LtGen Chesty Puller Retirement Filmed by John Ford

Just ran across an old video you should see if you have not as yet. The youtube address is below. In 1970, I was a Captain assigned to HQMC. There were some tickets available to what I thought was a normal D.C. Marine Barracks Sunset Parade. I grabbed them because my folks were in town and we ended up observing the retirement ceremony for LtGen Chesty Puller. 

What I didn't realize at the time was that movie director John Ford was there filming it with cameras all around the reviewing stand. Our seats were centered and not too far behind the stand and as I recall, just before the ceremonies were to begin, a one-eyed elderly gentleman whom I'm now sure was John Ford was yelling at Chesty to straighten his cover for the shoot. Chesty, standing next to Gen Chapman, then CMC, turned and pointed his finger at John Ford and loudly responded for all to hear, "John, go fuck yourself! This is what you get!" My mother got every word.

Enjoy watching this tribute to Chesty by John Wayne (host) and John Ford (good friend of Chesty and director). I guessed at the time something was up but never new this clip existed until I accidentally ran into it on youtube today. 

Semper Fi, Larry Woods

youtube.com/watch?v=mLI3cYt9FaE  

Some of you may get a message from Youtube that states "This video is unavailable." If so, use "Google" to search the term, "Chesty: A Tribute to a Legend by John Ford." Scroll down and it should be the first video resulting from your search. Enjoy.

• "They are in front of us, behind us, and we are flanked on both sides by an enemy that outnumbers us 29:1. They can't get away from us now!"
• "Great. Now we can shoot at those bastards from every direction."
• "We're surrounded. That simplifies our problem of getting to these people and killing them." – November 1950, during Chosin Reservoir campaign
• "Remember, you are the 1st Marines! Not all the Communists in Hell can overrun you!" (at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
• "Take me to the Brig. I want to see the real Marines."
• "Alright you bastards, try and shoot me!" (to North Korean forces)
• "Where do you put the bayonet?" (upon seeing a flamethrower for the first time)
• "You don't hurt 'em if you don't hit 'em."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesty_Puller

Vietnam Thank You

Vietnam Thank You

A nice presentation of young people of the College of the Ozarks thanking Vietnam Veterans. 

youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=O57oyJ9OnGQ

Thank you

And thanks to John Wilkes for sharing.

How close do you want me???

Who knew that George Braun, Ivan Zimmer, and Jim Homan 

were flying with the Brits?

How close do you want me???

A Royal Air Force Typhoon pilot drives up to the back door of a C-130 (Hercules) for a photo opportunity, ........... at 26,000 ft.

He radios, "How close do you want me?"  They radio, "How close can you get?"  Pilot ........."Close enough?"  " Or do you want me to come in?"  You have to be a tad mad to be a fighter pilot in today's world but, even crazier to be a photographer looking into those huge air intakes!

Colonel Ken Elmendorf

COLONEL KEN ELMENDORF

ONE GREAT MARINE

Ken Elmendorf was an outstanding Marine. A natural leader and motivator, he was a superb commander and a fine friend. Confident and aggressive, he put his troops at ease with humorous comments. He strutted and swaggered and thoroughly enjoyed leading his Marines, who likewise enjoyed his swashbuckling style of leadership. I served as Lt Colonel Elmendorf's Executive Officer in the mid 1980's, when he Commanded Marine Wing Communication Squadron – 48 (MWCS-48). He did a terrific job leading the Squadron, which was selected as the Squadron of the Year in large part because of his efforts. 

Ken commanded the Marine Wing Communication Squadron-48 at the Glenview Naval Air Station when he was still a Lieutenant Colonel. His first drill weekend was also the change of command for the Marine Air Control Group. Each Squadron marched in review before the incoming and outgoing regular Commander of the Group. Lt Colonel Elmendorf and the troops practiced until they were perfect. But there was a problem. The active duty officers did not like the large gold bracelet that the Colonel wore on his arm. They asked me to ask him to take it off. I did so. "Oh they want me to take off my bracelet, do they?” said Ken Elmendorf. “My wife NJ gave me this bracelet. I am going to wear it. To hell with them." And wear it he did, with the bracelet sliding up and down his arm as he raised and lowered his sword in the parade, strutting in front of his Squadron and the entire Marine Group.

