Crusty old Joe's

Kodiak Alaska Military History

The official web site of the Kodiak Military History Museum

U S MARINE BARRACKS KODIAK ALASKA

1949

*
*
*
*

Marine Barracks Naval Operating Base Kodiak Alaska 8-15-49
Major D.A. Van Evera Commanding
35 inches wide

1948

Click on a picture to see a larger version. Photos purchased on eBay March 2000.

April 8, 1947

1961

Marine Club 8/14/1961

The dark building on the right is the MARINE CLUB. Vince Reyes, the base fire chief, reported the building was constructed from cresote utility poles which burned nicely when they intentionally destroyed it.

The white building is the Navy EM Club.

Herman C. Bruton was here 1947-1948. His daughter Linda was born here.

Claude D. Birkhead was stationed at Marine Barracks, Naval Operating Base, Kodiak from March, 1947 until January, 1949. He says the above pictures of the Marines was taken in 1948. That is also the year that they finished construction of the Marine Enlisted Mens Club. He was also the Club Manager. (From our guest book)

Bob Jay of Maple Valley Washington wrote us on 8 June 2001 to say he was stationed at the Kodiak Marine Barracks in 1944 when President Roosevelt visited. He said the barracks was across the street from the PX in one wing of a multi-wing building.

On 4 June 1947 Robert L. Staulcup, PFC, USMC was fatally injured when he fell and rolled 1200 feet down the steep side of Barometer Mountain which he had been climbing. He was rushed to the dispensary where he died during the night primarily from internal injuries. (From history of NAS Kodiak.)

On 25 March 1946 F. G. Ausman, PFC, USMCR witnessed a fatal automobile accident on the base. (From history of NAS Kodiak.)

Gerry J. Schaller Sgt. USMC was with the Marine Barracks from December 31, 1965 to October 1, 1967 (From our Guest book.)

Richard Clark was here for the 1964 earthquake and tsnaumi. (From our Guest book.)

Noel Adair mentions the Marine NCO Club Kodiak NAS. (From our Guest book.)

Ralph Williams was at Marine Barracks from 1959 to 1962, married a local girl and stayed until 1969. His guest book entry mentions many local people. (From our Guest book.)

1965

I have many pictures if anyone is interested. I was stationed in Kodiak with the Marines from 22 January 1965 to 21 January 1966. I stood guard duty at the AUW compound in the tower and also gate guard duty. I remember the stairs to and from the Marine Club when snow and ice covered it. Climbed Old Woman Mountain and ice skated on the lake on top. I cut hair at the Marine Barracks part time. I would like to hear from some of the marines who were stationed there at the same time. Please contact me at gfinklea at comcast.net Thanks.

CPL. Glen M Finklea USMC
5521 Central Blvd.
Mobile AL 36618

U.S. Marine Corps rules for gunfighting:
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive ENOUGH, quick ENOUGH.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a "4."
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral and diagonal movement are preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating or reloading.
14. Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to beat you to death with it because it is empty.
15. And above all......don't drop your guard!

Navy SEALS rules for gunfighting:
1. Look very cool in the latest sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing within view.
3. Return quickly to looking very cool in latest beach wear.
4. Check hair in mirror.

U.S. Army Rangers rules for gunfighting:
1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75-pound pack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from "Higher" to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75-pound pack while starving.

National Guard rules for gunfighting:
1. Select a new beret to wear.
2. Sew combat patch on right shoulder.
3. Reconsider the color of beret you decide to wear.

US Air Force rules for gunfighting:
1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Discuss definition of "gunfight."

Navy rules for gunfighting:
1. Go to sea.
2. Drink coffee.
3. Send in the Marines

http://www.kadiak.org/marines Updated 2008 March 5