Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 28th day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1855, the sloop Germantown sends her Marines into Montevideo, Uruguay, to protect American lives and property when a revolution appears imminent.
In 1861, Marines from the frigates Minnesota and Wabash and the sloops Cumberland and Susquehanna assist soldiers in capturing Fort Clark off Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, after a landing and four-hour battle.
In 1891, Marines and sailors from the cruisers San Francisco (C-5) and the Baltimore (C-3) land at Valparaiso, Chile, to protect the U.S. legation during a revolution.
In 1897, the first Marine Corps post exchange is established at Newport, Rhode Island.
In 1912, the California sends 64 Marines ashore at Corinto to reinforce Butler’s battalion.
In 1942, the 1st and 2nd Bn 7th Marines leave Pago Pago for combat.
In 1943, the 1st Raider Regiment is withdrawn from New Georgia and sails to Guadalcanal.
Total Marine casualties during the New Georgia campaign are 221 killed and 415 wounded.
Losses among Navy personnel serving with Marine units are three killed and 11 wounded.
Lieutenant Alvin J. Jensen of VMF-214 destroys 24 enemy aircraft on the ground at Kahili Airfield on southern Bougainville.
The 7th Defense Battalion occupies Nanomea Island, where Seabees will construct an airfield to support subsequent operations in the Gilberts.
In 1945, the ships of TF 31 enter Tokyo Bay and anchor off the naval base at Yokosuka.
In 1946, the Marine detachment at Bikini Atoll is disbanded following the completion of atomic tests there.
In 1959, Sergeant Major Francis D. Bauber succeeds Sergeant Major Bestwick and becomes the second Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
In 1965, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) arrives and relieves the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3), which departs soon after for the States.
In 1966, BLT 2/26 arrives in country.
In 1967, the enemy makes heavy artillery and rocket attacks on Dong Ha and the airbase at Marble Mountain. Ten Marines die and 49 aircraft are destroyed or damaged.
After successfully “making the week-end” (a drive of 927 miles door to door – Jacksonville, NC to Haverhill, MA) Corporal Pettengill is discharged from active duty at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.
So much for the “Early Out” I was told about on Okinawa on 13 August.
In 1971, the Naval Training Center and the Marine Recruit Depot in San Diego announce they will begin testing new recruits for drug use.
In 1972, President Nixon announces there will be no draft calls after 30 June 1973.
In 1983, in one of the many incidents since March, a Marine outpost comes under fire from opponents of the Lebanese government.
For the first time, Marines return fire with small arms.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!