Marine Corps, and the real Occupy movement
With all the Scott Olson (Fuck the Marine Corps) and Shamar Thomas (1 man, 2 cups 30 cops) talk around here, it was a mild sense of enjoyment that I read the following at lunch today:
On June 6, the Germans marched out of Belleau Wood. Their perfect formation, coal-scuttle helmets, and rifles at the ready gave them an air of terrible efficiency. Their eyes were on the Americans some 800 yards away. At the time, opposing forces in open areas usually engaged at 400 yards, so it would be a few moments before they were close enough to fire.
The Marines gave a few clicks of elevation to their rifle sights, waited a moment, and began firing. Almost every shot dropped a German. Hitting a target from 700 yards was not difficult for a Marine. At 600 yards, 500 yards, or 400 yards it was downright easy.
The Germans were astonished. This was the first indication that they were up against a new kind of opponent. The effectiveness of the rifle fire broke up the German attack.
Now it was time for Marines to do what they had come to France to do: attack. Now it was their turn to march across the wheat field. The most chilling of military orders was given: fix bayonets! This meant hand-to-hand combat with no quarter asked. It would be a fight to the death.
The Marines marched in line abreast across the open field, their officers waving walking canes to emphasize their orders. Maxim machine guns with interlocking fields of fire began stuttering at five hundred rounds per minute — taka-taka-taka-taka — and Marines fell as if cut down by a scythe. Hugging the ground provided no safety, as some Maxims had been sighted to fire almost at ground level. The First Marine attack in World War I was faltering. Then rose Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly, rifle high in the air, and he thundered, “Come on you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?”
Daly charged through the wheat, into the dark hell of Belleau Wood and the deadly chatter of the Maxims. The Marines followed, shouting, screaming, intent only on their orders: “Occupy Belleau Wood.”
The Marines suffered 1,087 casualties on June 6, 1918, more than in any other day in the preceding 143 of Marine Corps history.
I’ve refrained from discussing SGT Thomas and LCPL Olsen for the simple reason that I truly don’t give a shit about those two. I really don’t. My level of caring about Olsen’s busted up grape is infinitesmal. I bear no great love of the Marine Corps, but when I read stuff like in the preceding, any man with half a bag of nuts gets goosebumps and thinks: There be men, giants here!
This punk ass bitch, Olsen, spits on that history. “Fuck the Marine Corps”? No, fuck you for ever thinking you could be a part of them. Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly was more of a man on June 6, 1918 than you will ever pack into a lifetime Olsen. When you were in, you bitched nonstop and violated the rules. Now that it is convenient you want to use the hallowed names of those who tread the path 80 years before your birth to give legitamacy to your little protest.
Had you been in the wheat field that day amongst these demigods, I have no doubt that the Germans would have been washed away in a flood of your urine. And I’m sure that there are many generations of Marines out there who would love the opportunity to set you straight.
Preceding passage is from the book “Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak, U.S. Marine” by Robert Coram. It was given to me by my boss as a goof because (presumably) he thought I wouldn’t read a book about Marines. Well, joke is on him, I’d read a book about necrofiliac clowns if someone put it in front of me and I wasn’t reading something else already.
By the way, the best book I’ve ever read on necrophiliac clowns is on sale at Amazon: http://amzn.to/udd7G4
Jeez that was a good piece. A damn good piece.
I wonder if there were any Marine units involved in the European theater during WW2? I do not think so but it would be interesting to know if they were.
[…] I feel exactly the way they do about you. Except they say it better… […]
“I wonder if there were any Marine units involved in the European theater during WW2? I do not think so but it would be interesting to know if they were.”
There were a VERY few Marines in ETO, usually in ship and naval base MARDETs.
General Marshall walked out of a briefing for a proposal to base Marine F4U squadrons in England to attack V-1 launch sites. His parting statement: “That’s the end of this briefing. As long as I’m in charge there’ll never be a Marine in Europe.”
