I joined the 3rd Mar Div in June 1953 and was assigned to Hq Bn, 1st Signal Co, Radio Relay Plt. Arrived at Camp Gifu in September and we spent the first winter in tents set up in a large field inside the camp. Very cold with a lot of snow and rain. Was glad when we got in the tar paper barracks. They were very comfortable after a winter in tents. I was a slick arm SSgt and I remember a few 1 hashmark TSgts. but there was plenty of old senior SNCOs that kept us in line.
Sometime later, 1st Signal Co name was changed to Comm Co., probably early in 1954. I was at Camp Gifu for 2 years and its was the best of times in my 20 years in Corps. Sorry to hear that there is no more Camp Gifu, Naka-cho and I think Radio Relay was also phased out sometime after I retired in 1971.
I remember First/Last Chance Bar, another bar a few doors down called the Green Door (?) and also the Blue Moon down by the bridge. Wonder what the town looks like now?
My one big regret is that I did'nt get to go on manuvers on Iwo Jima. I would have liked to at least seen the island.
I have really enjoyed the web site and hope all you marines the best.
John H. Oliver, MSgt. 1952-1971, Retired
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