History of Our Corps – January 13

Originally Posted January 15, 2025

During the period 6 through 15 January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1967, during the period 6 through 15 January 1967, a Marine SLF (1^st Battalion, 9^th Marines (1/9) and the 3^rd and 4^th Battalions of Vietnamese Marines supported by HMM-362 from the USS Iwo Jima, participated in OPERATION DECKHOUSE V/OPERATION SONG THAN, a search and destroy operation in the Kien Hoa Province.

During the period 7 through 17 January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1902, during the period 7 through 17 January 1902, Waller, with fresh Marines, searches in vain for the remainder of his force.

And on this the 7^th through the 27th days of January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1972, elements of the 2^nd Marine Division and 2^nd MAW joined naval forces of the Atlantic Fleet in cold weather landing operations at Reid State Park on the coast of Maine in Exercise Snowy Beach.

And on this the 11^th through the 17^th of January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1966, during the period 11 through 17 January 1966, the 1^st Battalion, 3^rd Marines (1/3) and the 3^rd Battalion, 7^th Marines (3/7) participated in OPERATION MALLARD, a search and destroy operation in An Hoa, Quang Nam Province.

And on this the 11^th day of January through the 29th day of March in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1971, during the period 11 January through 29 March 1971, Marines of the 1^st Reconnaissance Battalion, the 1^st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) and the 1^st Battalion, 11^th Marines (1/11) participated in OPERATION UPSHUR STREAM, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.

And on the 13th and the 14^th days of January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1944, the 7^th Marines seize Hill 660, the last piece of terrain needed to complete the Cape Gloucester perimeter.

And on the 13th through the 15^th days of January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1865, Admiral Porter’s fleet and its Marines again bombard Fort Fisher in Wilmington, North Carolina.

And on the 13th of January through the 9^th of February in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1969, during the period 13 January through 9 February 1969, Marines of HMM-362, SLF-A, ARVN 2^nd Division, the 2^nd Battalion, 26^th Marines (2/26), and HMM-164 participated in OPERATION BOLD MARINER, a part of OPERATION GAME WARDEN, a cordon, search, and sweep operation in the Batangan Peninsula, Quang Ngai Province.

This was the largest amphibious assault of the war.

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 13th day of January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1862, the Steamer Hatteras lands her Marines to burn Confederate military supplies at Cedar Keys, Florida.

In 1938, Marines participate in FLEX 4 at Culebra, Puerto Rico. The exercise continues through 15 March.

In 1939, Marine units participate in FLEX 5 in the Caribbean. The exercise continues through19 March.

In 1943, the 2^ndMarDiv begins a coordinated attack with the Army’s 25^th Division to destroy remaining Japanese forces west of the American perimeter on Guadalcanal. The advance continues through 17 January.

In 1944, the 9^th Defense Battalion begins to move from New Georgia to the Russell Islands.

In 1946, the 3^rd Marines is deactivated at Camp Pendleton.

In 1947, the 2^nd Marine Division begins amphibious maneuvers with the fleet in the Caribbean.

          The exercises will last through 28 March.

In 1969, during the period 13 January through 9 February, Marines of HMM-362, SLF-A, ARVN 2^nd Division, the 2^nd Battalion, 26^th Marines (2/26), and HMM-164 participated in OPERATION BOLD MARINER, a part of OPERATION GAME WARDEN, a cordon search and sweep operation in the Batangan Peninsula, Quang Ngai Province.

          This was the largest amphibious assault of the war.

In 1971, the sixth round of troop withdrawals begins.

          The number of Marines in Vietnam will be reduced by 12,198.

          The main units to depart will be the headquarters units of both the 1^st Marine Division and the 1^st MAW, plus the 5^th Marines, elements of the 11^th Marines, VMFA-115, HMM-263, HMM-364, HML-167, and VMO-2.

In 2003, General Michael W. Hagee becomes the 33^rd Commandant of the Marine Corps.

          In a rare departure from custom, General Jones remains on active duty and transfers to become the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of U.S. European Command.

          He is the first Marine ever to hold this dual billet and the first former Commandant ever reassigned as a theater commander.

Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!

-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC

And damn proud of it!