Lieutenant Colonel Elmendorf assumed command of the unit at a time when the Squadron was suffering from a morale and attendance problem. Colonel Elmendorf seldom raised his voice, but just expressed confidence that his officers and Staff NCO's could solve the problem. And following his direction they did.

Colonel Elmendorf was famous for his ventriloquist dummy, Elmer. The troops loved to be entertained by the irreverent dummy. Elmer was dressed in a Lance Corporal Marine Dress Blue Uniform, with a very non-Marine like long hair cut. Elmer was salty and cocky and not afraid to insult anyone. He insulted senior officers, which was not politically correct, and a bad overall career move. Lt. Colonel Elmendorf always pointed out that it was not him but rather Elmer who was the wise ass culprit. LtCol Elmendorf also called the Executive Officer (Me) of the Squadron an asshole when the XO told Elmer to get a haircut. The troops loved that.

No one pushed the Dorf around. He was surrounded by aggressive and tough Chicago Marines, but he was the Bull Marine. He could dominate people with wit and humor and just a hint of good natured menace. And he thoroughly enjoyed doing it.

Colonel Elmendorf commanded a unit exercise at Cherry Point, North Carolina. It was one of the most difficult operations ever undertaken by the Squadron, with a large Naval Task force. Everything went badly. Communications were poor, and the top leadership lost their confidence. The morning briefings were embarrassing – downcast senior officers mumbling and shuffling and hoping things would get better. Into the fray charged Dorf. His Communication Squadron was just a small part of the exercise, but he started giving aggressive, dynamic, confident briefs. He took over the entire briefing and was the only positive and upbeat force in a defeated group. "Everything is coming around", said the Colonel. "It is all working now. Everything will work and work well." His briefing was not accurate – things were terrible – but his confidence and dynamism were contagious. Everyone became more confident. Things started to work. Lt. Colonel Elmendorf's leadership and positive attitude were contagious, and the situation turned around and the exercise became a success.

Another Lt. Colonel, a pilot and commander, was bad mouthing our unit and its performance. Word got back to Elmendorf. "I am going to hunt him down and kill him" said Dorf. I did not know Ken well at that point – I thought his comments were just braggadocio. Dorf met with the officer and then reported back that he had threatened him and reported that the officer would cease to criticize us. And he did. It was not until the next year that I met the infamous Marine Officer in California. He said, "Your boss is Lt. Colonel Elemdorf? I thought he was going to kill me. He is huge guy, and he was really pissed off. I thought I would not get out of there alive". After this our unit began to call Ken Attila-Dorf, or just Dorf for short.

Ken Elmendorf, the leader of the dirty dozen Officers of MWCS-48

Dorf took care of his troops and they took care of him. He made sure they worked hard, but also made sure that they had fun on liberty. He worked hard to ensure that all members of the unit got along. And he did not let any outsiders harass his troops. He liked to refer to his twelve Marine Officers as the "Dirty Dozen". He led a number of legendary escapades that involved doing unseemly things to and on the Admirals Cannon with some of his Dirty Dozen.

Dorf did not talk much about his experiences as a Lieutenant in AMTRAKs in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, but he did tell us a few humorous war stories. His favorite was when he survived a near miss in the field and noted to his Commanding Officer that "I could have been killed out there." Dorf reported that the Colonel dryly commented that, "Well, Lieutenant, there is a war going on, you know."

As a young Lieutenant he commanded an AMTRAC Platoon in Vietnam, and spent considerable time on patrols. Dorf was wounded when the AMTRAC (Amphibious Tractor) he was commanding was destroyed in combat.

Colonel Elmendorf had a safe, draft deferred job, but gave that up to become a Marine. He was always proud of that decision.

