Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 15th day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1806, Marines participate in an action between the Enterprise and Spanish gunboats in the straits of Gibraltar.
In 1915, the 1st Regiment and the headquarters of the 1st Marine Brigade reach Port-au-Prince.
The mission is to restore order in the chaotic country.
The Marines move out to garrison various cities and towns.
In 1934, personnel just returned from Haiti, after 15 years of occupation, are organized into the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (1/6), for eventual transfer to San Diego to establish a West Coast ground element of the FMF.
In 1942, Marine Aircraft Wings, Pacific, is organized at San Diego to provide administrative and logistic oversight for all MAWs.
CUB One, a Navy aviation ground support unit, arrives on Guadalcanal to provide the initial maintenance echelon for Marine aircraft.
In 1943, the 4th Defense Battalion follows Army forces ashore in an amphibious landing of Vella Lavella Island.
Marine fighters from Munda provide cover and shoot down 17 enemy planes.
In 1944, Marine Major General Henry L. Larsen and his Island Command headquarters takes complete control of Guam.
In the European Theater, Allied forces invaded southern France.
In 1945, the Commandant and Undersecretary of the Navy approve a point system to guide demobilization.
Points are awarded for time in service, for time deployed overseas, for combat awards, and for minor children.
Those with the most points will be separated from active duty first.
In 1948, HMX-1 takes delivery of its first Piasecki HRP-1.
The twin-rotor “flying Banana” has a payload of 900 pounds and a speed of 100 miles per hour.
Kim Il-sung, a former member of the Soviet Army during World War II, proclaims the establishment of the Communist People’s Democratic Republic in North Korea.
In 1960, the 8th Marine Expeditionary Unit (composed of BLT 3/8, VMA-331, VMF-122, HMR(L)-261, and HMR(M)-461) deploys to the Caribbean for potential operations in Cuba.
The units remain there until 29 November.
In 1965, the headquarters of the 7th Marines and the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) land at Chu Lai, while the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9) returns to Da Nang from Okinawa.
In 1979, Sergeant Major Leland D. Crawford succeeds Sergeant Major Massaro and becomes the ninth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!