Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 10th day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1863, a Marine battalion under Major Jacob Zeilin goes ashore on Morris Island, near Charleston, to reinforce Army troops for a planned assault on Battery Wagner.
Zeilin proves unaggressive and is eventually relieved of command when he falls ill.
In 1940, Great Britain announces the withdrawal of all its forces from Shanghai and North China, leaving the U.S. Marines as the only non-axis western force in those areas.
In 1944, the 3rd Marine Division destroys and captures the last handful of Japanese tanks on Guam and reaches the northern coast.
IIIAC declares the island secure, although mopping-up operations will continue until the end of the war.
The 1st Marine Provisional Brigade is awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its service there.
Marine casualties during the assault phase on Guam total 1,568 dead and 6,933 wounded.
Losses among Navy personnel serving with IIIAC are 51 killed and 20 6 wounded.
MAG-92 is organized at Cherry Point.
In 1945, Japan offers to surrender unconditionally.
FMFPAC directs the 6th Marine Division to provide a regimental combat team to the Third Fleet for possible occupation duty in Japan.
In 1949, President Truman signs legislation amending the National Security Act of 1947.
It renames the National Military Establishment as the Department of Defense (DOD), enhances DOD’s powers by reducing the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force from executive departments reporting directly to the president to subordinate elements of DOD, creates a chairman of the JCS, and more than doubles the Joint Staff to 210 officers.
In a small victory for the Marine Corps, it also specifically prohibits any alteration in the missions of the services assigned in the original act of 1947.
In 1950, the first Marine heliborne rescue operation takes place when a VMO-6 bird picks up a Marine pilot forced to ditch his aircraft after the engine fails.
The 1st Marine Division begins embarking on ships at San Diego.
The last elements of the 1st Marines will sail by 22 August.
The 7th Marines, yet to form, will not complete embarkation until 1 September.
In 1955, the 3rd MAW begins moving from Miami to El Toro, its new permanent duty station.
The move is completed on 29 August.
In 1959, HMR-261 helicopters assist during the Taiwan typhoon cleanup.
In 1961, BLT 2/3 and HMR(L)-261 deploy as the landing force of the Seventh Fleet in Southeast Asian waters.
In 1965, during the period 10 through 12 August, the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines participated in OPERATION BINH DINH, a search and destroy operation in the II Corps area.
The Marine Corps is authorized to expand to 223,100 personnel, which will include the creation of three new infantry battalions.
In 1966, during the period 10 through 12 August, the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines participated in OPERATION WILCOX, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.
In 1990, as part of OPERATION DESERT SHIELD, the 7th MEB (RLT 7, MAG-70, and BSSG-7) begins flying from the United States to Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia, where it will link up with its MPF squadron.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!