A squadron of these babies appeared on our C-130 flight line in Cherry Point the day after Kennedy was killed. Ready for war with Cuba or Russia. Every Air Force crew chief had a full, brand new tool box whereas us poor Marines were lucky to steal (or rather com-shaw) a screw driver here or there. Needless to say the fly boys had a 24 hour guard on their planes for fear of Marines, not commies.
Norm Spilleth
Cpl. 1960-1964
We have always been the “redheaded step child.” We always get the-hand-me downs. It really does not matter what your MOS skill set is. The only time, we get top shelf, is in DC concerning the commander-in-chief. Cpl. R. Miller 1371: Combat Engineer: 1st Gulf War, Vet.
Well, how about Camp Mt. Fuji, Japan?? [H&HS Co. 3rd. SerVice Btn. 3rd.MarDiv. – Sept. 63 > Feb.64] We were billeted in CP tents. Our Comm Center was one CP Tent with concertina-wire placed around it for security. We received all our communication by Morse-Code. I was a crypto-operator with a rotor device [set with the daily code] to decrypt or encrypt classified messages. I had to go each Friday to NAS Yokosuka to pick up classified material to distribute it back to the Camp Fuji HQ. Oh! We received our Morse-code communications via a U.S. Airforce relay com. station. They were billeted in a Quonset-hut and they received “hardship” pay for their living conditions. Yes, eating at the base mess hall was a treat. Four to a table-with tablecloths & napkins and real utensils with ceramic plates & bowls & cups. It sure beats metal trays & a long seating bench to partake the so so chow. The only good thing, there was “no” mess-duty and the daily uniform of the day was our green-utilities.
A little more envy of the Air Force. As an HM3 stationed at a pass west of Da Nang in ’70, went with our Chief to their air base to pick up med supplies. While there decided to get some good chow for a change (first part of envy). As we were eating, one of the airman next to us was complaining that he had to share his apartment with another guy and they only had one maid between them (second part of envy). Some times war isn’t HELL!!! Semper Fi to all the Grunts and Devil Docs who were over there, made it home, and are still too tough to go down. If you need a band aid for your blisters, I’m off duty.
When in Nam (67-68) the Army was one of our main supply points, read cumshaw.. They had more new stuff then they could account for. I’ve always wondered why when we went into one of their cantonments we didn’t have an escort assigned to us. Memories!!!!!! some good, others not so… Everyone have a safe, enjoyable 4th tomorrow. Raise one to those who are currently in harms way. Semper Fidelis Marines and especially to you FMF Corpsman!!!!!!!!!
Frank, I can see why you made it to OCS. A Colonel was sadly disappointed in me as I could not tell him how to spell “cantonment” I did mentioned that he had the college education AND the commission – that is another story. My initial experiences in the Corps was that most of the “good stuff” came from outside the supply system. The USAF system seemed to work so much better – they had gear gathering dust we used on a frequent basis. The Army had a choice of flavors when it came to beer at their e-club. The MAG-13 e-club had a choice of beer or soda. One got whatever came out of the case!
I remember one time back in the day when I was walking through a Navy hangar where they worked on P-3’s. We were being deployed with our A4’s to Puerto Rico and as usual needed tools to work with. The pocket knife/screwdriver combo that you never admitted to having could only do so much. Anyway I spotted the biggest damn screwdriver I had ever seen and just had to have it. It was a perfect match for the “get a bigger hammer” we all kept hearing about! Flew out that day with that beauty and the Ordnance shop was properly “tooled up” (even though it didn’t fit anything we had it was OURS). Semper fidelis.
Is the anyone out there that was in the 1st MAW, Mag 11 group stationed at Atsugi NAS in Atsugi Japan in 1958?
That would make us about 80 years old as I am 81. If there is please email me. ErnieC939@gmail.com.
They were great days and great duty.
Thank you
Semper Fi.
Ernie Ciferri
Ernie, I was there 56 thru 58 VMF 235 , where were you located?