Category: History

I want to see the ‘real Marines.” – Chesty Puller I see that when the Continental Marines got their first duty station, it was in a Brig. That figures. After all it was Chesty himself who is quoted as saying “take me to the Brig. I want to see the real Marines”. Good morning Leathernecks! Although I could not find a specific date, these actions happened during the month of […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 30th and final day of November in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1845, Marines on the sloop Yorktown help capture a slave ship off Africa. In 1864, the blockading squadron furnishes a naval brigade, including a battalion of Marines, for a joint expedition with army troops to link up with General Sherman’s army during its march to the sea.           The […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 29th and penultimate day of November in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1804, Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon and seven Marines landed in Alexandria, Egypt. In 1843, Commodore Matthew Perry lands with 75 Marines and sailors in Liberia, to root out the slave trade and piracy in the area. In 1911, the cruiser Saratoga (ACR-2) departs Shanghai for Taku to protect foreign missionaries. […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 28th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1775, Samuel Nicholas of Philadelphia is commissioned a captain of Marines by the Continental Congress.           The senior Marine throughout the Revolutionary War, he is regarded as the first Commandant of the Marine Corps.           Over the next several weeks, Marines aboard ships of Washington’s fleet help capture numerous British ships […]

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 27th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1775, the Lee’s Marines play their part in capturing the sloop Polly off the New England coast. In 1941, the 4th Marine Regiment departed Shanghai, China to strengthen forces at Olongapo, Philippines. In 1944, the 81st Infantry Division reports the end of organized Japanese resistance in the Umurbrogol Pocket on Peleliu. […]

From the Pettengill household, Anne and I are wishing you and yours a harvest of blessings, good health and good times. Happy Thanksgiving Day! Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 26th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps: In 1899, Major Littleton W. T. Waller’s Third Marine Battalion to occupy Vigan on the northwest coast of Luzon, in support of an Army offensive. In 1901, Marines […]