"
And they discuss international politics, and the menace of the moment, and their neighbor's wife with equal freedom and gusto."
It's
no secret that I'm "into" Marine Corps stuff. I read Guadalcanal
Diary as a precocious ten year old. Now it's thick scholarly volumes on
Corps history. I've found enough seemingly impossible heroic stories,
personal inspiration, and lessons in how to learn and train, to last a
lifetime. When it comes to learning modern history, or setting
personal goals - you could do worse. Ooh-rah.
Now, this
affection of mine will sometimes peek out discreetly from my
attire. Or sometimes not so discretely, but still, it's just a
tee-shirt. A couple items might come out at Christmas
(toy soldiers look spiffy in those dress blues!). And I get a
catalog from a shop that carries nothing but Marine Corps merchandise,
for actives, vets, families, and the occasional enthusiast like me.
Looking through this catalog, I see oddities that not even the most
rabid college sports fan would have their team logo on - and I'm
including Buckeyes and Gamecocks here!
Sgt Grit's GRUNT.COM - "
If We Don't Have It, Chesty Wouldn't Want It!"
[Please do read to the end for a brief bit on Chesty Puller!]
Got a party coming up? Semper F-ice!
Marine Corps Ice Cube TraysI betcha didn't know that there's a Leatherneck Tartan. It's regulation for this "
sport kilt".
[p.s. there's a digital MARPAT (that's newfangled camo, civvie!) print also]
Does your Buick lack that certain... kick-butt-i-ness? Bolt on this solid brass
hood ornament!
Mardi Gras just ended, so stock up now for next year. Get those ladies to stand at "attention" with these
USMC flag beads!
Show your snack foods who the DI is in your kitchen. Lock those chips snug in their bunk with this
Marine Power Clip.
Under attack from diabetic zombies? We got your perimeter covered, with
chocolate ammo!
And, my all-time favorite item, presented completely without comment...
"
LEATHERNECK WIPES - Can handle your toughest job"
---
As promised:
Lt.
Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller was a short barrel-chested man.
With a big square jaw, he looked every bit like the Corps' bulldog
mascot, with a bark to match. As a young enlisted man he was sent
as an advisor to Haiti and Nicaragua where he was given local
commisions and put in command of much larger units than he would ever
have seen in the States. He eventually became a 'mustang' officer
and was ready to serve as a colonel and general just when his nation
needed him most, in the Pacific Isles and in Korea. He's the only
person to win the Navy Cross five times.
His combat
stories are the stuff of legend, even after piercing the myths around
this character. The most telling thing I can say about the man is
to relate a story from well away from the combat field. Puller
was involved with his local community whenever he could be.
"In
1958, he and Virginia attended a panel discussion on teen behavior
hosted by the Parent-Teacher Association. When the experts had
talked themselves out, the moderator asked if anyone in the audience
wished to add anything. Puller jumped to his feet: "I certainly
do." As he launched into his favorite topic, he began walking up
and down the aisle, his drill field voice holding everyone's
attention. "I keep hearing and reading about the terrible
teenagers of today. Leave them alone. They don't need to be
downed or upheld. I am tired of hearing all this ballyhoo.
Every newspaper and magazine you pick up is full of it. Just
don't worry about the young boys of today. They don't need to be
coddled and they don't deserve to be condemned." After repeating
his view that the young Marines at the Chosin Reservoir were at least
the equal of the Revolutionary War soldiers at Valley Forge, he
concluded: "Leave your sons alone and let them grow up to be
men."
The last word boomed off the walls like a cannon shot. He sat
down and his hundred or so fellow citizens cheered and applauded."
[From Col Jon T. Hoffman's studious biography]
Good night Chesty, wherever you are.
