101 Sea Stories

by Donald F. Myers

The brain-storm of writing a few of my sea stories and invite others to share theirs as well was planted in my mind during the early 1960’s while stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I love to hear and tell sea stories. Camp Lejeune abounded with guys that not only told their tales over a few beers but also created a few on the spot at the same time. I even managed to create several sea stories in my own right with some of my not so mature antics. Anyway, I thought back then wouldn’t it be a great idea to collect some of those tales under one cover to share with the world. Well, it took thirty years but I finally got around to doing it. You will not only read my favorite sea stories about myself that Marines are so famous at telling, you are also going to read a goodly share from Marines and sailors around the country that thought well enough of this idea to contribute their own. In addition, you will read a few from members of the other branches of service who reminded me we Jarheads and Swabs don’t corner the market on Sea Stories. I have taken author’s privilege by getting mine in first but don’t despair, there’s enough to go around for all hands to get a chuckle or two, or to be amazed at, or to take with a grain of salt. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading all of these sea stories as much as I did. I had a blast writing mine and working with the other Marines, sailors, etc., to get them on paper the way they wanted them told.

479 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2006

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

With at least 101 stories, as promised, and at least 20 authors, this book is a wonderful look at the US Military from the inside out over the last 75 years. And while a predictably large percentage are dedicated to hormones and alcohol, and many are funny, others show brotherhood, heroism and wonderful empathy. "Lifers" , Reservists, and draftees all are found in these pages, so any American can understand military life better. It's compelling stuff, and very enjoyable.

Donald Myers is a VERY decorated veteran, and the author of several memoirs, but his are probably the least interesting of the stories. He was one of those bad "Base" marines- and excellent "Field" marines- the favourite of every scriptwriter ever- so his true stories are a little bit cliches of alcohol fueled foolishness- interspersed with skirt-chasing. But when a plethora of interesting other authors join in, the book really takes off. Each story makes you want to read the next.

There are too many hooker and drunken stupor stories to make this appropriate for any junior readers under about 13. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, a treasure trove! For the modeller, the fact that you get stories from WWII, Korea, The Cold War,Vietnam, and Gulf War II allows for amazing diorama possiblities. For the gamer- well I did not know that at Large US Bases in Vietnam, the Band (85 people) was used as a combat reserve if the perimeter was attacked- that's a cool scenario right there- there are a few other combat stories that can become games- but not too many. For the Military enthusiast- pure joy. This is the sort of inside look at all the services that give you real insight into man management and esprit de corps. Little wonder that a book I found for a dollar in a thrift store- is actually a treasured classic still commanding $20 a copy- used. Yeah- it's a classic. Read it.

[Scott Moritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm finished with 101 Sea Stories: I was given this book, along with a limited edition and pre-finalized for publication copy of Your War My War. The person that gave it to me was in Vietnam with the author as well as both worked at the VA in Indy, where I work. Very good book of short stories (sea stories). Many are funny but also show the seriousness of what it means to defend out country.