Prior Military Service Guys

[karl_58sow]

I think it would be cool if all the prior service guys we have on WIH could make a post on how long they served , what branch , what job , and also post a highlight of their career.

Note: This also applies to people that are actively serving.

[dbodenheim]

I served ten years Navy, got out in 2000. I was on the USS Columbus SSN 762 ( submarine) and also worked at the National Defense University in Washington DC for 4 years. I was stationed in Hawaii eventually but reported to my submarine before it was finished being built. We visited, Cape Canaveral, the Bahamas, Ft. LauderDale, St. Croix Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Curacao ( dutch colony), Panama, San Diego, Alaska, Victoria Canada, Maui, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Subic Bay Phillipines, Guam-----and probably a lot more I cant remember. I just wrote down the places I got laid. ( joke) I was a Navigation Tech so I basically was responsible for knowing exactly where the boat was when we were submerged for weeks. It drives me absolutely batty when I go boating with friends and they dont follow the rules of the road. I have helped pilot a 20 ton ship into some of the busiest harbors of the world, Hong Kong, Los Angelos, etc etc-----put down the Milwaukee's Best and LISTEN TO ME. GPS is great but it isnt the be all end all.

[ICEPICK]

United States Navy 1988-1992

Aircraft Electricain F14A/B VF-101

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/vf-101.htm

Operation Desert Storm.......... The powers that be sent me to Key West Florida

One of the few the proud 4 Years of Shore Duty

[The Needle]

I broke mine into pieces:

USMC 1983-1987 started as a turbine mechanic, went to door gunner, then to sniper school.

Went back to school for a few years then:

U.S. Army 1989-1995 Electronics technician. This was a big change from the Corps, lol. When you go from the Marine Corps into another branch of service they don't make you go through their bootcamp because its a joke. My problem was that I had been out for almost two years, was not in shape anymore, had forgotten half my military protocol and wasn't prepared for the differences between the Army and Marines. It took a few months to get it together but that was no problem since the schools were a year and a half long.

Highlight? Sitting in a Buddhist temple on a mountain top in Korea watching the sun rise. The smell of incense in the air, flowering trees down the mountainside and monks praying in the background. Peace was there.

Lowlight? Many, too many. For those of you who have doubts about the military life, if you go in, go into the Air Force, Army or Navy. The Marine Corps requires a level of committment you simply cannot achieve if you have doubts.

[Ramis]

I broke mine into pieces:

USMC 1983-1987 started as a turbine mechanic, went to door gunner, then to sniper school.

Very cool! :sniper:
I'd love to learn good marksmanship one day.

[moldykorn]

I broke mine into pieces:

USMC 1983-1987 started as a turbine mechanic, went to door gunner, then to sniper school.

Very cool! :sniper:
I'd love to learn good marksmanship one day.


You should look into a civilian marksmanship program near you.

[DinkyPoopStick]

4 years Navy

2 years in Nofuck Va. and 2 years in La Madd Italy

was a NDT inspector, instpected welds and base metals mostly. I was the youngest (19 at the time) and most junoir(E-3) to become a Nuclear Certified NDT inspecter in almost 20 years.

I would like to append needle's
For those of you who have doubts about the military life, if you go in, go into the Air Force, Army or Navy.Go Coast Guard, Navy is WAY to anal now. They care more about how you look then how you do your work.

[monos]

USMC 1985-1989
Finished after 4 years as an E4 Corporal
MOS 0351 Anti-Tank Assaultman used the Dragon Anti-Tank Missle which employed an optical sight that fed data to the wire guided missle firing off one of 60 pairs of rocket motors to adjust it in flight to get it on target. the 0351 also had a secondary MOS of demolitions got to blow up some cool shit.

