Morale of Marines in Persian Gulf
The Times takes exception to the order of the Marine Corps commandant. It goes on to say that he should be taking steps to increase morale by providing various recreational facilities and so on.
The Times obviously knows nothing of the history of the Marine Corps or of the way Marines talk to each other. When surrounded by more than 100,000 Chinese during the Korean war, the commander of the 1st Marine Division said, “Now we have them just where we want them; we can attack in any direction.” Another Marine colonel during a desperate Pacific battle urged a reluctant Marine forward by saying “Get out of that foxhole. Do you want to live forever!”
In addressing his Marines in Saudi Arabia, probably on the eve of a great battle, Gray was acutely aware of the hardships they are going through and probably raised morale a little by “ordering” that there be morale.
Lighten up, Times; that’s the way Marines are.
Lt. Col. JACK SWALLOWS
USMCR (Ret.)
San Juan Capistrano
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