Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 16th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1811, in search of an impressed American seaman, the frigate President and her Marines engage the British sloop Little Belt off the east coast of the United States.
The smaller British ship loses nine killed and 23 wounded in the night action, which further heightens tensions between the two nations.
In 1876, Marines land at Matamoros, Mexico, at the request of the American consul after civil control in the city dissolves during a revolution.
In 1927, roughly 300 bandits raid the town of La Paz Centro at night.
The Marine garrison drives them off and loses two dead in the process.
In 1949, Company C, 3rd Marines departs Tsingtao for the United States.
The 9th Marines arrives at Camp Lejeune and becomes a part of the 2nd Marine Division.
In 1951, the Communists launch an offensive focused on two ROK divisions to the east of Marine positions.
The South Koreans are defeated and the Chinese soon create a hole 20 miles wide and 30 miles deep in the U.N. line.
The 1st Marine Division defeats two regimental-sized attacks in its zone.
In 1972, Operation Exotic Dancer V, designed to test joint tactical doctrine, takes place in the Carolinas.
Among the 50,000 personnel conducting amphibious and airborne operations are elements of II MAF, 2nd Marine Division, and the 2nd MAW.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!