Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 26th day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1898, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Battalion arrives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
In 1937, a second company of Marines reaches Shanghai to reinforce the 4th Marines.
In 1942, the first African American recruits arrive at Montford Point to begin training.
In 1943, the 2nd Airdrome Bn. Prepared to land at the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
In 1944, VMB-483 is formed at Cherry Point.
In 1968, during the period 26 August through 6 September, the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4) participated in OPERATION PAWNEE, a search and destroy operation in the Thua Thien Province.
In 1969, VMFA-334 relocates from Chu Lai to Iwakuni, Japan.
In 1971, the first production vehicle of the Corps’ newest assault amphibian vehicle, the LVTP7, is delivered to the Corps.
It hauls 25 troops and has a water-jet drive capable of pushing it through the ocean at 8.4 mph.
In 1972, an F4J Phantom of VMFA-232 is shot down by a MIG 70 miles southwest of Hanoi.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!