Originally Posted May 8, 2024
Good morning, Leathernecks, and on this the 8th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1776, Marines of the Pennsylvania Navy employ row galleys to drive off two British warships in the Delaware River.
In 1808, a Marine Barracks is established at Charleston, South Carolina.
In 1846, Marines and sailors from the Home Squadron occupy Port Isabel, Texas, to defend it against a possible Mexican invasion.
In 1862, Marines man some of the heavy guns in the fleet that duels for four hours with the Confederate fort at Sewell’s Point near Norfolk.
In 1942, the 3rd Marine Brigade arrives at Tutuila and begins building an airfield and defenses.
It takes control of the 7th Defense Battalion.
In 1944, the 3rd MAW arrives in Hawaii and assumes control of all Marine aviation units there.
MAG-23 departs Hawaii for Midway.
In 1945, on Okinawa, the 1st Marine Division shifts into the left of its previous frontage.
The 6th Marine Division moves into position on the Asa River between the 1t Marine Division and the western coast.
In the European Theater, the war in Europe ends following Germany’s surrender.
In 1952, MAG-32 and VMA-333 are reactivated at Miami as part of 3rd MAW.
In 1959, elements of the 8th Marines assist in putting out forest fires in Camden County, North Carolina.
In 1966, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines arrives in Vietnam.
In 1967, at Con Thien, North Vietnamese forces attack the Marine base near the DMZ on the 13th anniversary of their victory at Dien Bien Phu.
Elements of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines drive off the enemy, killing 197 and capturing eight at a cost of 44 dead and 110 wounded.
In 1969, during the period 8 May through 16 July, the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4), 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4), 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4), 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9), the 2nd, Battalion, 9th Marines (2/9), and the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9) participated in OPERATION HERKIMER MOUNTAIN, a clear and search operation in the Quang Tri Province.
In 1972, American aircraft mine the main harbors of North Vietnam, including Haiphong.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!