Comments on: War stories: Korean War hero opens up, part 1

By: Robert Leon

Robert Leon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 03:56:01 +0000

The understatement of the year was when John Cordova, a fellow Marine I met at a Combat Trauma Group session at Mather said, “See that guy over there? That’s the best man you’re ever going to meet”. That man was Gunny Grinnell. The next time I saw Dick, he was volunteering over in Folsom sorting clothes for Hospice. I knew that was a true “Marine”… Semper Fi to Dick.. He’s my hero also..

By: Jon Rivera

Jon Rivera — Fri, 27 May 2011 04:07:58 +0000

Dick Grinnell one in a million he has those qualities that are forged in a man that make him bigger than life .He is a selfless man giving me praise just today for just cutting his hair telling me hes proud of me ? GOD BLESS Dick Grinnell a True American Bad Ass im a better man knowing Dick Grinnell I promise to do my best always Dick Grinnell is Semper Fidelis ! OOOORAH

By: Bill Maxwell

Bill Maxwell — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:39:06 +0000

Dick has always been “that guy”…As a kid, Dick was like a father to me, and what a father! As the previous writer suggests, you’d be on the receiving end of that stare, and it was all you could do to not ruin a pair of underwear…even if you were innocent! But Dick compelled one to do good, not out of fear alone, but because he is also one of the warmest humans you’ll ever meet. He’d be willing to offer praise for your successes as well as enthusiastic humor with your failures.

By: mick malaney

mick malaney — Thu, 26 May 2011 22:11:32 +0000

I make no bones when I state, “Sarge,” is one of my heroes. Recently I grew my mustache just like his and wear it proudly. Over fifty-years removed from the “Forgotten War” and he still looks at you with a thousand-yard stare that is common with Marines who have been to hell and back. It’s a look that burns right through the back of your scull and makes the biggest man feel three-feet tall. The moment you meet him you know he’s a baddass. I’ve watched Dick Grinnell cruise away from family gatherings in his classic “pony” with his gorgeous wife sitting next him. I’ll see those eyes in the rear view mirror staring back at me and I swear I feel like I’m ten-years old. As a meaty forearm forged from steel cable appears out his car window, hoisting a lumbering wave, “goodbye,” this fifty-one year old waves back and utters the only words that come to mind: “I want to be like that guy when I grow up.”

By: Coralee

Coralee — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:53:08 +0000

A very brave, honorable couragous young man… who has grown into such a great loving man… Blessings and prayers