What is your favorite memory of all time while serving in the military?

2014-01-30T21:37:20-05:00

When you become that old and senile man/ woman and are only capable of telling people one veteran related story over and over and over, which one do you want it to be?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 9:56 PM

2014-01-30T21:56:37-05:00

Ive enlisted twice. The first time was in '89 as a 17 yr old PV1. While on bivouac, I actually used mosquito repellant instead of CLP to lubricate my M16. Granted, it was while doing this in the "half tents" we had at the time, with a red lens, and both bottles were OD Green with black writing. By morning the thing was TOTALLY rusted inside and out....actually pulled the charging handle back and it stuck in place...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 10:15 PM

2014-01-30T22:15:48-05:00

The time I was given a sticker for being engaged while picking up a crashed helicopter The time i was almost landed on at a FARP The time we pushed another battalions humvees from the parking spaces infront of our barracks into the middle of the road The time I rolled into a field site that had been recently occupied by protestors to find small disemboweled animals hanging from a tree The time......

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 12:30 AM

2014-01-31T00:30:34-05:00

Well as one of the old school codgers I am thankful for useful devices like Miracle Ears and Clappers to make being a senior citizen a bit more easy.   My War Story was being an observer of a tornado that was hitting Cabot, Arkansas.   I was asked by KARK-TV what I was seeing.   Lots of adrenaline and just plain crazy.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jun 1 at 2014 11:35 PM

2014-06-01T23:35:28-04:00

When I got to hug a Swedish SF dude
When I pinned my SGT stripes
When my brigade DCO bought me a shot at our brigade ball
Receiving a glass figurine of The Virgin Mary as a gift from a storekeeper in Baghdad

So many great memories :)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 1 at 2014 11:44 PM

2014-06-01T23:44:29-04:00

Location, Location. Location. Florida, Hawaii, Aleutians, West Virginia, London, DC, Diego Garcia. Trips to Germany, Singapore, Dubai!

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made Jun 2 at 2014 1:34 AM

2014-06-02T01:34:52-04:00

Hmm... I want to ramble on in that state of dementia about the times we rolled out to the neighborhoods in Baghdad and gave out toys, balls, clothes, food etc to the ppl, and I would set up an impromptu med clinic for sick call, help sick or wounded as best I could. Ty to my PA's and or DR that was easy to reach on comms to help diagnose and treat if it was out of my league. Made my service there matter and we made friends instead of enemies :).

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 2:48 AM

2014-06-02T02:48:32-04:00

That time I went to Corsica, France to train with the French Foreign Legion. Only to have one of my Soldiers get hurt during the training event and get evacuated to Toulon and me with him. Then spending 5 days in Toulon and the Hospital Sainte Marie over Memorial Day weekend. After he was flown to Landstuhl, getting a car and driving across France to Ste Mere Eglise to participate in the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. Also meeting a lot of really nice French people through out Toulon and France and then commenting about it on Rally Point.

Ohh wait, that's happening right now. Every moment in the Army can be a memory. You just have to make it.

Response by SSgt Michael Hacker made Jun 2 at 2014 10:34 AM

2014-06-02T10:34:43-04:00

I'd tell ya, but I'd have ta...

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 2 at 2014 11:02 AM

2014-06-02T11:02:48-04:00

Of all times...the day my daughter was born.

Having a little girl has made me very thankful for doing all those other 'Army' things because walking around with a pink bunny and baby doll does nothing toward my own since manliness.

Response by SSG Genaro Negrete made Jun 2 at 2014 11:21 AM

2014-06-02T11:21:02-04:00

As far as home station time; Training at the Northern Warfare Training Center in the middle of Alaska. Great instructors and the best learning environment for a military school I've come across to date. Seeing the same mountain side in the middle of a very green summer and a heave arctic winter was simply amazing.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 2 at 2014 12:30 PM

2014-06-02T12:30:04-04:00

Getting my O-4 and combat patch on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 24) 2005 in Iraq.

