Originally Posted August 16, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 16th day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1822, the Grampus and her Marines engage the pirate brig Palmyra in the West Indies.
In 1924, VO-1m arrives at Naval Air Station, North Island in San Diego Bay, the first Marine squadron to operate on the West Coast of the United States.
In 1937, the American Adviser on Political Relations asked the Secretary of State for reinforcements for the 4th Marine Regiment in Shanghai, China; two officers and 102 enlisted from Cavite, Philippines, responded.
In 1943, the 4th Marine Division is activated at Camp Pendleton.
It primarily consists of the 23rd, 24th, and 25th Marines (infantry), 14th Marines (artillery), and 20th Marines (engineers and pioneers).
In 1945, Ho Chi Minh, leader of the Viet Minh movement, declares an independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
His guerrilla forces have gained control of the northern half of the country from the defeated Japanese.
British, Indian, and Free French forces soon occupy the southern half of the country, a pre-war French colony.
In 1950, MacArthur forms X Corps, under the command of his chief of staff, Major General Edward S. Almond.
It consists of the 1st Marine Division and the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, and reports directly to MacArthur, not the Eighth Army.
Its mission is to conduct an amphibious assault at Inchon and outflank NKPA forces around the Pusan Perimeter.
In 1953, VMR-253 arrives at Naval Air Station Atsugi.
The squadron is equipped with R4Q Fairchild Packets, which can carry 42 Marines.
In 1995, in a change to the physical fitness test for female Marines, they are now required to run the same three-mile distance as their male counterparts.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!