Unfortunately for General Marshall, he apparently wasn’t read in about the OSS, there were at least two Jarheads on the OSS Jedbourg Teams that dropped into occupied France, at least one of which was crazy enough to wear his Dress Blues into the local bar on November 10th and bought the place a round or several, using the Francs that his team jumped with as Op Funds…… I beleive that crazy SOB is still alive and helped to stand up Force Reconnaisence after the war
Bing Maps/Google Maps is the history buff’s best friend…Belleau Wood is readily viewable in satellite photos located right between Bouresches and Lucy-le-Bogage.
Mosta yall already know this but it bears pointing out.
Not every famous piece of ground over which men fought throughout history is visible down to a few meters of course. But Bing Map Gettysburg, especially the Devils Den and Peach Orchard.
Ditto the Bois Jacques where Easy Company fought during the Battle of Bastogne.
Ditto ANZAC Beach in Gallipoli. Facsinating level of terrain detail. Its a wonder any ANZAC got off that beach alive.
That is all. Carry on.
@6: Link please!
I am limited in my knowledge of the OSS in WWII. I wouldn’t mind reading the tale you speak of…
I was fortunate enough to work directly with the 22nd MEU and 24th MEU when I was in the NAG. I recently trained with the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion in Cherry Point. I am certain I will work with the Marines again. Even though I’m Coast Guard, I consider the Marines the closest of brothers among all the services, and it boils my blood to see shitbags like Olsen and Thomas disgrace the uniform knowing how much that uniform is revered.
I look forward to November 10th (the anniversary of the founding of the Corps) every year to buy a round for my Marine brothers and sisters and wish them . . .
Semper Fi from Semper Paratus.
Daniel Daly, 5’6″ tall, 132 lbs., one of only a handful men to receive the Medal of Honor on two occasions — once in the Boxer Rebellion (aka the China Relief Expedition) and the other in Haiti in 1915.
Helluva man!
There was another WW I fellow I would like to mention. He was with the Army’s Rainbow Division and shipped out with that Division’s 165th Regiment (formerly, New York’s Fighting 69th) from Camp Mills, Long Island in 1917. The Division was formed from 26 state guard units and, thus, was said to be like a many-colored rainbow. Pvt. Connolly saw horrendous action in Europe and was nearly killed in a gas attack. He survived the war but his lungs and heart were ruined. He died at the ripe old age of 27, one month after his only child–my mother–was born. His name was Arthur Connolly. Neither he nor any of the men who sacrificed are ever truly forgotten: They are just not remembered as often as they should be.
I am proud and humbled to read this website and most of your fellows comments! Makes me damn proud to be in your company! We should never forget the great sacrifices our great service members have made in the past and will undoubtedly make in the future when asked to.
as the Marines were approaching the lines at Belleau Woods, the French soldiers were streaming to the rear yelling “Retreat, the Germans are coming!” To which Captain Williams replied, “Retreat hell, we just got here!”
God bless men like Dan Daly and Arthur Connolly who step up to protect what they believe in. America will never appreciate you the way you deserve.
FYI, I spent some time this AM on the Scott Olsen FB page, clicking through comments. Lots of claimed active duty and vet Marines, professing fidelity to the Occupy movement, how great it is, how defending Occupiers is part of their oath, that when “it” begins, they will be on the Occupier’s side, yadda, yadda. Just a wee bit troubling.
My grandfather, Eugene Okeefe, was a machine gunner with the Australians in France. He too was injured in a gas attack and never fully recovered. I still have his Rosary which he carried. He gave it to my father, a Navy Corpsman, in WWII, when my dad was dating his daughter, his future wife. My dad passed it along to me when I joined the Navy, and I carried it in my flight suit. I gave it to my son when he joined the army, and he carried it through Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne. It now rests on my mantle again.
God Bless all those soldiers from the Great War, but especially those Marines. These dipsticks like Olsen do a great disservice to their memory, as well as to all veterans with their actions and comments.
