Marine Corps Association & Foundation

By Callie Oettinger | Published: January 9, 2012

S+O+B=Three letters that appear in almost every war story, in the same order, but with dozens of different meanings.

SOB=Love and Respect

From, Clare Boothe Luce’s foreword to GEN Victor H. Krulak’s First to Fight:

This Friday I took a few minutes out of my day to wish my friend Glenn Prentice a very happy birthday. Now I will be the very first to admit that I am TERRIBLE at remembering birthdays, but his always sticks in my mind….On 20 January 1968, he was serving with the India Company,  3d Battalion, 26th Marines on Hill 881S. He celebrated his 19th birthday while on a reconnaissance-in-force up Hill 881N. Said Prentice,  “44 years ago we went up Hill 881N engaged the NVA---what a day! The start of Tet---I turned 19--thought I would never see my 20th Birthday---it was that bad…”

1st Battalion, 4th Marines insignia

Several months ago, I was sitting at my desk when I received a call from the new commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Norton had assumed command of the battalion on 19 May, 2011, and was interested in making his Marines more aware of their history. Could I help?

 For good or bad, the Marine Corps is downsizing, along with the rest of the Armed Forces. The Marines will be cut from 202K down to 185K and current rumors are swirling of additional cuts down to 175K.