Corso Jr., Antonio, SSgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS.
I don't believe there was anyone thing, that influenced my decision to join the military. I had friends and family that served in the Armed Forces in war and during peacetime. I just knew it was what I was supposed to do. I had to earn what so many died to give me, the right to be free in this country.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
Well in 1969 I had quit high school and was working for a Crop Dusting Co. as a flagman/loader. The pay was good but, it wasn't what I wanted to do forever. October 69 I turned 18 and went to register for the draft. After registering I went next door to the Marine Corps Recruiting office and met GySgt. Daniel Boone (no kidding that was his name) and started my enlistment into the Marine Corps. In Dec 69 I reported to MCRD San Diego, Plt 1228 for recruit training. After graduation, I went to M Co. 2nd Bn. 2nd ITR at Camp Pendleton.

Then home for 12 days leaves, I report to Army Engineer School at Fort Belvior Va. for Topographical Surveying. I had quit high school and had barely made it through basic math. I kept asking what am I doing here? I don't have the math skills needed for this course. Someone finally figured it out, and they moved me into the Construction Drafting class and that was great. But after about eight weeks, someone said he wears glasses. The eye strain would be too much, over a long period of time. I said I would be fine, but someone else felt different and that was the end of that.

I was sent to MT at MCB Quantico, I was an OJT Truck driver out at Camp Barret. Then the Main side, where I was a dispatcher most of the time there. I was also assigned to Riot Control and Disaster Control while at Quantico. In June 71, I received a medical discharge.

I went home and waited, then in Nov. 73 I went to a Recruiter told him my story, and he sent me to Oaknoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, Ca. I went through some testing and an Evaluation Board, in Nov. 74 I was cleared for re-enlistment.

I joined a Reserve Unit in Stockton, Ca. K 3/23 4th MarDiv. FMF. I came back to a Pfc. assigned to Weapons Plt. as an ammo man for the M60. I got to work with the 60mm Mortar's also, but the M60 was for me. I eventually became Wpns. Plt. Sgt. The unit was re-designated E 2/23 4th MarDiv. in 77 then E ( - ) 2/23 4th MarDiv. in 78 but we were still Infantry so it was ok. The unit was again re-designated and we became B ( - ) 4th LSB 4th FSSG 4th MarDiv. in 82. I did not, want to be in a Landing Support Unit as I was Infantry. But I have to admit the MOS change was not bad at all, I really enjoyed the job we did as Landing Support. I'm proud to say I was an 0481, along with my 0369!! I was also heavily involved in the TOYS FOR TOTS program every year. The unit had a Rappel Team, we did a lot of Helo Rappel shows on holidays like the 4th of July, Armed Forces Day, and Veterans Day. We took high school students from the area high schools, up to Mt. Diablo in Concord and taught them to Rappel. The girls always seemed to trust us and would Rappel as soon as we let them. The boys were usually shamed into going by the girls calling them names.

Through the years, I was able to do many different things. In 77 - 78, I was a Troop Handler for Devil Pups, went to the Army's Northern Area of Operations Small Unit Leaders Course in Alaska. Came back and was tasked with teaching everything I learned to the unit.

In 79 we did our ADT in Hawaii, some really good training, and some great liberty.

In 80 we did our ATD at Fort Sherman Panama, Jungle Warfare Training Course. That was some great training!!! But I would have to say, liberty was not all that good. Too many restrictions, could not go out in a group of more than four Marines or it was a mob. Could not even have a John Wayne in your pocket. It had a blade and the National Police could take you to jail. But as I said the training was great!! Most of our ATD's were at Camp Pendleton or 29 Palms, I always enjoyed the training no matter where we went.

I was on a 6 Officer, 12 SNCO team that trained Navy Seabees in their Military skills training cycle. We did their combat arms training, the training was done at Camp Shelby Mississippi. Home of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team of WWll. We also trained some Seabees units at Camp Lejeune. It was great duty working with the Seabees. They were always eager to learn, and when they started using their small unit leadership skills things got done.

I went back to my home unit for a while, then I went to Camp Ripley Mn. to the Army Winter Operations School. I went through the Winter Operations course then was assigned as a Cold Weather Instructor for awhile. Taught Cross country skiing, Firing or firing positions on ski's, Shelter, and Fire building. Then I back to my home unit until Apr. 87, I left the unit to get some family issues taken care of.

In Aug of 90 I received orders for active duty, I went to Camp Pendleton. I was assigned to an IMA DET doing a special project. When the project was finished I returned home and waited for new orders.