Bringing home 2 adopted Korean babies to their new US parents while coming home on leave.

Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made Jun 8 at 2014 5:40 AM

2014-06-08T05:40:22-04:00

EXCERSISING AND RUNNING AND RIDING BICYCLE ALL OVER OKINAWA FORM CAMP BUTLER/FOSTER TO CAMP SCHWAB AND BACK AND WORKING HARD AND BEING HAPPY BECAUSE OF THE ENDORPHINS AND ELATION I GOT FROM IT AND NOW I DO NOT EXCERCISE BUT I ABUSE CIGARETTES AND SODA AND WATER AND SOME FOOD TO GET THAT HIGH AGAIN

Response by SGT Jack Johnson made Aug 12 at 2014 4:58 PM

2014-08-12T16:58:14-04:00

I was a brand new PFC just arrived at Ft. Stewart, GA. One day, in 1978, I had left our electronics van without securing the classified material in it. When I remembered and got back to it, it was gone and the van secured. The next morning before formation my CW2 walked up to me while I was standing with others from my squad. He told me to hold out my hand and then placed a clear marble in it. He then departed. I asked the others what it was for and they told me I had to go talk to Chief about it. After formation I finally screwed up the courage and went into Chiefs office and reported to him. I asked him what it was for. He asked me if I knew I had screwed up, to which I replied, "Yes Sir!" and explained how I thought I had. He told me that the marble was a belly button windshield and the next time I had my head up my backside I could see where I was going and what I was doing. He was the first person of rank that did not yell at me or curse at me when he chewed me out. He taught me that you could get your point across with humor and visuals without being hard nosed. I learned both lessons well and used this tactic in my 7 year career and in my managerial positions over the years and this technique has served me well.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2014 10:14 PM

2014-08-14T22:14:33-04:00

Just a few

-The same day my 1ST son was born I also made points SGT.
-SGT/E-5 Board in Afghanistan conducted in a bunker due to multiple rocket attacks
-all the people you meet

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 15 at 2014 1:52 PM

2014-08-15T13:52:46-04:00

A chaplian from an artillery battilion wanted to see "the big show" so we took him out at 0 dark ugly to the impact area. Once we had dialed in the 155's we called in a TOT fire mission from not one but two 155mm battilions to a point about a half klick out. The chaplian bounced about a foot off the ground he then got up and jumped into the HUMVEE and we never saw him again. I think he called in his own fire mission in his BDU's.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Aug 17 at 2014 6:42 AM

2014-08-17T06:42:31-04:00

Going to Beale st in Memphis while stationed at Millington, TN and taking the ferry to Miyojima Island in Japan while stationed at Iwakuni tie for first.

My most memorable (not favorite) was attending my dads Marine funeral while in uniform. This Sgt cried like a baby when the Sgt presented me with the flag. Damn, Its getting to me even writing this.

Sgt Don J Flickinger, USMC Jan 9, 1934 - Jan 16, 2013. 29 Palms during Korea.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 18 at 2014 12:42 PM

2014-10-18T12:42:39-04:00

IM ALMOST THERE HEHEHEHEHEHEHE ROFLMAO...I was in the Los-Angeles Bus Terminal i had just graduated from MCRD Parris Island 4 days before i was waiting for my parents to pick me up when a man and his son (10) walked past me standing by the door the man said to his son looking at me that is a real marine and as they left my parents picked me up and i forgot about that until recently... I realize that that was the best compliment i ever received in my life,it brings tears to this old mans eyes...i always wanted to be a united states marine and it took me 2 times and 6 years to accomplish that..............

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Oct 18 at 2014 2:12 PM

2014-10-18T14:12:39-04:00

On my first Ship I received a letter addressed to, "Gene Treants, United States Navy."

