Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 25th day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1942, the dive bombers of VMSB-232 assist in sinking a Japanese destroyer and a transport in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, which turns back an enemy effort to land troops on Guadalcanal.
In 1943, Major General H.M. (Howling Mad) Smith’s Amphibious Corps, Pacific Fleet, at Camp Elliott, is redesignated V Amphibious Corps (VAC) in preparation for its employment as a tactical headquarters.
Its training mission is passed on to the newly established Troop Training Unit, Pacific Fleet.
In 1944, in the European Theater, Paris is liberated by Allied forces.
In 1947, Major Marion Carl, a test pilot assigned to the Patuxent Naval Air Test Center, sets a new world air speed record of 650.6 miles per hour in a Douglas D-558 Skystreak jet over Muroc Lake, California.
In 1948, the 4th Marines (a reinforced infantry battalion) departs Morehead City to become the landing force of the Sixth Fleet.
The 4th will remain afloat until early 1949.
In 1952, the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines (3/2) departs Morehead City to assume duty as the landing force of the Sixth Fleet.
It will return on 4 February.
In 1982, at the request of the Lebanese government, the 32nd MAU (BLT 2/8, HMM-261, and MSSG-32) goes ashore and assumes control of the port of Beirut.
It is part of a multi-national force with the mission of peacefully evacuating PLO forces and other Palestinians.
The 32nd MAU completes the mission and re-embarks on 10 September.
In 1990, the 1st MEB begins flying out of Hawaii to link up with its MPF ships at Al Jubayl.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!