Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 31st and last day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1898, Admiral William P. Sampson’s fleet and its assigned Marines shell the Spanish fortress at Santiago, Cuba.
In 1910, Major Butler and two companies of Marines arrive at Bluefields from Panama and remain there until early September.
In 1930, Captain Arthur H. Page wins the Curtiss Marine Trophy Race at Anacostia Naval Air Station in the District of Columbia.
In 1945, the 1st Marine Division cleans out final enemy resistance in Wana Draw on Okinawa.
In 1947, MAG-25, MAG-31, VMR-253, VMF(N)-534, VMJ-952, and 953 are deactivated.
In 1951, the new Uniform Code of Military Justice replaces separate Army-Air Force and Navy-Marine legal systems.
In 1952, VMA-334 is reactivated at Miami.
In 1955, MAG-33 returns from Korea to El Toro following five years in the Far East.
In 1966, during the 31st day of May, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines participated in OPERATION CHEYENNE II, a search and destroy operation in the I Corps.
In 1967, Lieutenant General Robert E. Cushman takes over III MAF in place of Lieutenant General Walt.
In 1970, HMM-365 and a company of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines are ordered to South America to conduct disaster relief operations after an earthquake.
They proceed there on the Guam (LPH-9).
For 11 days Marines and sailors deliver food and medical supplies and evacuate the injured.
In 1985, the 1st LAV Battalion is activated at Camp Pendleton.
In 1989, a CH-46 crashes during a night flight off the Denver (LPD-9), killing 13 Marines and 1 corpsman.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!