Paslode
06-30-2008, 12:55
A little back ground.
My Dad was this Gun Ho Marine that served in the Korean War. He was every bit as resourceful and enterprising as Peterson in the movie the Green Berets you needed something Chuck could get it. Growing up it was instilled upon me that Marines where the meanest SOB's that walked the earth and they always bailed the Armys ass out of some mess.
The story:
Back in the late 60's early 70's (I am guessing 1968 to 1970) I was with my Dad at the local VFW Hall (Newton Davis I believe) running around like a kid, throwing change in the jukebox and having a good time. My Dad rounded me up and I was sitting there calming down and he said, Son you see that man at the bar? Yes, I said. Dad told me the man at the bar was the Best of the Best. I asked if he was a Marine? No son, he was even better than that. Drew, you see his hat? Yes I said. That a Beret and he is a Green Beret. CLICK! Just like John Wayne! You go by the man a drink and tell him thank you......and don't ask if killed anyone. At that age I had no idea of the savagry and remorse that accompanies war.
What happened after that is that Dad took me home and said he would be back for me in a little while. I know what happened in my absence but it not really worth discussing.
Dad returned home and picked me up, said he had a surprise for me. We arrived back at the VFW. We walked in I saw the Green Beret go into the bathroom, Dad sit me at a table and said he would be right back. Then he came and we went back outside where the Green Beret met us. He said, he wanted to give me something special but I had to promise never to leave it on the floor, pull it over my head or let anyone else wear it. Then he pulled out a Green Beret with 5th SFG flash (I am pretty sure) and crest and placed it on my head. The he showed me how to cockit, and the proper folds.
I was in hog heaven and it was my pride and joy!
I don't know what happened to the man but I always hoped he made it back safe and sound.
My Dad was this Gun Ho Marine that served in the Korean War. He was every bit as resourceful and enterprising as Peterson in the movie the Green Berets you needed something Chuck could get it. Growing up it was instilled upon me that Marines where the meanest SOB's that walked the earth and they always bailed the Armys ass out of some mess.
The story:
Back in the late 60's early 70's (I am guessing 1968 to 1970) I was with my Dad at the local VFW Hall (Newton Davis I believe) running around like a kid, throwing change in the jukebox and having a good time. My Dad rounded me up and I was sitting there calming down and he said, Son you see that man at the bar? Yes, I said. Dad told me the man at the bar was the Best of the Best. I asked if he was a Marine? No son, he was even better than that. Drew, you see his hat? Yes I said. That a Beret and he is a Green Beret. CLICK! Just like John Wayne! You go by the man a drink and tell him thank you......and don't ask if killed anyone. At that age I had no idea of the savagry and remorse that accompanies war.
What happened after that is that Dad took me home and said he would be back for me in a little while. I know what happened in my absence but it not really worth discussing.
Dad returned home and picked me up, said he had a surprise for me. We arrived back at the VFW. We walked in I saw the Green Beret go into the bathroom, Dad sit me at a table and said he would be right back. Then he came and we went back outside where the Green Beret met us. He said, he wanted to give me something special but I had to promise never to leave it on the floor, pull it over my head or let anyone else wear it. Then he pulled out a Green Beret with 5th SFG flash (I am pretty sure) and crest and placed it on my head. The he showed me how to cockit, and the proper folds.
I was in hog heaven and it was my pride and joy!
I don't know what happened to the man but I always hoped he made it back safe and sound.