not many things involved that i would call Highlights but did get to see some cool places and do some cool shit. Okinawa twice Korea twice, got to hang out with some badass crazy ROK marines (ROK Means Republic of Korea) those are some cool dudes, met some local elders who got down on there knees and cried and shook our hands thanking us for the job done by my marine brethern during the Korean War. REMEMBER THE FROZEN CHOSIN! (In November, 1950 eight thousand fighters, most of them United States Marines [from the 5th marines and 7th marines regiments], struggled to survive the coldest winter in 100 years in North Korea. Surrounded by 120,000 Chinese soldiers. The withdrawal, the longest in American military history, would take 13 days and cost many lives. None of those that died were left behind all were brought out. Those who didn't understand what was happening called it a "retreat", while one American general simply said, "We're attacking in a different direction.") it is stories like this that were constantly fed to you to make you understand what members of the marines have done and sacrificed and make you understand that this may one day be asked of you. I was very fortunate to have served during peace time the only time in my life i have ever felt close to death was while in Korea, in 1986 my unit, 3rd Bn 5th Marines 1st Marine Division was a part of the annual joint services field operation called Team Spirit this annual event was an opportunity for the south koreans and the US forces to demonstrate to the north our readiness to defend an attack from the north, towards the end of the 2 week operation having endured rain and mud and thirst (we were not resupplied of water for 7 days we were forced to drink nasty water skimmed from rice paddies, causing me to be on medication for a year to avoid tuberculosous) we were suppossed to walk an easy 1km to get on transport trucks to go back to base and be done, 8 hours later it was dark and cold and raining large chunks of ice (again!) and the entire company my squard of anti tank marines was attached to was totally lost, as i sat shivering under a poncho with my best friend jerry we started talking about not surviving the ordeal. by some stroke of luck we did finally get to where we were going and it all worked out there were a few that had to be treated for hypothermia luckily no one died the commanding officer was relieved of command upon return to base camp.

I would recommend military service to anyone looking for direction in their life specifically i would recommend the USMC as a good place to learn that you do not always get a job you love but you have to do it anyway.

[karl_58sow]

Thanks guys!

I got a little over a year of service in the Air Force and while its defenitely not the same sacrifice some of you guys have made its still alot of hours and hard work.

AFSC 2A631B - TURBOPROP MECHANIC
I work on C130 Engines and also the prop. Basically qualified to work on any turboshaft helicopter or any turboprop plane and also A10s because they use the turbofan.

Hmm now I gotta answer my own question I guess my highlight so far has been being able to afford my own vacation to San Diego and just being a little more independant and out from under my parents roof!!

I plan on joining the Army Guard/Reserve when I get out and I want to be something out in the field, and get deployed.

[Shinto]

Air Force, six years now. I am currently stationed at Cannon AFB, NM. The people are nice but the town is too small for my tastes. I am an exterior and interior electrician in the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron. Just over a year ago now I was deployed to Balad AB in Iraq. Although the mortars fell daily and people died there all too often, I must say that it was an experience I do not regret.

I am changing jobs this month, I am going to become a computer programmer. To those in the Air Force, I am becoming a Comm wennie. That suits me just fine though, I am tired of working outside and deploying every year.

My high point was being stationed in Elmendorf Alaska. Being from CA I had never seen snow falling before, but I definitely got my fill then. There is nothing like sitting out watching the Northern Lights and drinking a beer. Also in the summer time you can drink all night and the sun never goes down, awesome.

[Multiplex]

4 years in the Army (active duty) as an electronic warfare technician (33W, best MOS in the Army). Worked on and fixed: crypto, satellite comms, UNIX clients & servers, Windows clients & servers, intelligence equipment of various unnameable types.

Went back for some more training and became an avionics technician and ground control station tech for Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

I've been to:
South Carolina
Ft. Huachuca, AZ
El Paso, TX
South America
South Korea (2ID!)

I decided to get out because military life is more of an exercise of patience in putting up with officers and unknowledgeable senior NCOs than a decent way of life. These days I'm a defense contractor working in Tampa, FL in the intelligence field.

EDIT: Oh yeah the highlight was probably working on the flight line in Korea. It was hard work and involved lots of tough shifts and a high tempo... but it was fun. The other highlight was the day I left the service!

[ICEPICK]

The other highlight was the day I left the service!


Amen

[Wibby]

got to hang out with some badass crazy ROK marines (ROK Means Republic of Korea) those are some cool dudes

A buddy of mine in the Marines before he was sent over to Iraq at the beginning of the war was stationed in Okinawa for two months and said that they went over to Korea for some training and said that he trained with some ROK Marines and said that these guys were absolutely some of the most insane men he has ever met. Just the training he said they go through is insane and that they practice hand to hand fighting all the time.

