Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 20th day of June in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1801, the government purchases land at the corner of 8th and I Streets in Washington, D.C., for $6,247.18 for a site for the Marine Barracks.
In 1842, the Secretary of the Navy disbands the Florida Squadron and orders its Marines and sailors to Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1866, Marines and sailors from the Wachusett land at Newchwang, China, to capture those responsible for an assault on the American consul.
In 1944, the 4th Marine Division reorients its lines to drive north on Saipan in conjunction with the 2nd Marine Division.
The 27th Infantry Division’s third regiment comes ashore and the division continues its attack to the southeast against enemy bottled up in Nafutan Point.
An Army artillery battery on Saipan opens the bombardment against Tinian.
By the time Marine forces launch the Tinian assault, 13 battalions of artillery will be executing preparation fires on that objective.
MAG-91 and VMB-624 are organized at Cherry Point.
VMSB-933 is formed at Eagle Mountain Lake.
In 1946, MAG-31 embarks at Yokosuka for the United States.
It is the last Marine occupation unit on Honshu.
The Marine Detachment (Provisional) in Samar is redesignated as a Marine Barracks.
In 1947, the remainder of the 1st Marine Division (less elements of the 1st Marines and 3/4, squadrons (VMR-153 and VMF-211), and the 12th Service Battalion remain at Tsingtao.
The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines continues to garrison Tienstin.
Their mission is to guard naval installations there and protect the remaining American citizens in China.
In 1951, during a 2nd Marine Division training exercise at Camp Lejeune, eight Marines are killed and 25 injured when two mortar shells fall short into a battalion command post.
The 3rd Marines is reactivated at Camp Pendleton as part of the 3rd Marine Brigade.
In 1955, the Senate rejects a House-passed cut in the strength of the Corps from 215.000 to 193,000.
The Senate prevails in the final legislation.
In 1964, Army Lieutenant General William C. Westmoreland assumes command of USMACV in Vietnam.
In 1972, VMA-533 and it’s a-6 Intruders begin arriving at Nam Phong from Iwakuni.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!