Dorf was proud of his sons and his beautiful wife, NJ.  He talked about them a great deal, and was very proud of all of them. He told us that his wife was a camp follower and enjoyed bringing his family to training exercises. He was also happy to take his family to Annapolis when he returned to active duty to teach at Annapolis, to give them a look at the wider world.

Colonel Elmendorf was an outstanding Marine, a great Commander and a fine friend. He is remembered and missed by all his Marine Comrades.

Semper Fi,

Colonel Craig Hullinger

__________________

On 7/6/05, NJ (Mrs. Ken) Elmendorf wrote:

Wow, what a nice gesture. I received your letter and promptly sent it to Brett, Dirk and Beth for Father's Day. Thanks loads! We have lots of memories and laughs and fully recognize your "tales" of the swarthy Marine who made life better for us all.

We can hardly believe that it is more than six years since Ken left  us......the boys have truly grown up and the grandson who was not quite six months is now six years old and coming to stay with us for a week at  "The Big E Ranch" for "camp" with another six year old named Jack.

The grandson - Grant, has his room decorated in military colors and attire, so maybe he'll grow up to be more like Grandpa. He has the personality to handle "Elmer Duff", so we're watching to see how it goes. So far he's a storyteller and jokester.

No we don't really live on a ranch, but in a house in town.....we got it in 2000 but this was my first full winter here as I hadn't sold out of Indiana until last Aug. Several years ago I had some friends visit from Indiana and they thought everyone who lived in Texas had a ranch so we

decided to oblidge them.......it's an Elmendorf thing I guess....

Anyway, we have guest rooms so you are welcome to show up anytime you come this way...it's a great place to live or visit. We're 10 minutes from the airport.

Dirk came here to college and stayed and started a business (Rackspace Managed Hosting) with two friends, then got some investors, hired his brother Brett, began the process to go public, backed off before the dot com crash, and now they have 600 employees. I had planned to have us retire here, so looks like I got my wish......we are happy here. Dirk will be getting married next April 8th to Annie and setting up his home here.

Brett and I live in the same house, so far so good, we have a deal to give each other 6 months notice if our lives change.....so far nothing on the horizon.

I hope you and Beth are well and are enjoying the fruits of your labor  with your family.

Thanks again for sharing with us.

Semper Fi

NJ

* No corrections other than NJ never has dots......that was my 40th birthday present from Ken to go to court and become NJ no dots so computers would accept my name as they wouldn't initials.....it's an Elmendorf thing.....

___________________

Dear NJ

I am glad you enjoyed the letter. Dorf was a super guy, and I always wanted to write it.

And he very much loved you and the boys.

Glad that you and your family are doing well.

Semper Fi,

Craig Hullinger

All Hands Conference April 20th

The Marine Corps ALL HANDS CONFERENCE is back!!! The Conference will be held Saturday, April 20th at Weapons Company, 2d Battalion, 24th Marines located at 3155 Blackhawk Drive, Fort Sheridan, IL 60037. 

Doors open at 0700. Breakfast 0800-1000. Guest speakers from 0900-1100. Cost is $10 per person (cash or check), $11 per person (via PayPal - see below pay buttons) or $15 per person at the door. This is scheduled to be a great event with equipment displays, training aids, guest speakers, and breakfast. 

The Marine Corps Coordinating Council will be accepting additional donations to help defray the costs involved in hosting the event. If you cannot attend, please consider a donation. Check payments and donations can be mailed to: Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Chicago, 40557 N. Minena St., Antioch, IL 60002. 

To register for the All Hands Conference, please email info@theillinoismarine.com and put ALL HANDS CONFERENCE in the subject line, then in the body of the email put the following information: NAME, ORGANIZATION AFFILIATION and EMAIL ADDRESS. Or by your tickets now!

__________________________________

Below we have two Marines looking for Employment, cut and paste to your contacts.

MICHAEL J. DOYLE

MANAGEMENT/TRAINING/HUMAN RESOURCES

Overview           

Bachelor of Science Degree in Workforce Education and Development. Effective problem solver and briefer. Tenacious, forthright, steadfast and knowledgeable with a positive can do attitude. Great intellectual, organizational and communication skills.

