[vox rationis]

I'm no expert, but I think that human resistance to being shot can vary because of circumstances. So, I might as well tell you my circumstances. This will probably be my last, and only, telling, of what happened to me in the service. I was too young for World War 2, but I volunteered when President Truman called for men in the Korean Conflict. My family had always been one of the two branches of the Naval Service, and when I enlisted it was for the United States Marine Corps. I was assigned to the US Marines 1st Division. When I was shot the first time I was hit along the left ribcage with what was assumed to be a 7.62x54R as we were approached the Chosin Reservoir in Korea. Darn it hurt, but it didn't bleed too bad; a battle dressing and rotation to a medi took care of me, then I was back with my brothers. Then again I was hit in the right thigh with what was either a SMG or pistol round as Lewis "Chesty" Puller had us slog out of the Chinese death trap there. I remember what General Puller said about our situation; "We've been looking for the enemy for some time now. We've finally found him. We're surrounded. That simplifies things." I remember three colors from that fight; the white of the snow, the universal O.D. Green, and the rust brown of frozen blood. I don't know how I got out, except that one day we were facing east and the Pacific Ocean, and the Navy had ships to retrieve us. I never thought I would be warm again. I remember the face of the first sailor who met me; he had brown hair and green eyes, and a warm gray blanket. Then I knew what it meant to be half of the US Naval Service. Most people think the Marine Corps is separate from the Navy; but it just ain't so. I was USMC, tall and proud, but I found out quickly what the Marines were like without US Naval air and ground support. It had been US Naval Close Air Support, and our casualties, that had kept us alive from the Frozen Chosin to the coast, and then US Naval close gun support that allowed us to get anywhere close to the coast. I can remember hearing the sound of Chinese artillery booming east, and the titanic roaring blasts of US Navy Ohio Class 16" battleship guns blasting west. The first US vessel I saw was a USCG cutter (I don't know her number) that was running fast along the coast, firing her 3" deck gun as fast as her crew could cycle the action. I remember my eyes filling with tears as I watched this little boat as she ran her route, trying to relieve the pressure on the ground troops. God Bless Her, and the Men who crewed her.

I don't need to say it too much but;

USMC it's a tradition

very touching story, thanks for sharing it

thank you for your service