The elusive Marine Gunner. Do you have a favorite?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:37:58 -0500

In my (extremely biased) opinion, no military Rank or Occupational Specialty commands the same aura as the Marine Gunner. With that being said they seem to be a secretive bunch, and stories about them are almost impossible to find.

I want to hear your from anyone who has a favorite Gunner from history. My own two favorite are Gunner Henry L. Hulbert, the first to ever don the busting bomb of the Marine Gunner, a Medal of Honor recipient and WWI casualty who hailed from the same area in England as me, and Gunner Alexander P. Ruskewitch, a WWII and Vietnam veteran who began his Marine Corps career as I did, as a Parachute Rigger.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 2:57 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:57:13 -0500

So don't hold me to historical accuracy here.

The Marine Gunner as a rank , not just every warrant officer they call "Gunner," has come and gone and returned over history.

I can't remember his name, but I worked for the last Marine Gunner in the Corps in the early 80s before they resurrected the rank in either the late 80s/90s. I was in 2/6 at the time. He was a veteran with a gazillion years under his belt when he retired. EVERYONE respected him. All I know is that we thought of him in the same manner as Chesty, Smedley Butler, and the other illustrious Marines from our history.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 13 at 2015 9:42 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 13 May 2015 21:42:18 -0400

Elusive? Every Infantry Battalion in the Marine Corps has one. It's an MTOE position for a senior Infantry Warrant Officer (Infantry Weapons Officer is the correct term, its an MOS, 0306 specifically)... They generally serve in the 3 shop...

Response by Joseph Poe made Mar 7 at 2017 8:06 PM

Joseph Poe — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 20:06:47 -0500

Hello, im a civilian but my favorite marine gunner is a guy named Joseph P. Poe mainly cause i'm his son.

Response by PO3 John Keas made Mar 12 at 2017 11:18 AM

PO3 John Keas — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:18:58 -0400

Gunner/Marine Gunner is a CWO2 Infantry Weapons Officer (MOS302) if I am not mistaken...I am just a squid, so I could be wrong. So um...K. Not to make light of Marines who are generally pretty damn awesome...but Isn't that really all they are? Just a CWO2 with a specific MOS?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 12 at 2017 4:09 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 16:09:42 -0400

Pineapple?

Response by LCpl Anthony Estrada made Mar 12 at 2017 5:57 PM

LCpl Anthony Estrada — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 17:57:31 -0400

I have a question, our oic was a warrant officer and we called him gunner. So does that mean he was an infantry officer? He was aviation ordie

Response by Maj Larry Adams made Mar 13 at 2017 8:25 PM

Maj Larry Adams — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 20:25:55 -0400

Dan Geltmacher (2/3 from 1996-2000) cursed at me more, hounded my every step as a Bn Training Officer and Company XO, and taught me more than any other Marine during my formative years as a Lieutenant. As a true measure of those to whom we aspire to emulate, in those days I would've gladly chewed off a limb rather than disappoint him. (Of course, had I acted upon that, I fear that I would've left the battalion without any arms or legs...)

Response by LCpl Bob Graner made Mar 15 at 2017 1:28 PM

LCpl Bob Graner — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 13:28:02 -0400

I served from '77 to '83 and never heard of Gunner until this post. Will have to do some deep research.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2017 2:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 14:30:44 -0400

I remember Gunner Hubert speaking in front of my company back when I was in MCT at SOI West. He had some good stories.

My favorite gunner, however, though I can't remember the name was a guy who taught the warfighting series of classes back when LCpl Chancy was attending the resident Cpls Course in late 2013 in Okinawa. He always had his hands in his pockets and a dip in his mouth during his lectures, and not a single f*** to give. He sure knew everything there was to know about everything infantry related, though.

Response by Pvt Thomas Corcoran made Oct 2 at 2017 8:22 PM

Pvt Thomas Corcoran — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 20:22:17 -0400

Gunnery Sgt Howard CHM Winner 1967, Vietnam I believe Hill 881.

