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Who did US Marines call a 'chancre mechanic'?

a Corpsman. A chancre mechanic was a derogatory term for a Corpsman. It was never used for a Corpsman who served along with the Marines in the field but was reserved for base hospital personel.

During WWII, what was a 'slopchute'?

a cheap bar. A slopchute was a cheap bar where cheap beer could be consumed. It later came to denote any watering hole that had dim lights and fast women.

During WWII, what was a 'greasy spoon'?

a cheap diner. A greasy spoon was a cheap diner. Often the food was a welcome change from the food that was served in the mess hall. The down side was that some of these establishments could barely pass a health inspector's visit.

Exactly what was 'African golf'?

a dice game. African golf was a dice game commonly known as 'craps'. It more than suggested racial overtones because African American sailors in the US Navy had a fondness and skill in playing this game against Marines - usually on payday.

What did US Marines call 'piss and punk'?

bread and water. Piss and punk was slang for a punishment of bread and water while doing time in the brig. This practice was reserved for serious offenders.

What and where are 'the boonies'?

wild and rugged country. The boonies was wild and rugged country where survival depended on what you carried in your pack, your weapon, and the Marine next to you.

In an infantry company, who was the 'First Shirt'?

the First Sergeant. The First Shirt or Top was always the First Sergeant. This senior NCO was responsible for admin and logistics. He was also the bridge between the enlisted man and the Skipper when it came to discipline, meaning the brig.

What was 'Cinderella Liberty'?

restricted liberty. Cinderella liberty was always restricted liberty while in port. It meant being back for duty before reveille - if possible, sober.

During WWII, what was a 'tall tale' called?

a sea story. A sea story was more than often a tall tale or an exaggeration. The best way to determine its validity was when the teller started the story with,'this is no bull'.

During WWII, what precaution worked best to prevent the spread of VD?

regular lectures on prevention. Having the men attend mandatory lectures on VD worked best along with handing out prophylaxis. It kept the problem in check. Nothing, including threats of loss of pay or reduction in grade, completely eliminated the problem .