Marine Corps Magic

© 2013 by Sgt. Gary Haun (USMC, Retired). All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/14/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-1208-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-1207-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-1206-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013901687

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Contents

Dedication

Introduction

Courage

The Marine Corps Hymn

Discipline

History of the Marine Corps Emblem

Responsibility

Flying With Angels: Locked, Cocked, and Ready to Rock: The Magic of the Marine Corps Crew of the Blue Angels Fat Albert Airlines

The Marines Prayer

Determination

Military Phonetic Alphabet

Teamwork

The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon

Enthusiasm

The United States Marine Corps Band: The President’s Own

Dependability

The Marine NCO Creed

The Marine Corps Noncommissioned Officer

Confidence

Marine Corps Facts

Unselfishness

Code of Conduct

Marine Corps War Memorial

Iwo Jima Memorial

Commitment

Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment

Integrity

Marine Corps Mascot

Industriousness

Marine Corps General Orders for Sentries

Decisiveness

Marine One

Honor

Marine Corps Mottos, Phrases, Sayings, and Slogans

Initiative

Military Time

Perseverance

Marine Corps Conflicts

Why Do People Join the Marine Corps?

The Frozen Hell That Was the Chosin Reservoir

Loyalty

Important Dates in Marine Corps History

The China Marine

What is a China Marine?

Once A Marine, Always A Marine

A Marine’s Individual Equipment

Legendary Marines

Celebrities Who Were in the Marines

Movies about Marines

Marine Corps Terminology, Slang, and Acronyms

Recommended Reading

Sources and Acknowledgements

About the Author

About the Author’s Other Books

DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions stated in this book are solely those of the author. This book has not been approved or authorized by the United States Marine Corps.

In accordance with Marine Corps Order 5030.3B dated 15AUG97, the following safe harbor disclaimer is being provided as notice to you regarding the contents of this book.

Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this book.

The official website of the United States Marine Corps can be found at http://www.marines.mil

The official website for Recruiting for the United States Marine Corps can be found at http://www.marines.com

Front cover photo by Renee Reynolds

Dedication

In memory of

PFC Daniel Coleman, USMC

(1949-1969)

This book is dedicated to a good friend, and a good Marine.

Danny grew up a few blocks down the street from where I lived. I remember when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He possessed all the values and principles I talk about in this book.

Daniel Coleman

Private First Class

United States Marine Corp

2nd Platoon

G Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment

1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force

Killed in Action on February 24, 1969

You can find Danny’s name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (called The Wall) in Washington, D.C., at Panel 31W, Line 033.

I remember when Danny came home from Marine Corps boot camp. He was very proud to be a Marine. When Danny was in Vietnam, he would write and tell us about what he was doing.

On February 24, 1969 Danny was on patrol with his unit (G Company, 2/1). The company was on patrol near the area of Cam Sa I and Cam Sa II—two fishing villages located to the southeast of the battalion’s combat base. On the southern border of this area is a river shaped like a horseshoe. The Marines knew this area well, and knew they should always expect some encounter with the enemy when moving through this territory.

The Marines moved through the village and closer toward the river. This area was like a desert. It was sandy and pretty flat so the Marines could spot enemy activity rather easily from here. However, on the other side of the river was dense jungle. Needless to say, the enemy could hide in the jungle and attack the Marines when they came into firing range.

The Marines in Danny’s unit used tactics that suited this environment. They would have one squad from the platoon cross the river and follow behind the company. In this way, if the platoon was fired upon, the squad could engage the enemy from a better position. If the platoon started to receive enemy fire, another squad (with more firepower) would cross the river to support the other squad, who would then supplement the firepower by using their M79 grenade launcher (known as the blooper for the distinctive sound it made) and an additional M60 machinegun.

The first squad that crossed the river started taking enemy fire. The second squad that had crossed the river immediately started firing the grenade launchers and machineguns. Almost immediately after the enemy started shooting, the squad radioed the other Marines that they had one Marine KIA (Killed in Action) and three WIA (Wounded in Action), and they needed an immediate Medevac. A Medevac (MEDical EVACuation) helicopter and supporting gunship helicopters were soon on the way to the battle.

