This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here

Category: Marine Corps

  • Thursdays Are For Cooking… and Fridays Are For Coming Clean About the Cooking

    Thursdays Are For Cooking… and Fridays Are For Coming Clean About the Cooking

    PhillyMag recently did an article about South Philly self-proclaimed celebrity chef Michael DePasquale.  DePasquale has claimed to be a friend and business partner of the late Anthony Bourdain, as well as being a United States Marine.

    This article references another article by the South Philly Review.

    Oh, and DePasquale recently “nursed a Vietnam veteran back to health who was suffering from kidney and congestive heart failure using herbs recommended by Bourdain,” according to the South Philly Review story.

    Then…

    He said that he “cooked for several presidents” and that he was scheduled to cook for Vladimir Putin shortly after one of the videos was recorded.

    He said that he was conducting a private investigation into Bourdain’s untimely death (the South Philly Review article indicated that DePasquale was “using resources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the presidential cabinet” for that inquiry).

    He spoke about being a United States Marine who did “three tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and Fallujah.”

    And later…

    And for the miracle cure that DePasquale provided to that Vietnam vet:

    “It’s a disabled vet who had lung and heart failure and kidney failure,” DePasquale said to me on Tuesday afternoon. “He was going to be put on dialysis on a Monday, but then Bourdain got me in touch with an herbalist. I gave him some herbs and I cooked him cabbage and potatoes and greens, and in four or five days, he was able to walk again. Soon, he was walking and talking like a champion.”

    Alas, DePasquale didn’t want to put me in touch with the cured patient, but he added that the man had “landed four space shuttles.”

    Space shuttles?   Hmmm… it’s all so clear to me now.  As to his military service…

    And speaking of vets, I wanted to learn more about DePasquale’s service to our country — especially since there were no publicly known U.S. military deployments in Iraq or Afghanistan between 1994 and 1997, the years that DePasquale told us he served as a Marine.

    “I don’t wanna talk about my military stuff,” DePasquale said when I asked him about his career in the armed forces. “But let me just say that Afghanistan and Iraq are some of the most dangerous places around. I was also in Kosovo and Albania. I’m glad I did what I could. I’m glad I was able to help people.”

    But, the U.S. Marine Corps weighed in, according to author Victor Fiorillo…

    But I’ll tell you who did get back to me: the United States Marine Corps. On Tuesday, I contacted the press office for the USMC, and they provided me with an official statement stating that they had no record of DePasquale ever serving in the Marines.

    I called DePasquale back on Tuesday evening to ask him about what the Marines had told me. I wasn’t sure what he’d say, what explanation or excuse he’d offer. But he didn’t offer any. He was shocked that I contacted the Marines.

    The South Philly Review article has since been deleted.  I wonder why?  However, it was preserved here…

    https://cdn10.phillymag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/12/michael-depasquale-bourdain-south-philly-review.pdf

    Oh, well – pizza anyone?

  • Florida man arrested for stolen valor, posed as decorated Marine vet – USMC Life

    Florida man arrested for stolen valor, posed as decorated Marine vet – USMC Life

    The Marine Corps League seems to be coming around to the fact that they might have some posers in their ranks.

    A legit member of the Marine Corps League has taken up the cause to expose and prosecute these Valor Vultures.  I called the national headquarters of the Marine Corps League several times during the past year to encourage them.  I doubt much would have come of it without the dedication and resolve of several honorable Marines.  I am encouraged that there are still men of honor in this world.  Semper Fidelis to those who stayed the course on this case and did the right thing in the face of those who doubted them.

    Cary Falor Blake Haerlin, 56, of Port St. Lucie was arrested on Nov. 25 and charged with unlawful use of uniforms medals or insignia, third degree grand theft and uttering a forged instrument.

    From about 2008, Haerlin has portrayed himself as being a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marines and has served as the Judge Advocate for the Department of Florida, Marine Corps League, Inc.  Initially he joined the General A. A. Vandegrift  Detachment 068, and during about 2010 transferred to LCpl. Justin J. Wilson Detachment 1045.  As the Department of Florida’s Judge Advocate he had the responsibility to uphold League Bylaws and regulations, investigate formal cases of alleged wrongdoing and conduct official League Hearings; with an annual stipend of $2,500.00.  Haerlin’s ‘less than honorable’ discharge status would have prohibited his League membership, but his forged DD-214 facilitated his unlawful joining.

    It seems this Valor Vulture is getting the attention he so desperately deserves.

    MSN

    Local News

     

    Source: Florida man arrested for stolen valor, posed as decorated Marine vet – USMC Life

  • Happy Birthday, Marines!

