 |
- OTHER SERVICES VOICES:
- MARINES
 - NAVY
- AIR FORCE
- ARMY
- COAST GUARD
|
An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
Capt Bill Darrow USMC (Ret) (1963-1983)
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
Both my parents were in the Navy during WWII. My Mother was one of the first WAVES and my Dad was a POW at Bataan and an officer in the Navy. I have three brothers who were all in the Navy during the Korean War. During my grade school years,  I attended Peekskill Military Academy in NY and was further schooled at home with Calvert School. I graduated from High School from Belvidere, NJ.
At 17, I briefly attended a Business School in Pennsylvania, but soon got bored. Then, I decided to join the Navy and carry on the family tradition. There was a long narrow hallway in the post office where the recruiters were located with the Navy recruiter on my right and the Marine Corps recruiter on my left. I stood in the hall between the two offices. Turning to my right to go into the Navy recruiting office, I noticed that the Navy Chief was wearing a soiled uniform. Next to him was a coffee pot that looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the Spanish American War. He was overweight and didn't seem to be too interested in the young man beginning to enter his office. Just before I walked into that somewhat messy office, I heard someone with a deep commanding voice speak to someone else he called Corporal. I turned and saw the most chiseled faced, lean man with a very short neat hair cut and wearing a shirt with creases in it that could cut your finger on. I couldn't help but stare at the very clean office with posters of fighting men, jets, carved Marine Corps logos and an NCO sword hung neatly on the wall. Another man with fewer stripes on his shirt walked across the office. The shine on his shoes was brilliant and I couldn't help but stare. He laid some papers on the organized desk and disappeared into the next office. In the corner of the room was a gleaming coffee pot unlike the one in the Navy recruiting office. "You!" said the Marine GySgt as he looked up and saw me standing in the hall. "Yes you." he said again as I looked up in total amazement. "Come here!" This was a command not a request. I responded with a smile on my face and entered a world I had never expected. I always knew that I would someday join the Navy, but never expected to do what I was about to do. He told me about the men in the posters and a little about what it took to be like them. Then he asked, "How many push-ups can you do?" Playing football in high school taught me all about push-ups, so I happily demonstrated. Then he pointed to a pull up bar located in his office. I was happy to put my chin over that bar at least 5 times. He seemed genuinely impressed. "Very good, and you say you're a high school graduate too. Now, I want you to sit down and take this test." A small booklet was placed in front of me and within an hour or so I was finished. He graded all my efforts and exclaimed, "Son, your aviation guaranteed!" His excitement turned to amazement as I then said, "But I don't want aviation. I want to be one of them!" I then pointed to the poster with the grunt carrying the machine gun. He raised his eyebrows, smiled and looked away for a minute. "Why, with these scores, you can do almost anything you want." he said with a grin and a gleam in his eye. Little did I know what he meant by those jesters.
After discussing my future with this man who could look through a block of granite, I signed up for six years. This all happened on a Friday. That following Sunday, after church, I sat down to dinner with my parents. I had decided that now was the time I would announce my decision. My Dad smiled at me and said, "You joined up, didn't you." I'll never know how he knew, but he was like that. "Yes sir." I replied with a grin. "I joined the Marine Corps!" That old saying about a deer in headlights best describes the look on my Dad's face. My mother, who had taken a very hot pot roast from the oven and who was on her way to the table simply dropped the roast on the floor with the gravy and all. Fortunately, we were able to salvage the roast and we all had dinner, but you could cut the silence with a knife. Neither of them said much of anything and I didn't know just what to say. All I ever knew about the Marine Corps was that my Dad used to call them "Sea going bell hops." Still I was full of what the Gunny had told me and was excited about the literature I was given. That same day a show we watched on TV told the story of Marine Recon. "That's what I want to do." I said with an excitement in my belly I never felt before. "You'll never make it." my Dad said as he watched the show. I was raised to never talk back to my parents and I never did. Deep inside my spirit my Dads simple comment lit a fire in me that culminated in a challenge that never went away throughout my entire career as a Marine.
I was promoted to PFC out of boot camp in Paris Island but my parents didn't attend my graduation. I was the outcast Marine in my family of Navy veterans. The years passed and I always would remind them that it took two good Navy folks to make one good Marine.
