Monday, March 12, 2007

Gung Ho Has Lost Its Meaning...


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"I have found that many writers, in many publications, writing about Carlson, have made the observation that the words Gung Ho have lost much of their original meaning. Also, it has been pointed out that the translation of the words themselves from the Chinese produces even more room for confusion, as there may be multiple definitions or interpretations, just as many American words have more that one dictionary meaning. And, too, many have noted that "Gung Ho!" has been "bastardized" to the point that it is now, to many, just a slogan, a battle cry, or just a word denoting a goodMarine Gung Ho was not something simple to understand, even for Carlson and his Raider Marines--it had to be worked on and lived!

In an article titled "The Legacy of Evans Carlson," by Robert J. Dalton (LtCol USMC Ret.) in the August 1987 Marine Corps Gazette, the author states, "...Ironically, the term 'gung ho' has come to mean almost the opposite of how it was originally used. Today, the term has an aggressive, Prussianistic connotation. It has little of the 'ethical'meaning for which it was originally used...."

Well, then, what was the intention of the originator of the now famous term, "Gung Ho?..."

Ref
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/dickg/gungho.html>

Gung Ho According To Evans F. Carlson--Ethical Indoctrination...


What's YOUR Opinion On Gung Ho, Marine? Post Your Response Here!!!!!
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GnySgt USMC (Ret.)
1952- (Plt #437-PISC)-'72
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Hey Marine, What's YOUR Opinion On OohRah???


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Hey Marine, What's YOUR Opinion On OohRah???

Up until several years ago there was no explanation as to what OohRah was or where it came from. There were, however, plenty of opinions as to its origin and history, and so forth. Some of the opinions were downright dumb; others were humorous, and others went off in many directions of fantasy.

After a few years of sending out e-mail inquiries on this, and posting this topic to my own websites as well as others, I received some information back that appeared to be a sound and reasonable explanation for OohRah. I had always felt that the answer would be found in the responses to my inquiries from old time Marines who had been on the scene and knew its origin and the history and evolution of it. Well that's eventually what happened.

As can be seen from my following GyG website...

http://www20.brinkster.com/gunnyg/oohrah.html

former recon Marines finally responded that it had come from the sound of the old Klaxton horn used aboard the submarines that recon Marines had trained on, beginning back in the 1940s. Apparently that sound (arrruuuugha!) had been adopted by these Marines as they did their routine morning runs. Later, this practice found its way to the recruit depots. Apparently, latter-day running Marines were still practicing the Arrruugha, but it had evolved into OohRah--the newer Marines lacking direct knowledge of its origin and prior use. Like its predecessor before it, Gung Ho, it has become bastardized both in meaning and in use.

Please see the article from the force recon association webpage on this...

http://www.forcerecon.com/amphibrecondiary2.html

And, there is also even earlier knowledge information regarding this sent to me by Dr. R.E. Sullivan, Col USMC (Ret.)

http://www.network54.com/Forum/135069/message/1072968620/OOHRAH%2C+and+other+things+that+go+bump+in+the+night. ..

Please see Col "Sully's" website at...

http://sullyusmc.com/


Now it appears that the riddle has been solved, in my opinion and some others, but there are still those out there who scoff at the above information. It seems that once something has been repeatedly chanted for so long, that individuals prefer what they personally see and believe as "tradition" vice the facts. Well, OK, whatever, everybody to their own kick. Generally, it is my observation that most old time Marines look with disfavor upon "OohRah;" whereas most boots think it is the greatest thing since SOS! (or does the old Corps still have SOS?)

Anyway, for those of you who would like to state your opinion on OohRah--you may speak your piece at the following GyG forum...
http://www.network54.com/Forum/169291/

Semper Fidelis
R.W. Gaines
GnySgt USMC (Ret.)
1952-'72

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Want On GyG's E-Mail List?
Send/Reply: GunnyG@GMail.com
ADD In Subject Line....
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RESTORE THE REPUBLIC!
R.W. "Dick" Gaines
(The Original "Gunny G")
GnySgt USMC (Ret.)
1952- (Plt #437-PISC)-'72
Sites & Forums For... The Thinking Marine!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GyG's Globe and Anchor! --Sites & Forums
GyG's Old Salt Marines Tavern ~Interactive~
GyG's Globe and Anchor Weblog
GyG's History/Traditions, etc.
The GyG Archive/Bookmarks @FURL
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Add Gunny G's FURL RSS Feed To YOUR Site!
~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~
USMC, Military, History, Unusual/Controversial, Politically Incorrect, News-n-Views,
Eye-Opening and Thought-Provoking Articles, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~
Note:
GyG's G&A Sites & Forums is an informational site and not for profit. Copyrighted material provided soley for education, study, research, and discussion, etc. Full credit to source shown when available.
~~~~~




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