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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
Cpl Jim Gasho U.S. Marine Corps (1966-1969)
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
Back in May of 1966, a couple of my close friends came over and told me they had joined the Marine Corps. They asked me if I wanted to join also and it seemed like a good idea at the time so I went down to see the recruiter. I  spent 57 days in Special/ Volunteer Reserve and left for Parris Island in July 1966.
I was always in awe of Marines. My uncle John was in submarines during WW II and he always talked about Marines doing their jobs come hell or high water. I figured if my uncle could respect them after all that time, I should also have some respect for them. I started to read about the Marines and wondered if I had the "right stuff". Then I realized you can't get any better by competing with others with identical skill levels so I went for it. I've never regretted the choice, with the exception of the first night at Parris Island in the receiving barracks when I wondered just what in hell I had gotten myself into.
WHAT WAS YOUR SERVICE CAREER PATH?
I extended my original two year enlistment to a three year hitch while I was in boot camp. I was in Platoon 3049 3rd RT Bn. Parris Island SC from July 12, 1966 to Sep 02, 1966. Then spent one week on mess duty at Stone Bay and started ITR  at Camp Geiger immediately after that.
After 20 days leave, I was assigned to Radio Telegraph Operators Course at MCRD San Diego. After completing school I was sent to HQ Battery, 13th Marines at the Las Pulgas area of Camp Pendleton.
In Oct 1967 I received orders for Vietnam and was sent to the 4th Replacement Company Staging Bn at Camp Pendleton for 20 days then on to Okinawa and DaNang. I was assigned to HQ Battery, 2nd Bn, 11th Marines in Dec 1967. I spent approximately 3 weeks with them and was then sent TAD to HQ Co, 5th Marines FSCC for the remainder of my tour. We stood radio watches daily and alternated taking trips to the boonies to augment observer / radio teams with 5th Marines line companies and acted as replacements, if necessary, until new personnel were assigned.
Upon rotating back to CONUS I was assigned to Comm Co, 8th Comm Bn, Force Troops FMFLANT at Camp LeJeune NC.
I was released from active duty in May 1969 and finished my last 3 years with H&S Co and I Co 3rd Bn, 25th Marines based in Cleveland, Ohio.
DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN COMBAT OPERATIONS? IF SO, COULD YOU DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE SIGNIFICANT TO YOU?
Most of the time we were in the 5th Marines Regimental area so we mostly took incoming rockets and mortars rather than actual small arms or automatic weapons fire. On occasion when we were out with the line companies, we saw some action but our group (1 Marine Major, 3 Navy LTs, 6 [2531/2533] and 6 [0811]) only suffered two WIA during my tour. Our biggest challenge was when we had moved to Phu Bai as part of Task Force X-Ray about 2 weeks before the 1968 TET offensive broke out. We spent some time in Hue city but just not the way we had planned. It was not one of my favorite memories. An Hoa was also no picnic but I figure I was a lot luckier than a lot of other Marines.
 Combat Operations:
1968 -Battle of Hue.
1968 -Houston.
1968 -Mameluke Thrust.
1968 -Sussex Bay.
1968 -Henderson Hill.
1968 -Tet Counteroffensive.
1969 -Taylor Common.
WHICH, OF THE DUTY STATIONS OR LOCATIONS YOU WERE ASSIGNED OR DEPLOYED TO, DO YOU HAVE THE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY?
Tough question. There were many good and not so good times at all my stops. I guess if I had to pick one, it would be Radio Telegraph Operators school at MCRD San Diego. It was my first non training posting so I felt like a had a tremendous amount of free time. There were a couple of barracks jokers who were out to outdo each other in terms of practical jokes etc. It got so bad that four of us found an empty room where permanent personnel were bunked on the second floor of the barracks. We moved in there and always got a good nights sleep. Also there were a couple of guys who played guitar and were incredibly talented. They could play just about anything and it was fun to sit around with them and just listen.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE CAREER WHAT PARTICULAR MEMORY STANDS OUT?