At this time, the enemy gunfire had slowed down but the Marines could tell these were well-placed shots from snipers who were on the other side of the river in the thick jungle and had the whole company of Marines pinned down.

After the radio call was initially made to request a Medevac helicopter, the snipers wounded three more Marines. The Medevac helicopter arrived along with its gunship escorts. The gunships made a pass over the tree line of the jungle on the other side of the river. They began firing on the area from where the enemy gunfire was thought to be coming. The gunships fired their 2.75 mm rockets and their machineguns.

As soon as the Medevac helicopter landed, the Marines were fired upon again by the enemy. So, once again, the gunships started to make other passes over the jungle. The Medevac helicopter was finally able to load up the wounded Marines.

Danny was killed in the first moments of the attack. He was in the squad that had crossed the river. A sniper had shot at one of the M60 assistant machinegunners (called an A-gunner). One of the sniper’s bullets wounded one of the A-gunners, and the bullet kept moving through, exiting the A-gunner’s body and striking Danny in the heart.

It was rumored that there were two female snipers who were shooting at the Marines on the day Danny was killed. One of the female snipers was nicknamed the Apache for her skills and expertise in sniper techniques.

It has been reported that the legendary Marine Corps sniper Carlos Hathcock went on a countersniper mission to kill the Apache. Hathcock killed the Apache near the same area in which Danny was killed. Later in the same year, Danny’s company found a buried Russian sniper rifle in the village.

I remember the day that Danny was buried. It was a sad day, and most of the people from our neighborhood attended the funeral. It was very much like losing a family member. Danny was buried in his Dress Blues and received full military honors.

On every Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Marine Corps Birthday, I go out to visit Danny’s grave. He was only 19 years old when he was killed. While his life was short, his memory will live on forever in those who knew him.

And also in memory of . . .

PFC Thomas Tommy Glawe, USMC

(1948-1966)

Like Danny Coleman, Tommy lived a few blocks away from where I lived. We went to the same school, and we played ball together when we were kids. It doesn’t surprise me that Tommy didn’t give up during the battle of Hill 488. That’s how he was. I suppose that’s how I learned the value of never giving up and what the term serving your country really means.

Thomas Duane Glawe

Private First Class

United States Marine Corps

1st Platoon

C Company, 1st Recon Battalion

1st Marine Division

Killed in Action on June 16, 1966

You can find Tommy’s name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 08E, Line 052

I always remember Tommy as joking around and smiling a lot. He was a few years older than me, and he would always stick up for us if some other kid tried to push us around. Tommy (like Danny Coleman and me) joined the Marine Corps when we were 17. And like Danny and me, Tommy was very proud to be a United States Marine. He will not be forgotten.

Tommy was one of six 1st Recon Marines that would pay the ultimate sacrifice of Hill 488 in Vietnam. The battle for Hill 488 (Nui Vu) involved a full battalion of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). There were only 18 Marines (1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Recon Battalion) on the Hill. The platoon was led by SSgt. Jimmie Earl Howard. The Marines had established an Observation Post (OP) on top of the Hill in order to observe, identify, and prosecute NVA and Viet Cong (VC) forces operating in the area west of Chu Lai. From their position, the Marines could call in air strikes on the enemy.

The NVA began their assault on Hill 488 in the late afternoon and continued throughout the night. The Marines received support from Marine and Air Force helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. The Marines were able to hold the position until the next morning. At that time, Marines of Charlie 1/5 were airlifted to the other side of the Hill and relieved the Recon Marines.

Of the 18 men in the Recon platoon, six were killed and 12 were wounded. SSgt. Jimmie Earl Howard would receive the Medal of Honor for his actions on Hill 488. There were also four Navy Crosses and 13 Silver Stars awarded.

Tommy Glawe was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. His Silver Star citation letter read:

Awarded Posthumously for Actions during the Vietnam War.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thomas D. Glawe, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam.

