Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 10th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1864, the Philadelphia Navy Yard provides sailors and 124 Marines to defend the railroad line at Havre de Gras, Maryland, following a Confederate cavalry raid in the area.
In 1900, the headquarters of the 1st Regiment, one battalion, and an artillery company land at Taku, China after sailing from the Philippines.
Upon reaching Tienstin, the regimental commander, Colonel Robert L. Meade, assumes command of a U.S. brigade composed of his 1st Regiment (including Waller’s battalion) and two battalions of the U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry Regiment.
In 1919, a submarine chaser was turned over to the Corps with the first all-Marine crew.
In 1930, Regiments are henceforth formally designated by the “Marines” (as in “1st Marines”).
In 1941, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is commissioned in San Diego.
In 1942, Marine Corps Air Station, El Centro, California, is established.
In 1943, Marine Corps Air Station in El Centro is placed in commission.
The 4th Raider Battalion elements at Viru Harbor return to Guadalcanal.
In the European Theater, British and U.S. forces begin the invasion of Sicily in the Mediterranean.
In 1944, the Army’s 305th Regimental Combat Team (305th RCT) on Eniwetok is assigned to the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade.
VMF-912 is organized at Cherry Point.
elements of the VAC Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion and Underwater Demolitions Teams 5 and 7 scout the Tinian landing beaches.
In 1950, MacArthur asks for additional reinforcements, to include a complete Marine Division and associated aviation support.
In 1951, Truce talks begin between military representatives of the two sides at Kaesong.
In 1965, VMFA-542 flies into the airbase at Da Nang.
Within a few days, MAG-11 arrives to take command of VMF-542 and 513.
In 1967, during the period 10 July through 31 October, the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3), 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4), 3rd Battalion, and the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines (3/26) participated in OPERATION FREMONT, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!