After finishing boot camp it was off to Camp Pendleton, CA. Arriving there early January 1960, it was to be my home until we shipped to Okinawa, Japan, June 1961. Assigned to the office of a rifle company my title was company clerk. The office was in a quonset hut. In this building was the company commander, the executive officer, first sergeant, a staff sergeant and two clerks (Ed and I).
The first Sergeant was Louis Ricatto, our bosses boss who had a desk near us. He began his military career in the Army and early on switched to the Marines. His service time stretched over 30 years. When he turned 48 Ed and I thought he was really old. Actually that was old for active duty but he was physically in great shape. Memories of him are positive for, while he was clearly in charge, he was also kind and approachable.
Need it be said that age 48 doesn't seem old from my current perspective? 😀
Takk for alt,
Al
Standing in formation, Okinawa 1961.
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