I know this doesn't count as service but I blew my knee out in Marine Recuit Training about 3 years ago. So it's not service but I was damn near close to graduation day and being a Marine.

[moldykorn]

Ive heard some wicked stories of ROK's in Vietnam.


Not meaning to intrude on this thread, but ive been seriously looking into joining up with the Marines since I was 12.

Something about those spiffy uniforms that sets them apart from the rest of the services :D

[karl_58sow]

Thanks for the posts guys they were all very interesting.

[atomicbob]

I got one more......While I was in a "not much military" window....I;ve never lost out on respecting those who serve.

My grandad fought in Korea as a marine. He never spoke much about it, only enough to tell us how he got his scars. One bullet through the shoulder, one bayonet through the foot, a smattering of holes in his neck from shrapnel, and frostbit toes that always looked horribly malformed.

Anyone that joins is a hero, those that actually see service are beyond heroes. My balls are far too small and insignificant to even stand in the same chow line as you vets.

I'm not sure what these ribbons are, but this is what I have left of him. I can tell Gramps could shoot the tits off a gnat at a thousand yards with whatever he held in his hand.

I'm not worthy.

AB

Anyone that can ID some of these ribbons, will be a hero in my book. Thanks for looking.

http://www.atomicbobs.com/uploads/gramos.jpg

[Multiplex]

First... let me state that I was in the Army however all US military ribbons are wearable and researchable for any service member... As in an Army guy could be awarded a Marine specific badge under certain circumstances and this also applies to foreign awards given out by foreign countries to US service members. I'm not sure on one or two of the items and if any Marines are floating about here on the forums feel free to correct me or offer insight!

Second... Let me state that your Grandad is a well decorated individual and although I am sure that you already are: you should be very proud of his service.

Third... I hope that this helps some:

Ribbons Only

Drop the top two at the top of your picture, (Light Blue w/ single white stripe in the center) and (Red and black with white sides) they appear to be a duplicate set... probably from his first rack and as he received more awards he just bought two new ribbons to go with the rest of his stuff. The rest of it goes roughly left to right top to bottom... RIBBONS ONLY!

* Presidential Medal of Freedom (Solid light blue with white sides)
* Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (Solid Red with a single vertical blue stripe and blue sides)
* Navy Presidential Unit Citation 2nd Award (Three horizontal stripes, red, yellow, blue... btw you have it upsidedown)
* Navy Unit Commendation (Center outward: green, red, yellow, blue... non-faded colors vary)
* Army of Occupation Medal (Red and black with white sides)
* Korean Service Medal 4th Award (Light Blue w/ single white stripe in the center)
* United Nations Service Medal (White and blue vertical stripes repeated)

Badges and Other Stuff

* The two rifle badges, the one which says Sharpshooter and the one which says Expert Rifleman are worn to indicate his current proficiency with the standard weapon of the time or perhaps a pistol or grenade proficiency.
* I was never a marine so I don't know what the two "Division Corps" brass things are. I am guessing they could be what division or Corps he was a part of at various times. Any marines around that could shed light on this?
* The small pin (Red with 6 white stripes, 3 set to either side) appears to be an Army good conduct medal.
* The other pin is maybe a marine corps insignia? Again... marines wanna help with this?
* The Korean insiginia or award I do not recognize and it is not an "officially recognized award" by the US Military at this time. It might have been before...or it could be ROK specific.
* The medal on the bottom right (Solid red with a vertical blue stripe, medal attached w/ pin) is the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal but in medal form instead of ribbon form. In the Army these are used for two different types of uniforms... the ribbon is for dress uniforms and the medals are for dress mess or when you're in civilian attire.

Um... I think that's everything. Hope this helped.

EDIT: One additional note that I am assuming the Marines use stars to indicate additional awards after the first one... kind of like the Army uses oak leaf clusters. 2nd award and 4th award indicte how many times a certain award was received. Also, for the Korea Service Medal 4th award *should* mean that he did 4 years there... unless it went simply by "tours" instead of years.