BRIEFLY, WHAT WAS YOUR SERVICE CAREER PATH?
First of all, I would like to thank Billy Hillhouse and the TWS team for the kind invitation allowing me to share my military experiences on this site.
In August 1963, at the age of 17, I enlisted in the USMC for 4 years. Like all recruits, my very first day at Paris Island, SC was the most terrifying experience of my life to that point. I quickly adapted and began to fit in. Within the first week I was chosen to be the first squad leader. During the following weeks, I was chosen as the Platoon Guide and remained there until graduation.
One incident stands out that occurred when I was still in boot camp getting ready for final field. I feel that I should mention this for it affected all of our lives from then on. It was in the afternoon and we were busy drilling on the parade ground in front of our barracks in the first battalion area we used to call Dodge City.
 Sergeant Casteel, our senior drill instructor, ran across the field and told Sergeant Smith to 'Get em back in the barn!' Everything stopped and soon we were standing at attention in front of our racks. We never had a radio or television during those days so we were virtually cut off from the outside world. Sergeant Casteel, Sergeant Smith and Sergeant Sutis, our Drill Instructor team, all came in to the squad bay, stood at the table and placed a small radio on it. Then Sergeant Casteel turned it on and we all listened to an announcement that I didn't believe.
President Kennedy had been shot and taken to a hospital in Dallas. The announcer went on to say that he had been shot in the head and that the police were looking for the shooter. As I said, I didn't believe this at all. Some of us, including me, thought that another drill instructor was somewhere broadcasting it over that little radio, maybe for some sort of psychological test. As time went on the announcement came that President Kennedy died as a result of his mortal wounds.
We were then told that since we were so close to graduation, we might be issued combat gear, stay as a unit and be sent to Cuba or somewhere else because of a war that hadn't been declared yet. Days passed before we all knew the truth. This had really happened, but none of us were able to see television or witness the historic news.
When we were first called Marine, I had my first meritorious promotion to PFC and my career began. Within the first year, serving as an S-2 Scout with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, in Kaneohe, Hawaii, I received my second meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal. My third promotion came as a complete shock. One rainy day in Vietnam, I had just returned from a patrol, got my first hot chow and was told to report to the CP. Colonel J.R. (Bull) Fisher was sitting at a field desk. "There you are Big Bear," he said as I entered the tent carrying my mess kit and my hot cup of coffee, completely soaked from the rain.
I thought I was going to go on another patrol and was there to get an overlay map and new orders. The S-2 chief did give me a overlay, then told me to report to the Colonel. Colonel Fisher asked me how I was and then proceeded to put paper in the typewriter in front of him. He typed the letter, took it from the machine, signed it, folded it and put the folded copy in my mouth between my teeth. My hands were full with my mess kit, full coffee cup and the new overlay.
 "Congratulations Marine!" said Colonel Fisher. I thanked him, did an about face and left the tent back into the rain. Lance Corporal Don Johnson was waiting for me outside the tent so I motioned for him to take the paper from my teeth and told him to read what the Colonel wrote. I thought it was extra orders for our next patrol. Then Don began to read: From the Commanding Officer, to me, Ref: (a) NCO 1416.1D you are appointed a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps etc. I had just received the highest honor of my career. That little piece of paper meant more to me than any certificate, promotion, or commission I would ever receive. I was truly a "Magnificent Bastard" as Colonel Fisher used to call the Marines of 2/4. He nicknamed us that right after he took command in Hawaii.
The following year I was told that I had been promoted to Sergeant. This happened during my last operation called Double Eagle. Lt. Col P.X. Kelly was the Commanding Officer of 2/4 at that time. Later, General Kelly became the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
On the very last day of that operation, I was the point for the battalion heading towards our helicopter landing zone, when I stepped on a mine. The booby trap failed to detonate fully but my right ankle was broken along with my right leg. After some mix ups in shipping me back to the states, I finally wound up in Philadelphia Naval Hospital. There I was to remain for some time while the Marine Corps decided what to do with me. They wanted to give me a medical discharge. That was out of the question and I volunteered for every assignment possible to prove that I was still in good shape.
