Originally Posted April 5, 2025
And on this the 27th of January through the 7th of April in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1967, during the period 27 January through 7 April, the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines participated in OPERATION DESOTO, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Ngai Province.
And on this the 26th of February through 30 April in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1968, during the period 26 February through 30 April, the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Battalion, the 327th Airborne Infantry and the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Airborne Infantry participated in OPERATION HOUSTON, an operation to open Route 1 between Da Nang and Phu Bai in the Thua Thien Province.
And on this the 27th of February through the 8th of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1969, during the period 27 February through 8 May, Marines of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines and the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines participated in OPERATION PURPLE MARTIN, a clear and search in the Quang Tri Province.
Interestingly, this was originally named OPERATION MASSACHUSETTS BAY.
And on this the 29th of February through 31 October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1968, during the period 29 February through 31 October, the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines and the 2/1 Cavalry participated in OPERATION NAPOLEON/SALINE, an operation along the Cua Viet River in the Quang Tri Province.
During the period 1 March – 29 May 1969 in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1969, during the period 29 May through 23 June, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions, 7th Marines, the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines and the 51st Regiment of the ARVN participated in OPERATION OKLAHOMA HILLS, an operation southwest of Da Nang, in the Quang Nam Province.
And during the period, 2 March through 1 November in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1965, during the period 2 March 1965 through 1 November 1968, the USAF, U.S. Navy and RVNAF participated in OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER a sustained and escalating bombing campaign of North Vietnam to destroy military infrastructure, interdict supply routes and undermine the North’s willingness to continue the war.
During the period 15 March through 2 May 1969 in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1969, during the period 15 March through 2 May, the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines and the 1st Battalion, 12th Marines participated in OPERATION MAINE CRAG a reconnaissance in force operation along the Laotian border, west of Khe Sanh in the Quang Tri Province.
During the period 19 March through 19 April 1967 in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1967, during the period 19 March through 19 April, Marines of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines and the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines participated in OPERATION PRATRIE III, search and destroy operations against the PAVN 324B and 341st divisions in the DMZ.
During the period 26 March through 6 April 1966 in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1966, during the period 26 March through 6 April, an SLF (1st Battalion, 5th Marines) and 2 Battalions of Vietnamese Marines participated in OPERATION JACKSTAY, a search and clear operation along the Long Tau shipping channel.
During the period 31 March through 29 May 1969 in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1969, during the period 31 March through 29 May, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines and the ARVN 51st Regiment participated in OPERATION OKLAHOMA HILLS a clear and search operation in Happy Valley, Quang Nam Province.
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 5th day of April in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1776, Marines participate in the capture of the British brig Bolton by Hopkin’s squadron in the waters off New York City.
In 1820, Marines participate in the capture of seven slave ships by the corvette Cyane off the coast of Africa.
In 1854, in conjunction with British troops, U.S. naval forces drive back Chinese troops encroaching on the foreign settlement in Shanghai.
The Marines remain at the American consulate until 15 June.
In 1944, the lead elements of MAG-12 arrive on Emirau.
VMF-481 is organized at El Toro.
In 1945, XXIVth Corps begins to meet serious resistance in the south as runs up against the outposts of the main Japanese defenses, known as the Shuri Line. The 1st Marine Division begins mopping up rear areas while the 6th Marine Division exploits light opposition and moves rapidly northward. The FMF Reconnaissance Battalion lands on Tsugen Shima off the east coast and uncovers significant enemy defenses, then withdraws. Meanwhile in Japan, the Cabinet installed after the defeat on Saipan resigns.
In 1947, prior to dawn, a strong Chinese Communist force again attacks the ammunition supply point at Hsin Ho, while another element ambushes the relief company immediately dispatched by the 5th Marines.
Marine losses are five killed and 16 wounded. The Chinese leave behind six dead.
Twenty-five more Marines arrive on Peleliu to reinforce the drive against Japanese soldiers still at large.
In 1951, HMR-261 is established at Cherry Point.
In 1952, HMR-161 and 2/7 conduct Operation Pronto, which simulates a reserve force counterattacking an enemy landing along the coast.
In 1966, the 13th Marines (artillery) is reactivated at Camp Pendleton to serve with the 5th Marine Division.
In 1967, during the period 5 through 10 April, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines (2/25), and the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines (2/26) participated in OPERATION CANYON, a search and destroy operation including a sweep of the Barrier Island which was bounded by the Cua Dai/Son Thu Bon rivers to the north and the Truong Giang to the west in the Quang Nam and Quang Tri Provinces.
Three companies of Marines from Quantico and the Marine Barracks assist in quelling severe riots in Washington, D.C., following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 1973, a bomb severely damages the living quarters of the 13 Marines who guard the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
There are no injuries.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!