Building in Pascagoula, MS, and Commissioning my last Ship, USS Anzio (CG-68) in Norfolk, VA. (This could be a book, not a short story)

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Oct 18 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-10-18T17:11:08-04:00

Homecoming after the very first deployment

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Oct 21 at 2014 10:17 AM

2014-10-21T10:17:31-04:00

Their are many great memories. The one that I get a kick out of telling over and over is this one. As part of FDC on one FTX in 1982 I had the pleasure of diving the commands jeep on an advance party move with the Battery Commander and 1SG on FT Carson.

The rain had been coming down for hours and the 1SG wanted to get us parked and set up to move the Battery in to it's new firing position. we started around 2030 looking for a new home. Around 1130 after we had to cross a creek (by this time a small river) and the jeep was being pushed sideways down the creek, it took everything the jeep and I had to get out of there to the other side. Once on the other side and solid ground we continued forward.

Out of nowhere I heard a swoosh and heard the sound of the commanders getting hit. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the flash of a hambone hand swooping from the back seat to the commanders head. Big Ben Howell 6'3 (or even bigger) the 1SG had smacked the commander upside the head and told him he had about 10 minutes to find the battery a home and get us parked or their would be more to follow. He did!!!!

Once we got back to garrison, the following week we didn't see the commander at all he would walk into his office shut the door and stay there all day. The BN CSM asked Big Ben what happened while we were in the field with a big smile on his face, as the BN Commander told his battle what occurred and that the commander learned a valuable lesson from all of it, your senior enlisted Soldier may have valuable insights if you are willing to listen or they will find other ways to get you to pay attention.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 2:31 PM

2014-10-21T14:31:28-04:00

My favorite memory is being promoted to CW4. I had been in the Army for 23 years at that point, and my family (parents, two brothers, sister) had not had much of an opportunity to see me "in" the Army. That promotion ceremony, attended by my mother, father, siblings, wife, and two daughters, is a top memory for me. My father passed away a few years later. I'm glad he got to see me in my element, being successful, etc.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 21 at 2014 2:35 PM

2014-10-21T14:35:36-04:00

In PLDC....another Infantry guy & me capturing the "OPFOR" member who had an M-60 and was harassing our perimeter and marching him back to the the Cadre with 100MPH tape over his mouth (he wouldn't shut up) and his M60 across his shoulders with his arms trussed & tied to it like an oxbow. Apparently, he was SUPPOSED to win. Nobody told us that until we were getting chewed out for it.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 21 at 2014 3:39 PM

2014-10-21T15:39:53-04:00

I wouldn't be me if I didn't say this. I act the way I do now so that when I DO go senile, nobody will be able to tell the difference. The only downside to that is I won't either.

I'd have to say that my favorite story would be when we were flying back home from Iraq. It was hot (naturally) in Iraq when we left, and we had made a stop in Canada. There was snow on the ground there. None of us had bothered to wear or bring any cold weather gear since we did not foresee the need to have it even though we were traveling in December. We should have. We were warned. But we didn't care.

We got off the plane into sub zero temperatures, and we LOVED IT! The flight commander had to tell us not to make snow angels.

Response by 1SG Jason Smith made May 28 at 2015 5:48 PM

2015-05-28T17:48:36-04:00

When I found out I made the 8 list and my BN CMDR at the time looked at me and said "The Army finally got it right" is my favorite personal memory. Bringing my entire platoon back alive from my first trip to Iraq and bringing my entire company home in one piece my second tour are tied for my favorite professional memory.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 6 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-08-06T14:25:16-04:00

1975, I was an ambulance driver at Ft Devens, a soldier was pinned down under a turned over 5 ton truck, when we got to him he was alive and pinned by his legs but smoking a join. We found out that his CO order that when came back that soldier better have a joint.