Reporting in to the Philadelphia Navy Yard I was surprised to learn that none of my records had caught up with me. To my new command, I was still a Lance Corporal. So, without too much argument, I simply fell into the routine at that rank and stood every post and did every job that rank demanded.
There was one particular Corporal that acted tyrannical towards everyone of lesser rank and I didn't get along with him either. He had been assigned to the Navy yard waiting for a humanitarian discharge and had managed to keep from going to Vietnam. He was somewhat overweight and kind of weak. For a few weeks I lived in the barracks, stood my watches and went along with the program. The other Marines were either just back from Vietnam, wounded veterans, or getting ready to go for the first time. We all got along just fine except for this one Corporal who believed that the NCO quarters were meant only for him and one had to request permission to enter.
Then one day I was told to report to Sergeant Major Brown. When I arrived I was informed that the Colonel wanted to see me. Standing tall in front of the CO's desk gave me a funny feeling because I didn't know what to expect. He put me at ease and began to apologize for mistakes that had taken place regarding my rank. In front of him were my records, back pay for several months, Sergeant stripes, a couple of medals and commendation letters from my last command. The Colonel asked me if I wanted a formation or just receive everything in his office which is what I chose to do.
 The Sergeant Major then instructed me to go to the tailor, who was located next to our barracks, and have those stripes put on my uniform. He also told me that they were to outfit me with NCO dress blues. I was also informed that my new duty station was to be right there at the Navy Yard and that I would probably serve the rest of my enlistment there.
It didn't take me long to go to the tailor and soon I was sporting my new stripes. The first thing I did was to march into the barracks and kick that Corporal out of the NCO quarters. All the other Marines were shocked to see me walking around wearing Sergeant stripes, but very happy that I had taken over the section.
Everyone was happy about that except that overweight Corporal. First thing I did was take him on a little run. I felt that he needed the extra exercise and loose some of that excess baby fat. I never asked any man to do more than I could do. With my newly mended ankle and leg it wasn't easy for me to run but with this added incentive, I did just fine. While at the Navy yard I was assigned to be the Duty Warden at the US Naval Brig. This was a "Red Line" Brig and one of the last of it's kind. This building was also haunted, but I'll save this story for another time.
 Vietnam was getting worse as more and more service men were being killed and wounded. Because of the casualty rate, I was re-assigned once again. For the rest of the time I spent at the Navy Yard I was an escort for fallen Marines. My job was to insure that these Marines would receive a Military funeral and that their next of kin receive as much help as I could give them. These escorts lasted from several days to several weeks depending on the situation and locations. I traveled by hearse, train, and jet from Maine to Puerto Rico and states in between. I had over 27 escorts, each one with their own story. This was the saddest and most honored time I spent in the Corps.
My first enlistment was coming to an end when I won a four year, fully paid scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania Art School. When I visited this university all I saw were poorly dress hippies, lounging around in their class rooms. They smelled as bad as they looked and I couldn't see myself sitting in the middle of them. Dressed in my dress greens, wearing my medals and spit shined shoes, I turned to the dean who had been showing me around and said "No thanks. Semper Fi." I returned to the Navy Yard, went into the Career Counselor's office and shipped over for D.I. school and six more years.
 D.I. school brought more challenges, but I graduated and went on to be a Drill Instructor at Third Battalion, Parris Island, SC. About 18 months later, I won the ADI or Assistant Drill Instructor award and was promoted to Meritorious Staff Sergeant. At that same time, I had applied for the Enlisted Officer's Commissioning Program. I failed all my boards because I would answer the questions as a Marine and not as a future officer.
An example of the question I answered wrong was: "Which officer that you know in the Corps would you most like to emulate." Without hesitation I answered, "Colonel J.R. (Bull) Fisher." That was the wrong answer. The board was made up of young Marine Lieutenants who didn't want to hear anything about (Bull) Fisher or (Chesty) Puller or other Marines like them. They weren't quite politically correct.
Another example of a question I failed was: "During a combat situation and a Marine was brought to you who refused an order, what would you do?"
My answer was: "Sir, it's been my experience that Marines do not refuse orders in combat situations." Again the same question was asked and again I answered the same way. Once again the question was asked by an irate Lieutenant and I said: "Sir, if a Marine was brought to me, still standing, and he had gotten passed his Corporal and Sergeant, still refusing an order in combat, I would have an issue with that Sergeant who should in turn have words with the Corporal." At the end of all my review boards the result was that I was too enlisted minded.