Management

MASTER SERGEANT, United States Marine Corps, 10 Dec 1991 – 30 Sep 2012

Power Plants Division Chief, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan Managed 54 Marines located at 3 different bases. Provided engine and dynamic component repair support to 10 squadrons, flying 7 different type/model/series aircraft during combat operations.

Marine Corps Recruiting Substation Mount Prospect, RS Chicago, Illinois                  Responsible for obtaining monthly tasked goals for 5 Marine recruiters. Organized, directed and supervised their efforts and developed their professional selling skills. Accounted for 48% of all the quality enlistments into the military within the area of responsibility.

Head Instructor, Aviation Support Equipment Schoolhouse, Pensacola, Florida

Responsible for the course curriculum, Proficiency of 23 Instructors and course completion of 3,000 students. Ensured student/instructor materials were accurate and up to date. Ensured instructor’s maintained qualifications and personally reviewed all student course critiques.    

Division Chief, Support Equipment Division, Okinawa, Japan                                                                                 Tracked scheduled/unscheduled maintenance actions, ensured quality of completed tasks. Developed qualifications and prepared Marines to deploy in support of global operations.

Environmental Manager, Newburgh, New York  Responsible for the storage, disposal and education of personnel in the proper handling of Hazardous Materials, in accordance with Marine Corps and Air Force directives as well as OSHA and EPA regulations. Provided training on Hazard Communication & Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency Response. Ensured all Hazardous Materials were stored/disposed of properly, in accordance with all DOT and EPA regulations and properly maintained and tracked all records. Submitted all annual reports in a timely manner.

               

Education           

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE, 2006 Cum Laude, Southern Illinois University,  Workforce Education & Development with a specialization in Education, Training & Development

Enrolled in Masters Program, Southern Illinois University 2006                                                  Workforce, Education & Development with focus on Human Performance Improvement

Basic Instructor Training, Pensacola, Florida

Classroom Instruction, Public Speaking, and Curriculum Development, 2003

Staff Noncommissioned Officers’ Advanced Course, Camp Johnson, North Carolina, Advanced Leadership, Management, and Combat Operations, 2005

Basic Recruiter School, San Diego, California

Needs Satisfaction Selling Process, Systematic Recruiting, Public Speaking & Sales, 2007

Lean Six Sigma, Executive Level, 2010, Green Belt 2010

References and Supporting Documentation Furnished Upon Request

____________________________________________________________

ROB DIAZ

OBJECTIVE

To begin a career with an organization that encompasses great culture and stability that will lead to a long relationship filled with growth opportunities.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chase Bank • Chicago, Illinois (May 2011 - Present)

Personal Banker

The Personal Banker is a branch based sales professional whose primary goal is to acquire, retain, and deepen customer relationships. Responsible to maintain consistent communication, ensuring all banking needs are met and clients receive important updates on new policies or changes to existing bank policies.  Provide guidance, support and direction to clients in connection with selecting bank products based on individual needs.  Assist clients with completing any necessary documentation and walk them through complicated bank processes as needed.

               

                Accomplishments

             Awarded Most Valuable Participant (“MVP”) during national sales training

             Successfully attracted over 200 new customers to the bank

             Fortified existing customer relationships generating between $500 thousand and $1 

                    million in new assets for the bank

College Works Painting • Chicago, Illinois (February 2010 - September 2010) Internship

Branch Manager

Hired, trained, and supervised no fewer than 10 direct reports.  Created, designed and implemented plans for marketing, sales, and production.  Generated approximately 100 solid leads from Marketing Plan.