On 16 June 1966, PFC Glawe, serving as a scout and 17 other members of the 1st Platoon were occupying an observation post on Hill 488, deep in enemy-controlled territory. During the early morning hours, a ferocious assault was launched against their position by an estimated North Vietnamese battalion. Courageously manning his assigned post, PFC Glawe braved the intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire and returned accurate fire, inflicting casualties on the advancing foe. The gallant members of the 1st Platoon stopped the assault of the enemy. Carefully conserving his dwindling supply of ammunition, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire in order that he could better control the adjustment areas of the small defensive perimeter caused by the rapidly mounting casualties. PFC Glawe shouted encouragement to his beleaguered friends and staunchly refused to give up an inch of ground in the face of overwhelming odds until he fell mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

I would think that both Danny and Tommy would also want me to dedicate this book to ALL Marines, both past and present. Semper Fi.

PFC Daniel Danny Coleman

1949-1969

My friend Danny Coleman was killed in Vietnam in 1969.

I put a flag on his grave on Veterans Day, Memorial Day,

and on November 10 (Marine Corps Birthday).

While I always knew that one day I would become a Marine, there is no doubt that Danny influenced my decision to join the Corps.

He had all the qualities of a good Marine—courage,

confidence, and determination.

After Danny’s death, I knew it would be very difficult to get my parents to sign for me to join the Marine Corps (I needed parental permission because I was only 17 years old). However, they knew it was

what I wanted to do.

Introduction

This book is about the principles I learned while serving in the United States Marine Corps. These principles have helped me in all areas of my life—especially in dealing with challenges or difficulties.

As a blind person, I have had to deal with limitations and overcome obstacles. My Marine Corps training has helped me to do this.

The purpose of this book is how YOU can apply these principles to your life and help you with just about any adversity you face. You don’t have to be a Marine to use these principles to help you. You only need to be willing to try. If you are seeking self-improvement, or if you need help in facing adversity, this is the book for you.

While I am especially proud to be a Marine, I am equally as proud of ALL our men and women in ANY of the Armed Forces. Their courage and commitment are part of what makes America a great country. We should all honor their service and sacrifices that they and their families make to defend our nation.

(Author’s note: I apologize for any errors or inaccuracies in this book. I have tried to research it to the best of my ability but I am aware that with all the information I have listed there could be some mistakes. I am aware that there have been many changes in the Corps since my days on active duty. The Marines have changed in technology and policy as reflected in the modern-day Marine Corps. Weapons, uniforms, training, updated policies and procedures have been introduced as necessary.

I also apologize for any personal information errors. Some of the people I talk about have passed away since I first started writing the book and I have tried to enter any changes as I have become aware of them.

What has not changed in the Marine Corps is the emphasis on the values and principles I talk about in this book.)

The Marines have landed and the situation is well in hand.

This quote is attributed to many different sources but it was popularized by the correspondent Richard Harding Davis (1864-1916).

"My only answer as to why the Marines get the toughest jobs is because the average Leatherneck is a much better fighter. He has far more guts, more courage and better officers . . . These boys out there have a pride in the Marine Corps and will fight to the end no matter what the cost."

—2nd Lt. Richard C. Kennard, Peleliu, WWII

With the exception of the birth of my son, the proudest moment in my life was when I earned the right to wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, and the title of MARINE.

This photo was taken at the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) located at the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Memphis, Tennessee, which is where I received my aviation training.

While I was at NAS Memphis, I was a member of both the Marine Aviation Training Support Group 90 Rifle Drill Team and later the MATSG 90 Drum and Bugle Corps.

Courage

Courage is one of the values that defines what the Marine Corps is all about.

We know, of course, that one form of courage is bravery in combat. Battlefield courage is something that cannot be taught. While the Marines can provide you with the skills to survive in battle, it is up to the individual Marine to have the courage to face the danger of whatever the mission might be. While the Marine Corps can instill the building blocks of courage, it is up to the individual Marine to use those building blocks to develop their own inner strength so the courage inside them will be there when they need it.

Personally, I have never met a timid Marine. By their very nature, Marines are bold. They are often sent into difficult and dangerous situations. They accept these conditions as part of the job. In that respect, I suppose we can say that Marines have to be courageous just by being a Marine because there is no doubt that courage under fire is a requirement for success in combat.