Response by SPC James Seigars made Aug 28 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-08-28T08:43:02-04:00

My all time favorite memory is a toss up between helping being down the Berlin Wall and helping free Iraq from Saddam & his sons.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Aug 28 at 2015 8:54 AM

2015-08-28T08:54:41-04:00

It would be the time we went to Greece for a live fire exercise. I remember I was the lowest man on the totem pole and I had to walk in the make sure we didn't have a leak on the fuel systems. When it was safe everyone else would come in to go to work. Jumping forward. After all the test on putting the Missles together we went on the hill to launch three of the four and take the fourth one apart. Well the first one fired off no problem, the second one fired off no problem. The third one didn't fire and we had to wait thirty minutes to see if it would fire. Well it never did and our platoon sergeants had to draw straws to see which A&T would have to go down and take it apart. You know the story my platoon drew the short straw. Well we went down there to start taking it apart. I was the boom operator and I was nervous as hell. It was my first time during this. I was a cherry in the military at the time still. So when the launch crew brought the Missle down. We transloaded it to our track and started taking it apart. Lucky for us the battery's had died in it and the replaced them and fired it off the next day. I also learned that day to put on sun tan lotion because everyone burns. Lol.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Aug 28 at 2015 8:57 AM

2015-08-28T08:57:20-04:00

Well I am old but yet senile...and my favorite memory is when I was a Marine guard at the Boston Navy Yard. One of my posts was the USS Constitution (Ole Ironsides). I had the 1200 to 0400 hrs watch, & I swear I could hear voices as the wind howled through this old ship. So I told the Sgt of the Guard that I thought Ole Ironsides was haunted and he said it was my imagination and to get over it... But I never did get over it..

Response by SSG John Erny made Aug 28 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-08-28T17:06:28-04:00

My first jump! It was such a rush and yet the ironic thing is how quiet it is once the bird flies away. I even landed in that stupid pond at the end of the DZ at Benning, but could not have cared less. It is only 3 feet deep at max.

Response by PO1 Patrick Latvis made Sep 3 at 2015 7:28 PM

2015-09-03T19:28:11-04:00

The cynical sailor in me wants to answer: "the look, smell and feel of a freshly printed DD-214" But the truth is rather unremarkable...it's a feeling of pride from having served.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 3 at 2015 7:47 PM

2015-09-03T19:47:49-04:00

I met my wife

Response by Cpl Chris Cargile made Sep 3 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-09-03T20:35:57-04:00

I was the MarDet roving patrol on the USS Long Beach, must have been '87 or '88. We were going from San Diego to Seal Beach, and it was around dawn. I opened the hatch and stepped out onto the skin of the ship facing East. The sun was coming up behind the mountains, and there was a light mist on the surface of the water. Right at that moment a whale surfaced and slapped the water with his tail. If I live to be two hundred, that'll still probably be the most beautiful thing I'll see.

Response by FN George Woodruff made Sep 4 at 2015 8:30 AM

2015-09-04T08:30:00-04:00

I spent some time at Tiburon (California) when I was in the Navy back during WW Two. Since the base was "ocean front" we could fish and swim. There were a lot of jelly fish in the waters.. One of my shipmates was a practical joker and since I had been the butt of a couple I decided to get even. I captured a jelly fish, laid it in the center of his bunk and covered it carefully. He came in that night boiled to the gills and crawled in his bunk. My favorite memory is the reaction I got when he woke up in the morning and discovered he had slept on said jelly fish all night. He blew his cork and accused everybody. It was hilarious! I never admitted that I had done the deed. And, no, it wasn't the poisonous variety.

