Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 19th day of September in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1777, the Lexington and her Marine detachment are defeated by the British cutter Alert near France. Captain Henry Johnson and Sergeant John Barry would eventually escape from an English prison.
In 1912, While opening the rail lines, Butler’s force is ambushed at night on board its train in the town of Masaya. The Marines drive off the Nicaraguan rebels.
In 1937, the 2nd Marine Brigade headquarters and the 6th Marines arrive in Shanghai to reinforce the 4th Marines during the fighting between Japanese and Chinese forces.
In 1942, Marine Corps Air Station, Eagle Mountain Lake is established at Fort Worth, Texas, to serve as a glider training base.
In 1943, MAG-23 arrives at EWA Field from El Toro.
In 1944, the 5th Marines nearly completes the conquest of the eastern flatlands, while the 1st Marines presses deeper into the coral ridges.
Two light planes of VMO-3 are the first to land on Peleliu’s airfield.
In 1970, after the Jordanian government begins to suppress Palestinian armed groups in the country, the U.S. dispatches the 8th MAB to the Mediterranean, where it will join up with BLT 2/2.
The 8th MAB arrives in the area on 2 October and remains until the end of the month.
VMA-331 is also deployed on board the Independence (CVA-62) during the crisis.
In 1971, two Marine recruits die within 12 hours of each other after apparently unrelated training exercises at Parris Island.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!