Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 21st day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1836, President Jackson accepts Colonel Commandant Henderson’s offer of a Marine regiment to assist in the fighting in Florida.
In 1847, the Secretary of the Navy directs the Corps to form a regiment for service with Scott’s army in Mexico.
In 1855, the Powhatan puts her Marines ashore in Shanghai for two days due to unsettled conditions there.
In 1908, the rank of the billet of Commandant is formally established as major general for the first time, resulting in a promotion for Brigadier General Elliott.
In 1944, following amphibious exercises, a Landing Ship Tank (LST) carrying ammunition explodes in Pearl Harbor and destroys five adjacent LSTs.
Just over 200 men in the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions are killed or wounded.
In 1945, the aircraft of MAG-22 (VMF-113, 314, and 422) arrive on Ie Shima from Engebi and begin supporting Tenth Army.
VMTB-132 goes on board the Cape Gloucesterat San Diego.
In 1966, a Marine sentry kills a Cuban soldier attempting to climb the fence into the naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
In 1967, during the period 21 May through 9 June, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) and the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (3/7), the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3), the Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4), and the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines (3/12) participated in OPERATION CHOCTAW, search and destroy operation in the Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces.
In 1968, an NVA division makes an attempt to infiltrate south from the DMZ toward Dong Ha.
In 10 days of fighting, the 3rd and 9th Marines drive the enemy back, killing more than 770 and taking 61 prisoners.
Marine and ARVN losses are 112 dead and 446 wounded.
In 1975, Marine security forces complete their mission of maintaining order on merchant ships crowded with thousands of Vietnamese refugees.
In 1996, another element of the 22nd MEU(SOC) flies into the Central African Republic to evacuate Americans and assist the MSG detachment in protecting the embassy during an army mutiny.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!