Is there anyone on line from my era in the Corps? I went through boot camp at Dago from October 54 to January 55 including the rifle range at Camp Matthews. Then to ITR at Tent Camp #2 at Camp Pendelton which included cold weather training at Pickle Meadows.
From there to Camp Las Pulgas (tanks briefly) and then to H&S Company Am Tracs at Del Mar. From there I shipped out for Camp Mcgill, Japan in September of 1955 aboard the General Walker landing in Yokohama on October 3, 1955. Was assigned to Charlie Company 1st Am Tracs at Mcgill.

Participated in two operations to Iwo Jima in 56, the first was on the 11th anniversary of the REAL one. One of those on the operation had been in the real one and re-enlisted on Mt. Surabachi while we were there. Also made an operation to Okinawa. Remember the Ise Hotel
in Yokohama, the Neptune, Black Cat bars and Souvenir
Alley in Yokosuka as well as Fleet Acts and the E.M Club. Came back to the states in August or September of 56 and finished my tour at Del Mar, Able Company Am Tracs. Was discharged October 24, 1957.

I was at Delmar for a very short time in 55. I took a 10 day leave and when I was gone my tractor sank and drowned the crew, do you remember that?

I WAS STATIONED AT CAMP MARGARITA WITH THE 2ND BTN 5TH MARINES AND WE DID HAVE A MARLEX EXERCISE IN JULY OF 1955. IT WAS EARLY IN THE MORNING AND THE SURF WAS HIGHER THAN NORMAL THE AMTRAC CAME OFF SIDEWAYS AND TURNED UPSIDE DOWN I WAS ALREADY ON SHORE I THINK THIS HAPPENED AT SAN ONOFREY BEACH HEAD. COULD THIS BE THE SAME TIME YOUR REFFERING TO. LET ME KNOW.

DENNIS DOWNEY
CPL - USMC
1421440

Was that when they were testing the new P-5"s and were not aware that the surf could knock open the engine hatches? We had standing orders to padlock engine hatches when I got my P-5..

Noticed your message on Del Mar Page. I was in the
Corps from July 5, 53-July 6 57. Last base was Del
Mar with Amp.Trucks(DUkws) Remember the base like it
was yesterday. Up and down the hill from the basin
area. Played basball for Camp Pendleton team in 1956.
Best duty I ever had. Went to school on G.I. Bill
and coached,taught,and administration until I retired
in 1988. Also was a teacher and administrtor in Cath-
olic schools until retirement from that in 1999. Just
enjoying the rest of the years now. Will make 70 on
July 12,2003. I was in Korea from Jan. 54 to Feb. 55.
Went over on 39th. draft. With 4.2 mortars as radio
operator and forward observer. Remember Del Mar well.
If you get this, get back with me.
Donald C. Albarado
P.O. Box 77014
Baton Rouge, La.
7o879

I was in C co. 3rd. plt. tractor 35 ..I reported in to Mc Gill aroun April of 55 was with them until I shipped for states 18 mos later. I went to Iwo And to Okinawa.

MAY YOU CAN HELP ME!!!! IM TRYING TO PUT A WEBSITE FOR MY FATHER WHO WAS IN THE MARINES. HE SERVED FROM 1953-1956. I KNOW THAT HE WAS PART OF THE 2, AND 3RD DIVISIONS, HE ALSO ATTENDED THE BOOT CAMP IN PARRIS ISLAND, AND AT SOME POINT HE WAS STATIONED AT CAMP LEJUENE. I ALSO KNOW THAT HE WENT TO HIROSHIMA, AND NOGOSAKI, AT ONE POINT. IS THERE ANY WAY YOU CAN HELP ME FIND PICTURES, AND ANY TYPE OF DOCUMENTATION. HIS HIGHEST RANK WAS A CORPORAL. THATS ALL I KNOW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AT (SWKWCW05@YAHOO.COM). TAHNKS ALOT.