[Multiplex]

I went ahead and constructed it using a webapp... The top grouping is worn on the left breast and the bottom grouping is worn on the right breast. Medals are arranged in order of importance from left to right and top to bottom.

http://dissolute.org/pics/rack.jpg

[moldykorn]

The very top right one, the one with the T looking thing, with the chain, is connected to a marine eagle globe and anchor.




it keeps your tie in place :smily030:

[atomicbob]

Awesome info you guys. Thanks so much! I'm shadowboxing these with his flag and now can label them properly.

:thumbsup:

[karl_58sow]

Basically Bob, your gramps is a badass !! here's mine too its all I've got of him I actually never even met him...

http://www.thetroubleshooters.com/history818.html
Can anyone figure exactly what my gramps was up to?

[monos]

ok the medal on the bottom right is a good conduct medal awarded for four years of service.

the sharpshooter medal means he qualified within the range of sharpshooter on his rifle qualification the expert rifleman means he scored within expert range on rifle qualification 250 was the max score when i was in shooting with the m16a1 and the m16a2 i do know this was the same back into the fifties (since qual is done every year he could have recieved various different awards during his service). the three levels of qual are
1. Expert-highest
2. Sharpshooter
3. Marksman- lowest (looks like a pizza in a box)
i believe you have to score above 220 out of 250 to be expert

now the division badges i believe indicates he was a member of the division rifle and pistol shooting teams

the pin with the chain is a Tie Tack worn by marines when wearing the gress green uniform in either Alpha, Bravo or Charlie configuration

Alpha- Green jacket long sleeve Khaki shirt
Bravo- Long Sleeve Khaki shirt
Charlie- Short Sleeve Khaki Shirt

as far as the ribbons go the ribbon that has a solid red with blue bar in the center is the ribbon version of the good conduct medal he received. when in dress uniform you were given direction as to wearing ribbons and medals or medals only or ribbons only

the stars on the ribbons indicate an additional award of the ribbon so,
no star awarded once
1 star awarded twice
and so on

[Multiplex]

Thanks for helping to clear up some of my mistakes monos.

Are you sure about that red w/ blue band good conduct though?

[karl_58sow]

Thats a purple heart there too guys. Anyone say that already?

Anyways the only two I recognize is the red and white stripes.. thats good conduct medal (for not getting in trouble for 3 years)

And the Purple one with the white sides is of course the purple heart.

And that rainbow color ones looks like the army training ribbon (for geting through basic its their first ribbon)

And those stars on the ribbon stand for how many time he has earned that same ribbon.

I don't know badges.

Anyways, by far that purple heart is the coolest thing man. Do you happen to know how he was injured?

[Multiplex]

Karl there is no purple heart there that I can see. I'm referring to atomicbob's that is.

I also already identified the rainbow one.

[karl_58sow]

The purple one with the white borders! Thats a purple heart lol... and the rainbow colored one is probably not the army training ribbon since he wasn't army =)

[Multiplex]

I don't see a purple one with white borders I see a blue one with white borders which I already identified. I believe it is the UN service one. I forgot what I put above.

[karl_58sow]

I'm almost 100% positive thats a purple heart.

The top left one looks purple, not blue.

http://dissolute.org/pics/rack.jpg

[Multiplex]

Heh I used a rack builder for that. It isn't purple it is blue. Check my listings above.

[karl_58sow]

Yea , I hate arguing but look in Bobs picture its purple.

EDIT: Once we figure this out go ahead and delete these posts if you want =) We're just tryin to help bob out and in turn its spamming this thread!

[monos]

Yea , I hate arguing but look in Bobs picture its purple.