The initial decision to become a Marine takes a certain amount of courage in and of itself. Marine Corps Recruit training (boot camp) is the most demanding of all the Armed Forces. Boot camp will push the individual to their physical and mental limits. The training is difficult, tough, and challenging. Because there are many who cannot pass the physical or aptitude tests, not everyone can be a Marine.

Upon successful completion of boot camp, a Marine graduates to combat training. All Marines, no matter what their duty status, are trained as combat infantry, which is one of the myriad reasons the Marine Corps is so unique and different from the other Armed Forces.

It takes courage to knowingly volunteer for such challenging training. A person must have intestinal fortitude to endure the hardships of the physical and mental conditioning that is required to become a Marine.

The Marines have fought in every war in which the United States has participated, showing courage in every battle they have faced. They have never surrendered or given up. As it says in one of the verses of the Marine Corps Hymn:

"Here’s health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we’ve fought for life

And never lost our nerve."

I could fill an entire book with stories of Marines who were awarded medals for their courageous actions on the battlefield. The exploits of these legendary men and women are taught in history classes at Marine Corps Recruit training, with the purpose of instilling and reinforcing the principle of courage.

There are certain Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) jobs (e.g., the infantry, armor [tanks], artillery) that require courage. Certainly, courage is also needed for anyone who performs Search and Rescue, who often have to fly in bad weather. Rescue swimmers must be able to jump into a very rough sea of freezing water. Some units fly into hostile territory where they may encounter enemy gunfire, putting their own lives in danger to save others.

The Marine Corps instills courage by teaching a person how to deal with dangerous situations. Such training helps them know how to confront fear and deal with it during a stressful situation. For example, boot camp teaches a recruit how to confront self-doubt which, in turn, improves self-confidence. The rigorous training teaches them how to confront and deal with pain, one of the building blocks of courage. The inner-strength needed for courage comes from having confidence within yourself. Courageous people overcome fear when required to do so. They may still be afraid but something inside overcomes the fear factor so that they can do what needs to be done at any given moment.

It takes courage to defend someone else. So, in a matter of speaking, anyone who volunteers for the Armed Forces shows courage. They know exactly what they are signing up to do and by doing so, they are saying they are willing to defend others, even though they could possibly lose their own life.

So what does this mean to you? Well, there are many types of courage. Every day there are people who must overcome physical pain; or illness, injury, or disease. Unfortunately, there are many who must also have the courage to overcome hardships such as poverty or an abusive relationship. There are others who must have the courage to overcome mental or emotional difficulties (e.g., like depression caused by the death of a loved one, a divorce, or losing their job)—all of which take courage to handle.

One does not need to look too far to find courageous people. I often think of the first responders on 9/11 and the attack on the World Trade Center. Many of the police and firefighters who went into those burning buildings were well aware of the danger. In their attempt to save the lives of others, many of them lost their own lives. It takes a special type of person to enter a burning building, and courage is definitely required.

There were many acts of courage on 9/11, one of the most heroic being from the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, who fought in an effort to take control of the plane that had been hijacked by terrorists. Sadly, the terrorists crashed the plane in Shanksvile, Pennsylvania, nonetheless.

I just heard about the shooting in Tucson, Arizona (at this writing: January 8, 2011) in which U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot. 20 people were injured and six of them killed. Among those killed were a nine-year-old girl and a Federal judge.

While I was saddened by this terrible attack, I couldn’t help but take note of the courage shown by some of the people who were there.

For example, someone from the crowd hit the assailant on the back of the head with a folding chair. Keep in mind that the gunman, who had been firing at point-blank range, still had the weapon in-hand. Then, Retired Colonel Bill Badger (who had also been shot) helped to take the gunman down on the ground and restrain him.

While on the ground, the gunman tried to reload his pistol with another magazine. Patricia Maisch, who had been in the crowd, quickly grabbed the magazine and was able to keep the assailant from reloading the gun. There were many other courageous bystanders in the crowd that day. Roger Sulzgeber and Joseph Zamudio helped to restrain the gunman until the police arrived. These were all acts of courage.