                Accomplishments

             Achieved sales and production revenues in excess of $50 thousand

             Successfully built and ran a start-up business, overseeing all activity from inception 

                       through full operation

             Worked effectively, interacting seamlessly with a multitude of clients at any one time 

             Garnered nomination for Most Improved Manager of the Year

Triton College • River Grove, Illinois (August 2008- August 2009) Internship

Program Assistant

Assisted the Dean of Student Services in providing support for student clubs and organizations.  Functioned as an advisor to students in connection with the management of student clubs and the oversight of activities linked to organization initiatives.  Implemented recruitment and marketing strategies and programs designed to promote involvement in student clubs and organizations.  Assisted the Dean of Student Services with the special initiatives, projects and activities

                Accomplishments

             Increased the level of club participation on campus by 50%

             Led in coordinating a Bone Marrow Drive event resulting in the addition of over 75 new 

                      applicants to the donor registry

United States Marine Corps / Rank - Staff Sergeant • Camp Pendleton, California (June 2003- June 2007)

Supply Administration Supervisor

Provided all necessary direct supply support to an entire battalion maximizing resources available to ensure mission accomplishment.  Maintained an accurate inventory accounting of military assets with an estimated combine value in excess of $1 million.  Oversaw the administration of property control and sub-custody work sections to ensure the complete accuracy of records.  Constructed and monitored a multimillion dollar budget ensuring projected actual expenditures tracked with available appropriations.  Conducted internal audits to ensure proper policies and procedures were being adhered to.  Supervised, led, trained, and fostered the overall well-being of personnel in the work sector.  Directed the contract procurement of supplies using an authorized government purchase card.

            Accomplishments

  

           Recognized by the Secretary of the Navy for superior performance and dedication of 

                     duty

            Accurately prepared the work section under the Commanding General's Inspection 

                     Program resulting in an overall score of 98% out of 100%

            Created a training schedule which enhanced the knowledge and proficiency of the                 

                      personnel under my direct supervision

             Reconstructed property records after deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom

             Successfully completed training for the government purchase card program

             Received Battalion Marine for the Quarter honors

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration

DePaul University, Chicago Illinois, March 2013 (Anticipated) 

Associate Degree in Science

Triton College, River Grove Illinois

Marine Video

Click to see a great Marine video

Thanks to Colonel Byron Hill for Sharing

S/F 

Merry Christmas Happy Holidays

marines.mil

Merry Christmas Happy Holidays Happy New Year  Semper Fi

Rare Footage of Iwo Jima

http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/qWcDIMrd6eE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Iwo_Jima

Submitted by Col John Wilkes, USMC Retired.

Who We Are

The attached article is from General Amos, CMC. 

If the public ever wanted to know what is the U.S. Marine Corps

and why we exist, or what is a Marine, or an insight of who we are, 

they may want to read this.

S/F
Woz

LtCol Ronald S. Wozniak USMCR Retired
 

Download all attachments    

 

20121029 Proceedings Amos Nov 12.pdf.pdf 378K   View   Download

Reserve Officers Association

Below is a survey link that takes goes to the Reserve Officers Association ROA site conducting a membership survey. I would like this sent to all Det-4 alumni - Officer and Enlisted. Whether they are ROA members or not is immaterial. Drew and I need for them to give us their input about what they know or don't know about ROA and what it does for Reservists....retired or still serving.

They could win "fabulous prizes" by just taking the survey!!

Happy Holidays.

S/F

Will Holohan and Andrew Davis

http://mckinley.roasurvey.sgizmo.com/s3/

www.roa.org

Reserve Officers Association
202-646-7719
KWeller@roa.org
 

Larry and Medy Magilligan

The Magilligan's Visit Spain,  Portugal, and Lourdes, France!

