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Semper Fi, Mac--WW2 



Posted by F.E.DeVine on Sunday, 1 March 1998, at 7:38 a.m.



   On page 8 and 10 of this month's LEATHERNECK is a good explanation
of what Semper Fi really meant among the troops during WW2. What it 
meant was "I got mine, Mac. How are you doing?" usually with the 
right middle finger extended. 

   At our first breakfast at PI, there were two quart cartons of milk 
for 18 guys. When the corporal said 'SIT DOWN', the milk vanished, 
and several of us ate dry cereal that day. My bunk buddy and I realized
we would starve "in this here corps" unless we developed an attitude 
and plan. The next morning, when the corporal took a breath to say 
SIT DOWN,, my buddy and I each grabbed a carton, poured out a pint into
our bowls, put the two pints out onto the table. and with our middle 
fingers extended,said "Semper #^%$*^%Fi to you all" I got mine, Mac. 
How are you doing? 

   In one day,, I went from a skinny, self-conscious, inferiority-complexed,
depression- raised kid to a good start to be a Marine. During my stay,
I was never without, because I got mine, Mac. 

Semper Fi 

DeVine, Reading, Pa. 


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