My Commanding Officer was a Marine named Colonel William Gately and he knew me well. He had been moved to Regimental HQ when I went before those boards. When he saw those reviews, he took all my poor reports from those boards, threw them away and wrote a personal recommendation of his own for me. Colonel Gately was also a Mustang and had served from WWII throughout Vietnam. I was very honored to have had a personal recommendation from him.
 I was accepted to OCS and received my Mameluke sword from all the men in my Officer's Candidate School at graduation. My first duty station as a Second Lieutenant was "B" Company 3rd Recon Battalion. They were on their way back from Vietnam to Okinawa where I joined them. When the CO of the company shipped out, I was chosen to take his place. This was a great honor that I cherished for the next 18 months. I was the most junior Company Commander in the Corps.
There was a CO's stick that had famous Marine Officers who had once commanded this company like "Ding Dong" Bell, P.X. Kelly, and others. I added my name on the bottom of this stick as "Wild Bill" D with an arrow through it. This little brand had been mine all my life. I even carved it on a statue of a sleeping Buddha one night in a temple deep in the Vietnam jungle with a dead VC lying in front of it.
As a First Lieutenant, I was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. I worked in the "New" Brig that became a "Correctional Facility" in the new politically correct Marine Corps. They made me the Admin Officer, but I soon found a new mission. The inmates had no type of physical fitness facility, so I was able to let them build an obstacle course right within the prison compound. It was every bit as good as the one located at the beach for the Second Recon Battalion and became very useful for those who wanted to return to duty.
A new job was then assigned to me that I had never expected. I was put in charge of the main mess hall at Camp Lejeune as well as the Guard Officer for the base. There were two very good Gunny Sergeants, one an excellent baker and the other an excellent cook. "What would you need to make this the best Mess Hall in the Corps?" I asked on my first day as their CO.
"Sir, give us a free hand and just keep us out of jail." I smiled and said "You got it!" Within a few months our mess hall was the Best in the Corps and the Commandant even visited us and presented the award.
Later that same year I was assigned as the CO of Sub Unit Two. This unit was made up of all the Marines who had received bad conduct discharges, undesirable discharges, waiting a court marital, or otherwise in a bad condition. When I took charge, I learned that even the MP's were afraid to check around our barracks at night. The only Marines who were not in trouble were the Staff NCO's and the First Sergeant and me. Seeing the situation, the condition of the barracks and condition of the men I decided to begin a training schedule that began with a force march at 04:30, marching to and from chow, cleaning details, more P.T., and so on until lights out. At first there were those who thought they would get out of the force march by going AWOL and throwing away their boots before they returned. This didn't last long when they found themselves on that force march in their shower shoes. Then they would go AWOL, but on their return would have kept their boots. That unit turned around and some of those foolish Marines had even changed their minds about the Corps. They did all they could to stay and many did.
 My Captain's promotion was next and a new billet. I was assigned as the XO of HQ Co. at Camp Lejeune where I remained until 1972. During this time I started the boxing team that made it to the Olympics. One of the boxers in that team was Leon Spinks who I had promoted to Corporal. I also wanted to box, but the Marine Corps would not let an officer box so I missed my chance to knock out Duane Bobick who was fighting for the Navy at that time. I was upset that the Corps wouldn't let me try out, so I jumped in the ring with Staff Sergeant Percy Price. Staff Sergeant Percy Price was one of the biggest, strongest, fighters I ever knew. He once knocked out Cassius Clay. After the first round with him, he knocked me out too.
My last duty station consisted of three years at Subic Bay in the Philippine Islands. These years brought adventure, excitement, and pure joy. I loved the Philippines. During this tour of duty, I was honored to have been chosen to be in charge of the detail that lowered the U.S. flag at the American Embassy signifying the very last day of the 99 year lease the US had on those islands and that they were now officially independent. I was also the Operations Officer/Security Officer for the refugee camp called "Camp Grandy" for the Vietnamese Refugees fleeing from a fallen Vietnam. I had 30 Marines and two horses to secure over 10,000 refugees. This was the most successful refugee camp of all the refugee camps established at that time.
