TBS 2-67 Cruisebook_Updated_7Jan23

My Memories of the Second Platoon, Charlie Co.
by Captain John Brickley
Staff Platoon Commander
The Basic School, August 1966‐January 1967
I was ordered from Marine Barracks duty in Newport,
R.I. to TBSin 1965, a surprise to me and the CO of TBS
who was expecting officers returning from Vietnam to
staff the school. I had a short“snapping in” from TBS
staff and discussions with current platoon
commanders. It didn’t take long after our company was
activated, to realize that our platoon was 100% ready
for training and enthusiastically attacked the program.
During our five plus months together, not a single
member of our platoon needed prodding from me to
complete assignments in class and in the field. I
honestly can’t remember any... shall we say “goof-ups”
or “holy s--t” ...incidents that needed to be spelled out.
I could not have been more proud of your individual
and collective performances. Our Corps was going to be
exceptionally well served by you in whatever MOS you
were assigned.
John P. Brickley
Nickname: Brick
My Life Before Attending TBS: Born and raised in
Massachusetts. Attended Boston College High School
and the College of the Holy Cross. Played football and
basketball in HS and intramural sports at HC. First job
was hauling lobster traps off Peaks Island ME during
Second Platoon
summer vacation (lobster was $.25/lb !!!) Had two
uncles who served in the Army during WW11.
Influence to join the Corps-a priest who had previously
served as an NCO/SNCO in WW11 and Korea and was
my HS football coach before entering the seminary.
My Memories of TBS: Single going through TBS.
Always enjoyed the field training. Did much better
with the rifle than the pistol. I was the Plt. Cmdr.
during the "Mad Moment" and only remember almost
freezing to death during the exercise. Sword is
engraved and my son used it during his USMC career.
After Completing TBS: Reported to the 1stBn, 9thMar
on Okinawa and served as a Plt. Cdr. and Instructor at
the Northern Training Area after TBS leave. Reported
to Marine Barracks, Newport, R.I, and served 3 years as
Guard Officer and Executive Officer. I had two very
difficult training assignments during those 3 years--
teaching the Navy Chaplains and Navy Nurses how to
march!! I was next assigned to TBS and 2-67 and
remained there as a Company XO until Fall.
Vietnam Era Service: Left TBS for RVN in September
‘67 and reported to 9th MAB. I was assigned as the C.O.
of the ONTOS Co in RVN but it returned to Okinawa as
not required for further use in country. I was then in
and out of country for several months before assigned
as CO, HQ Co, 26th Marines at Khe Sanh. I was severely
wounded on Apr 1 and spent the next 2 years
recovering from wounds at the Naval Hospital, Chelsea
MA. March 1970, married in June and attended AWS
After My Initial Obligation was up: Remained on
active duty and retired in August 1991as a Brigadier
General. Career highlights include: Senior Aide, CG
2‐5