EDIT: Once we figure this out go ahead and delete these posts if you want =) We're just tryin to help bob out and in turn its spamming this thread!

since i have one of the red with blue bars i can say for sure it is a marine corps good conduct ribbon it comes as a set with the medal. look at the fabric attached to the medal in the bottom right corner it is the same design as the ribbon.

here is what i found concerning these ribbons
top 2 ribbons are duplicates of the bottom right 2 ribbons
purple heart http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3363/purheart1xx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Marine Corps Good Conduct Ribbonhttp://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3135/mcgoodconduct9tn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Navy Presidential Unit Citationhttp://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7587/navypresunitcitation8jo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Could find nothing matching the ribbon that is green with blue red and yellow bars this may have been something that was awarded but was later removed as a valid award for some reason probably the case with the blue pin with the korean writing on it also
Navy Occupation Medalhttp://img288.imageshack.us/img288/8643/navyoccupationmedal9qi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Korean Serive Medalhttp://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9649/koreansericemedal7mh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)3 stars mean he served a total of 4 qualifying tours (probably 2 years total)
United Nations Service Ribbonhttp://img71.imageshack.us/img71/3648/unitednationsservicemedal4po.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It Appears your Gramps may have served in the Army Reserve after his active war duty in the marines since he also had
Army Good Conduct Reserve Medalhttp://img44.imageshack.us/img44/6049/armygoodconductreservemedal5ak.jpg (http://imageshack.us)in pin form

Sounds like your gramps was one hard mother wish i had known him so i could have thanked him for serving

[karl_58sow]

Yes, that is a purple heart. Thats all I was saying.

I'm sure you know this AB but the purple heart is one of the most honorable ribbons that you can get, ever. I feel the same way as Monos.

[Multiplex]

Monos: You can find that three color ribbon here: http://armyawards.com/awards.shtml along with all of the rest if you'd like to check.

karl: I still think the ribbon is blue and not purple. But whatever... there is a corresponding ribbon either way.

Purple heart is not one of the most honorable things you can receive IMO and a lot of vets who have them will tell you so. It simply means you got shot or otherwise harmed. There are a grip of ribbons I'd rather have.. and if you check out my link above... they're all the ribbons listed near the top of the page.

[monos]

Monos: You can find that three color ribbon here: http://armyawards.com/awards.shtml along with all of the rest if you'd like to check.

the ribbon is definitely purple and the ribbon i cannot identify is not on the link you show either. what one are you saying it is? i thought it might be the naval unit commendation but the colors are not right.

[karl_58sow]

Back in his day I think it was something more honorable. Nowadays people can get them for spraining their ankles. I am sure his was hard earned.

[Multiplex]

Monos: You can find that three color ribbon here: http://armyawards.com/awards.shtml along with all of the rest if you'd like to check.

the ribbon is definitely purple and the ribbon i cannot identify is not on the link you show either. what one are you saying it is? i thought it might be the naval unit commendation but the colors are not right.

Naval Presidential Unit Citation. Bottom of the page, left side of the page. It's under "Right Side Unit Awards" or whatever. The colors are right but the ribbon in the picture he provided is placed upside down.

[monos]

Monos: You can find that three color ribbon here: http://armyawards.com/awards.shtml along with all of the rest if you'd like to check.

the ribbon is definitely purple and the ribbon i cannot identify is not on the link you show either. what one are you saying it is? i thought it might be the naval unit commendation but the colors are not right.

Naval Presidential Unit Citation. Bottom of the page, left side of the page. It's under "Right Side Unit Awards" or whatever. The colors are right but the ribbon in the picture he provided is placed upside down.

i got that one the one i could not identify is green in the center and has blue red and yellow bars on the end

[Multiplex]

Monos: You can find that three color ribbon here: http://armyawards.com/awards.shtml along with all of the rest if you'd like to check.

the ribbon is definitely purple and the ribbon i cannot identify is not on the link you show either. what one are you saying it is? i thought it might be the naval unit commendation but the colors are not right.

Naval Presidential Unit Citation. Bottom of the page, left side of the page. It's under "Right Side Unit Awards" or whatever. The colors are right but the ribbon in the picture he provided is placed upside down.

i got that one the one i could not identify is green in the center and has blue red and yellow bars on the end

Yeah you were right originally then... it is a navy unit commendation: http://www.navalhelicopterassn.org/medsribs/rib22.htm

The colors are perfect on his image and the one on that page. Green, red, yellow, blue.

[ShrinkWrap]

I was in the Navy from 1986 -1994. I was a Nuke Machinist Mate (MM1/SS, E6) and I was qualified as a EWS but I never made EDPO.

I was station on the USS Stonewall Jackson SSBN-634G for the entire time I was out of school and I lived in Charleston S.C. but I did refits out of Charleston and Kingsbay G.A.

