BOOT CAMP, MARINE CORPS BASE, SAN DIEGO - 1943
Yarbz, my #2 son, invited me to tell this story after I referred to it briefly in a recent comment.
The first morning after a short night’s sleep in the barracks, still scared numb by the always yelling and demanding Sergeant M.M. Camp, we fell out for the purpose of filling out various personal information forms. I suppose it was important to know everything about us in case we came home in a body bag.
Instructions were not stated, they were screamed, like “in the first block, print your last name, not write it you filthy dumb asses, print it!!”
“In the second block, print your first name, and in the third block, print your middle name. Not your initial, turd head, your full middle name, do it, right now!!”
Well, I don’t have a middle name so I was absolutely petrified, but I had to do something, and quick. So I filled the block as follows: B (only).
Afterwards, we were called to formation again, and while standing at attention in perfect silence, Sgt. Camp bellowed out, like a man speaking through a bull horn, “OK, who is this perfect shit head named Barkley Bonely Yardbird?”
I was saddled with the name “Yardbird” for many months, until I finally made Corporal.
Looking back, I’m not sure why I loved every minute of my years in the Corps, but I did.
6 Responses to “BOOT CAMP, MARINE CORPS BASE, SAN DIEGO - 1943”
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September 26th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
I’m guessing that Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page must have used this little anecdote to name their first garage band almost 20 years later. Note Jimmy page named his later band after an airship from the 1930’s.
September 26th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
I would have called you Bonely!
September 27th, 2007 at 6:47 am
I remember that story and it’s one of my favorites! My time in the Corps was most appreciated when I got out. If I could only have felt that way a little earlier I’d have retired in 1999 with 20 years…
Oh well. When I decided I’d like to get back in, it was too late cuz I was too old. I guess I should feel lucky I was too old!
September 27th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Great story, it gave me a smile
September 28th, 2007 at 7:45 am
When you made Colonel did they call you FullYarbBird?
Hope your health is good and you and Mrs. Colbb are well and happy!
September 28th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
FB, when my promotion to Colonel was announced, I was attending Command & Staff School in Quantico, VA. My roommate, LtCol Bill Yates, said, “well, I suppose things will be a lot different between us when you are promoted tomorrow.” I replied, “Nothing will be different, I will still call you Bill and you can call me Colonel.”
My better half, a/k/a “The General” is doing great. Thanks.