Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 31st and final day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1813, in Canada Marines and Soldiers land at York, Lake Ontario, and burn British barracks, naval stores, and public buildings.
In 1859, Marines and sailors from the Mississippi go ashore at Shanghai to protect American interests during some unrest related to combat between British and Chinese forces.
The naval contingent remains there three days.
In 1894, Marines from the cruiser Columbia (C-12) go ashore to reinforce their compatriots in Bluefields, Nicaragua.
The combined force returns to its ships a week later.
In 1918, the 3rd Brigade headquarters and 9th Regiment depart Cuba for duty in Texas with the 8th Regiment.
The continued mission of the force is to be prepared to safeguard the Mexican oilfields.
In 1944, the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions meet stiff resistance along an escarpment in southern Tinian.
By the end of the day, the 8th Marines has a toehold on the high ground.
In the European theater the Allies broke out of Normandy.
In 1945, MAG-43 and MAG-62 are deactivated.
In 1950, MAG-33 begins to arrive in Kobe. VMF(N)-513 sets up at Atami Airfield, its initial base of operations.
President Truman authorizes the Marine Corps to expand to its two divisions to full war strength (about 23,000 men each).
Secretary Johnson approves an increase in Marine aviation to 18 squadrons.
In 1967, in one of the largest amphibious landings ever conducted at Camp Pendleton, regular and reserve units conduct Exercise Golden Slipper to test the integration of the two.
In 1969, Sergeant Major Joseph W. Dailey succeeds Sergeant Major Sweet as the fifth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
In 1970, the 2nd Antitank Battalion is deactivated at Camp Lejeune.
In 1972, Commandant Cushman orders an end to “voluntary segregation” by race in living quarters at Marine Corps installations and on-board ships.
In 1973, the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines (2/8) departs Guantanamo Bay and is relieved by a reinforced rifle company, marking the first reductions in security force requirements at the naval base since the 1960’s.
After a hiatus of 11 months, VMA-231 is reactivated at Cherry Point and equipped with Harriers.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!