Long, long ago, in a place far, far away called California, I had the honor of commanding some fine young Marines in the First Platoon, Bravo Co., First Tank Battalion, First Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. Like me, some passed thru the Marine Corps briefly, others made it a lifetime vocation. Life as a Marine just after Vietnam was a difficult adjustment and the civilians were not as warm as they are now, but I think that made us closer as a unit. Ultimately we knew we were Marines and Americans and were satisfied with that.
Good times with great men. I will always know I owe a great debt to the senior staff NCOs who kept the Corps running and kept me out of jail. Happy Birthday to Marines all over the World!
