by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
I'm glad I take
Leatherneck.
It's a damn good
Magazine.
I've read it in
A foxhole
When I was
A young Marine.
I keep up with
The young'ins
Where e'er they
Must roam.
I read about
Old outfits,
That were once
My home.
I keep up with the
Weapons,
The gear and
All that stuff.
I wonder if
They need it,
To tote it
Must be tough.
I recall the miles
I hiked
Through mud,
And sand,
And slime.
And wondered
If I could have left
Most of it behind.
I never saw
A fightin' man
Who didn't
Toss his gear.
It's tough enough
To shoot and run,
Without a pack
Upon your back
Not helping
With your fear.
Marines don't fight
Like others do,
Has always been
My thought.
If we don't win
The landing,
What use is
All be brought?
So lighten up
On gear we pack.
Don't load us down
With junk.
If you can't get it to us,
The whole campaign
Is sunk.
* * *
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.
