Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 19th day of June in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1864, Marines under Orderly Sergeant Charles Young serve one of the main guns on the steamer Kearsarge, which sinks the Confederate raider Alabama off Cherbourg, France.
In 1888, Marines and sailors from the steam bark Essex land at Chemulpo, Korea, and march to Seoul to protect the U.S. consulate during a period of political turmoil.
In 1900, Major Littleton W.T. Waller and a company of Marines from the Philippines arrive at Taku, China.
In 1922, Air units at Quantico begin supporting the maneuvers of the ground elements of the East Coast Expeditionary Force at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
In 1930, Marine aircraft discover a large concentration of rebels near Jinotega, Nicaragua, and attack.
Numerous casualties are inflicted, among them Sandino, who is wounded by shrapnel.
In 1942, Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley assumes command of the South Pacific Area (a subset of Nimitz’s Pacific Ocean Area).
In 1944, in the battle of the Philippine Sea (also called the Marianas Turkey Shoot), Spruance’s Task Force 58 decisively defeats the Japanese fleet in an aerial battle.
American planes shoot down 424 enemy aircraft and sink a carrier and tanker.
In 1945, Roy Geiger is promoted to Lieutenant General and designated commander of the Tenth Army.
He becomes the first Marine to command a field army.
In 1951, President Truman signs legislation lowering the draft age to 18 years and 6 months.
In 1957, the 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Company at Camp Pendleton is redesignated the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company.
In 1968, during the period 2 through 19 June, the Task Force Hotel (consisting of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4), 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4), 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4), and the 3rd Battalion, 9th 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.
In 1985, Communist guerillas fire on an outdoor café, killing 13 people, including four off-duty embassy guards in El Salvador.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!