Receiving my EGA at the Boot Camp Graduation Ceremony and being called Marine for the first time. SSgt J.L. Payne told us the music the band was playing was 'For You Marines", as he led us onto the grinder. After the ceremony, I introduced my father to my Drill Instructors.  It was the first time I had a chance to speak to any of my drill instructors in a normal conversation and was extremely gratified that they knew more about me than I thought they did. SSgt Payne congratulated me on being selected for Comm School and told me he expected me to represent him well at my next command. I graduated 3rd out of 29 in my class. I was able to speak to him earlier in 2010. It was the first time I had heard that voice in 44 years. I found myself standing a little straighter and feeling kind of insignificant while he talked. The word 'you' was once again stricken from my vocabulary, and the word 'Sir' was used extensively. I was able to thank him for all he had done for me and taught me. It was in boot camp that I realized just how much my father had taught me about life, responsibility and personal commitment. SSgt. Payne taught me the same things only with a slightly more colorful vocabulary. I never took the time to thank my father for all he did for me, so I determined I would not make the same mistake again with SSgt. Payne. I must thank 1st Lt Larry Ward, and SSgt Stephen A. Smith for their invaluable assistance in making it possible for me to contact SSgt Payne.
OF THE MEDALS, AWARDS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
 The CAR is my most meaningful ribbon because it was earned along side my brothers and it indicates I performed the primary job Marines are trained for the way I was supposed to, when I was supposed to. My greatest fear was not being able to live up to their standards when it got rough. Like most other Marines in that situation, I was scared, but too afraid to show it.
A close second is the Good Conduct Medal. It tells me that I was able improvise, adapt and overcome my stubbornness, bullheadedness and my tendency to always do things my way.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL PERSON FROM YOUR SERVICE STANDS OUT AS THE ONE WHO HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
 SSgt. J.L. Payne, my Sr. Drill Instructor. He promised us that if we made the effort he would do his best to make us Marines. We only dropped 2 guys from our platoon, 1 for medical reasons (broken leg) and one to conditioning / motivation platoon. The rest of us graduated and missed being series honor platoon because we finished second in close order drill competition. He met with us that evening and told us we should have won, that we were robbed and he was proud of the way we performed. He taught me everything my father had taught me and he made me realize my father knew a lot more than I gave him credit for. For that fact alone I have the utmost respect for SSgt Payne. He is exactly what I picture when I hear the word Marine. The knowledge he imparted to me and the rest of my platoon enabled me to gain acceptance into his beloved Marine Corps.
I was able to speak with him in the summer of 2010. As he answered the phone, my mind snapped back to September 1966 on our platoons graduation day. It was the first time I heard that voice as an equal rather than as a lowly boot. I had a great talk with him and plan on having more talks with him.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE THAT WAS FUNNY AT THE TIME AND STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
The first day I arrived in Da Nang I received orders to go to 2/11 and was told someone would pick me up. Early the next morning a huge, unshaven Sergeant wearing a flak jacket and steel pot with bandoleers crossed over his chest, knives, grenades, pistols, an M-16 and  some extra items called my name, threw a pot, flak jacket and M-16 at me and told me to follow him to the jeep and keep my eyes open. I figured I wouldn't even get sunburned before my time was up. He drove me to a peaceful compound and told me where to report. I was given a quick tour and told when the sirens go off, grab your pot, jacket and get in a hole. Two nights later the sirens went off. I couldn't believe how fast I got up, dressed and in a hole. I could hear mortars exploding and had no idea where they were going off. Most of the other guys knew that the ARVN compound across the road about 500 - 600 meters away from us was taking the incoming. Well I heard a boom and about 5 seconds later sand and gravel landed on my helmet. I figured they were getting the range. It happened 3 or 4 more times and I figured I'd used up a whole tour worth of luck in one night. I'm guessing the hole was now about 4-5 inches deeper because of my mad efforts at bare handed digging. Then I heard some laughter. Turns out they would grab handfuls of dirt and count to somewhere between 3-6 after an explosion and toss the dirt on my head. I think I would have killed them if I could figure out who was doing it. It turns out that it's pretty funny when you aren't the new guy in the hole.
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER THE SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB?
