Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 3rd day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1853, the Constitution and her Marines capture a slave ship off the Congo River in Africa.
In 1943, the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment headquarters and weapons company and its 3rd Battalion arrive at Cape Torokina, Bougainville.
In 1944, VMF(N)-541 moves from Peleliu to Tacloban Airfield on Leyte, to provide faster fighters than those of the Army Air Forces, which could not catch Japanese bombers.
MAG-12 and its squadrons (VMF-115, 211, 218, and 313) begin arriving at Tacloban from Emirau and become part of the Fifth Air Force.
Due to the threat of Japanese kamikaze attacks, the number of planes on Navy carriers is increased.
Since no additional Navy fighter pilots are available, Marine squadrons are rushed in to fill the gap.
VMF-112 goes on board the carrier Bennington (CV-20).
In 1950, the 5th and 7th Marines link up with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) and Fox Company in Toktong Pass.
By evening, the head of the column reaches Hagaru-ri.
There is constant fighting along the MSR as the CCF seeks to prevent the Marines from reaching the sea at Hungnam.
In 1959, during the period 3 December through 7 December, elements of MAG-13 returning from the Far East to California make the first flight by naval single-engine jets (North American FJ-4B Fury models) between Hawaii and the mainland.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!