Response by Sgt Les Telles made Oct 3 at 2017 11:56 AM

Sgt Les Telles — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 11:56:39 -0400

Any master guns is good too go by me

Response by SSgt Jeffrey Sanchez made Oct 3 at 2017 3:09 PM

SSgt Jeffrey Sanchez — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 15:09:17 -0400

I ran into one Marine Gunner while the SNCOIC of Vehicle Registration at Pnedleton in 1997-1998. I was in awe. A tall squared away dark-green Marine who commanded attention. I went over to him and introduced myself and shook his hand. Too bad I don't remember his name.

Response by PO2 Daniel Cannode made Oct 3 at 2017 9:09 PM

PO2 Daniel Cannode — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 21:09:56 -0400

Master Gunnery Sergeant Delbert Turner
Vietnam

Response by LT Martin Boise made Oct 3 at 2017 10:01 PM

LT Martin Boise — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 22:01:23 -0400

My dad, Gunner Boise, retired in 1984 at Ft Sill. He was and is my role model. He’s still alive and kicking ass in Jacksonville, Fl

Response by Sgt Gordon Durham made Oct 4 at 2017 12:55 AM

Sgt Gordon Durham — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 00:55:46 -0400

I worked for a Gunner, we called Gunner John, he was stationed at MCAS EL TORO IN THE LATE 70's and MCAS CHERRY PT in the early 80's great man to work for

Response by MCPO Bob Bayerlein made Oct 4 at 2017 1:41 PM

MCPO Bob Bayerlein — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 13:41:17 -0400

I served with Gunner Paul B Clinton who was my military advisor as a young HM assigned to 2d MED BN 2D MAR DIV FMF Camp Lejeune NC. Gunner Clinton was a no nonsense Marine and I had great respect for him

Response by Cpl Tony Leandro made Oct 4 at 2017 4:33 PM

Cpl Tony Leandro — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 16:33:47 -0400

Gunner James Hussey. He was the gunner I worked for when I was an ammo tech with 3/1. The stories he would tell me about him and his men when he was a GySgt and plt Sgt with 3/7 K Co in Sangin Afghanistan we fucking nuts. He's a total badass and pretty batshit crazy, but also one of the greatest human beings I've ever worked with.

Response by LCpl Bill Langstrom made Oct 4 at 2017 6:04 PM

LCpl Bill Langstrom — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 18:04:41 -0400

As some before me have said, I can't remember his name(80's are kind of foggy for me). Had a gunner as shop chief in MTM Co. 1st maintain Bn 1st FSSG, don't know how he got there he left(ret.) Not long after I reported in. Had some interesting stories to tell, and the hash marks and ribbons to show.

Response by LCpl Chuck Blake made Oct 4 at 2017 10:23 PM

LCpl Chuck Blake — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 22:23:42 -0400

Gunny

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2017 11:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 23:06:04 -0400

In the late 80s and early 90s I had the honor of serving with Gunner Harts and Gunner Anderson in the 4 th LSB, C Co, out of Lathrope Ca. At the time, there were only 4 left in the Corps. We were blessed with 2 of them.

Response by Sgt Marbury Keys made Oct 5 at 2017 10:48 AM

Sgt Marbury Keys — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 10:48:44 -0400

I only have served with one Warrant Officer in my career but he was a CWO-3, not a CWO-5, but we did call him Gunner.

Response by Cpl Rusty Morse made Oct 5 at 2017 4:39 PM

Cpl Rusty Morse — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 16:39:56 -0400

Our XO was a Lt. Who was a Mustang in 1968 and was a reserve commission. When he got a permanent rank as Gunner, he was celebrated and super happy. There were very few Marine Mustang In the Vietnam era.

Response by Sgt Greg Douglas made Oct 5 at 2017 5:48 PM

Sgt Greg Douglas — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 17:48:20 -0400

My favorite was the one I served with at Bridgeport California. I was a boot pfc and was amazed when I saw him ream our battalion commander a new ass. This was a world class ass chewing. That's when I figured out there was something special about being a gunner. When he can chew s full bird colonels ass and the colonel take it and do nothing but apologize.