Response by CPO William Hughes made Sep 10 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-09-10T14:21:35-04:00

I submitted a Special Request Chit in response to a BuPers notice that came around in the early part of 1970 requesting volunteers for Operation Grid Square. This was a plan to train and equip personell to serve as interim Sky Marshalls on U.S. domestic flights. I was selected, took training at Ft. Dix, N.J. and was subsequently assigned to National Airlines headquartered in Miami, FL. My crew of 3 flew on National's 747 aircraft (they only had 2 planes), wore civilian clothes, carried 2 passports (regular and diplomatic) and a snub-nosed pistol. I carried my 38 cal. Colt Cobra in an inside waisband holster and we had to brief the flight crew before each flight to let them know exactly what seats we were sitting in and how to serve us (non-alcoholic) drinks if someone insisted on buying one of us a drink. There were many times that I could relate the hilariously funny things that went wrong with this whole thing, but it was definately memorable. We flew on a 4-day rotation, first to Los Angeles, overnight and next day back to Miami, turned around an hour and a half later and flew to New York. Next day back to Miami and the next day, to NYC and back the same day. Then we had 2 days off. I logged somewhere over 120,000 miles (no frequent flyer back then). We were assigned TAD from DOD to DOT for the duration of this. What a wild and crazy time!!

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Nov 7 at 2015 2:30 AM

2015-11-07T02:30:10-05:00

Overheard radio transmission "receiving friendly fire, returning same" Acting as relay for Army Recon unit helping them coordinate their extraction, getting home alive, and many others, Just to clarify, these are two separate instances, not related

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made May 1 at 2016 3:55 PM

2016-05-01T15:55:31-04:00

My proudest moment besides my kids, was when I got my rocker.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-05-12T14:07:04-04:00

Iraqi police ammo truck in our convoy hit an IED. Having to sit in an MRAP while several thousand rounds of ammo cooked off and knowing there was nothing we could do to help except clean up the mess afterwards had to be the worst ever. Best, taking off my boots and wiggling my toes in the grass at Ft Dix when we landed on the way home from my last deployment.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 2:16 PM

2016-05-12T14:16:46-04:00

Second day after redeployment from FOB Shank, Afghan (AKA: Rocket valley), while waiting in line outside of the Aid station for medical screening -- everyone got down on the ground as a big trash can was slammed shut by the wind 10 meters away. Yes, we all reacted as it was rocket attack. Fun Time.

Response by CPT Earl George made Sep 6 at 2016 8:29 AM

2016-09-06T08:29:31-04:00

Meeting a SGM that was the ninth individual to be promoted to that rank.

Response by SSgt David Baker made Jul 28 at 2017 11:01 AM

2017-07-28T11:01:22-04:00

Crossing the bridge at. Naval. Station. Subic. Bayon the way to. Olongapo and the little kids diving in that nasty water for a peso which was less than a quarter.

Response by SSgt David Baker made Jul 28 at 2017 11:06 AM

2017-07-28T11:06:03-04:00

Flying from. U. S. S. New. Orleans in to. Haiphong. North. Vietnam as part of mine sweeping operation there.

Response by PO3 Don Dennis made Jul 31 at 2017 5:10 PM

2017-07-31T17:10:04-04:00

My 1st cruise aboard USA SPRINGFIELD CLG 7 was to New Orleans for Mardis Gras 1969

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 31 at 2017 5:15 PM

2017-07-31T17:15:31-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member: My Very Favorite Memory: A General approached me; as I was marching my squad along the sidewalk. I looked up at his vast chest of medals: and I forgot to SALUTE HIM! The General just looked at me and smiled; THEN I Saluted him! ;) Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer

Response by PO2 Jeannette Prichard made Jul 31 at 2017 6:07 PM

2017-07-31T18:07:38-04:00

The time I went against convention in a new squadron and fought to work on the flightline instead of a desk job where every woman in the squadron were assigned. Because of my efforts all female technicians were reassigned to the shops corresponding to their rate

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2017 9:08 PM

2017-07-31T21:08:23-04:00

Hitting my first port Lisbon Portugal.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 31 at 2017 9:20 PM

2017-07-31T21:20:19-04:00

First WESPAC cruise, most Pacific sailors understand.