After being asked to write action scenes, dialog and any other ideas I had about a movie that would be filmed in the Philippines, I ended up as the Military Technical Adviser/Stunt double and writer for the movie "High Velocity" starring Ben Gazzara, Paul Winfield, Britt Ekland, Victoria Racimo, Alejandro Rey, and Keenan Wynn. I was also on TV as one of the first Marlboro Men.
As a result of this movie, I was given the opportunity to be the Military Technical Adviser for the movie "Apocalypse Now" but I refused. After reading this script I realized that it was far from any truth about the Vietnam War. I later found out that the whole thing was based on a book written about a crazy missionary in Africa. Francis Ford Coppola and I did not agree and I told him so. There were scenes where American Naval personnel in the "Brown Water Navy" in Vietnam would clean a machine gun then try it out, killing children who were playing along the shore. Other scenes showed Marines passing pot around while watching a USO show. I sent the script to the states and as a result there were no service men allowed to be used as extras in that movie. President Marcos allowed them to use the Philippine Air Force but by that time Francis Ford's movie had cost him so much he went bankrupt. I also had the opportunity to be in the movie "MacArthur" but my schedule would not allow me to do it.
In 1975, I watched a movie called "Jeremiah Johnson" and I knew what I wanted to do. The Vietnamese War was over, President Carter had just allowed all the war protesting draft  dodgers who had fled to Canada and other parts of the world, complete amnesty, and I was to be sent to Washington, DC as my next duty station. This was enough for me. All I wanted to do was head for Montana and get as far away from civilization as possible. I wanted to simply live like that Mountain Man I saw in that famous movie and raise horses. I resigned my commission three times before the Commandant of the Marine Corps paid a visit to the Philippines. After I explained my desires to him, he relented and told me that If I would add one sentence to my letter, it would be considered. The sentence was that I would remain a Reserve Officer in the Corps. After he left I resubmitted my letter with that sentence, it was approved. In 1976, I was discharged from the Regular Marine Corps and sent back to the states.
In 1987, I finally was discharged from the Marine Corps as a Captain that I will always be Once a Marine, always a Marine.
DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN COMBAT OPERATIONS? IF SO, COULD YOU DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE SIGNIFICANT TO YOU?
"How do we fight these Marines? They never run and they never smile."
In 1965, I was a member of the S-2 Scouts or the Combat Intelligence unit of the Second Battalion Fourth Marines. Being part Black Foot Indian on my Father's side, I was very proud to have been chosen to be a Scout / Pathfinder. After we landed at Chu Lai, Vietnam, we established our command post on the west or, jungle side of Route One. Our Battalion tactical area of responsibility, TAOR, encompassed the entire area where the air strip was being constructed plus several clicks of jungle west of Route One. During the first few weeks I went on several patrols.
On those patrols we ran across several VC, we were in a few firefights, and were shot at from time to time. We learned many lessons about scouting and patrolling. An example of lessons learned was that when we would come in to our areas after a patrol, the first man would step out and count each member of the team crossing the wire. If there were more than expected, the last man or men would be shot. The VC sometimes would tag on to the rear of returning Marines and sneak their way through the wire. This happened to other Marine patrols from the different units but never to the Scouts.
Other lessons learned taught us to be extra cautious about setting off claymore mines we had set on the perimeter. Sometimes VC would turn them around, make noises on the wire and the unsuspecting Marines would set the claymore off only this time the deadly part of the mine would be facing the Marines position.
I once watched a Chu Hoi, turn coat VC, put on a demonstration by crawling under tangle foot and concertina wire which was considered impossible to do. Tangle foot was a maze of barbed wire set only inches from the ground that covered several feet in all directions. You couldn't get over it and crawling under it was next to impossible. He did this in record time wearing very little clothing. He then went through triple strand concertina wire as if it weren't there. I knew we were in serious trouble.............
Read More of Capt Darrow's Combat Memories.....
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE CAREER WHAT PARTICULAR MEMORY STANDS OUT?
I believe that when Colonel J.R."Bull" Fisher promoted me to Corporal on that rainy day in Vietnam I'll never forget and always cherish. I've already addressed how this occurred in the previous question.