By Larry and Medy Magilligan

Read the Full Article

Click here to Submit your own Travel Article

Happy Birthday, Marines

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS      As we pause to celebrate the 237th birthday of our Corps, we reflect on the rich legacy of service handed down to us, we recommit ourselves to the tasks at hand, and we look forward toward a bright future in service to our country.       Marines exist to fight and win our Nation's battles. We are most proud of our well earned reputation for answering the clarion call first. This was never more evident than at the epic battle of Guadalcanal 70 years ago. Picked to lead the first allied counter-offensive ofthe Pacific war because they were the "most ready," Marines landed on 7 August 1942 in the Solomon Islands. They persevered through months of unremitting deprivation and bitter combat. By the time the veterans of the Blue Diamond, the Cactus Air Force, our legendary Marine Raiders, and initial elements of the Follow-Me Division gathered together to raise a canteen and toast the birthday of their beloved Corps some three months later, the battle was no longer an Issue. The situation was well in hand ... victory was assured. We carry that same legacy of resolute commitment and valor today. Over the past year, Marines have stood firm in the toughest of circumstances and on numerous occasions. We've taken the fight to the enemy in Helmand and to the Hom of Africa.  We've manned the ramparts of beleaguered embassies in the Middle East and North Africa, fought alongside our allies throughout the world, while behind the scenes, afloat and ashore, other Marines did the painstaking hard work required to maintain our high levels of readiness and efficiency. As we look toward the future, we know that our sentimental place in the hearts of our fellow Americans and critical role in the defense of our way of life are assured. America has always wanted a Marine Corps .. .it's always been that way. Now, more than ever, America needs its Marines as we confront a dangerous and unpredictable world. Faced with difficult days ahead, we will continue to draw strength from our rich heritage and the shared values of the Marines to our left and to our right. We know who we are ... we know what we stand for. As ever we will strive to be found worthy of the legendary trust of our fellow Americans. I salute the enduring faithfulness of those who have gone before, of those who wear our cloth today, and of the families who stand so resolutely at our sides.  Happy Birthday, Marines! Semper Fidelis, James F. Amos General, U.S. Marine Corps

RealClearHistory.com

RealClearHistory.com

Part of my Marine Vietnam Blog got picked up by Real Clear History.com on Tuesday October 30, 2012. I have no idea how the found it but it was nice that my story was chosen. My 15 minutes of fame.

Or perhaps it is closer to 5 minutes. They titled the article:

Life of a Marine on Hill in Danang 


realclearhistory.com

http://hullingermarine.blogspot.com/2010/05/ocs-officers-candidate-school.html

Get Together 1800 December 11, 2012

CHANGE 1 TO THE WORD

NOW HEAR THIS!

New Objective area for our event.

Cavanaugh’s in Chicago. Nice Irish bar on Federal Street across from Union League Club Parking lot. We have the back room for appetizers and drinks. No downstroke.

Pass the WORD. I will see you all there at 1800 hrs. 

 Ph# is 312-939-3125 My cell is 312-505-3923.

Told them at least 25 so be there. Make sure we invite SgtMajor Malarski, SgtMaj Pacynski, CWO-5 Roussell, Col. Steve Rubin.

Bring a toy for TOYS FOR TOTS!! Send me your traffic and confirm.

Thanks.

Semper Fi

Robert L. Hudon, Jr.

Managing Director

Chief Marketing Officer

Fiduciary Management Associates, LLC

55 West Monroe Street, 2550

Chicago, IL 60603

312-334-0253

rhudon@fmausa.com

Down Sizing the Marine Corps

Gentleman, received my 3rdMarDiv Association newsletter today. Front page news is the on-going downsizing for the Corps headed to a 182,000 active structure. 

Big news here is that the Aviation side is losing 12 flying squadrons and their marine support groups. Infantry battalions going from 27 to 23, Inf. Regiments from 8 to 7.  Tank Companies from 10 to 8 and LAV companies to 12 from 15. 

As expected Marine SpecOps Group will continue to grow with an additional 850 Marines. None of this should be a surprise although some of the cuts could be less severe depending on the outcome of the election. 

The Corps stood at 173,000 before OIF kicked off. No end strength reduction for the SMCR although I do not know what is left of the 4thMAW which once had 12 VMFA squadrons just 20 years ago and are down to 1! 

P.S. MajGen Dave Bice is the VP of the organization and our friend and former MCROA President Al Cruz is the Chairman.   Everyone have a great Birthday Ball celebration on our 237^th.  

Do we want to organize a Chicago Marine event around Christmas time?  

Semper Fi. 

Robert L. Hudon, Jr.