July 2008
Current Issue


- Leathernecks of Marine Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12 pose with their mascot, Skoshi (being held between the top propeller blades), at K-6 Airfield, Pyongtaek, Republic of South Korea, 1954-55. Over time, Skoshi delivered several puppies that VMA-121 gave away to other outfits. The squadron kept one of the pups and named him Gunny. William Conboy, who sent in this photo, said that Gunny “didn’t get much respect,” until the day he “wandered down to mainside and was set upon by three other dogs. … Gunny fought hard and beat all three. From then on Gunny got a lot of respect, still not as much as his momma, but Marines love a fighter and Gunny was a ‘Marine’ from then on.”
From the collection of former Sgt Rod Rhoads
- Cpl Raymond S. Miller, a scout with Charlie Co, 2d LAR Bn, RCT-5, displays ammunition discovered while conducting patrols through western Anbar province.
Cpl Ryan Tomlinso

- Illustration by Dave Rydberg
- 12 World War II: “Semper Fi!” One Marine’s Story From Chi Chi Jima Read Online FREE!
By Dick Camp
Marine Lieutenant Warren Earl Vaughn—shot down and captured, staring death in the face—remained “always faithful” to the end. - 18 The War on Terror
Edited by R. R. Keene
Taliban stand up but die in Afghanistan, and Iraqi Security Forces step up to challenges in the long war against terrorism.
- 24 Vietnam: Bobby and Tommy: Two Boyhood Friends—Two Medals of Honor
By LtCol Otto J. Lehrack, USMC (Ret)
Two friends from Queens, N.Y., PS 76, went to war. One died; both live on in Marine history. - 32 Marines Steal the Show Read Online FREE!
By Isaac D. Pacheco
The annual Andrews Air Force Base Joint Service Open House showcased leathernecks and their gear—air and ground. - 34 Gyrene Jokes—“We’ve Got a Million of Them,” But We Can Print Only Eight
Compiled by R. R. Keene
Readers submitted their best; now read our selections. - 38 Toys for Tots: One of the Nation’s Top Charities “Because Americans Believe in It”
By R. R. Keene
Changes at the helm and the Toys for Tots choo-choo continues to run full steam ahead. - 40 In the Highest Tradition
Edited by R. R. Keene
Heroism in Operation Iraqi Freedom is recognized and rewarded. - 44 Corps Album
Edited by Nancy Lee White Hoffman
Photos from the bottom of readers’ footlockers offer a look into the Corps’ history.
Readers of the August Leatherneck will benefit from the initiative of Marine combat cameraman Sergeant Jeremy Giacomino--his superb photographs of 1/9 leathernecks in Ramadi prompted the September article by LCpl Casey Jones: "From 'Ambush Alley' to Peaceful Ally: 1/9 Marines Win Local Support in Ramadi." The article, plus Giacomino's photos, clearly illustrate the successes in Iraq. Also in the August Leatherneck is a report on 26th MEU's realistic urban training in Indiana which proved timely for local residents when extremely bad weather caused the MEU to "turn to" on flooding. Cpl Jason Miles article, "Relief in Elnora: Marines Join the Indiana National Guard in Fight to Save Imperiled Town" is complimented by SSgt Bryce Piper's video of rescue ops which can be accessed through our digital edition or at www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/elnora. These articles, plus a personality piece on Notre Dame football great, John "Jack" Chevigny, who was killed on Iwo Jima; an informative piece identifying the WW II Marine who posed for a well known Norman Rockwell print; a report on Marines training in Morocco; and an update on the relocation of the Corps' most famous restaurant, The Globe & Laurel, run by retired Major Rick Spooner and his wife Gloria, round out our August offerings. We know you will enjoy reading about Marines in action.

