In January 1968 S/Sgt Carl E. King joined Hotel Company 1st Platoon. Prior to being sent to Vietnam, S/Sgt King was a member of the Marine's elite enlisted groups of individuals which wrought fear and terror into the hearts and souls of all civilians entering the finest fighting force in the world, the United States Marine Corps. He was a Drill Instructor stationed at San Diego Recruit training Facility, in sunny Southern California.  

To this day any active duty Marine or former and or retired enlisted Marine when asked what were the three names of his Drill Instructors, without hesitation, they will rattle off their
name, and rank, as well as which one particular Drill Instructor struck fear deepest in their hearts. These same individuals known as recruits during their basic training, may
never remember the name of their bosses in civilian life, or even have difficulty remembering what teacher in their scholastic career had most influenced them. Yet in their dreams you may hear them beginning each phrase with Sir and ending it with Sir as the mutter the names which have been indelibly etched in their hearts and minds of their Drill Instructors. Knowing this, you will better understand not only why S/Sgt
King so easily received and held the attention of the men he lead in combat but also was given the respected nick name "The Boss" by his troops. 

The Boss was also known to his men as a "Bush Master" a term given to a selected few combat Marines and leaders by their men for skills in hunting down the NVA and VC and disposing of them sufficiently with little or no loss to the men in their command. SSgt King was not only an individual leader and teacher who stood out significantly as a leader and teacher to his men who he commanded, but also to the officer corps of Hotel Company 1st Platoon, who awarded him with a battle field commission into the officer corps of the United States Marine Corps, where he served the Corps with outstanding leadership qualities retiring as a Major to his home in Houston, Texas where he today is a successful businessman who owns and runs his own well to do business in Houston. 

One title yet not mentioned as it is a title seldom received by even the most outstanding Marines, and even fewer have the distinction to serve with a Marine who has been given this title, as I know myself from growing up in the Marine Corps from birth and serving with and under the command of SSgt  King in Vietnam as my platoon sergeant, that title is held in reserve for those distinct few who are capable of living up to such a prestigious title, "A Marines, Marine". This title is earned and not bestowed upon anyone due to popularity, but through example to all Marines of what it is to be the best of the best in a service which record throughout history is unmatched by any force on the face of the Earth and proudly stands second to none. 

We the Marines who had the distinct and proud honor to have served in combat with Major Carl E. King USMC Ret. without hesitation bestow the highest of honors any Marine can receive
throughout his career, the title of "A Marines Marine" and we say to you "Boss" well done Sir, may you always wear it with pride. This honor comes from the troops of Hotel Company 1st
Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division 1968.