It took a lot of courage for these people to react as they did right after a man had just shot 20 people. They put their own lives in danger to save the lives of others. This is what courage is. These people certainly did not plan to be brave that day—the circumstances of the day brought out their bravery. They undoubtedly never thought of themselves as courageous people. However, courage was inside each and every one of them; it was there when they needed it. Mark Twain once said, Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting in spite of it.

Of course, it takes courage to try new things in life. For some people, things like taking on a new job or travelling to a foreign destination takes a certain amount of courage. Children oftentimes need courage when going to a new school or maybe the first time they have to give a speech in front of the class. Courage comes in many different forms.

I would never be so arrogant as to say I had a lot of courage to deal with some of the challenges I have had to face in my life. For me, it was a matter of attitude. I have always felt that having a positive attitude will help in dealing with just about any situation. I don’t really think it was courage that helped me go skydiving or scuba diving with sharks. I just know that these activities were something I wanted to do and that I would have felt bad if I hadn’t at least tried to do them. The Marines taught me how to not be afraid, which has helped me so much in life. I am more afraid of NOT doing something than I am of facing and overcoming my fear of doing it!

There are many people who fight battles of every kind, every day. It might be with a physical handicap such as blindness or deafness; or maybe a battle with cancer, diabetes, or depression. An individual might be in a battle with a family member or a fellow employee, both of which are obviously not battles fought with rifles, cannons, or tanks, but they are indeed very real battles nonetheless. Having courage might not demand physical strength, but it most certainly requires a certain type of strength found in the human spirit.

When I was in the Blind Rehabilitation Center at the Veterans Hospital, I was aware of the other veterans who had far different disabilities: Some were blind; others were amputees (having lost an arm or a leg or, in some cases, both arms and legs); while others had severe head trauma injuries.

It seemed everyone in the hospital had lost something—except their courage to carry on. They had decided not to give up on life. Although many had medals for bravery, this type of courage did not have anything to do with being a hero; rather, it was an inner courage that was required to face the challenges and difficulties of their disabilities.

I never have to look too far to find examples of courage that helps to inspire me. My good friend, Gary Shirley, and I joined the Marine Corps together in 1970. We were both still in high school. We were both also on the ROTC color guard and rifle drill team. Gary was my squad leader in boot camp; we also went to Infantry Combat Training together. Gary is a great person, and I am lucky to know him.

Many years ago, Gary began to have problems with his heart. I knew his relatives had heart trouble but never thought it would affect him. His heart operates at only a fraction of what it should. However, I have never heard him complain about it. I am sure he would never call this courageous but to me it is truly an example of showing courage when facing a difficulty, which has inspired me to never complain about any obstacle I face in my own life.

As I said, there are many different types of courage: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and moral, to name but a few. It would be nice to think that most of us would have the courage to do what’s right or to face the consequences for standing up for what we believe.

None of us know how we will react when facing danger unless we have been faced with danger at least once during our lives. I think we all hope we would have the courage to help someone who was in danger.

Sometimes people must have courage to stand up for what’s right. They must do this even though they might have to face criticism or even physical violence. While this is a different form of courage than that required in the battlefield, it surely takes bravery and fortitude to face any kind of opposition. One must have an enormous amount of inner-strength to stand up for what they know is the right thing to do.

You don’t have to be a Marine to know that life can oftentimes be challenging. We all must face difficulties, challenges, and problems as they come into our lives. No doubt, some people have more battles to fight than others.

I know that the parents of a child who is very ill or disabled must have an incredible amount of courage—a courage that comes from an inner-strength that is pulled and held together by faith and hope.

This will be the bloodiest fight in Marine Corps history. We’ll catch seven kinds of hell on the beaches and that will be just the beginning. The fighting will be fierce and the casualties will be many but my Marines will take the damned island.

—Lt. Gen. Holland M. Howlin’ Mad Smith,

USMC, on the upcoming attack on Iwo Jima.

The Marine Corps Hymn

From the Halls of Montezuma,

To the shores of Tripoli;

We fight our country’s battles

In the air, on land and sea.

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title of

United States Marines.

Our flag’s unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun;