Posted on 03/21/2023 5:47:38 PM PDT by lowbridge
Long before he found fame riding alongside fellow 70’s heartthrob Erik Estrada in the hit TV series “CHiPs”, Larry Wilcox took on a very different role, one far less glamorous and that won him few fans. In May of 1967, the then 19-year-old, knowing the draft was looming, followed in his older brother’s footsteps and joined the Marine Corps. His unit, the 12th Marines, fought in Vietnam in the I Corps which ranged in areas from Dong Ha to the DMZ and Con Thien, and eventually, the Tet Offensive.
“We were a recon survey team which was inserted by helicopter to survey a mountain top or area for an Artillery Fire Base and upon completion would then run the FDC (Fire Direction Control) by using and computing distance, range, and azimuth via Slide Rule for 105 Howitzer, 155, 175 and 8-inch Artillery,” he explains.
Wilcox actually credits growing up in Wyoming’s ranch life as helping him deal with the rigors of being a soldier. “Growing up in Wyoming amongst pragmatic cowboys was helpful as I transitioned to Vietnam and War. Wyoming was a place where the seasons could romantically hug you and mankind could slap you. The mentality regarding adversity was, find a solution, and move forward-charge! Blissful youth prepped with “cowboy try” is how I coped with the Tet Offensive. I learned to tackle adversity with solutions and not pity.”
He was honorably discharged in 1973 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. His unit was awarded three stars for unit commendation during various operations they ran during the Vietnam Campaign, and he was personally awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in Vietnam, and was invited to attend Officer Candidate School, but declined.
(Excerpt) Read more at larrywilcox.net ...
Wilcox actually credits growing up in Wyoming’s ranch life as helping him deal with the rigors of being a soldier.
So, was he a Marine, or a soldier?
Obviously the article was written by someone who has no understanding of the differences.
He was a soldier. The article said he could use a slide rule and do math.
XD XD
Well, generically anyone who serves in the armed forces is a “soldier,” roughly speaking; though certainly that generic is broken down by branch of service. About the only branch that can claim a distinction is the Navy; yet, the Marines are part of the Navy, and they are more akin to the Army as far as mission than they are to the Navy.
I’m old school, and think the more appropriate term for anyone in the armed forces is “serviceman.” I was USAF, and I considered myself a serviceman. But then, as I said, I am old school.
Didn’t know that about him. Very cool.
Hi.
Growing up in Florida taught me much (good parents, relatives and neighbors). Regarding nature and living in the wilderness.
How to hunt, field dress, butcher and cook a deer is an example. Marksmanship, safety and weapons maintenance are another. How to swim at an early age.
Team sports also helped going into the Army.
What was my point...?
5.56mm
This is THIS former Marine giving you the 1-finger salute 🫡
Bullship. No MARINE would EVER consent to being called a soldier. Rifleman, perhaps, as all Marines are in a basic sense, but soldier? Hell no.
No comment.
Heh heh... carry on, Marine.
XD XD
You dirty rat LOL.
Apologies Devil Dogs, lowbridge just pitched it up so nice and slow over the plate, I couldn’t help it!
Smh.
Very good read. Had no idea.
LOL
What a class act. Semper Fi . . .
Seems the Navy developed a very advanced computer that needed some testing, so they entered the words "Theory of Relativity"; and the computer, enabled with voice ability, responded with a very thorough and very erudite explanation of the theory, its origins and its implictions.
Excited now the testers decided to check its middle range intelligence by entering "current assessment of popular culture, including literature, stage, and movies". The machine responded with gratifying results, knowledgeably discussing important aspects of the prevailing state of the arts and their impact on society..
Greatly delighted by the computer's demonstrated capabilites thus shown, the examiners chose test the machines full capability by setting its intelligence level at its lowest level, pushed enter, and the computer immediately began singing, "From the Halls of Montezuma, to the shores..."
The Marine Corps has Marines and the army has soldiers. If you want to eat a knuckle sandwich try calling a Marine a soldier. It’s considered a slur. I served six years as a United States Marine, so I understand the difference.
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