Originally Posted July 7, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 7th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1777, the frigate Hancock was defeated by the British frigate Rainbow.
In 1846, Marines and sailors under Commodore Sloat land at Monterey, California, and occupy the town.
-California is declared a part of the United States.
In 1866, two companies of Marines from the navy yard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, arrive in Portland, Maine to restore order after a fire.
In 1898, a company of Marines takes charge of the newly established camp for Spanish prisoners at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
In 1913, the Albany lands her Marines at Shanghai during a period of political disturbances.
In 1914, the 4th Regiment goes into camp in San Diego after weeks of sailing off the western Mexican coast.
In 1941, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was commissioned at Quantico.
In 1944, prior to dawn on Saipan, 3,000 Japanese launch a last-ditch banzai attack that falls primarily on the 105th Infantry.
-After overrunning the Army positions, the enemy strikes batteries of the 10th Marines.
-Marines and soldiers defeat the attack by noon, but American casualties exceed 1,000.
In 1946, the Chinese Communist Party issues a manifesto attacking U.S. support of the Nationalist government.
In 1947, the first postwar Platoon Leaders Class officer training course convenes at Quantico.
In 1950, the 1st Marine Provisional Brigade is activated at Camp Pendleton under the command of Brigadier General Edward A. Craig (ADC of the 1st Marine Division).
-Its components are the 5th Marines (the sole infantry unit of the division), 1st MAW (Forward Echelon), and supporting elements.
-The three battalions of the 5th each have only two rifle companies hurriedly brought up to normal strength of three rifle platoons each.
-HQMC directs HMX-1 to transfer pilots and maintenance men to VMO-6 to provide a helicopter element to the observation squadron and the brigade.
-The United Nations authorizes the United States to establish a combined command for U.N. forces in Korea.
-Truman names MacArthur to command this headquarters.
In 1953, in Korea, after dark, a Chinese battalion attacks Outposts Berlin and East Berlin while Marines are relieving the Turkish troops defending them.
-The Marines and Turks fight side by side and hold Berlin.
-A morning counterattack on the 8th recaptures East Berlin.
-That night the Marines turn back fresh assaults.
-The 7th Marines loses 21 killed or missing and 140 wounded.
In 1955, Communist China announces an agreement to provide economic aid to North Vietnam.
In 1964, HMM-162 participates in the relief of the Nam Dong Special Forces Camp.
In 1966, during the period 6 through 14 July, the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3), 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4), 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4), 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9), 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines (3/12), 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), the 2nd Battalion,1st Marines (2/1), and the ARVN participated in OPERATION HASTINGS/OPERATION DECKHOUSE II, an operation against the PAVN 324B Division in the Cam Lo area near the DMZ.
-During the operation MAG-16 helicopters fly almost 10,000 sorties, while attack aircraft did another 1,677.
-Reconnaissance teams in the area call in frequent air and artillery missions on Communist troops flushed by the Marine battalions.
-The use of recon teams to call in fire is dubbed “Stingray” at the end of this battle.
In 1967, to meet the need for Captains, time-in-grade for first lieutenants to become eligible for promotion drops from two years to one.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!