Response by PO2 Patrick Dwyer made Oct 5 at 2017 7:55 PM

PO2 Patrick Dwyer — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 19:55:04 -0400

There was a SgtMaj at Lejuene I ran into at Lejuene as a Corspsman with 2nd Mardiv I remember asking our Gunny what was that emblem?

Response by Sgt Bill Knipper made Oct 6 at 2017 9:45 AM

Sgt Bill Knipper — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 09:45:26 -0400

I have so many I could put up here. but let's go with Gib Bolton. When I was running Machine Gun house at 1st Marine Division Schools we have this amazing warrior and friend come speak at our graduations. When you've got a Silver Star citation from Vietnam in 68 that reads "...then with exceptional composure called for a six 105mm variable timed fuse mission on his own position" well, sir...you can drink out of my canteen anytime. One of the other stories he'd tell aboit that night was Cpl. Willet Amendola, his assigned 60mm Mortarman. During the night battle, the VC tried to rush the mortar position, take out Amendola and steal the Mortar. Amendola said to hell with that, fought the VC hand to hand got the tube back, and then by the light of the battle you could see him caving skulls in using the mortar tube as a bat. Gunner Bolton said THAT image rallied the boys to fight on. Gib would come back from Vietnam and go be a Drill Instructor before eventually being picked up for Gunner. If I remember correctly he was the Last Gunner on active duty before that program was stood down for a short while in the Mid 90s and then stood back up circa 97. Anyhow...if you want to read more http://www.ohioheroes.org/inductees/2000/bolton.htm

Gilbert H. Bolton - Staff Sergeant - Marines - Vietnam - Silver Star - Class of 2000

Response by Priscilla5 Besemer made Oct 7 at 2017 12:54 AM

Priscilla5 Besemer — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 00:54:35 -0400

What a job

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2017 6:35 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 06:35:05 -0400

Gunner Richard Waller. One of the most intelligent individuals Ive ever met.

Response by LCpl Vern Ames made Oct 7 at 2017 12:01 PM

LCpl Vern Ames — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 12:01:35 -0400

I cant remember his name, or rank, or if the story is true. In Vietnam, he took down more than a few VC with a 60 Cal.
I saute all gunners for the work and lives saved.
SEMPER FIDELIS FOREVER BROTHERS

Response by Sgt Charles Gillespie made Oct 7 at 2017 2:57 PM

Sgt Charles Gillespie — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 14:57:56 -0400

Gunner Paul Shively. Served with him in 6th Rifle Co., USMCR

Response by AlanACE Nichols made Oct 7 at 2017 6:17 PM

AlanACE Nichols — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 18:17:20 -0400

Chris Ramerez, USMC VietNam
was my DCAS/QA Inspector, DSP Pgm.
WOW, His Gunner Storys from the
CHOPPERS, Gained my Respect & Fear.
He gained a Tenacity for Quality,
I'gained a Promotion & Best Friend.

Response by GySgt Michael J. Lewis made Oct 7 at 2017 8:03 PM

GySgt Michael J. Lewis — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 20:03:28 -0400

Yeah, none of the other officers would screw with these guys

Response by Sgt Charles Nicholson made Oct 7 at 2017 9:43 PM

Sgt Charles Nicholson — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 21:43:53 -0400

Whitefeather

Response by SSgt Al Benelli made Oct 8 at 2017 1:02 AM

SSgt Al Benelli — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 01:02:42 -0400

My favorite Gunner was a cowboy from Lubbock, TX... J.J. Jones. He was my 1-0 on my RT in '67-68.

Response by PO1 Major Varnell Jr made Oct 8 at 2017 1:19 AM

PO1 Major Varnell Jr — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 01:19:47 -0400

I am Gunner, however so, I was Nurtured and Trained by the best, CWO4 EDMUND WENTELLA, USN.

Response by Sgt Mark Davis made Oct 8 at 2017 8:02 AM

Sgt Mark Davis — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 08:02:04 -0400

Don't remember their names but they were twins at 29 Palms. Met them at CAX '98.

