History of Our Corps – June 8

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 8th day of June in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1880, Congress establishes the office of Judge Advocate General of the Navy.

          Marine Captain William B. Remey is the first officer appointed to fill the billet.

In 1945, the Bennington departs the operational theater around Okinawa, the last fast carrier with Marine squadrons.

          VMF-112 and 123 had been in action almost continuously with the ship since 16 February.

          MAG-14 (VMF-212, 222, and 223) arrives on Okinawa.

In 1963, HMM-261 replaces HMM-162 as the Shufly force in Viet Nam.

In 1968, President Nixon announces that he will withdraw 25,000 troops from Vietnam by the end of August.

          This will include the 9th Marines.

          American troop strength in Vietnam had reached 540,000 following the Tet Offensive.

In 1995, Marine TRAP Team, 24th MEU rescues Air Force Captain Scott O’Grady from Bosnia.

Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!

-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC

And damn proud of it!