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My life in the Corps
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My life in the Corps |
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William P Bussey Member
since 2000-02-26
Posts 188 |
This is a generation thing, You who remember the 40-50 can understand me. For you youngsters, this is still going on in my Corps. A PLACE CALLED HELL The year was 49, the college campus was serene, My roommate filled me with tales, of his life as a Marine. He told me of Carlson's Raiders, and deeds of daring do, I saw myself on those beaches, and vowed I'd be a Marine to. I'd tried the Navy when I was but 16, but my face caused doubt, The old Commander was not fooled by my lies, and kicked me out. But the seed had been planted, I knew I'd be back for more, I just had no idea I was headed for the Corps. It was July 1950, I was soon to be a man of 21, But my life was about to change,for Korea had begun. I had lived those stories of a not to distant past, I was headed to the Corps, and fast. I had been coached by my roomie, I'd done my home work well, But no one or nothing, can prepare you for a place called hell, Every thing I had been told, and much more was true, I was soon doing things I never dreamed I could do. I met who I'd been praying to all these years, He had 3 stripes, was loud, vulgar and mean, a shock to tender ears. We learned how to drill, as we marched from place to place, All the while he whispered encouragement in our face. I learned that a simple bucket, though a useful tool, Was an object of torture, when placed over the head of a fool. For the price of a sneaked smoke, brought not a simple rebuke, But a mouthful of cigs, as God screamed, now smoke till you puke. I learned that my rifle was never,ever called a gun, What was for fighting, and what was for fun. I learned things about my ancestors, that I really didn't know, All the while watching my body, harden and grow. I was determined to like it, I wanted to excell, And after a few weeks, it no longer seemed like hell. We were getting tough, a soft muscle was hard to find, But they never stopped fooling with your mind. Those 11 weeks were finally over, it was graduation day, If I could remember all that happened, I'd have more to say. But thoses who have been there and made that long run, Remember well the things we have done. At last we were Marines, and there's nothing more to tell, we knew we could fight our way in, and back out of hell. For we had been there, and as we were proud to boast, We were the toughest S.O.Bs in the world, well anyway, almost. |
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| © Copyright 2000 William P Bussey - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Wikket Member
since 2000-01-29
Posts 340Santa Clara, CA USA |
Ah, such an experience William captured so well in rich words. Maybe I can't relate to the 40-50 era, but I can relate to that grand torture called Basic Entry Training only for me, a Drill Sergeant Lord dished out my mop and pail for the Army. 8) Great work!!! --Jamie "I know I should have told you But I was so afraid you'd leave And now there's nothing left to say Well nothing that you'd believe I never meant to hurt you With the things I couldn't say I promise you tomorrow While denying you today..." by Stabbing Westward |
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Little_Spyro Senior Member
since 2000-01-09
Posts 659San Diego, CA, USA |
Well, I've got an uncle in the Marines, and I think I'm going to show this to him! Great job! My brother's a Navy coreman and works with the Marines, I think he'd appreciate this too.  Little Spyro T. Dragon |
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Sasikat Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 290St. Petersburg, FL |
Though never in the service myself, I had a friend of the Vietman era and learned of his experiences in the Army. If he were still with us today, I'm sure he could relate to this excellent piece of poetry. |
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childomine Senior Member
since 2000-01-25
Posts 818st. petersburg, FL |
Never been in the military myself but know many veterans from an organization I belong to. From them I've heard of the hardships of the military. I will print this out to post on their bulletin board, with your permission William. I got a kick out of the way you ended it. After all that "hell" - "we're the toughest S.O.Bs in the world, well anyway, almost". |
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William P Bussey Member
since 2000-02-26
Posts 188 |
Be my guest, There are a lot of old Marines, and others, out there that I am sure can relate to this Bill |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This sounds just like my husband told it! Very good, Bill! Denise |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
I think a lot of old Marines will enjoy this greatly. I enjoyed reading it a lot, especially the ending  |
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