Response by Carl Thacker made Oct 8 at 2017 1:17 PM

Carl Thacker — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 13:17:41 -0400

Arnold Murray

Response by LCpl Ron Ylitalo made Oct 8 at 2017 3:45 PM

LCpl Ron Ylitalo — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 15:45:07 -0400

Gysgt Bowen, MCRD San Diego, 1969

Response by SP5 Gilbert Rogers made Oct 8 at 2017 7:09 PM

SP5 Gilbert Rogers — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 19:09:00 -0400

My dad started at tarawa and made several landings up to saipan, he was bery proud to have been promoted to PFC 3 times. 2nd Div hero raised me.

Response by Cpl Daniel Avila made Oct 8 at 2017 7:53 PM

Cpl Daniel Avila — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 19:53:58 -0400

CW04 Chuck Major!

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2017 9:15 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 21:15:32 -0400

I wish I could actually remember his name but I was on a DFT last year in Fort Stewart Georgia and our legit brand new gunner was probably one of the coolest guys youve ever met. Keep in mind it was a big deal at the time for us in general because it was the first time Combat Engineer Batalluon actually rated having a gunner. But he was the most laid back guys you've ever met, until he rifled off weapons questions... god forbid you get one wrong. Since I've gotten back from deployment I've yet to find him, I don't even know if he's still at the battalion.

Response by SN Jt Taylor made Oct 8 at 2017 9:17 PM

SN Jt Taylor — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 21:17:31 -0400

My best friend and mentor Gunny Sarica

Response by Cpl Curtis Kraushaar made Oct 8 at 2017 10:18 PM

Cpl Curtis Kraushaar — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 22:18:06 -0400

Only met one Gunner! He was our company commander for my staging battalion on the way to VN. Tough man!

Response by LCpl Bill Goss made Oct 8 at 2017 10:33 PM

LCpl Bill Goss — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 22:33:46 -0400

Gunner Angus Goss....Semper Fi ~ Point Goss

Response by LCpl Tod Sage made Oct 9 at 2017 1:57 AM

LCpl Tod Sage — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 01:57:13 -0400

Do they still have to train an every mos in the entire Marine Corps in order to get the Billet of Gunner?

Response by Col Darrell Combs made Oct 9 at 2017 9:34 AM

Col Darrell Combs — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 09:34:22 -0400

Ted ( Tadeuz) Olko. A fine Infantryman Bursting Bomb Gunner. From Vietnam to his Retirement " Ginny- then Gunner Ollie" is my. Nominee. D.L.Combs. USMC RET

Response by PO3 John Frank made Oct 9 at 2017 10:44 AM

PO3 John Frank — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 10:44:05 -0400

Gunners Mate Guns

Response by A1C Tracey Baxter made Oct 9 at 2017 1:35 PM

A1C Tracey Baxter — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 13:35:45 -0400

My favorite is my own father MGySgt Baxter

Response by Alexander Piccirillo made Oct 9 at 2017 3:14 PM

Alexander Piccirillo — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 15:14:01 -0400

CWO3 Ben Pelacios

Response by Sgt TDaryl Reece made Oct 9 at 2017 7:38 PM

Sgt TDaryl Reece — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 19:38:27 -0400

I know a Marine Gunner who went to become an LDO. Semper Fi

Response by SSgt David Spearing made Oct 9 at 2017 8:06 PM

SSgt David Spearing — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 20:06:51 -0400

My favorite Gunner was from my first Unit in 29palms. Gunner Ebby taught us a lot and always said to be great at the basics. I remember hours of magazine change drills in the wash and blind folded.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Oct 9 at 2017 8:24 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 20:24:24 -0400

You Marines have me confused, but I was A F. What is a Gunnery SGT vs a Gunner? I will admint I don’t know that much about the Marines.

Response by CWO3 Douglas Stevens made Oct 9 at 2017 10:23 PM

CWO3 Douglas Stevens — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 22:23:15 -0400

I am a Navy Gunner (CWO3 USN ret). I only knew a few USMC Gunners and always thought of them as highly professional and knowledgeable.

Response by SFC J Daniel Tomlin made Oct 10 at 2017 7:37 PM

SFC J Daniel Tomlin — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 19:37:01 -0400

My favorite Marine gunner is Tyler Contrell-Ford!