I received my orders and returned to Camp Pendleton in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Assigned to Warrior Training Bn. Warrior Training Command. I was the Company Gunnery Sergeant for four of the Combat Replacement Companies going through the training course prior to shipping off to Iraq. In Apr of 91, I went home, that was my last hurrah!!! My last enlistment ended on 19 Mar 93.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
No! no real combat experience, training exercises only.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
All of them! I have fond memories of each place I've been to. But if I had to choose one, then it probably would be Camp Pendleton during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Assigned to Warrior Training Command, and because of the group of Marines I was with, and the job we were doing. We were getting Marines ready to go to war and it was real-time happening now. I know as Marines we always train for war as if it is the real deal. Saddam had an army I believe, of a Million men and the estimate of casualties on our side was staggering. Originally we were "Casualty Replacement Company" but that was changed. I served with some of the finest Marines that ever stood on those " LITTLE YELLOW FOOTPRINTS " Semper Fi.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
That would have to be 77-78, I was a Troop Handler for the Devil Pups Program (back then it was a Marine Corps Reserve program). The kids we got were 13 to 17, and most were from Juvenile Hall. The numbers we received were that about 92% never returned to Juvenile Hall after going through the program. We taught them it was okay to respect and trust others, maybe even more important to respect themselves. This one 13 yr. old sticks out in my mind, he just didn't look like he could do anything that would put him in Juvenile Hall.

One morning I was inspecting my platoon, it was the morning of their final Inspection. They were information looking sharp, I knew they were going to take HONOR PLATOON!! I stepped in front of the Plt. The guide he has squared away, then the Squad Leader he looked sharp. Then this 13 yr.old standing there at attention with an Irish pennant that hung from his armpit to his wrist. I asked are you going Rappelling? He answered with a very loud but squeaky Sir No Sir!! I cut the ROPE off of his shirt and handed it to him and said keep this I might want it later. This Platoon Graduated the next morning, but before he left he tried to give the string back, I said I didn't ask for it so hang onto it until I do. With a puzzled look, he said yes sir stuck it in his pocket got on the bus, and went away. I don't remember giving any of these kids my home address, so imagine my surprise when I got that piece of string in the mail one morning about 4 yrs. later. It was from a young Marine Pfc stationed at Camp Pendleton. I sent it back with a note that said I didn't ask for it! keep it until I do!!!

When I got called back for Desert Shield/Desert Storm, I was with Warrior Training Command, we put Marines from every MOS and from all over the Corps, through a 10-day Infantry training cycle before the headed for Iraq. One morning this S/Sgt. walked up to me, handed me a piece of string, and said thank you, sir, I never forgot what you taught me. I have that piece of string in my den. Sadly I lost contact with him, but maybe he'll read this someday. It made me feel like no matter what, I made a positive impact on at least one person while serving in the Corps.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
I don't believe I can say that anyone of my awards, badges, or devices is more meaningful to me. They all mean I did my best and tried to be the best Marine I could be.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
I was lucky enough to serve with many fine Marines, junior and senior. And many of them did have a direct impact on me. I can't pick the one individual that had the biggest impact on me.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
That would have to be when we took a re-enforced rifle squad to be aggressors for an Army Infantry unit. We were told just take your deuce gear and weapons they will provide chow and ammo. We were given about 40 rounds each, and some C rations. The Army Captain asks if we could split into two groups and operate independently of each other.

Well of course the answer was yes, so we split into two independent teams. Then he pointed at me and said I want you to take your team and follow this road (follow the road I think not) about "5,000" clicks and attack a platoon set up down there. I want you to try to get into their compound, hit them from all sides, and try to capture their CP! I didn't say anything, I just stood there listening. Then he told the other Sgt. to take his team about "7,000" clicks in the opposite direction and attack the platoon down there. When he stopped I ask the Captain how far are these platoons? He repeated the "5,000" and "7,000" CLICKS!!!! I asked are you sure Sir? He asks is there a problem Sgt.? And I said well, my team and I are going to be somewhere in the middle of Utah. The other team is going to be in big trouble. They'll be somewhere in the pacific ocean between here and Hawaii. He looked around and said, "Just go find them and attack them". Oh and stop all aggressor action at 2200 hrs. I guess that's why he only gave us 40 rounds each. It still brings a smile to my face thinking about it.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I worked for several years in Private Security, as an Alarm Response Agent, Patrol Supervisor and provided Personal Protection Services. I went into Automotive transport and Emergency Road service, stayed with one company for 22 yrs. Then the company was sold, after about a year the new owners shut it down, so I'm looking for something else. I'm just to young to retire.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I'm a member of the American Legion. The main benefit for me is the feeling, that I'm still serving this country. Still serving with people who think about and love this country as much as I do.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
My approach to life has been to work hard, take care of my family, and be the best person I can be. The Marine Corps taught me to be the best, and always take that extra step to get things done. You don't stop trying just because you fail at something, you hit it again but you hit it harder. Make a mistake in your life own it, learn from it, and move on you don't just quit.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
I would have to say, that if you're able to stay in the Marine Corps stay. Make it a career! You already have several years invested, why start over someplace else?

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Thanks to TWS, I have been able to find two Marines I served with and have not seen since the early to mid-'70s. Also made contact with a Brother from boot camp and a 1stSgt from one of my old units. I have great hope in finding many more.

Thanks, TWS!!

KC 11.4.20