by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
There's always been an "Old Corps"
No matter when your time.
I have heard it spoken of
In every port and clime.
It seems the way
That it was done,
'Twas always better then.
No matter that
The Corps was old
When they had just begun.
Old timers are a cagey bunch,
They like the way they feel.
When talking of their duty —
They had the toughest deal.
Of how they led the charge ashore
And held it to a man.
They never lost a single gun
Nor gave an inch of sand.
Together they had won the day
The enemy was routed
They carried forth
Their nation's flag
In victory they shouted.
But never mind, you raw recruits
Your time will come I'm sure
When you can say
"It ain't the same
Since I first came;
It's lost its old allure."
So the old Corps
Meets the new Corps.
And together they will
Carry their country's banner,
Through Hell and far beyond.
*
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**About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942~44, at Guadalcanal & Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