Response by Sgt John Jones made Oct 10 at 2017 8:29 PM

Sgt John Jones — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 20:29:24 -0400

I agree. It is like a celebrity in status. And they are usually real hard core. Only met two in my life. Both were tuff as nails.

Response by Sgt Steven Haberle made Oct 10 at 2017 9:01 PM

Sgt Steven Haberle — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 21:01:21 -0400

After graduating SOI at camp Geiger I was off to Camp Pendleton. first Marines HQCo Tow ply. There I met CWO3 gunner Mike Martin,who was the regimental gunner and tow ply commander. It took a week of questions to figure out what a marine gunner actually was. Gunner Martin was a crusty salty devil dog who’s favorite retort was”BALLS”. He had our platoon constantly cross training in everything he thought would make us grow in strength and intelligence. I haven’t looked up to anyone the same way since. It’s an amazing rank carried by absolutely amazing Marines.

Response by Tracey Brown made Oct 10 at 2017 9:59 PM

Tracey Brown — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 21:59:16 -0400

I'm not sure if he was a gunner. He never spoke of his service. Harold Harkin Brown Jr...the finest man I have ever known!

Response by Capt Gregory Coker made Oct 10 at 2017 10:25 PM

Capt Gregory Coker — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:25:27 -0400

Thomas J Story, 1935-1965. Married a New Zealand lady. My mother was her 1st American Friend. Nickname Bubba Story, from Macon Georgia. Both he and my dad MSgt WC Coker, became friends in WWII. Built houses next to each other in Beaufort, right behind Beaufort High School. Both of them could knock the balls off of a housefly at 100 yes with a Garand

Response by GySgt Joseph Sebelisr made Oct 10 at 2017 10:52 PM

GySgt Joseph Sebelisr — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:52:28 -0400

By Sgt Neu

Response by LCpl William Moore made Oct 10 at 2017 11:09 PM

LCpl William Moore — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 23:09:09 -0400

Semper Fi

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2017 11:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 23:18:56 -0400

Semper Fi. From a honorably discharged veteran

Response by PVT Garrett Beck made Oct 10 at 2017 11:55 PM

PVT Garrett Beck — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 23:55:25 -0400

R.Lee Ermy

Response by Cpl Steve Spurlock made Oct 11 at 2017 9:28 AM

Cpl Steve Spurlock — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 09:28:26 -0400

Gunner Richard Muth, he was my plt. Sargent in 1977 with 81's plt. H&S Co. 1st. Bn. 4th. Marines

Response by Cpl Arthur Bartos made Oct 11 at 2017 10:52 AM

Cpl Arthur Bartos — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 10:52:46 -0400

Gunner Bliele MCRD P. I. ; making the rounds as OOD he was checking a secured area I was ncoic . Cpl. B how we doing ? Fine Sir . Fresh pot of coffee and just put in the Good,the Bad,and the Ugly . Carry on Cpl. Carry on . My favorite ! Gunner and I had a couple cups of mud and laughed at Tuco's antics . Semper Fi Gunner !

Response by LCpl Rob Hiles made Oct 11 at 2017 11:15 AM

LCpl Rob Hiles — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 11:15:42 -0400

Christian Wade, because I remember when he was a boot. Knew his shit then too.

Response by Brandon Neth made Oct 11 at 2017 1:26 PM

Brandon Neth — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 13:26:31 -0400

Gunner Bolton but that might just be because I actually was able to hear his story from the gunner himself at mct

Response by Pvt Raymond Cook made Oct 11 at 2017 9:51 PM

Pvt Raymond Cook — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 21:51:21 -0400

I don't have one. But I like to brag that in my Company H company 2/2. I was the only gunner that could shoot single round on target. Night fire.

