Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 18th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1903, a detachment of 20 Marines lands at Djibouti, French Somaliland, to escort a U.S. diplomatic mission to Addis Ababa for negotiations with the Emperor of Ethiopia.
They return to the coast on 15 January 1904.
In 1915, during the Battle of Fort Riviere, Marines under Butler seize the fort, kill 50 Cacos, and break enemy resistance in northern Haiti.
In 1942, MAG-23 arrives in San Diego following its stint on Guadalcanal.
In 1943, MAG-21 moves to Efate from the Russels.
In 1949, a detachment of 62 Marines is stationed in Haifa, Israel, as part of the U.S. Military Observer Group involved in truce supervision.
In 1949, the Marine Corps issues a policy to implement Truman’s executive order banning racial discrimination in the military services.
One of the primary points is the adoption of assignment to units without regard for race, which spells the formal end of segregated outfits in the Corps.
In 1955, Commandant Shepherd dedicates a memorial at Belleau Wood to the 4th Marine Brigade.
In 1961, following the resignation and departure overseas of General Rafael L. Trujillo, Jr., a U.S. Navy task force with embarked Marines takes station off the coast to discourage a possible coup d’état by Trujillo supporters.
In 1970, a CH-46 helicopter crashes into a mountain near Da Nang, killing 15 Marines.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!