by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
I'm just a crusty old Marine
Who fought with rifle
And carbine.
When it comes to hell
I've been through
Shot and shell
And a lot of what comes
In between.
I'm just a crusty old Marine
And sometimes inclined
To be mean.
When you see a buddy fall
And you know he gave his all,
Then you're inclined
To annihilate the scene.
I'm just a crusty old Marine
Who has seen some things
That you should never see.
For out there in the field
A man becomes less than real,
And is inclined to do
Some unforgiving things.
Yes I'm a crusty old Marine
And I swore to keep my honor clean.
And through it all I vow
That I did — somehow.
And I bless the Corps
That taught me
To be the man
I should be:
A regulation,
Crusty Old Marine!
* * *
About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942~44, at Guadalcanal
and Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