Response by SSG Diane R. made Jul 31 at 2017 10:09 PM

2017-07-31T22:09:35-04:00

Reforger 83 was actually quite exciting, I was with headquarters battery of an Air Defense Artillery battalion and we basically LeapFroged all around southern Germany from the Czech border to the medieval city of Würzburg.

The highlight of the exercise was when I took a group of platoon members to COM4ATAF HQ for a tour of the facility, a cooked meal and a hot shower.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 31 at 2017 10:46 PM

2017-07-31T22:46:50-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member As a brand new SGT of the Guard, (E-5), I marched the guard detail into a company street with no exit. I managed to get them turned about, but always did a foot recon of the route of march after that!

Response by CPT Lee Gruber made Aug 2 at 2017 7:28 AM

2017-08-02T07:28:09-04:00

CO Bravo Company, 1st Battle Group, 3D Infantry, ( The Old Guard )

Response by SSG Kurt Edwards made Aug 3 at 2017 10:13 PM

2017-08-03T22:13:47-04:00

So many fond memories of my years in the Army, from Basic training (got restarted 2x for serious injuries but NEVER even thought of quitting) ,to MP School, my 1st duty station riding the rails with the 570th MP Platoon at Camp King (Oberursel, FRG), to being IN Berlin when the wall came down and witnessing that world-changing, historical event, serving as a PSA for a highly specialized and selective non-DoD group, then being selected to become a DoD Courier... the list goes on. But looking at all the awesome experiences with even MORE awesome PEOPLE, I'd have to say getting my orders to CID school. Alas, shortly thereafter I sustained a serious back injury that ended my military career.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Aug 15 at 2017 11:37 AM

2017-08-15T11:37:37-04:00

FINALLY making E-7 and getting pinned by my wife at Pinon Canyon, Colorado while we were training. Civilians other than DOD employees are not allowed there and I was surprised when she showed up. My squadron command approved it and made the arrangements. Then she left and it was back to soldiering. Probably one of my greatest memories ever.

Response by SSgt Phil Sigman made Sep 26 at 2017 3:09 AM

2017-09-26T03:09:11-04:00

That time I went on leave for 10 days and took a hop from Korea to the Philippines. I spent that time with my future wife. That was in 1989 and we are still together.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Sep 27 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-09-27T15:04:26-04:00

Having my Dad fly into New Mexico for my O-3 promotion. Never saw him so proud to put the old uniform back on.

Response by PFC LloydLloyd Amos made Mar 16 at 2018 1:41 AM

2018-03-16T01:41:28-04:00

C- 4-1 basic training co tank hill ft Jackson SC 1981 Winning the drill team competition against another basic training co and an AIT co in front of the post General

Response by SSgt Dwight Deatherage made Oct 22 at 2018 10:58 AM

2018-10-22T10:58:34-04:00

I was an Army (later Air Guard/Air Force) Air Traffic Controller, stationed at a very busy Army Airfield (Henry Post AAF, Fort Sill,OK). Every duty day was a new adventure with many operations including Air Force T-37 trainers. On those days when you went home with a save or got some military or civil pilot on the right path, that day stood out a little more than others. It has been a lifetime ago, and I still remember some days like I was there today.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Oct 22 at 2018 12:23 PM

2018-10-22T12:23:20-04:00

I would tell the Jurgen and the three toed sloth story. It's funny, honors a hard working troop who died way to young, takes place as part of a great mission in central America and leaves everyone laughing.. All in all a good war story.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 8:30 PM

2018-10-22T20:30:13-04:00

Favorite military memory, in the 11th grade 1970, my best friend and I played hooky from school to go up to the Guam Naval hospital and visit the wounded Marines. We pushed some of the wounded in their wheel chairs and raced down the hallways, until we were asked to leave by the hospital staff. Lol

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 22 at 2018 8:38 PM

2018-10-22T20:38:33-04:00

maybe not my favorite memory, but definitely my most memorable.
shot a clearing barrel my first night on shift upon arriving at Sembach Air Base, West Germany. 0600. clearing barrel NOT filled with sand, so it went straight into the wall. did I mention the armory was on the first floor of the barracks???

