Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 5th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1775, Marines in the Harrison (Washington’s fleet) participate in the capture of the British supply vessels Polly and Industry off Boston.
In 1901, Marines participated in the Battle of Sohotan River, Samar, during the Philippine Insurrection.
In 1903, Major John A. Lejeune’s Marine battalion goes ashore at Colon from the Dixie to reinforce the Nashville contingent.
Colombian forces withdraw and the Marines re-embark the next day.
The United States recognizes the independence of Panama on the 6th.
In 1915, Marines under Major Smedley D. Butler captured the stronghold at Fort Capois, Haiti.
In 1949, Marine enlisted pilots begin training in jet aircraft at El Toro, flying the Lockheed TO-1 Shooting Star.
In 1950, after having been repulsed the day before, Captain Robert Barrow’s Company A, 1st Marines, destroys the North Korean roadblock on the way to Majon-ni, killing 51 enemy.
In 1959, 200 men of the 5th Marines aid the Forest Service in fighting a fire in Cleveland National Forest in California.
In 1967, during the period 5 November through 29 February1969, Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines and 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion participated in OPERATION NAPOLEON, a search and destroy operation north of the Cua Viet River, near the Dong Ha area.
In 1966, during the period 5 November through 19 November, Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and 1st Battalion, 26th Marines participated in OPERATION SHASTA, a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!