Originally Posted December 7, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 7th day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
It’s Pearl Harbor Day
“A day which will live in infamy”
In 1862, the Confederate raider Alabama captures the mail steamer Ariel and the 136 Marines on board her on their way to Mare Island, California.
They are forced to give up their arms, but are paroled and continue on to their destination.
In 1941, the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, precipitating United States entry into World War II.
More than 3,000 Marines and sailors were killed in the action.
The Japanese also shelled Midway Island.
In 1943, during the period 7 December through 15 December, the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th Barrage Balloon Squadrons are deactivated and most of their personnel are assigned to defense battalions.
In 1944, MAG-12 aircraft participate in attacks to destroy Japanese convoys bringing more troops to Leyte.
The effort continues through 12 December and results in 10 ships sunk or damaged and the end of enemy reinforcement efforts.
In 1950, the tail of the 1st Marine Division column reaches Koto-ri.
Air Force cargo planes drop bridging sections for the division to span a blown bridge in Funchilin Pass.
Engineers install the bridge when the site is retaken on 9 December.
VMF-214 flies out of Yonpo and returns to the Sicily.
In 1966, on the 7th through the 11th of December, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) participated in OPERATION TRINIDAD II, a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province.
On the 7th through the 12th of December, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5) participated in OPERATION CORTEZ, a search and destroy operation in Quang Tin Province.
In 1982, President Reagan approves the replacement of the RDJTF with Central Command, a new unified headquarters that will be responsible for the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and the Indian Ocean.
In 2001, during Operation Enduring Freedom, in the largest Marine fire fight of the campaign, a patrol kills seven enemy and destroys three vehicles while interdicting a road.
Aircraft destroy several more occupied vehicles.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!