    Eagle Globe and Anchor

    243 years young, and let there be many more.

    An analysis by Gary Anderson, who is a retired Marine Corps colonel. He lectures in Alternative Analysis at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.

    A birthday challenge for the Marine Corps

  • A Presidential Proclamation

     

    USS Virginia BB13

    By Presidential Proclamation, November 2018 is Military Families and Veterans’ Month.

    https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/11/01/trump-extends-veterans-day-celebrations-through-all-of-november/

    President Donald Trump issued a proclamation Wednesday designating November 2018 as National Veterans and Military Families Month.

    “I encourage all communities, all sectors of society, and all Americans to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans and military families for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our great Nation,” the president said in a press statement posted to the White House’s website.

    Trump issued the proclamation while also championing his commitment to the veterans community.

    “I was pleased to sign into law the landmark VA MISSION Act of 2018, which revolutionizes the way veterans receive healthcare and other services vital to their lives,” he said in the statement.

    For full coverage of Veterans Day and veterans’ affairs events this month, visit Military Times’ Veterans Month Salute page

    (N.B.: He did this last year, too, but it went unnoticed in the media. This year, it showed up. Maybe they’ve mellowed a little.)

     

     

  • Valor Friday

    Gunnery Sergeant John BasiloneGunnery Sergeant John Basilone became a Marine Corps legend for his actions on Guadalcanal.

    The Navy Times has recently started a weekly “Valor Friday” article to highlight the exceptional bravery demonstrated by our armed forces in conflicts around the globe.

    Today’s VF is dedicated to Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, and his activities during the night of October 24, 1942, in the jungles of Guadalcanal.

    Then-Sgt. Basilone was commanding two heavy .30-caliber machine gun sections from First Battalion, Seventh Marines, that were tasked with holding a narrow pass at the Tenaru River.

    As the small crews of Marines dug in for the night, a Japanese regiment numbering 3,000 men attacked the line, hammering the Marines with grenades and mortar fire. Wave after wave were kept at bay by the small teams of Marines, until one of the gun crews was disabled by enemy fire.

    AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION:
    Medal of Honor
    AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
    DURING World War II
    Service: Marine Corps
    Battalion: 1st Battalion
    Division: 1st Marine Division
    GENERAL ORDERS:

    CITATION:

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant John Manila John” Basilone (MCSN: 287506), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in the Lunga Area. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 24 – 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines’ defensive positions, Sergeant Basilone, in charge of two sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sergeant Basilone’s sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only two men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sergeant Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

    On February 19, 1945, Basilone stormed Red Beach on Iwo Jima. Pinned down by enemy machine gun fire, he led his gunners up the steep black sand, kicking his inexperienced Marines to get off the beach as they hugged the ground for cover.

    Minutes after destroying a Japanese blockhouse, Basilone and four members of his platoon were killed when an enemy artillery shell exploded. He was 28 years old.

    Gunnery Sgt. Basilone would be posthumously awarded the the Purple Heart and the Navy Cross for his actions on Iwo.

    Amazing. The only words I can add are, fair winds an following seas, Gunny.

  • Marine veteran, 80, receives Medal of Honor for Vietnam bravery | Fox News

    Marine veteran, 80, receives Medal of Honor for Vietnam bravery | Fox News

    Marine veteran John Canley, now 80 and a retired sergeant major, received the nation’s highest military honor Wednesday for his “conspicuous gallantry” during the Vietnam War 50 years ago.

    President Trump bestowed the award for valorous action at The White House, beginning the ceremony, saying: “I like brave people, and you meet them right here.”

    Trump noted the utmost respect Canley’s fellow warriors have for him, quoting John Ligato, a Marine and FBI agent, who attended the ceremony: “‘We followed him because he was a true leader, he was totally fearless. He loved his Marines, and we loved him back.’”

    Trump said that Canley still goes to the gym, and his fellow Marines call him a Marine Warrior, “who is bigger than life and beyond the reach of death.”

     

    Source: Marine veteran, 80, receives Medal of Honor for Vietnam bravery | Fox News

  • Believe in something.

    Believe in something.

    I wanted to give a short update on things in general.

    It has taken many of us to fill the void.  Most of what we needed to do behind the scenes has been taken care of.  TSO will finish the legal stuff here shortly.  I realize that there have not been a lot of posers posted lately, that is on purpose and my fault.  I apologize for the lapse but there are reasons for it.   We will be back to exposing these fake and embellishing frauds very soon.  Believe me, it’s not like there is a sudden shortage of them.

