Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 12th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1846, the United States formally declares war on Mexico.
In 1864, Colonel John Harris, the sixth Commandant of the Marine Corps, dies in office.
In 1898, Marines man some of the secondary batteries of the North Atlantic Squadron when it bombards San Juan de Puerto Rico.
In 1927, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Y. Rhea becomes the first commander of Nicaragua’s Guardia Nacional and begins organizing the constabulary force with Marine officers and NCOs serving as officers.
In 1931, all Marine forces, with the exception of officers and enlisted men serving in the Guardia Nacional, are withdrawn into Managua, Nicaragua.
In 1945, the attack of the 22nd Marines runs up against a ridge, quickly dubbed Sugar Loaf, that forms the western anchor of the Shuri Line.
Admiral Nimitz removes the 2nd Marine Division (less the 8th Marines) on Saipan from Tenth Army reserve and makes it the theater reserve.
That part of the division finally debarks from transports and goes ashore in Saipan.
The 8th Marines remains under control of Tenth Army. (The Goddamned Army is in control of Marines? WTF).
In 1947, the last elements of the 5th Marines depart Peiping and the regiment (less 1/5) sails for Guam.
In 1962, in response to an alarming string of Communist military victories during May in Laos, President Kennedy orders U.S. forces toward Southeast Asia.
In 1972, HMM-164 lifts Vietnamese Marines for a raid behind NVA lines near Hue City.
In 1975, Communist gunboats seize the U.S. merchant ship SS Mayaguez in the Gulf of Thailand.
President Ford warns of serious consequences unless the ship and her 40-man crew are released promptly.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!