WERE ANY OF THE MEDALS OR AWARDS YOU RECEIVED FOR VALOR? IF YES, COULD YOU DESCRIBE HOW THIS WAS EARNED?
 In the question about combat operations I addressed the fact that I won a Bronze Star for capturing several VC. I also was awarded a Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star Individual Citation for saving the life of a Vietnamese Major during a VC mortar attack. He had decided to get down in the middle of a rice paddy when the mortars started dropping. I simply picked him up and deposited him on the other side of a rice paddy dike out of harm's way.
OF THE MEDALS, AWARDS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
In 1999 I returned to Vietnam with Evangelist Dave Roever. Coming out of the Chu Chi Tunnels gave me an award in my spirit that has allowed me to go on with life more abundantly and free of the past. This award wasn't in any form of medal or plaque or anything I had ever received but it was one placed in my heart for all time. I have placed a picture of me coming out of this tunnel that really says it all.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL PERSON FROM YOUR SERVICE STANDS OUT AS THE ONE WHO HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Colonel J.R. "Bull" Fisher was the individual that had the greatest impact on my life in the Corps. His leadership welded the Second Battalion Fourth Marines in Hawaii into a unit that was truly second to none. After he took command there was a different atmosphere that encompassed all of us, especially me.
I watched Colonel Fisher walk on top of a rice paddy dike where we all were crouched behind while the enemy gave us hell. He just kept giving orders and watching the course of battle unflinching and unafraid. I heard one Marine tell him to "Get Down Sir!" when machine gun fire hit close to him but he only smiled and kept on going.
Colonel Fisher took me under his wing from time to time and allowed me to be the Marine I had become. He was the Marine I most wanted to be like. He was truly a Marine's Marine.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE THAT WAS FUNNY AT THE TIME AND STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
One particular incident stands out in my memory that still makes me laugh when I think about it. In 1968 I was a Drill Instructor at Paris Island, SC. One early morning, just before chow, the Senior Drill Instructor and I were trying to teach our very new recruit  platoon how to properly line up. The new recruits were standing in their formation when the Senior began to command; "Dress Right Dress!" We had given them instructions to that point regarding what to do when they heard this command and they did this as well as brand new recruits could.
"Ready Front! Cover." He commanded. All the recruits simply put their arms down and looked at the Senior as if they didn't understand. No one moved. I was busy walking around in that formation trying to move recruits to their proper positions but they really didn't understand what "Cover" meant.
"Cover!" commanded the Senior once again. The recruits just stood there, not moving and not doing what they needed to do.
" COVER!" shouted the Senior once again. Still nothing.
The Senior took off his hat, threw it on the ground and hollered; "When I say COVER I want the front rank to stand still and the rest of you maggots to hide behind the man in front of you! COVER!"
At that command, the front rank didn't move and the rest of the hundred, or so, man platoon crouched down and did their best to hide behind the man in front of them.
I looked at the Senior and he looked at me and neither of us said anything. The Senior picked up his hat, put it back on his head and motioned for me to join him. Both of us turned and proceeded to walk back into the squadbay. When the door closed behind us we both started laughing. Neither of us could go back out to take charge of that platoon because every time we did we saw that platoon hiding in front of the first rank who just stood there.
The Series Gunnery Sergeant had to take over and marched these bewildered recruits to chow where we were finally able to join them after we stopped laughing.
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER THE SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB?
I know you didn't ask but what I really wanted to do was head to Montana, get as far away from civilization as possible, raise horses and be left alone. What I did do was stay in the Reserves, join the Jacksonville Police Department in Jacksonville, NC and become a  SWAT team leader & Sniper and later be in charge of the Special Operations Division of that department.
I worked there until 1987 when I was injured on the job with a back injury. Later I opened a store in Swansboro, NC called "Stem to Stern." This was a small nautical gift store where I sold ship models, ships bells and clocks and other nautical gift items. Swansboro, NC is a small coastal town not far from Camp LeJeune. I was also the President of the Swansboro Business Man's Association and President of the Chamber of Commerce.
I've also been involved in writing and performing songs at several different locations and occasions. I've performed at the Scottish Festival in Williamsburg, VA, several restaurants, museums, Civil War events, etc. I've also written movies, cut several albums including two children's albums called "The Legend of The Lone Star Bear" book one and two.
