View attachment 265440
Hey, USAF Security Forces too! Whoops, it's a General
33!
Sorry, its going down from the 80's 35, but not there yet!
I carried an M203 until I was assigned Point. Due to wounds that wouldn't heal, I had to catch a convoy to get an IV liter of penicillin on the main base.
One the way, we passed a small Marine post guarding a bridge - and they had acquired a drop tank, raised on poles - to make a shower. I couldn't abide that - I stood and yelled to get clear - and they appropriately unassed the area - and making sure of no threat if I was short or long - I pull the trigger and blew a hole in the side of it. Lots of names I've never even heard of - fists shaking - and anger - those guys are more emotional than one would assume.
Got my IV, returning the next day, and every Marine was paying attention as the convoy approached. They'd used the 90-mph tape to patch the hole and a few small splits - and when I stood up, everyone got clear of the shower - especially the guy bareazzed taking a shower.
I let 'er rip again - and another hole.
Two hours later at the firebase I got called to the HQ. Inside was the firebase commander and a one-star Marine General. He did the talking. Complimented me on making two very difficult shots - especially from a moving deuce and a half. "Thank you, sir."
"We Marines really appreciate good shooters - the better the shooter - the more we like them. How would you like to be a Marine?" Oh doo-doo.
"Sir, I think I'm needed here. But thank you for the offer."
He said that if any more shots were taken - that he had the authority under the "in the best interest of the military" option to grab me and make me a Marine.
He smiled, shook my hand, and asked if I was clear on that? "Absolutely sir - I read you five by five."
When he left - my Major ripped my butt up one side and down the other.
Just between us - it was worth every bit of it!