TBS 2-67 Cruisebook_Updated_7Jan23

Robert T. Hart
Second Platoon
Nickname: Ted
My Life Before Attending TBS: Born in Detroit, MI.
December, 1944. Graduated Bentley High School,
Livonia, MI 1962. Attended Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, Troy, New York. Played football and golf,
graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Building Sciences. I was influenced to join USMC by
fraternity Big Brother Bill Edwards who was captain of
our football team. Did PLC in summers of 1965 and
1966. Went right from Senior PLC to TBS in August
1966.
My Memories of TBS: Was single at TBS, but did get
engaged to a young lady from Mary Washington
College. We were subsequently married in 1968 at the
Quantico Chapel after my return from Vietnam. Sam
Martini was instrumental, through his girlfriend at
MWC, in my meeting her. Best part of the training was
the Obstacle Course, seems like I always came in
second behind Pete Hesser for best time in our second
platoon!! Three Day War was the best, I got to use the
flamethrower, and the worst, frozen boots at wake-up
in the morning.
TBS Graduation: Assigned 1302 Engineer as MOS, was
first choice. The Corps thought that my science and
engineering college education was a fit. I agreed!!
After Completing TBS: Engineering School was at
Camp Lejeune for, I believe 6 weeks. Very good
training, learned to use explosives, both TNT and C4,
and how to use Det Cord (clothesline that would
explode). Also hands on training for mine detection
and removal, quite stressful. In Vietnam the Korean
Marines used Det Cord to tie up Viet Cong, very clever
and effective. Remember Helmut Feifs, Greg Janetta
and Sam Martini from that school as well.
Vietnam Era Service: From Engineer School Sam
Martini and I were assigned to Westpac and went
together (same plane) in early April 1967, assigned to
9th Engineering Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Chu
Lai, about 40 miles south of Da Nang along Hwy 1.
Remember, when we arrived at Da Nang, Sam and I
went to the transportation office to find out how we
would get to Chu Lai. There we, strictly by accident,
met our Battalion Commander, Lt Col Babe, who had us
hop in a truck with him headed for Chu Lai. He had a
memorable handlebar mustache and immediately
advised us that all officers in his battalion would sport
a mustache, which of course, being obedient 2nd
Lieutenants, we complied. I was made the Asst. S-3
2‐36