Currently I'm performing at the Ozark Cafe located in Jasper, AR. on the first Friday of every month.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Once I tried to join the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. I was told that Vietnam wasn't a war and that I wasn't qualified. After that I decided that joining an organization wasn't for me. I've always been somewhat of a loner anyway. I really don't like crowded rooms and I can't stand "Want To Bee's."
HOW HAS MILITARY SERVICE INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
The Marine Corps taught me that I could do anything I put my mind to. Because of lessons learned over several years of serving I have been able to succeed in every endeavor I've ever tried.
I'm very organized and keep everything in it's place. In other words I've  maintained a squared away attitude throughout my whole life.
I've even been able to obtain two college degrees. One in History and the other in International Studies from Campbell University. These degrees were obtained when I was in my 50s and I'm not through. I even received a letter from President Ronald Regan upon finishing my degree work at Campbell.
I still sing, perform and write and have every intention to continue.
In 1997 I was diagnosed with PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For several years I attended a group at the VA hospital in Hampton, VA, called "Here and Now." What we mostly discussed was the way we were coping with the present day.
They wanted to know about "you." I said that if they wanted to know about me they would know about Jesus because I was in Him and He was in me.
Most of those attending were not Christians and some were even offended about some of my comments about Jesus and what Jesus was doing in my life. I would tell them that I used to rely on myself but not now. Now I relied on the Lord first.
Within a couple of years that group of veterans were all on fire for Jesus and that's all they talked about. This was the only PTSD group of veterans that had their own Navy Chaplain assigned to them.
I told them that I was a Born Again Marine. Dr. Miller, the attending psychiatrist, said, "Yes and Tougher than Hell!" I liked that and still do. I guess you could sum me up with this title. "Born again Marine. Tougher than Hell!"
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR THOSE THAT ARE STILL SERVING?
 Shoot straight and tell the truth!
Live each day with courage.
Take pride in your work..
Always finish what you start.
Do what has to be done.
Be tough, but fair.
When you make a promise, keep it.
Talk less and say more.
Remember that some things aren't for sale.
Know where to draw the line.
Always be Faithful to God, your family, the United States of America, and to the Corps
God Bless All of You and Semper Fi!
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU MAINTAIN A BOND WITH YOUR SERVICE AND THOSE YOU SERVED WITH?
 You have just said it. Togetherweserved.com has allowed me to be contacted by lots of Marines I had the honor to have served with. Through this last invite by Billy Hillhouse, I've written an account of things that I experienced in combat that I haven't talked about in 45 years. This was a very healthy outlet. Thanks.
I've also started to write again. For awhile now I haven't done much in the way of writing but now, because of TWS I'm back at it and feel great about it. I've still got a lot to do and I haven't even started. God Bless all and Semper Fi!
| |
|
Share this Voices on:
 |
|
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.
This edition of Marines Voices was supported by:
Marines.Togetherweserved.com
Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful. It's more than a motto. It's a way of life. TogetherWeServed.com is a unique, feature-rich resource helping Marines stay faithful to the Brotherhood of the Corps. This is a place where Marines can re-connect with lost Brothers, share memories and tell their Marine story.
To join Marines.Togetherweserved.com, please click HERE.
|
|
I attended Peekskill Military Academy in NY and was further schooled at home with Calvert School. I graduated from High School from Belvidere, NJ. 
Sergeant Casteel, our senior drill instructor, ran across the field and told Sergeant Smith to 'Get em back in the barn!' Everything stopped and soon we were standing at attention in front of our racks. We never had a radio or television during those days so we were virtually cut off from the outside world. Sergeant Casteel, Sergeant Smith and Sergeant Sutis, our Drill Instructor team, all came in to the squad bay, stood at the table and placed a small radio on it. Then Sergeant Casteel turned it on and we all listened to an announcement that I didn't believe. 
