Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 31st and final day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
Hey, ya ever wonder why they call us antiques “Baby Boomers”?
In 1970, the 11th Marines fired 13,488 rounds from 10 batteries for more than six hours.
Now you know.
In 1942, the 3rd Marines leave San Diego bound for American Samoa.
In 1944, the Commandant directs that FMFPAC will consist of Headquarters Troops, IIIAC, VAC, FMF Supply Service, and other supporting elements.
The future chain of command of Marine aviation units in the Pacific theater remains unresolved.
The 20th Marines is disbanded as 4th Marine Division shifts to the new tables of organization.
In 1945, the Headquarters and Service Battalion of FMFPAC is disbanded.
A company of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4) lands at Tateyama Naval Air Station at the mouth of Tokyo Bay.
In 1946, the 1st Special Marine Brigade and its units are deactivated at Camp Lejeune and Quantico.
In 1950, North Koreans swarmed across the Nakong River against the 1st Marine Brigade.
In 1951, the 1st Marine Division launches an attack to seize a high ridge forming the northeast rim of the Punchbowl.
The objective is achieved on 3 September by the 1st KMC and 7th Marines.
HMR-161 arrives in Korea with 15 HRS-1 helicopters, each capable of carrying about 1,500 pounds of cargo or four to six troops.
In the next ten days it moves to airfield X-83 close to the front lines, sharing it with VMO-6.
In 1970, just after midnight, during OPERATION IMPERIAL LAKE, the 11th Marines opens the operation with one of the largest bombardments in its history:
13,488 rounds fired from 10 batteries for more than six hours on 53 selected targets in the Que Son Mountains.
After an additional two hours of air strikes, elements of the 7th Marines move in to search for enemy forces and base camps.
This operation will continue until the 1st Marine Division leaves Vietnam in 1971.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!