[ErnBatavia]

When the Hasbro Toy Co. called up some years back, asking permission to put the retired colonel's face on some kid's doll, Mitchell Paige thought they must be joking. But they weren't. That's his mug, on the little Marine they call "GI Joe."

Fifteen years or so ago, I got to visit Mitchell "just call me Mitch" Paige at his home here in La Quinta. His wife and my Mom were DAR buddies, hence the arrangement.

I'd obtained one of those GI Joes and he autographed the (still) unopened box. When I referred to it as a doll he smilingly corrected me: "Please - I prefer 'action figure'",

As a former Jarhead, the visit thrilled me. His study was chock full of USMC memorabilia, and of course, 'the medal'....

[DuncanWaring]

I recall you mentioning that once upon a time.

The one guy I wish I could have met is “Red” Irwin.