Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 11th day of October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1776, on these the 11th through the 13th days of October, Marines participate with Arnold’s fleet in the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain.
Although defeated, the Americans delay a British invasion until the following year.
In 1870, Marines from the Philadelphia Navy Yard help quell a disturbance in the city during the first vote by black Americans following passage of the 15th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution.
In 1942, in the battle of Cape Esperance, a U.S. naval force defeats a Japanese bombardment group in a night surface action.
In 1944, Command relationships are formalized for FMFPAC.
General Smith is given the status of a type commander for all operational Marine forces; as such he reports to COMINCH/CNO (Admiral King).
Aircraft FMFPAC is a component of FMFPAC, but is under operational control of the commander of Air Force Pacific Fleet (an Admiral).
In 1945, the 6th Marine Division (less the 4th Marines in Japan) begins going ashore at Tsingtao, China.
In 1949, Brigadier General Vernon A. Megee, assistant director of Marine Corps aviation, tells the House Armed Services Committee that the Air Force is neglecting the close air support mission.
In 1951, in 156 sorties, HMR-161 makes the first battalion-sized troop lift in history, moving 958 men of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and its equipment over 17 miles from a reserve position to the front lines, to affect the relief in place of another battalion, during Operation Bumblebee, northeast of Yanggu, Korea.
In 1954, the Viet Minh formally assume control of North Vietnam.
In 1966, during the period 11 October through 20 October, the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines participate in Operation Teton, a search and destroy mission in Quang Nam Province
In 1968, one of the three astronauts on Apollo VII during its 11-day space voyage is Marine Reserve Major Walter Cunningham.
In 1971, Marine Corps icon Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller dies in Hampton, Virginia, at the age of 73.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!