Originally Posted November 27, 2024
From the Pettengill household, Anne and I are wishing you and yours a harvest of blessings, good health and good times.
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 27th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1775, the Lee’s Marines play their part in capturing the sloop Polly off the New England coast.
In 1941, the 4th Marine Regiment departed Shanghai, China to strengthen forces at Olongapo, Philippines.
In 1944, the 81st Infantry Division reports the end of organized Japanese resistance in the Umurbrogol Pocket on Peleliu.
In 1950, 2/5 attacks west from Yudam-ni in accordance with X Corps orders. It meets strong Chinese resistance and makes little headway.
The remainder of the 5th Marines joins the 7th Marines in the town during the day.
That night, as the temperature drops to 20 blow zero, eight Chinese divisions (with 4 more in reserve) open a counterattack against U.S. positions in the reservoir area.
The 5th and 7th hold on against heavy assaults, as do the two company outposts in Toktong Pass but Army units (two infantry battalions and reinforcing elements) east of the Chosin suffer heavy losses and are partially overrun.
Throughout the Chosin Reservoir campaign, Marine aviators, sometimes reinforced by Navy and Air Force pilots, support the division with attacks against the CCF.
In 1951, the truce talks yield one point of agreement, the line of demarcation, should hostilities be brought to an end.
It largely will be the current line of contact.
Beyond that, little progress is made.
In 1965, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines participated in OPERATION HOA XUAN.
a search and destroy operation on Hoa Xuan island.
In 1985, General George B. Crist takes the helm of Central Command, the first Marine ever to head a unified command.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!