" As I read the story about Nubs, my mind went back to our mascot, Dammit, see the story on our web hmm-364.org , Dammit, Lady from 29 Palms. The Captain of the USNS Brenton wanted to throw Dammit overboard when discovered on his ship in route to Okinawa. It was against all regulation and what he stood for as a Captain of a Naval Vessel. Some of our officers advised him that if he did that, he would have a mutiny of the worst kind. The Marines of HMM-364 would rise up and throw him overboard before they would give up on their cherished mascot Dammit. Under this advisement, he realized he was in a difficult position with all the Marines on board attached to this mongrel dog and reluctantly allowed her to stay.
I remember her having her own record book that was kept up to date with her accomplishments, awards, and general health. Morphine, the Corpsman's dog got her pregnant in Danang and she remembered that wild time when we got to Okinawa becoming with pups again. She almost died on us as it was to soon for her to have another litter and became severely calcium depleted trying to nurse her new litter. Most of her flights throughout the Orient were in a parachute bag held closely to a Marine from HMM-364 to keep her from being discovered; she was our quiet link to home.
Some how after flying missions all day, Dammit brought us back to reality and a softer side of life. She was a salve on the mental wounds of the day. She was always there to greet us coming home with a wagging tail, demanding nothing, and always a tongue kiss on a dirty tired face that need rest from both physical and mental fatigue.
I think that Nubs needs to be a proud part of the HMM-364 organization and carry this tradition forward giving as Dammit did to those in need."
Warren R. Smith
HMM-364 Vietnam "62-64"
