Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 8th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1861, the Marines rescued from the Sabine form backbone of a landing force that occupies Fort Walker on Hilton Head, after Confederate troops abandoned the outpost guarding Port Royal, South Carolina.
In the Atlantic, the steam frigate San Jacinto’s Marines and sailors board the British ship Trent and capture Confederate diplomats John Slidell and James Mason.
In 1942, the 2nd Raider Battalion began its 150-mile perimeter patrol on Guadalcanal.
Operation Torch begins, with U.S. and other Allied forces landing at several points along the coast of North Africa.
Marine detachments serve on board the larger U.S. Navy warships and a handful of Marines participate in the landings, and took over enemy ships in the Algerian harbor.
In 1943, the 3rd Marine Brigade on Samoa is deactivated.
In 1951, VMF-214 embarks for return to U.S. from Japan.
In 1952, Captain Oliver R. Davis and Warrant Officer Dramus F. Fessler of VMF(N)-513 score the first night kill of a MIG jet for the squadron.
In 1966, during the period 8 November through 14 November, Marines of the 1st Battalion 1st Marines and 3rd Battalion 1st Marines participated in OPERATION ARCADIA, a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province.
In 1967, President Johnson signs a bill giving women equal promotion opportunity in the military services.
In 1990, President Bush announces that the U.S. will double the size of its forces in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield.
The additional Marine elements will include the 2nd Marine Division, the 5th MEB, the 2nd MAW, and the 2nd FSSG.
The 2nd MAW will be composited with the 3rd MAW.
The 1st FSSG will provide general logistics support to the MEF, while the 2nd FSSG becomes the Direct Support Command operating in the immediate rear of the ground combat forces.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!