"Congratulations Marine!" said Colonel Fisher. I thanked him, did an about face and left the tent back into the rain. Lance Corporal Don Johnson was waiting for me outside the tent so I motioned for him to take the paper from my teeth and told him to read what the Colonel wrote. I thought it was extra orders for our next patrol. Then Don began to read: From the Commanding Officer, to me, Ref: (a) NCO 1416.1D you are appointed a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps etc. I had just received the highest honor of my career. That little piece of paper meant more to me than any certificate, promotion, or commission I would ever receive. I was truly a "Magnificent Bastard" as Colonel Fisher used to call the Marines of 2/4. He nicknamed us that right after he took command in Hawaii. 
The Sergeant Major then instructed me to go to the tailor, who was located next to our barracks, and have those stripes put on my uniform. He also told me that they were to outfit me with NCO dress blues. I was also informed that my new duty station was to be right there at the Navy Yard and that I would probably serve the rest of my enlistment there.
Vietnam was getting worse as more and more service men were being killed and wounded. Because of the casualty rate, I was re-assigned once again. For the rest of the time I spent at the Navy Yard I was an escort for fallen Marines. My job was to insure that these Marines would receive a Military funeral and that their next of kin receive as much help as I could give them. These escorts lasted from several days to several weeks depending on the situation and locations. I traveled by hearse, train, and jet from Maine to Puerto Rico and states in between. I had over 27 escorts, each one with their own story. This was the saddest and most honored time I spent in the Corps. 
D.I. school brought more challenges, but I graduated and went on to be a Drill Instructor at Third Battalion, Parris Island, SC. About 18 months later, I won the ADI or Assistant Drill Instructor award and was promoted to Meritorious Staff Sergeant. At that same time, I had applied for the Enlisted Officer's Commissioning Program. I failed all my boards because I would answer the questions as a Marine and not as a future officer.
I was accepted to OCS and received my Mameluke sword from all the men in my Officer's Candidate School at graduation. My first duty station as a Second Lieutenant was "B" Company 3rd Recon Battalion. They were on their way back from Vietnam to Okinawa where I joined them. When the CO of the company shipped out, I was chosen to take his place. This was a great honor that I cherished for the next 18 months. I was the most junior Company Commander in the Corps. 
My Captain's promotion was next and a new billet. I was assigned as the XO of HQ Co. at Camp Lejeune where I remained until 1972. During this time I started the boxing team that made it to the Olympics. One of the boxers in that team was Leon Spinks who I had promoted to Corporal. I also wanted to box, but the Marine Corps would not let an officer box so I missed my chance to knock out Duane Bobick who was fighting for the Navy at that time. I was upset that the Corps wouldn't let me try out, so I jumped in the ring with Staff Sergeant Percy Price. Staff Sergeant Percy Price was one of the biggest, strongest, fighters I ever knew. He once knocked out Cassius Clay. After the first round with him, he knocked me out too.
dodgers who had fled to Canada and other parts of the world, complete amnesty, and I was to be sent to Washington, DC as my next duty station. This was enough for me. All I wanted to do was head for Montana and get as far away from civilization as possible. I wanted to simply live like that Mountain Man I saw in that famous movie and raise horses. I resigned my commission three times before the Commandant of the Marine Corps paid a visit to the Philippines. After I explained my desires to him, he relented and told me that If I would add one sentence to my letter, it would be considered. The sentence was that I would remain a Reserve Officer in the Corps. After he left I resubmitted my letter with that sentence, it was approved. In 1976, I was discharged from the Regular Marine Corps and sent back to the states.
In the question about combat operations I addressed the fact that I won a Bronze Star for capturing several VC. I also was awarded a Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star Individual Citation for saving the life of a Vietnamese Major during a VC mortar attack. He had decided to get down in the middle of a rice paddy when the mortars started dropping. I simply picked him up and deposited him on the other side of a rice paddy dike out of harm's way.
platoon how to properly line up. The new recruits were standing in their formation when the Senior began to command; "Dress Right Dress!" We had given them instructions to that point regarding what to do when they heard this command and they did this as well as brand new recruits could.
SWAT team leader & Sniper and later be in charge of the Special Operations Division of that department. 
maintained a squared away attitude throughout my whole life. 
Shoot straight and tell the truth! 
You have just said it. Togetherweserved.com has allowed me to be contacted by lots of Marines I had the honor to have served with. Through this last invite by Billy Hillhouse, I've written an account of things that I experienced in combat that I haven't talked about in 45 years. This was a very healthy outlet. Thanks. 
