Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 2nd day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1942, the first F4F-3 long-range photographic planes of Marine Observation Squadron 251 (VMO-251) land on the recently completed airfield at Espiritu Santo.
In 1950, the ground elements of the Marine brigade begin to arrive at the port of Pusan in southeast Korea and begins unloading.
In 1954, Lieutenant Colonel Victor J. Croizat arrives in Vietnam to become the first Marine assigned to the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG).
In 1961, President Kennedy declares that the United States will do all it can to save South Vietnam from Communism.
In 1964, North Vietnamese patrol boats attack U.S. warships in what will become known as the Tonkin Gulf Incident.
In 1965, On the 2nd and 3rd of August 1965 the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3) and the ARVN 4th Regiment participated in OPERATION BLAST OUT.
This was the first search and clear operation in Cam Ne Village, 16 Km southwest of Da Nang in the Quang Nam Province.
The operation was filmed by a CBS news crew who showed the Marines setting fire to Vietnamese huts with their Zippo lighters.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!