I’m somewhat new to this site, but I find this post perplexing. I’m assuming it’s cool to kill other non-autonomous soldiers? Also, is it acceptable for a person who’s never been to combat, for example, to berate a combat veteran because he or she is part of the OWS or anti-war movement? I’ve read the bios of the bloggers on here, and I notice most of them have some sort of decoration to prove they were in combat, and forgive my naivete, but can’t one receive that for having one mortar land within 150 ft of them, once, or just be in a combat zone as an infantryman? Not that I’d ever downplay anyone’s service (and thank you all for yours), but I don’t see any MOH (or anything denoting an “act of valor”) recipients in the group. Perhaps everyone can share their stories of how awesome combat is and enlighten me.
#16
Not everyone receives an award for our valor. Most of us see it as our job.
As a Marine infantryman (combat vet, two tours in Iraq and about to have 1 in Afghanistan) I will smack talk those that participate in OWS, because they are useless sacks of flaming dog poo.
I understand the right to assemble, I can respect the INTENT that they had…however, the actions of those same people have pushed past acceptable social boundries.
1. blocking traffic and movement of other citizens.
2. deficating/urinating in public.
3. deficating on a burned American flag. (Some of the greatest men I knew died for that flag and it’s a disgrace to their memories)
4. failing to comply with police instructions.
Do you see where this is going?
@#8, I will email you the link when I can, and AW1 Tim, I am soon to be installed a Tiler…
TSO:
Some of the best writing I’ve rested my eyes upon in a while.
“…when I read stuff like in the preceding, any man with half a bag of nuts gets goosebumps and thinks: There be men, giants here!”
OUTFRICKIN’STANDING!!!
Land-slide – I’ve had many family members serve in the military, and I understand the gravity of choosing to serve, so thank you for your service and sacrifice. I’m not here to be disrespectful to any servicemembers, but the ones who got out might have valid complaints. Veteran unemployment is bordering on 20%, so perhaps these individuals are upset at a government that caters more to Wall Street than its own veterans. You’re still in the service, so you might not understand how difficult of a job market this is. I’ll never argue that some of these guys at the protests are derelicts, but with a movement with this magnitude, there have to be some in the group that are justified in their protests. If you were injured in combat and the government catered to corporate America and neglected you, would you be upset? And while I would never desecrate the flag, (the way I see it is that) the act isn’t as disgraceful as one might think. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Soldiers defend the Constitution, which protects a citizens from prosecution for burning the flag, and to me, that would give the most satisfaction–to defend a sacred document that protects those who might have different views than I. Just my opinion.
Oh, and Anon2?
What Land-slide 0369 said.
Ditto, Old Soldier. Well said, land-slide 0369
Old Soldier – Pardon the pun, but I think it’s OUT-FRICKIN’-STANDING that you’ve embraced the non-cursing, politically correct military. My uncle was a Drill Sergeant during Vietnam, and they used to say OUT-FUCKING-STANDING. I’m glad to see vets like you becoming more PC. Thank you.
Oh, and Anon2, “You’re still in the service, so you might not understand how difficult of a job market this is”. How marvelously condescending of you. Yeah, I’m sure that land-slide doesn’t watch any of the news, or read anything that might tell him the job market is not great.
Kindly point out where in the Constitution flag-burning is specifically addressed? Not First Amendment generalities. As for the act (of burning a flag)not being as disgraceful as you try to make it, perhaps, but doing so certainly shines a glaring spotlight on the character of the burner. I would never, ever trust one I knew to be a flag burner.
UpNorth and Old Soldier 54 – Do you gentlemen mind giving a quick description of your military service? I’m just curious to see if you stack up against the combat vets you berate.
It’s difficult for the most qualified individuals to get a job, much less a job that matches their skill set/level. It’s not condescending. He doesn’t know how hard it is for HIM to get a job–that’s a fact.
Trust has nothing to do with burning a flag. It has to do with telling the truth. Perhaps that’s getting into semantics, but if it is, you chose the wrong way of phrasing the point you were trying to make.