    I make more than my share of mistakes.  I realize things are not running as smoothly as they were when Jonn was alive…but we are getting there.  I post what seems to serve the mission Jonn set for this blog.  Yes, some articles are probably a bit of old news to some of you and other articles may be on the edge of acceptable to some others.

    It’s all I can do some days to stop a certain woman with a gravy ladle from turning the site background pink and posting pictures of kitty cats chasing rainbows.   This is going to hurt a little…she has done a remarkable job of keeping up with things behind the scenes.  Thank you, Gravy Lady.  You are the best EX I could ever hope for.

    So many others have stepped up as well.  Your submissions have been very, very, very helpful.  AW1Ed  is exactly the kind of person you want around when the shit hits the fan.  He is thoughtful, well organized and the epidemy of what a team player should be.  A huge ATTABOY goes out to Ed.

    I have been trying to get a certain Lawyer to do her job for a change.  I don’t think she likes me much.  I tried to introduce myself to her.  Caragh Fay pretends she is the authority on all things Beirut from time to time.  Seems to me Caragh Fay likes to do it when there is something in it for her.   Maybe she is just sweet on me…hard to tell at this point.

    The Soviet may be correct about me when I try to multitask.  She claims I can talk to people and piss them off all at the same time.  I just get a little pissy when a lawyer who has made millions off of the blood of my dead brothers seems to think its ok to ignore the needs of so many others.  How can someone know I am an Asshole without knowing me?  Is it really that obvious?

    In response to a recent comment,  yes I do get embarrassed sometimes…but its not over anything to do with this blog.  I try to read all of the comments, you people have issues too.  Never met a better group of deplorable trouble causers in my life.

    Forgive us if the content sucks or just gets thin from time to time.  Most of us do have another life.  Best regards to all, and most of all… THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN SOMETHING.

     

    The Village Idiot

     

     

  • 80-Year-Old Marine Veteran to Receive Medal of Honor

    navy moh

    Retired Sgt. Major John Canley, an 80-year-old Marine veteran, will receive the nation’s highest military honor for his conspicuous gallantry during the Vietnam War.

    John Canley navy moh

    President Trump announced Tuesday that the Marine veteran will be awarded the Medal of Honor on 17 October at the White House, becoming the sixth American and third Vietnam veteran to receive the award from Trump.

    “It means a lot to me,” Canley told USA Today. “Mostly for my Marines because we’ve had to wait 50-plus years to get any kind of recognition.”

    John Ligato, a Marine and FBI agent who has written a book about Canley’s time in Vietnam, said he was amazed at Canley’s calm composure during the battle.

    “He never ran and he never ducked,” Ligato told Newsweek. “You know, it’s just amazing. I don’t know if he had some sort of death wish or what — Gunny says that he just gets into a zone and does what he has to do. … I don’t know how the bullets didn’t hit him.”

    Though not specifically mentioned if the Medal of Honor is an upgrade for, or in addition to, his Navy Cross, the citation speaks for itself.

    Navy Cross
    AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
    DURING Vietnam War
    Service: Marine Corps
    Battalion: 1st Battalion
    Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
    GENERAL ORDERS:

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
    CITATION:

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley (MCSN: 1455946), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 January to 6 February 1968. On 31 January, when his company came under a heavy volume of enemy fire near the city of Hue, Gunnery Sergeant Canley rushed across the fire-swept terrain and carried several wounded Marines to safety. Later, with the company commander seriously wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Canley assumed command and immediately reorganized his scattered Marines, moving from one group to another to advise and encourage his men. Although sustaining shrapnel wounds during this period, he nonetheless established a base of fire which subsequently allowed the company to break through the enemy strongpoint. Retaining command of the company for the following three days, Gunnery Sergeant Canley on 4 February led his men into an enemy-occupied building in Hue. Despite fierce enemy resistance, he succeeded in gaining a position immediately above the enemy strongpoint and dropped a large satchel charge into the position, personally accounting for numerous enemy killed, and forcing the others to vacate the building. On 6 February, when his unit sustained numerous casualties while attempting to capture a government building, Gunnery Sergeant Canley lent words of encouragement to his men and exhorted them to greater efforts as they drove the enemy from its fortified emplacement. Although wounded once again during this action, on two occasions he leaped a wall in full view of the enemy, picked up casualties, and carried them to covered positions. By his dynamic leadership, courage, and selfless dedication, Gunnery Sergeant Canley contributed greatly to the accomplishment of his company’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

    No better friend, no worse enemy.

    The article may be viewed in its entirity Here.