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 22 at 2018 10:59 PM

2018-10-22T22:59:18-04:00

Ft Lewis Washington, The Marine Barracks provided 65 Marines to aggress the Royal Welch (yes that's the way they spell it) Fusiliers (RWF) for three, three week OpFor packages (each rifle company had three weeks Opfor field exercises) prior to their deployment to Ireland. For the first Company's final exercise, we fought a rear guard delaying action against the first reinforced RWF company, with a Marine detachment platoon from the Marine Barracks at NSB Bangor. Most of the Marines were not infantry. The RWF mission to reach and capture the bridge prior to 0600.

We had to EndEx and clear the bridge by 0630 because the bridge was still used by Soldiers and civilians reporting for work aboard the base. About 0445 the RWF made their final assault, it got down to hand to hand combat, and... stretching the bounds of international civility, it got real. By the end of the final assault their were about a dozen RWF and about the same number of Marines unconscious on the aprons to the bridge. Early on, I and the RWF Company Commander pretty much agreed our careers were over, and joined in the hand to hand. I took nine stitches over the right eye and had my nose reset in the field by a RWF medic.

As the RWF was trying to consolidate on the objective, an Army SFC in an old yellow Jeep Cherokee, leaving base slipped by the road guards somehow. He pulled up and asked what was going on. We told him and he declared himself and his cherokee an OpFor BMP. We formed up behind him and executed a successful dismounted mech infantry attack and retook the bridge, five minutes before the EndEx signal. There were broken noses, broken fingers, sprained wrists, split lips, blackeyes, and cut eyebrows all around. To make matters worse one of the RWF dropped his service rifle over the side of the bridge, and the Jeep Cherokee needed new headlights, a windshield, and a right front quarter panel.

Then an Army flag HumVee pulled up. The Barraks CO, the RWF Brigadier, and an Army Brigadier ( I think the 9th ID ADC) were observing the final exercise from the high ground. The RWF Brigadier was beaming. He declared "...the best damn training" his lads ever received. I avoided my Barracks CO's eyes for as long as I could. Finally he grabbed me by the shoulder and asked "Did you have fun?" "Honestly Sir, yes I did" He responded with "Good! They may not be infantry But I'll be damned if they aren't Marine riflemen to the last one." The Welsh Colonel told my CO he wanted me to be the OIC for the next two packages and you to OIC the next two companies Opfor." He laughed told me good job and invited me to join him for laverbread, bacon, pork sausage, blood sausage, eggs, and tomatoes at the RWF field mess.

After morning chow, we cleaned gear and got ready to go. Then the RWF Brigadier showed up with kegs of beer, cases of whiskey. He dismissed the Army transport and told us that we'd go back to Bangor in RWF "lorries" when the booze was gone, and the Marines and Fusiliers got knee knocking, commode hugging drunk for lunch.

That's the short version.

Response by CPT Lee Gruber made Oct 25 at 2018 9:00 AM

2018-10-25T09:00:24-04:00

Being Officer-In-Charge of the Full Honor Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetary, in 1963, honoring the Fallen Sons and Daughters of The Gold Star Mothers of America in World War II and Korea, as each State Mother placed her State Flower in a semi-circle at the base of the Tomb.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 25 at 2018 9:52 AM

2018-10-25T09:52:49-04:00

Having my howitzer section meet GEN Reimer in Korea

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 8 at 2019 4:48 PM

2019-04-08T16:48:56-04:00

When my tank platoon and I understood the TACSOP and react to contact without hesitation.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 26 at 2020 10:29 AM

2020-01-26T10:29:29-05:00

Going to Georgia to pull security for the pre-Olympics

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2022 11:20 PM

2022-03-04T23:20:48-05:00

Getting my jump wings pinned on on June 6, 1984–the 40th anniversary of DDay