Response by Desmond Owens made Oct 12 at 2017 8:58 AM

Desmond Owens — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 08:58:45 -0400

Sgt. First class. Wiley t . O'Neal

Response by LCpl Edward Hofer made Oct 12 at 2017 1:27 PM

LCpl Edward Hofer — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 13:27:50 -0400

My favorite Gunner has to be Gunner Brian Collins my cousin he fought in Granada Panama the first goal for the second Gulf War and did three tours of Duty on the war of Terror he's an awesome man and the Articles completely correct they are a secretive bunch and bat rank was almost done away with back in the 80s

Response by Sgt Wade Lewis made Oct 12 at 2017 2:03 PM

Sgt Wade Lewis — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 14:03:33 -0400

Didn't a Marine Corps "Gunner" also, or in addition, wear a small bar/insignia of rank? Not unlike a warrant officer?

Response by SGT Peter Anderson made Oct 12 at 2017 2:25 PM

SGT Peter Anderson — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 14:25:38 -0400

I am parachute Regiment veteran ,my father was 6th Airborne and was killed in Normandy June 7th 1944,I was botn Jsnusry 6th 1944 ,hence the reason for my airborn service,,,I dropped with 75 Rangers in Libya in 63 (they were never there and niether were we,,,or the S A S OR THE S B S,,just wanted to pay respects to amazing warriors past and present,,,God Bless America ,,fraid England is in bad shape now but Rule Brittania,,,

Response by Cpl Ryan Jenkins made Oct 12 at 2017 3:16 PM

Cpl Ryan Jenkins — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:16:37 -0400

Gunner Dunkle

Response by LCpl Jon Yuhas made Oct 12 at 2017 4:26 PM

LCpl Jon Yuhas — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 16:26:00 -0400

Lipstick Lieutenants

Response by PO3 Johnny Gonzalez made Oct 12 at 2017 4:32 PM

PO3 Johnny Gonzalez — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 16:32:16 -0400

I’ve worked with lots of Marines and I love there brotherhood

Response by Sgt Thomas Scott made Oct 12 at 2017 5:48 PM

Sgt Thomas Scott — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 17:48:18 -0400

While in nam 66-67 our platoon Sgt Jacob KU a career Marine who would have made funny and higher. Stood up and protected his platoon, no problem on where he stood a Marines Marine

Response by MSgt Ken Bishop made Oct 12 at 2017 5:52 PM

MSgt Ken Bishop — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 17:52:44 -0400

I have been retired since 1994 when did they change the comm MOS' I was a 2591 what happened and why?

Response by SSgt Alec Pandaleon made Oct 13 at 2017 10:52 AM

SSgt Alec Pandaleon — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 10:52:20 -0400

I joined the Corps in May of 1984. I have a recollection of a Marine Gunner I saw on Mainside Camp Lejeune later that year whom I was told was the last WWII Marine Gunner still on active duty. I was in awe !

Response by Sgt Chris Bones made Oct 13 at 2017 11:01 AM

Sgt Chris Bones — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 11:01:59 -0400

Gunner Temple of 3/10. Elusive, and his people were untouchable.

Response by Pvt Amanda Ramos made Oct 13 at 2017 2:09 PM

Pvt Amanda Ramos — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 14:09:28 -0400

Gunner Roake razzed me up and down until graduation and then became a life long brothe

Response by SSgt Robert Cole made Oct 13 at 2017 5:10 PM

SSgt Robert Cole — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:10:49 -0400

Gunner Geltmacher best dam gunner in the USMC

Response by Cpl James Cheatwood made Oct 13 at 2017 8:56 PM

Cpl James Cheatwood — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 20:56:58 -0400

I served in between two conflicts Korea and Vietnam. I was a skinny 142 LB's on my seventeenth birthday in 1956 when I swore the oath to be the best that I could be, three months later I left MCRD San Diego as a 172 Lb. ready to fight Marine. After training at Las Pulgas I was assigned to Company A 1st Battalion Fifth Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division at Camp San Mataeo Camp Pendleton, California.

