Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 18th day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1942, Marines complete the airstrip on Guadalcanal and name it Henderson Field after Major Lofton Henderson, who died leading his Marine dive bombers against the Japanese at Midway.
The 51st Defense Battalion is activated at Montford Point, New River, North Carolina.
It is destined to train the first African American operational unit in the Marine Corps.
In 1943, in the European Theater, Axis resistance in Sicily ceases.
In 1944, Marine Barracks Londonderry, Northern Ireland is disbanded and most of the Marines sail for the States.
An 80-man detachment remains behind to guard the Naval Radio Station.
In 1950, the 5th Marines complete the seizure of Obongni Ridge, the first objective of the counterattack, at mid-morning.
The enemy break under the fierce pursuit of Marine infantrymen and Corsairs, and the Marines sweep forward to take their second objective.
Major General O.P. Smith, commander of the 1st Marine Division, arrives in Japan by air to confer with Eighth Army planners.
He learns for the first time that his division will spearhead an amphibious assault at Inchon, Korea, on 15 September.
To spur enlistments, the Marine Corps reduces the minimum contract from four years to three, and also recruits men into the Volunteer Reserve for immediate active duty, which will allow the enlistees to revert to reserve status as soon as the war is over.
In 1951, 1st MAW aircraft evacuate to Japan for three days due to a typhoon threatening the Korean Peninsula.
In 1955, helicopters from HMR-261 and 262 and HMX-1, along with reserve ground units, assist in relief work in Connecticut and Pennsylvania following Hurricane Diane.
In 1966, during the period 18 through 20 August, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) and the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1) participated in OPERATION BROWN, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.
the 2nd Korean Marine Brigade begins arriving in the I Corps Zone, positioning itself on the Batangan Peninsula south of Chu Lai.
In 1969, HMM-362 departs.
The last active-duty squadron flying the UH-34D, it will be redesignated HMH-362 and re-equipped with the CH-53 upon arrival at its new station.
In 1992, President Bush orders U.S. military forces to assist in famine relief efforts by flying food from bases in Kenya into Somalia
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!