The beginning of Platoon 3133 of Third Battalion was Dec 7, 1971 as we unboarded the plane at Marinc Corps Recruit Depot,  San Diego California.  Major General,  John N. McLaughlin,  USMC was Commanding General of MCRD at that time and Colonel,  Edmund G. Derning,  was Commanding Officer of Recruit Training Regiment.  The establishment of the Marine Corps base at San Diego was initiated by the late Major General Joseph H. Pendleton,  USMC in July 1914.  It was not until 1 January 1948 that it was designated Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

Regardless of the time of day or night he arrives at Receiving Barracks,  the Marine recruit virtually undergoes a transformation within the first 55 minutes he is here.  Not only does he begin to take on the appearance of a Marine with a "boot" haircut and his initial issue of clothing,  but he begins to think and act like a member of the team.  The hours are crowded with classes,  drills and subjects that were of little concern to him a few short weeks before.  He becomes acutely aware of himself as a member of a team with a mission to perform.  He becomes keenly conscious of his obligation to his corps,  his country,  and to himself.  his training develops for him a sense of responsibilty and pride he might never have known otherwise.

For many,  excess pounds seem to disappear while others develop needed dimensions and weight.  Mind and body become alert and well coordinated in response to the snap and precision demanded of each individual in hand-to-hand combat,  drill or marksmanship training.

The title "Marine" is reserved for only those who can meet the high standards by which a Marine is measured.  Not until graduation day,  that proud moment when a recruit becomes a fullfledged member of the Corps,  can he claim the title of the "United States Marine."

Third Battalion Platoon 3133 L Company commenced trainning on 19 January 1972 and graduated 17 March 1972.

Battalion Commander:  LtCol.  D.  A.  Wagner
Sergeant Major:  SgtMaj.  E.  R.  Kubow
Commanding Officer Company L:  Captian.  T.  A.   Turner
Executive Officer:  Maj.  G.  W.  Bowers
Series Commander:  1stLt.  G.  T.  Willis
Series Gunnery Sgt.  GySgt.  A.  D.  McClymonds
Platoon Commander: SSgt  G.  D.  Gibson
Drill Instructor:  Sgt.  S.  M.  Perez
Drill Instructor:  SSgt.  F.  Gregorie.
Drill Instructor:  Sgt.  M.  Sandoval
Platoon Honorman,  Series Honor Man and Blues Award:  Pfc.  Victor L.   Yandell
Names & Pictures

57 Marines made up Platoon 3133

• Anderson L. C.
• Ast K. O.
• Behrends R.R.
• Berry P. L.
• Blatcher E.
• Boyse M. E.
• Brazel R. K.
• Brown T. E.
• Carlson G. L.
• Carlson P. J.
• Davis J. F. Jr.
• Dineen K. W.
• Dowdell E.J.
• Dozal R.
• Fernandez L. M.
• Fimbrez E. A.
• Fitzek V. D.
• Gilmore D. A.
• Gordon D. M.
• Names & Pictures
• Gonzales R. P.
• Grice T.
• Josey R.
• Kelly L. D.
• Kelley M. J.
• Kensler S. J.
• Knowles E. J.
• Lane L. C.
• Leipprandt R. J.
• Martinez W.
• Mason B. R.
• Medlock D. R.
• Mendoza J. F.
• Mink L. A.
• Morrison D. G.
• Nixon J. L.
• O'Connell M. J.
• Reed M. K.
• Renfrow R. T.
• Robertson F. S.
• Names & Pictures
• Robinson R. D.
• Rulo C. A.
• Schaefer K. C.
• Scurlock T. R.
• Sherman D. P. II
• Smyth M. R.
• Smith R. L.
• Stanley D. L.
• Strong C. L.
• Taylor H.L.
• Verlare J. P.
• Winfield A. C.
• Williams D. C.
• Wolfgram M. J.
• Peterfish T. T.
• Stephen J. A.
• Names & Pictures

If any of my fellow Marines from Platoon 3133 are out there and see this page, please email me and let me know how you are doing. Still have my yearbook and will glad to find some picture of you in it and copy for you if you want them. Will mark each name with a yellow star when you have reported in.

sdragon5@sbcglobal.net
>

DECEASED LIST
Marines Who Are Now Guarding The Gates Of Heaven!

Victor L. Yandell

Died In Fire 1984

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS