Originally Posted December 23, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 23rd day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1803, the Enterprise and her Marines capture the ketch Mastico, renamed Intrepid, off the coast of Tripoli.
In 1814, Marines aboard the schooner Carolina assist in the bombardment of the British camp a few miles below New Orleans, while a company of Marines participate in a night attack on the British force by elements of General Andrew Jackson’s army.
In 1817, Marine detachments from six Navy ships participate in a joint operation with the Army to seize Amelia Island, Florida, from pirates.
In 1913, Colonel Barnett assumes command of the new Advance Base Force at Philadelphia.
In 1919, the 15th Separate Battalion arrives in Philadelphia.
It is the last Marine unit to return home from World War I.
In 1926, Marines from the Cleveland and the Denver establish control over Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua.
In 1941, the Japanese landed at and captured Wake Island.
In 1943, Boyington leads another fighter sweep of 48 planes against Rabaul.
This time the claimed kills total 30, at a cost of three American planes.
Boyington gets four, to bring his tally to 24.
Five VMSB-331 SBDs from Tarawa participate in the attack against enemy shipping at Jaluit Atoll in the Gilberts.
In 1950, General Walker dies in a traffic accident.
Lieutenant General Matthew B. Ridgeway is appointed to succeed him as commander of Eighth Army and arrives in country on Christmas Day.
The United States signs a mutual defense agreement with France, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos to provide indirect U.S. military aid to the three countries of Indochina.
France is still fighting Ho Chi Minh’s Viet Minh, which dominates the countryside of northern Vietnam.
In 1960, VMF-334 receives the Marine Corps first 2N model of the Chance Vought F8U Crusader.
In 1968, North Korea releases the crew of the Pueblo after 11 months.
Two Marines, Staff Sergeant Robert J. Hammond and Sergeant Robert J. Chicca, are part of the group.
In 2001, elements of the 4th MEB (AT) assume responsibility for providing security to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!