Response by Sgt Geary Johnson made Oct 13 at 2017 11:48 PM

Sgt Geary Johnson — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 23:48:55 -0400

Had to have balls of steel SEMPER FI

Response by MSgt Mart Culp made Oct 14 at 2017 10:52 AM

MSgt Mart Culp — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 10:52:50 -0400

Didn't know but a few because the rank was not around from mid 70s to late 80s

Response by Paul Richard made Oct 14 at 2017 11:52 PM

Paul Richard — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 23:52:07 -0400

Charles Tony

Response by Paul Richard made Oct 14 at 2017 11:53 PM

Paul Richard — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 23:53:04 -0400

Paul P Richard

Response by SSgt Shawn Marine made Oct 16 at 2017 4:57 PM

SSgt Shawn Marine — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 16:57:01 -0400

I was a hard charging lcpl team leader at CLNC in pre-deployment training in 1983 when, out of the gunpowder mist, in the quiet of the pine woods between the chaotic crashes of mock gunfights, came a spectral cammoflage figure. As he came closer I saw a grizzled veteran surveying the field of battle armed with a walking stick. I am reminded of that, my first sighting of the elusive gunner of Marines.

Response by Cpl David Whitman made Oct 17 at 2017 10:23 AM

Cpl David Whitman — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 10:23:43 -0400

Gunner Ivan Puett - Bursting Bomb Artillery Gunner - still providing technical support to this day

Response by SMSgt Patrick Tubridy made Oct 17 at 2017 10:37 PM

SMSgt Patrick Tubridy — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 22:37:59 -0400

I served in the Philippines with a Gunner that served 7 tours in Vietnam. He was a outstanding Marine and leader.

Response by Sgt Charles Ford made Oct 20 at 2017 2:24 PM

Sgt Charles Ford — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 14:24:26 -0400

I was stationed in Camp Garcia in 1967 and was the town Sgt. In the M.P.s, the Provost Marshall was an actual "Gunner", unfortunately he was also a 1st grade jerk off, so I have absolutely nothing good to say about him

Response by MAJ Ric Pina made Oct 20 at 2017 6:26 PM

MAJ Ric Pina — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 18:26:18 -0400

MGSgt. Horice Garcia USMC ret. My wife's brother.

Response by Bgen Gary Brown made Oct 21 at 2017 6:33 PM

Bgen Gary Brown — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 18:33:47 -0400

Enrique Lariosa

Response by Cpl Todd R. made Oct 22 at 2017 3:28 AM

Cpl Todd R. — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 03:28:09 -0400

I only know 1 Gunner but he'd be my favorite anyway.
CWO5 Christian Wade

Response by Cpl Clarence Duffey made Oct 22 at 2017 10:02 AM

Cpl Clarence Duffey — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 10:02:03 -0400

Gunny Guillan, his brother was a Medal of Honor in Korea. He was our H & S Co. Gunny in Vietnam in 1964 and 65. I would have followed him through hell !! I ask him once what he would do when he retired. He told me he was going to buy a dog and name it Duffey and kick it every day !! He stayed in Vietnam and was wounded at Kasan !!

Response by Sgt Frank Walters made Oct 22 at 2017 6:33 PM

Sgt Frank Walters — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 18:33:22 -0400

Yea Gunners were fine, !

Response by Cpl John Sedlemeyer made Oct 22 at 2017 9:14 PM

Cpl John Sedlemeyer — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 21:14:11 -0400

favorite gunner..Calvin Frazier, Gysgt

Response by SSgt Anthony Harris made Oct 27 at 2017 4:00 AM

SSgt Anthony Harris — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 04:00:56 -0400

CWO 5 Gunner Greenwell USMCR one of the hard charging devil dogs Kilo Company 3/24 Semper Fi !
Also Sergeant Major Bradley Coppes (machine gunner) India Company 3/24 another hard charging devil dog Hoorah!

Response by Sgt Kenny Pembrook made Oct 27 at 2017 6:52 AM

Sgt Kenny Pembrook — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 06:52:07 -0400

Gunner Marks was stationed in Okinawa, Japan in 2013 and was qualifying on the range he had a perfect table one score until he ejected his last round and simply stated "I guess we will never know" then he got up and walked off.

Response by GySgt Larry Johnson made Oct 27 at 2017 8:37 AM

GySgt Larry Johnson — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:37:50 -0400

Unique and Special

Response by Sgt Denella Brown made Feb 7 at 2018 10:41 AM

Sgt Denella Brown — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 10:41:13 -0500

Gunner Leach