I was made 11 deterrent patrols.

I would do it again but I should have gone to college first and then joined the military. I am not saying that I would have wanted to be an officer but damn it is hard trying to put yourself through school, work full time and have a family. :wallbash:

[atomicbob]

Regarding his purple hearts, I'll say this...and this is about all he ever told me about his tour. I saw the scars, so his wasn't no sprained ankle BS.

One battle, his squad was on a mountain. Snow....freezing ass.... Mortars starting coming in. He was crouching down, cuz there wasn't any enemy coming in yet. Only shells. So while he was diggin in, one lit right behind him, sending shrapnel all into the back of his neck. He said a little closer, it might have blew his head off. All I know is he had these "pits" in the back of his neck. Not quite as big as a pencil eraser, perhaps BB size. They were healed that way, and about 1/2 inch deep. Been there as long as I was alive. Maybe 30 or so of these holes were always there. I always thought it must be pretty hard to keep those clean. If they ever got full of mud, it would be a bitch getting it out. That was his first wounding, and he missed no duty. Just stayed on the mountain.

A few weeks later, his group was holding a mountain top, perhaps the same one. The Chinese charged up the hill. He was shootin back, with a single shot rifle, killed some, and then got shot in the shoulder. I've seen the scar where it went in, and the one on his back where they cut it out. He was out a while for that one but went back without coming home. He said you had to be really hurt to get to come home.

Later, the were again, on a mountain (see a pattern here?) and it was freezing. He got frostbite, and there was no relief to be had. They just had to hold the position, and wait. They had been awake for days with no rest. Just a continuing battle for this hilltop. The night was completely black and foggy. You could see nothing. He had to use the #2, and decided to move out of his hole and find a better spot. In the darkness and fog, he was feeling his way along.....he said he got one of those "feelings" like someone was right there, and he fired his rifle ahead of him. It hit an enemy soldier that apparently was in attack position. The man fell dead and the bayonet on his falling rifle went through gramps' foot. The battle did not end right then, but eventually they got to leave. They kept the hill.

I know he had purple hearts. I know that he gave some of those to his sister so I don't have all of his stuff. Only what my grandmother gave me after he passed awasy.

Whether or not this is all of his stuff, I will cherish and respect it and his memory forever, and admire his courage. I don't need anything more than being a little kid and asking him how he got his scars and funny looking toes, and listening to his short tales about how bad things were. I posted this Life Magazine cover pic once before, of him stepping over a dead enemy. So for the new guys, I post it again.....

http://www.atomicbobs.com/uploads/grandpa_in_korea.jpg

Even if the ribbons are a latrine atta boy, this is my gramps in a rice patty, steppin over a dead guy (enemy), and that's a place I never want to be. These guy's are heroes.

Salute to all of those with the nads to go where no man belongs to do the work nobody else can handle.

[karl_58sow]

Well put, Bob.

I think this quote fits in well here.

"With honor and respect, we remember America's Fallen."

[trvsmrtn]

Navy here too, 1994 - ?. I was a PN1 stationed on the USS South Carolina (CGN 37) in Norfolk, VA. Decommissioned her in 1999, then went to BUPERS in Millington, TN where I got picked up for BOOST/STA-21. Went to Newport, RI from Jul 01 to Jul 02 for BOOST and NSI, then went to Jacksonville University for college. I was commissioned May 05 and now I'm waiting to start flight school in Pensacola, FL. I've done 2 med cruises and some counter drug ops in the Caribbean.

No real highlights except for my commissioning. Everything else is pretty much a drunken blur. I'm sure I'll have plenty of highlights once I'm through with flight school.

[Ihova]

US Army from 88-90 stationsed in Ft Hood Texas, we should for a squad 1 day so all the 12 year olds with video game reflexes can kick our old butts.

[Ichi]

US Army
11H (heavy anti-armor infantry)

88-89 Ft. Carson E 1-12 4th ID
89-91 Kitzigen, Germany E/HHC 1-15 3rd ID
91-92 Ft. Campbell D 1-327 101st ABN

[Essenmir]

U.S. Army 11B 70-74