After being released from active duty, I basically spent five months on R&R at home and then found a job at American Greetings Corp. I started as an IBM card jockey, worked my way up the food chain through computer operations as an operator and then a shift leader. Then on to the programming staff and to the systems department ending my career as a Sr. Analyst Programmer in Feb 2006. I took medical retirement as a result of 2 heart attacks and hospitalization for arrhythmia problems.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I currently belong to the VVA, American Legion, Marine Corps Heritage foundation, the TWS VPA Association and the TWS Living History Association. I am most active on TWS with the VPA Team and with the VVA for Non TWS associations.
TWS and the VVA allows me to  be 21 years old again. I am with those who went through what I did before me and also after me on TWS. Thanks to some encouragement from various TWS members I finally got up the courage to visit the Wall in June 2010. I went with my son as he had urged me to make the trip. As I approached the Wall I felt so many different emotions it was all I could do to keep walking. In a matter of a few moments I experienced, anticipation, excitement, fear, sadness, joy, and most profoundly a sense of peace. It was as if 58,000 + comrades all said, "Thanks for coming brother, we've been waiting. We're all glad you made it". I can't describe it exactly, but if you are a 'Nam vet and haven't been there, go while you have the chance.
With the VVA I am with my own generation and we can help and learn from each other. I finally realized I am not alone.
HOW HAS MILITARY SERVICE INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
 I believe that the Marine Corps taught me the value of patience, commitment to the job, and the determination to see it through. To understand there is no "can't". To accept responsibility and accountability for my own mistakes and to be able to work with and lead teams through slow times as well as during the problem situations with a sense of purpose but not panic. The core values of the Marine Corps translates very well to the civilian work force. Honor, Courage, and Commitment will always serve you well in life.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR THOSE THAT ARE STILL SERVING?
Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. The stresses and strains placed on today's military, especially in an active combat situation, are enough to cause anyone some adjustment problems. You did your job, you did it well, now let someone who has been there before you help you get back to life as a civilian or be able to adjust to the ways of doing things in a non combat situation. No man is an island so you shouldn't feel all alone. Each generation hopes to be able to live up to the standards and expectations that were set for us by past generations. Based on what I read in postings here and on other web sites I know, the Corps is in very capable hands and the legacy goes on. Be proud of your service as those who went before you are proud of you.
 It has taken me many years to figure this out and with the help of counselors I have come to realize that I did nothing wrong by serving my country and that because of the treatment we received, attitudes toward returning veterans are somewhat different. In the 60s it was hate the war, hate the veteran, now it is hate the war, honor the veteran.
I have nothing but respect for the men and women of today's military, especially Marines. They are upholding the traditions of the Marine Corps and have nothing to be ashamed of.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU MAINTAIN A BOND WITH YOUR SERVICE AND THOSE YOU SERVED WITH?
I have been fortunate enough to find a couple of members here on TWS who were instrumental in helping me contact my Sr. Drill Instructor. I spoke to him in 2010 for the first time since 1966. I had a tremendous conversation with him and he actually remembered something I had told him on graduation day. I thanked him for helping a 19 year old know-it-all pseudo tough guy to make it in the Marine Corps. I had mentioned to him that when I joined I had thought my father was one  of the dumbest people on earth and that he didn't understand anything. When he showed up for my graduation and I had spent the day with him, I couldn't believe how much he had learned in 8 short weeks. SSgt. Payne told me that story and he also remembered that he had told me that he would find me and PT me to an early grave if I ever had another unkind thought about my father.
I have also been able to contact two other members of the 5th Marines FSCC. One retired as Lt. Commander, and the other was a Sgt. I was also contacted by one of the guys I served with back in 1967 at Camp Pendleton.
I have also had the opportunity to talk to several WWII and Korean war veterans as well as meet some Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are doing the Corps proud today. All in all I have been exposed to the esprit de corps that all drill instructors preach in boot camp and found that it isn't propaganda. While we may disagree on politics, religion, and sports among other things, and we may get into fights and other physical confrontations, when push comes to shove, we will share our last cigarette, last drink of water from our canteen, the last cookie from a home care package because we are all Brothers and that's what Brothers do.
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TWS VOICES
TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
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To join Marines.Togetherweserved.com, please click HERE.
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spent 57 days in Special/ Volunteer Reserve and left for Parris Island in July 1966.
at Camp Geiger immediately after that. 
