History of Our Corps – July 19

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 19th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1779, 300 Continental Marines attacked the British at Fort George, Penobscot Bay.

In 1835, during a large fire in New York City, Marines from the Brooklyn Navy Yard deploy to prevent looting.

In 1918, after suffering heavy losses and gaining ground in the face of a German counterattack, the Marine Brigade is relieved.

          Losses for the two-day attack total 2,091.

In 1950, President Truman calls the Organized Marine Corps Reserve to active duty.

In 1953, a Chinese battalion conquers the Berlins in a night attack, completely destroying the two Marine platoons defending them.

          Following the loss of these two outposts, the Marine division begins to adopt a defense-in-depth, relying on supplementary positions behind the lines to block penetrations rather than relying on outposts in front of the lines to blunt attacks before the MLR (Main Line of Resistance).

In 1993, VMFA(AW)-533 begins supporting Operation Deny Flight, designed to limit Serbian aggression against ethnic minorities in Bosnia.

          Marine squadrons will serve almost continuously in this capacity for the next several years.

Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!

-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC

And damn proud of it!