While on a vacation trip to N.C. this last week I decided to take a side trip and visit the Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot in S. C. I had went through the Recruit Depot back in April 1956, platoon 119 and really wanted to see the base badly. As we got there a little late in the day I was not sure my wife and I could get on the base. I explained my enthuiasm on visiting the base after 53 years, The M.P's were very helpful, and friendly in allowing us to go on the base. The only thing I really recognized was the parade field with the Iwo Jima Statue the barracks had change to brick the outdoor movie screen was gone. The thirteen weeks I spent at Parris Island as a young 17 year old was a defining moment in my life. For all the former Marine's who would like to return to their roots, don't wait, it was a wonderful way to enjoy the memories of my growing up. To all Marines "Semper Fi".

I can't imagine how that feels after so long.

I visited Lackland AFB three years after basic to see my older brother graduate basic... and even after just three years (and still on active duty) it was quite an experience.

I hope I have the opportunity to return to Lackland sometime in the future.... hopefully to see another member of the family graduate.

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- The Federalist #46 -

I went back. The old 1st battalion wood barracks were long gone. Things had changed. There is a lot of tradition there in the naming of roads and facilities. It means a lot to see signs named with places and battles that you can personally identify with. There was one particular area identified with a battle I had participated in. It brought back a flood of memories. I was rather lost in my own thoughts. I did not notice until turning to leave that a training platoon with drill instructors was waiting to use the area but didn’t out of respect I think very emotional experience. I can’t see myself ever going back again. One time to “The Wall” also was enough for me. To much pain just to much.

I appreciate all of you men for risking your live to protect mine, and if you ever get a chance go to you tube and type in the day that never comes and watch the music video, maybe not your style but I thank you for what you men did

Well I am a "boot" to you Larry. I was in Plt 134 in April 1956. I took a trip to P.I. a few years ago. I too recalled the Parade Ground and also the "Iron Mike" statue at Mainside, not a whole lot more. What got me was that P.I. looked alot greener, I recalled alot more sand.

Semper Fi, Joe

I went back on a vacation trip a few years ago...I was there in '62, Third Battalion, First Battalion still had the wooden barracks then, we had fairly new brick barracks, the First and Second B. people referred to it as DisneyLand. the weird thing was when I drove around the mess hall, and parked facing the parade ground, nothing had changed, nothing at all. But I didn't find the field where we had done PT, and gone for runs, etc. And it is greener than it used to be...
Glad I went, don't think I will do it again.

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Ed

If I ever go back to The Island, it will be too soon. I had enough the first time I was there.

Platoon 153, summer of '60. My senior drill instructor was Staff Sgt. Bolen.

If I ever go back I will go to the rifle range, that was my favorite place.

Made the trip back and enjoyed the visit much more than my first time because this time I could leave when I wanted to.....also had a great experience at HQ Marine Corps in Washington DC...It is heartwarming the respect former Marines are treated with by the current Corps.....Semper Fi

I made that visit on November 10th last year. Happy Birthday USMC.

I went through Air Force basic in the summer of '82. I went back to Lackland in Feb '08 to see my son graduate. It was something to see how little had changed. Interestingly he was in the same squadron, barracks, and dorm as I was. Although it had been a long time I still remembered a lot of it, especially the parade ground. When they played the Star Spangled Banner at the graduation ceremony, I welled right up, all those young men and women lined up at attention were quite a sight. And, as his flight marched by and "eyes, right" was ordered, all those years melted away and I could see myself in him as he passed. It was pretty emotional. Of course I was just one crying Dad in a large crowd of them, so nobody noticed.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

My wife and I visited there back in 2001. It had been 26 years since I had been there for my 13 week vacation.

I literally got sick to my stomach when I drove thru the front gate. Nothing much had changed, except the recruits seemed a little more scared.

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Smith & Wesson beat four aces

About 10 years or so ago, I had a chance to visit The Island while I was visiting a good friend who lives near Savannah, GA. I liked all the little signs on the obstacles that said for active duty personnel use only.

My Dad was stationed there in the late 60s.
As a junior high aged kid it was a great place to live...
Lots of great memories having the run of the depot.
It was sad that many of the recruits were off to Viet Nam, some not to return...
I would love to go back and visit some day.
Thanks to you who served,
Tom

Interesting concept, but I went to Great Lakes. I don't think I'll be visiting Illinois anytime soon. Sometimes I can't even believe I'm actually in Massachusetts.

My signature says it all. I was a rare USMC recruit, referred to as MOS 1369. Very few of us! Platoon 3093, 1969.

For us ignorant types, don't keep it a secret! What is a 1369?

To be politically correct and in keeping with the family atmosphere of the board, an unlucky (13) co------er(69), which was a draftee in the good ole USMC. Actually, I was an 0311 (basic rifleman) and later an 0331 (gunner).

Thanks. I just Googled it and found out. I should have known, or should have checked before I posted.

BTW, were you aware that Thomas Sowell was a Marine Corps draftee? But his status as a 1369 was somewhat negated by being in the first batch of Marines sent to Navy photography school.

""Thomas Sowell was a Marine Corps draftee? But his status as a 1369 was somewhat negated by being in the first batch of Marines sent to Navy photography school.""


Thomas Sowell is one of my heros! I share a lot of his views.

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PC, censorship
with a smile.

If my sense of direction is correct, the white car to the far right in this pic is parked in front of my training company's quarters.