History of Our Corps – June 2

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 2nd day of June in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1803, Marines and sailors from the U.S. blockading squadron land on shore in a bay near Tripoli to drive off defending soldiers while other Americans burn 10 small enemy cargo ships.

In 1836, Commandant Henderson and the 1^st Battalion of Marines depart Fort Monroe, Virginia, by steamer for the Georgia coast.

In 1891, Marines land from the steam bark Kearsarge on Navassa Island, between Jamaica and Haiti, to maintain order among contract laborers.

In 1915, Commandant George Barnett becomes an ex-officio member of the General Board of the Navy.

In 1918, the French Croix de Guerre awarded to those serving at Belleau Wood, France during the period 2 June through 13 June.

In 1945, elements of the 8^th Marines occupy Iheya Shima north of Okinawa to provide a base for early warning radar.

In 1948, Congress passes the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which authorizes the armed services to enlist up to 20,045 women in their regular components on active duty.

          The act is signed by President Truman and goes into effect on 12 June.

          The Marine Corps portion of this allotment is 1,100.

          It obtains the first women regulars in November by rejoining veterans of the World War II Women’s Reserve.

In 1955, the 9^th Marines moves from Japan to Okinawa.

In 1959, BLT 2/6 sails from Morehead City for a two-month cruise through the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway to the Great Lakes.

          During its time in the Great Lakes, it will conduct five amphibious demonstration landings for the public.

In 1968, during the period 2 through 19 June, the Task Force Hotel (consisting of the 1^st Battalion, 1^st Marines (1/1), 2^nd Battalion, 3^rd Marines (2/3), 1^st Battalion, 4^th Marines (1/4), 2^nd Battalion 4^th Marines (2/4), 3^rd Battalion, 4^th Marines (3/4), and the 3^rd Battalion, 9^th Marines (3/9) participated in OPERATION ROBIN, a search and destroy operation using airmobile tactics to prevent an attack on Khe Sanh and the northern Quang Tri Province.

          Assistant Commandant Lew Walt becomes the first in his billet to hold the rank of four-star general.

          It also marks the first time the Marine Corps has two four-star generals on active duty at the same time.

Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!

-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC

And damn proud of it!