Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 27th day of June in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1900, a combined force of Russians, British, and American Marines captures an arsenal in Tienstin from a much larger Boxer force.
In Peking, Meyer’s Marines fight off a heavy Chinese attack on their position astride the wall.
In 1916, Pendleton’s force, with supporting fire from artillery and machine guns, assaults and seizes the dominating Las Trencheras Ridge against strong rebel opposition.
In 1932, the Marine Corps conducts its first flight of an autogiro (an aircraft using a propeller for forward motion and a horizontal rotor rather than a wing for lift).
The Pitcairn OP-1 is flown in Nicaragua.
In 1943, the 4th Raider Battalion (less two companies) moves by boat and overland from Segi to support a planned amphibious landing at Viru Harbor.
The Raiders have several skirmishes along the way.
In 1944, the 4th Marine Division resumes its position on the right flank of the corps front on Saipan.
In 1946, in a move boosting the status of the Marine Corps Reserve, the Division of Reserve is moved from the Personnel Department and now reports directly to the Commandant.
In 1950, the United Nations Security Council authorizes member states to help South Korea repel the invasion.
President Truman immediately orders air and naval forces to intervene under the command of General Douglas MacArthur in Japan.
In 1958, a group of Marines and Sailors returning from liberty are kidnapped by Raul Castro, brother of rebel leader Fidel Castro.
The Americans are held until 18 July.
In 1968, the Marine garrison at Khe Sanh begins to dismantle defenses and withdraw from the base, to be abandoned under a new operations plan for northern I Corps Zone.
In 1971, the 3rd MAB is deactivated as the last Marine units depart the country.
There are 547 advisors and other Marines still serving in Vietnam, along with more than 240,000 other U.S. troops.
In 1972, the 31st and 33rd MAUs conduct an amphibious feint off the coast north of the Cua Viet River to divert NVA forces resisting the South Vietnamese counteroffensive.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!