Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 6th day of August in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1847, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel E. Watson’s Marine battalion joins Scott’s army at Puebla, Mexico and commenced their march on “Halls of Montezuma”.
In 1864, Captain Charles Heywood and 25 Marines from the Hartford and the Richmond occupy Fort Powell at the entrance to Mobile Bay, Alabama.
In 1900, the 1st Regiment assists an army artillery battery in driving off a Chinese cavalry attack at Yangstun.
In 1924, the 4th Regiment departs Santo Domingo for San Diego.
In 1943, the major elements of the 9th Defense Battalion begin moving from Rendova Island to the Munda Airfield area to protect the newly captured landing strip.
In 1944, the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions begin embarking, with the 2nd headed for Saipan and the 4th for Hawaii.
The 8th Marines assumes responsibility for mopping up Tinian.
In 1945, a B-29 drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. (the terrible and inevitable consequence of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.)
In 1952, MAG-33 flies 141 sorties, a new daily record for the group.
In 1953, the Marine Corps extends the standard tour of duty with units in Korea to 14 months from 11.
In 1965, during the period 6 & 7 August the 4th Marines and the ARVN 51st Regiment participated OPERATION THUNDERBOLT, a joint search and destroy operation against the 1st VC Regiment south of the Tra Bong River.
In 1966, the 5th Marines and South Vietnamese forces conduct OPERATION COLORADO, a search and destroy operation in the Que Son Valley.
It lasts until 22 August and temporarily drives the 2nd NVA Division from the area.
In 1971, CMC’s Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs holds its first meeting.
Composed of 12 volunteer civilian leaders from across the country, its mission is to help ease racial tensions within the Corps and help recruit minority personnel.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!