Author: Jo Zurwell

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 16th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1856, the landing force in Canton, China begins to return to its ships. Upriver from the city, a ship’s boat is fired upon from one of the Barrier Forts.           The Portsmouth engages the forts with cannon fire, and a Marine is wounded. In 1899, Marines from the USS Castine and […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 17th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1776, Marines assist the Franklin of Washington’s fleet in capturing the transport Hope, laden with 1,000 carbines and 75 tons of gunpowder. In 1962, the 3rd MEU arrived in Thailand, easing Communist pressure. In 1966, the first Marine-oriented Junior Naval ROTC program is instituted, at Jesuit High School in New Orleans, […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 15th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1847, the steamer Mississippi’s Marines take part in the landings at, and capture of, Carmen, Mexico. In 1862, a Navy squadron battles the Confederate fort at Drewry’s Bluff on the James River below Richmond, Virginia.           Union Marines on ship return the musket fire of Confederate Marines on shore.           When […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 14th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1801, Tripoli declares war on the United States, marking the formal beginning of the Barbary Wars. In 1860, Marines from the Washington Navy Yard participate in the ceremony welcoming the first Japanese embassy personnel to the U.S. capitol. In 1917, the first detachment of Marines, from Annapolis, move to the newly […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 13th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1805, O’Bannon and his Marines help repel an assault on Derna by 1,200 Tripolitan soldiers. In 1953, as part of the division training program, the 5th Marines conducts an amphibious exercise.           Other regiments take their turn soon after. In 1958, BLT 1/6 and elements of MAG-26 and MAG-35 deploy with […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 12th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1846, the United States formally declares war on Mexico. In 1864, Colonel John Harris, the sixth Commandant of the Marine Corps, dies in office. In 1898, Marines man some of the secondary batteries of the North Atlantic Squadron when it bombards San Juan de Puerto Rico. In 1927, Lieutenant Colonel Robert […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 11th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1800, at Puerto Plaza, Santo Domingo, Captain Daniel Carmick and Marines and sailors from the frigate Constitution use the sloop Sally to capture the Sandwich from the French.           The Marines then land and spike the guns of a shore battery to permit a clean escape. In 1898, Marines and sailors […]