Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 26th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1836, Commandant Henderson reports to the War Department in compliance with a General Order directing “all the disposable force on shore to proceed to Alabama.”
In 1942, more elements of the 3rd Defense Battalion, as well as 16 SBD-2 Douglass Dauntless dive bombers and seven F4F Grumman Wildcat fighters of MAG-22, reinforce Midway.
In 1945, frontline observers on Okinawa report the rearward movement of Japanese forces and call in massive air, artillery, and naval firepower.
Nevertheless, over the next four days much of the enemy’s remaining firstline strength is able to withdraw to the final defensive line in the escarpments along the Kiyamu Peninsula.
Second-echelon forces come up to fight a delaying action in the Shuri defenses.
In 1947, the 1st Pioneer Battalion, the last Marine unit in Peitaiho, departs for Tientsin.
In 1949, the cruiser Manchester (CL-83) and her reinforced Marine guard depart Tsingtao when it is obvious the Nationalists there will surrender within days,
This marks the end of the post-World War II involvement of Marines in China.
In 1969, during the period 26 May through 7 November, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1), 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), 1st Battalion, 26th Marines (1/26), and the ROK 2nd Marine Brigade participated in OPERATION PIPESTONE CANYON, a clear and search operation 13 Km west of Hoi An in the Quang Nam. Province.
In 1977, The Basic School graduates its first class containing both males and females.
In 1981, a Marine EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare plane crashes while making a night landing on the Nimitz (CVN-68).
Three Marine aircrewmen and 11 others are killed, 48 injured, and 20 aircraft are destroyed or damaged.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!