spirit were crucial in thwarting the enemy’s advances. In the Battle of Cape Gloucester, Puller’s exceptional leadership under challenging conditions earned him his third Navy Cross. He was a commander who not only led from the front but also ensured the well-being of his men, gaining their unwavering loyalty and respect. Korean War: The Legend GrowsThe Korean War saw Puller’s heroism reach new heights. At the Battle of Inchon, his strategic brilliance was on full display, contributing significantly to one of the most decisive victories in Marine Corps history. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star. The Battle of the Chosin Reservoir was perhaps Puller’s finest hour. In freezing temperatures, facing overwhelming odds, and with his men encircled by Chinese forces, Puller orchestrated one of the most remarkable withdrawals in military history. His leadership and tenacity during this harrowing retreat not only saved the lives of thousands of Marines but also inflicted significant casualties on the enemy. For his actions, he was awarded his fifth Navy Cross, becoming the only person in history to receive so many. The Legend Lives OnPuller’s legacy is not just in the medals and accolades he received but in his spirit. His name became synonymous with courage, endurance, and unwavering spirit. He was a soldier’s soldier, embodying the ethos of the Marine Corps: honor, courage, and commitment. Lieutenant General Lewis “Chesty” Puller passed away on October 11, 1971, but his legacy lives on. He remains a towering figure in the Marine Corps, a symbol of what it means to be a Marine and an American hero. His life and career continue to inspire generations of Marines and soldiers, serving as a testament to the enduring values of bravery, leadership, and devotion.
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personal note to add here. Over the years I have heard this tale
of Chesty, told in different versions but basically saying the same
thing:
In Korea when told he was surrounded by the enemy, he supposedly said this: "I am surrounded by Chicoms on the North, South, East, and West. They can't possibly get away from me now.".
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On the Left: From the actual local Island Packet News. Photo: Flag Ceremony Marines with some of the local police who were very helpful. Here's a direct link to the article.(Sadly they have gone to this "Pay" to see it. Sorry.)
http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/community/beaufort-news/bg-military/article33645327.html
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April 23, 2015, Wayne Taylor participated in this Flag
Ceremony in the original green uniform and Charlie Brabham
was among those who saluted
and stood in line at attention. This took place in Bluffton, SC to
honor fallen Marines from our original Parris Island Battalion from
1962. The first video is a short version put out by the local
paper, the second video is the full 10 minute ceremony. These
still appear to be active.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1blBmYSqIB0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXdnCTTN6XU&feature=em-upload_owner#action=share
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One of the highlights of Reunion 2015 was this photo of us at ITR Camp Geiger that I grabbed at the last minute that amazingly many Marines never saw and never received. This involved most of the Marines from our 236-239 Parris Island Series. Thankfully CC Conkwright (We lost him 12-10-21) remembered he had indeed received it, and had it at home. He did us a huge favor by having his taken in, scanned, and it saved on disk. It is too large for normal scanning. Although it was saved to him in "pdf" format, another of our Gurus, Ben Mashburn, Platoon 236, (left us April 26, 2019), converted it to "JPG" where I could edit, size, and put it up here. Also here is a scan of the back, which is dear to me, of some of you who painfully found your photo. Your signatures are very important to me.ENJOY!!!!
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| We can't find out much about this photo of Mike Bass in the center. It appears to be from a Marine Corps Ball. |
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January 31, 2015 This photo was just found by the wife of Court Conkwright (We lost him 12-10-21). We guys know who that is. It was taken probably in December 1962 at Camp Geiger, shortly before we were to come home. Notice we were a very happy group. In the picture is Bill Piggott, Bert Wolford, Charlie Brabham, Mike Bass, Ralph Moreno, and Wayne Taylor in the front bent over. Notice our bunks in the background. What a gold mine of a picture this is. I didn't remember it, didn't know it existed. Court labeled it as the Texas Six Jarheads. |
--The Locals in the Picture--
1st Row #2 - Billy Wolford (BB62) - 1st Row #4 - Israel Moreno (TJ62)
1st Row #6 - Bill Piggot (TJ62) - 1st Row, 4th from end - Wayne Taylor (TJ62)
3rd Row #5 - Charlie Brabham (TJ62)- Top Row, 2nd from end - Mike Bass (TJ62)
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Mike Bass - TJ Class of 62. Currently living in Beaumont, TX |
Charlie Brabham - TJ Class of 62. Currently living near Houston, TX |
George Bush - Lincoln HS - Location unknown - (he had a family death, sent home, finished in a later platoon) |
Israel Ralph Moreno - TJ Class of 62 - Deceased 9/3/1995 |
Bill Piggott - TJ Class of 62 - Died in 2010 |
Wayne Taylor - TJ Class of 62 - Currently living in Groves, TX |
Bert "Billy" Wolford - BBHS Class of 62 - Currently living in Groves, TX |
Interesting shots of Camp Las Pulgas, Camp Pendleton, CA where many locals served temporary
Active Duty, many of our classmates
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| W. Taylor - Looking up at The Mountain from our barracks | Billy Wolford in front of our Quanson Huts | W. Taylor - Looking down, after a 20 min climb - great view | B.Wolford looking West - could see the Pacific from here |
W. Taylor - Tanks were stationed near us |
Many of the local guys were here too | W. Taylor - walking during slack time ( & Charlie?) | W. Taylor - Weekend Liberty "on the beach" | W. Taylor - More fun during free time | As a short timer in 1966, my last official assignment was Gear Guard | Marching out, next stop the airport |
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