Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 14th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1801, Tripoli declares war on the United States, marking the formal beginning of the Barbary Wars.
In 1860, Marines from the Washington Navy Yard participate in the ceremony welcoming the first Japanese embassy personnel to the U.S. capitol.
In 1917, the first detachment of Marines, from Annapolis, move to the newly leased base of 5,300 acres at Quantico, Virginia.
In 1940 impressed by German success with airborne operations, Commandant Holcomb orders his staff to “prepare plans for the employment of parachute troops.”
In 1956, RCT 1 from Camp Pendleton takes part in an exercise at 29 Palms California, involving simulated atomic weapons.
In 1958, due to deteriorating political conditions in Lebanon, BLT 1/8 remains on station at the conclusion of its normal tour with the Sixth Fleet to reinforce newly arriving BLT 2/2.
In 1970, the 3rd Marine Division begins a three-week operation, Exotic Dancer III, along the coastal areas of North Carolina. Over 60,000 troops from all branches of the armed forces are involved.
In 1973, the Supreme Court rules that female members of the armed services are entitled to the same dependency benefits for their husbands as servicemen have always received for their wives.
In 1975, Marines of Company D, ¼, carried by the escort destroyer Harold E. Holt (DE-1074), board and retake the deserted Mayaguez. Air Force helicopters land elements of BLT 2/9 on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Cambodia in an effort to recover the merchant crew, which is not there.
The helicopters take heavy ground fire and several are destroyed or heavily damaged.
Cambodian forces release the merchant crew and it links up with the Mayaguez by fishing boat.
In 1999, the Marine Corps takes delivery of its first production MV-22 Osprey.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!