Gung Ho!

"Gung Ho!" - a Chinese phrase meaning "Work Together" - became popular with the Marine Corps in World War Two. Its most famous advocate, Colonel Evans Carlson of the 2nd Raiders, had been an observer with Chiang Kai-Shek's army, and adopted the phrase as a methodology for running his outfit. The term caught on as other "China Marines" introduced it to the waves of new recruits signing up after Pearl Harbor; some took the phrase seriously while others used it as a derisive means to describe someone who was overly enthusiastic.

As the Marines experienced combat, it became common to take a photograph of the survivors when the battle was concluded. Souvenirs and trophies were displayed, and the more "gloriously raggedy-assed" one looked, the better. Such photographs became known as "gung ho shots" - the men in the picture had worked together to achieve victory.

A/1/24 after Tinian.

B/1/24 after Tinian.

C/1/24 after Iwo Jima - 31 out of a landing force of about 240. The company was led by Sergeant Mike Mervosh for a time after all officers and NCOs above him were hit.

D/1/24 after Namur - the company was disbanded after this battle.
Marines of an unknown unit (possibly 28th Marines) after Iwo Jima. I like the two clowning around at left - even after Iwo they still have a sense of humor.