The Yellow Footprints

[USMC 2571]

Does anyone know approximately when these came into being at Parris Island? I don't remember them at all as being there in 1963, and if they were, they were only at the then current Receiving Barracks, over by the main mess hall.

(Receiving Barracks are now located elsewhere).

It's not because of shock that I don't recall them being there. I remember plenty of other details from that Trick or Treat Halloween Night in 1963.

[USMC 2571]

There's another thread Question: Yellow Footprints? that is 12 years old, has just a few responses, but none from people who are viewing this now....they said, back on that thread, that they did NOT recall any yellow footprints from 1952, 1964, etc, so that gives me a little info and makes me feel that it's not my memory heading South.

[Old Marine]

There's another thread Question: Yellow Footprints? that is 12 years old, has just a few responses, but none from people who are viewing this now....they said, back on that thread, that they did NOT recall any yellow footprints from 1952, 1964, etc, so that gives me a little info and makes me feel that it's not my memory heading South.

No footprints when I arrived at MCRD, SD in 1953. Don't know about Pleasure Island.

[USMC 2571]

If it wasn't you, Willie, I would have said something about San Diego having pink footprints, but no way would I get into that here, so I won't say it, knowing the extreme PI-SD rivalry.

[Old Marine]

If it wasn't you, Willie, I would have said something about San Diego having pink footprints, but no way would I get into that here, so I won't say it, knowing the extreme PI-SD rivalry.

Tell me again where the WM's receive their boot camp. LOL

[USMC 2571]

hahahaha....I give up, Willie....

[Riven37]

I believe those yellow footprints began in 1941 due to the influx of troops preparing for WWII, after the ending of WWII and Korean wars those yellow footprints became a main stay for the Marine corps training psychology and remand ever since. The PI Receiving build has changes since 1915 today even though the build locations had changed to receive new boots those yellow footprints always followed.

[b2542]

I believe they started around 1964.

[USMC 2571]

Thanks--that accounts for me, and several others on the other thread, not remembering them but remembering other details that were more minor.

[b2542]

I believe they started around 1964. This is from The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

[USMC 2571]

They would certainly know---thanks again, much appreciated.

[Old Marine]

Nineteen sixty four is pretty close. I used google and that seems to be the year most mentioned. There is a book called The Yellow Footprints by Greg Stoner who is the secretary of the West Coast D.I. Association. I have a copy around here someplace but can't locate it.

[USMC 2571]

Thanks Willie, no wonder I don't remember seeing them.

[Riven37]

I sent out email to the PI Historical Society to find out the year those footprints were started to be used.

[USMC 2571]

Thanks---keep us posted, please.

[oldtop]

the footprints were DEFINITELY "on station" in 1966 at MCRD SD....

[Riven37]

No reply yet.

[Ed Palmer]

The answer is: around 1964.

I contacted Ms. Susan Hodge at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. and asked her this question. She got the answer from the Museum Director at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC, home of the first set of yellow footprints. The Museum Director emailed her this answer, which I'm sharing with you:

"From its beginning in 1915, the receiving barracks has been located in a number of places on Parris Island. The initial receiving barracks was located at the old state of South Carolina quarantine station which stood on Ballast Creek where the Depot's club "Traditions' is located today. During World War Two and Korea receiving was conducted at Building 145 in the Headquarters and Service Battalion Barracks complex. In 1964 the facility was moved to Building 631, a 2nd Battalion barracks on Panama Street and at about the same time yellow footprints were painted on the pavement on which newly arrived recruits was placed. In 1986 recruit receiving and the yellow footprints were moved to a new facility on Panama Street - Building 6000 - where recruits are today processed upon their arrival at Parris Island."

It's been a pleasure to find this answer and share it with you!

Best Regards and Semper Fi!
-Sgt. Christopher M. Chinchilla, USMC veteran

[USMC 2571]

Thank you---no wonder I don't remember them from late 1963.

[SGT7477]

Nineteen sixty four is pretty close. I used google and that seems to be the year most mentioned. There is a book called The Yellow Footprints by Greg Stoner who is the secretary of the West Coast D.I. Association. I have a copy around here someplace but can't locate it.

Gunny I got that book from SSGT Stoner, what a great book to read, Semper Fidelis.

[Old Marine]

That it is, Ron. That it is.