Time to comment,,,, Nah, Anon 2 doesn’t rate a comment….
Okay, I’m just in so I’ll take this. Anon2: Do you think we are stupid? Do you think for one second your pretense of gratitude for our service and your solicitous attitude are mistaken as genuine by anyone here? Take your insincerty, your gratuitousness, and your punky little baiting and shove them right up your butt or down your throat. Take your pick you dried up piece of puke. Oh, and thanks for stopping by. Have a nice evening.
Frankly – You comment. Tell me about your military service. Enlighten me.
Anon2, As I said, I respected the INTENT they had in the beginning. But like the SAW movies…this has gone on too long. If these people spent half as much time looking for a job as they spend bitching about not having one…I’m sure they would set for success. No, I have not been injured in combat, but I have always understood that it is NOT the job of the government to look after me if I was to be. I don’t want a hand out from the government no matter WHAT the situation. The VA hospitals (while sub-par by civilian standards) are enough for me. I have no desire for the government to give me one thing MORE than what I’ve earned. If they (the OWS) want to make a difference, tell them to run for office and call it Occupy Senate or Occupy White House. Then they can make the big changes. Like cutting congresses pay and retirement benefits. Or stopping the money that goes to Pakistan/Afghanistan/Iraq/other countries that are NOT the US. I understand the frustration that they are feeling about not getting jobs…but if these young college graduates would stop worrying about getting a CAREER they might see a change. Let me explain: Young people today don’t want to start at the bottom, working in the mail room or some other low paying low end job. They want what mommy and daddy have, they want VP or CEO starting out, and don’t want to have to WORK. Do you know why American’s can’t find jobs…because we don’t want to go and pick vegetables, mow lawns, work at Tyson chicken plants, or any other manner of manual “beneath me work” that the illegal immigrants perform for MUCH less than we do. It’s time for Americans to wake up, realize that they just might have to fucking work a little harder than 9 to 5, and do something more than push a few buttons all day and stand around at the water cooler. Everyone wants to be Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, or their favorite video game programmer. But… Read more »
OK Anon, one comment and one only. For the purpose of this argument, while the ones who count here know differently, let’s say I have no military service…. And we won’t mention the role I am fulfilling today. What’s your point bitch? I will eat your lunch.
I’m thankful for everyone’s service to our nation. Don’t confuse that with my goading of the commenters to prove to everyone how they can relate to an individual who is a combat vet and unemployed and pissed off at “the system.” I want to hear from the grunts who got well paying jobs when they got out and the dudes who saw their friends get blown up in front of them and like to hear about Marines getting killed (like TSO’s post described).
So Anon2, I want to ask because I hear this from time to time. Why all the prerequisites for criticism of vets who may be associated with questionable groups like Vets for Peace or IVAW? You know. “Why haven’t you served?,” or as you stated in your first comment “What act of valor have the authors of this blog earned?” to criticize them. But when it comes to the hippies who attack the military, veterans, as well as this nation, neither you nor others like you EVER ask them if they’ve served. So why the double standard? Benedict Arnolds cannot be attacked and are held to a much higher standard by Leftists like you, instead of veterans who have served honorably and care about the well being of this nation and the freedom they fought for? And don’t give me the “They’re exercising their freedoms” crap. Last time I checked, inciting riots and disobeying police (as these OWS squatters are doing) isn’t a Constitutionally protected freedom.
Marooned in Marin:
Anon 2 is classified as “Target of no value, save ammuniton, do not engage.”
If you asked the Marines to go to the OWS protest and pick a side…most would probably throw empty beer bottles at the hippies and laugh at the Marines that joined them.
Here’s an idea for all hippies.
Take a bath, wear a suit, get a job. Who gives a rats ass if it’s a good paying one, stop sucking on the “gubberment”‘s teet.
@34. Roger that. That shit is a worm on a hook and as transparent as Saran Wrap.
I just like fighting the trolls…
Do ya’ll need me to stop?