Combat Operations:
It was the first time I had a chance to speak to any of my drill instructors in a normal conversation and was extremely gratified that they knew more about me than I thought they did. SSgt Payne congratulated me on being selected for Comm School and told me he expected me to represent him well at my next command. I graduated 3rd out of 29 in my class. I was able to speak to him earlier in 2010. It was the first time I had heard that voice in 44 years. I found myself standing a little straighter and feeling kind of insignificant while he talked. The word 'you' was once again stricken from my vocabulary, and the word 'Sir' was used extensively. I was able to thank him for all he had done for me and taught me. It was in boot camp that I realized just how much my father had taught me about life, responsibility and personal commitment. SSgt. Payne taught me the same things only with a slightly more colorful vocabulary. I never took the time to thank my father for all he did for me, so I determined I would not make the same mistake again with SSgt. Payne. I must thank 1st Lt Larry Ward, and SSgt Stephen A. Smith for their invaluable assistance in making it possible for me to contact SSgt Payne.
The CAR is my most meaningful ribbon because it was earned along side my brothers and it indicates I performed the primary job Marines are trained for the way I was supposed to, when I was supposed to. My greatest fear was not being able to live up to their standards when it got rough. Like most other Marines in that situation, I was scared, but too afraid to show it.
SSgt. J.L. Payne, my Sr. Drill Instructor. He promised us that if we made the effort he would do his best to make us Marines. We only dropped 2 guys from our platoon, 1 for medical reasons (broken leg) and one to conditioning / motivation platoon. The rest of us graduated and missed being series honor platoon because we finished second in close order drill competition. He met with us that evening and told us we should have won, that we were robbed and he was proud of the way we performed. He taught me everything my father had taught me and he made me realize my father knew a lot more than I gave him credit for. For that fact alone I have the utmost respect for SSgt Payne. He is exactly what I picture when I hear the word Marine. The knowledge he imparted to me and the rest of my platoon enabled me to gain acceptance into his beloved Marine Corps.
some extra items called my name, threw a pot, flak jacket and M-16 at me and told me to follow him to the jeep and keep my eyes open. I figured I wouldn't even get sunburned before my time was up. He drove me to a peaceful compound and told me where to report. I was given a quick tour and told when the sirens go off, grab your pot, jacket and get in a hole. Two nights later the sirens went off. I couldn't believe how fast I got up, dressed and in a hole. I could hear mortars exploding and had no idea where they were going off. Most of the other guys knew that the ARVN compound across the road about 500 - 600 meters away from us was taking the incoming. Well I heard a boom and about 5 seconds later sand and gravel landed on my helmet. I figured they were getting the range. It happened 3 or 4 more times and I figured I'd used up a whole tour worth of luck in one night. I'm guessing the hole was now about 4-5 inches deeper because of my mad efforts at bare handed digging. Then I heard some laughter. Turns out they would grab handfuls of dirt and count to somewhere between 3-6 after an explosion and toss the dirt on my head. I think I would have killed them if I could figure out who was doing it. It turns out that it's pretty funny when you aren't the new guy in the hole.
be 21 years old again. I am with those who went through what I did before me and also after me on TWS. Thanks to some encouragement from various TWS members I finally got up the courage to visit the Wall in June 2010. I went with my son as he had urged me to make the trip. As I approached the Wall I felt so many different emotions it was all I could do to keep walking. In a matter of a few moments I experienced, anticipation, excitement, fear, sadness, joy, and most profoundly a sense of peace. It was as if 58,000 + comrades all said, "Thanks for coming brother, we've been waiting. We're all glad you made it". I can't describe it exactly, but if you are a 'Nam vet and haven't been there, go while you have the chance. 
It has taken me many years to figure this out and with the help of counselors I have come to realize that I did nothing wrong by serving my country and that because of the treatment we received, attitudes toward returning veterans are somewhat different. In the 60s it was hate the war, hate the veteran, now it is hate the war, honor the veteran.
of the dumbest people on earth and that he didn't understand anything. When he showed up for my graduation and I had spent the day with him, I couldn't believe how much he had learned in 8 short weeks. SSgt. Payne told me that story and he also remembered that he had told me that he would find me and PT me to an early grave if I ever had another unkind thought about my father. 