Land-Slide – What you said was on point. I would have difficulty arguing any point you made, honestly, and you’re easily the most rational person on this blog. The OWS movement does have its hypocritical moments, and perhaps its focus is misdirected. Then again, there are enough dudes on Wall Street who sympathize with the point they’re trying to make. And frankly, the point they’re trying to make is that things COULD be better. They’re right. But again, their anger is misdirected. They’re focusing on the source of the money rather than the people who use the money to get elected.
Frankly – Let’s hear your war stories, if there are any. I want to hear them. You come across as one of the dudes I laughed at when I was traveling back on mid-tour who ranted and raved about the time the gate was attacked and they heard about it, haha.
Well said Landslide 0369. This old 0311 says keep your laces tight and watch your six. As for Anon2…AssMaggot crawl back over to Democrat Underground or which ever pond from whence you crawled. You won’t get the fight you’re looking for here. Ridicule in spades maybe, it’s a free fire PC free Zone.
Good God!! Anon2 is just asking some simple questions and he is being attacked, ansewer them or just ignore him there is no need to insult the guy.
GruntSgt – Tell of your combat experiences. Thanks.
You know what? My great grandfather refused to say the word “b*ll” in front of women. Instead, he’d say “male cow.” Given that this is a public forum, I’ll assume there are women reading this, so I won’t call all of you hard-asses “p*ssies.” I’ll instead call you “gentlemen who served in times of peace but talk trash warriors who shot a rifle on their behalf.”
*talk trash TO warriors who shot
Anon: As a soldier, I sometimes get annoyed with Marines and their endless need to prove that they’re better than me. I will however say that you can eat a steaming bag of dicks. I’d rather have a squad of leathernecks by my side than a whole Legion of Barry’s Own.
please feel free to STFU, and sit down so the adults can talk.
Doc – Prove me wrong – Tell your stories of combat. Tell your stories of corporate success. Prove me wrong.
Anon2, you keep asking for war stories…what does that have to do with anything?
Some of those Marines up there are POGest of POG (POG= Personnel Other than Grunts)
They never deployed, much less left the wire.
PLUS, I have personally met MANY Marines (grunts) that never deployed due to duty stations (Security Forces), but earned their right to smack talk any dumb-shit limp dick liberal.
War stories don’t have shit to do with it.
Oh yeah, and of course you can’t argue with my points…that’s why they are the points of just about every conservative that I have ever met.
If they can’t be argued with, they must be correct…too bad the left can’t stop crying about stupid shit long enough to recognize this.
Gee Anon2, most here have posted their DD-214s. How about you? Put up or shut up.
“…I think it’s OUT-FRICKIN’-STANDING that you’ve embraced the non-cursing, politically correct military.”
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Thank you sir, may I have another?
But, no. I’m a Christian, serious as death. PC … not so much, but YMMV as Zee would say.
Served ’70-’75. Ended up in Vicenza, Italy. 1/509th Airborne Infantry as QRF for the Middle East. Never saw the elephant.
Does that make my words worthless? I’ve seen all this bull before – I lived through the 60’s.
Being a veteran gets you respect – it doesn’t get you immunity from ridicule and scorn if you step on your schlong with track cleats by claiming combat experience that you don’t have. That seems to be the Modus Operandi of the OWS folks.
Jonn, the head dog on this site, has made it his personal mission to expose fools who engage in such folly.
Back to jobs, or lack of same. Times are hard, welcome to the club. Get an education, and I DON’T mean one of the plethora of expensive, toilet paper degrees that seem so ubiquitous amongst the OWS younguns. Biology, Chemical, Mechanical, Electronic, Computer Engineering. A trade school to learn how to lay up composite parts for places like Lockheed, or Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites in Mojave, CA, or learn to operate machine tools like a 5-axis CNC Vertical Mill. Those kinds of jobs are available. That kind of education takes serious effort and those OWS folks are all about the easy way with their Masters in English Lit or their Phd in Underwater Basket Weaving.
Whiners and freebie hunters. Remember the Eleventh Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Snivel, It is Unmanly.