Originally Posted December 1, 2024
I want to see the ‘real Marines.” – Chesty Puller
I see that when the Continental Marines got their first duty station, it was in a Brig. That figures. After all it was Chesty himself who is quoted as saying “take me to the Brig. I want to see the real Marines”.
Good morning Leathernecks! Although I could not find a specific date, these actions happened during the month of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1775, The Continental Marines form their first unit, for service on board the brig Cabot.
In 1776, the Lexington is captured by the British frigate Pearl.
Soon after, Marine Captain Abraham Boyce leads his men and the Lexington’s sailors in overwhelming the small British prize crew and escaping to the harbor at Baltimore.
In 1780, Marines participate in the engagement between John Paul Jones’s Ariel and the British privateer Triumph.
In 1905, Marines are assigned to guard the U. S. embassy at St. Petersburg, Russia.
In 1909, a regiment of 750 Marines departs from Philadelphia early in the month for possible duty in Panama.
It ends up in Nicaraguan waters pending the resolution of a civil war in that nation and stays there until 16 March 1910.
In 1931, a Marine battalion reinforced by an artillery battery, and embarked on the old battleships Arkansas (BB-33) and Wyoming (BB-32) participates in fleet maneuvers in the Caribbean.
In 1932, President Hoover calls for a reduction in Marine strength to 13,600 men.
In 1943, the first Reserve Officer Class is formed for newly commissioned women Lieutenants.
In 1944, VMF-221 goes on board the carrier Bunker Hill (CV-17).
The headquarters of the 2nd MAW shifts from Peleliu to Hawaii.
In 1954, the Marine Corps reestablishes the rank titles of first sergeant and sergeant major, though both are in paygrade E-7, the highest rank then available.
Although all three ranks are paid the same, the order of seniority is sergeant Major, first sergeant, and then master sergeant.
In 1957, VMF(AW)-122 takes delivery of the Marine Corps’ first Chance Vought F8U Crusader.
In 1979, the Secretary of Defense announces that the Marine Corps will establish a Maritime Prepositioning Force.
The MPF will have three squadrons, each consisting of five cargo ships filled with all the supplies and equipment needed to outfit a MAB for 30 days of combat.
The Corps immediately begins outfitting six existing ships as near-term Prepositioning Force until the MPF is ready.
In 1981, the 10th Marines receives the first of the new M198 155mm howitzers.
In 2020, I first heard of Semper Gumby.
Curious, I researched it and guess what? It’s Marine all the way!
If you ever were “volunteered” to work for the Gunny, you’ll understand.
Let me explain it to you:
1st you are ordered to mow the lawn
2nd you are now ordered to forget about mowing the lawn and polish all the brass on the doors.
3rd you are then ordered to Stand By.
4th Finally, you are once again ordered to mow the lawn.
And on this the very 1st day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
1 December
In 1918, the 4th Marine Brigade and other Allied forces cross into Germany under the armistice terms.
The Brigade reaches the Rhine on 9 December.
In 1919, the Aviation Section is made a part of the newly formed Operations and Training Division at Headquarters Marine Corps.
In 1920, Squadrons A and C at Quantico are disbanded and their personnel and equipment formed into the 3rd Air Squadron.
This is the birth of what will become Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 131 (VMFA-131).
In 1921, Marie Corps Base, San Diego is formally commissioned and occupied by the 5th Brigade (formerly titled the 2nd Advance Base Force).
In 1936, Major General Russell retires upon reaching the statutory age limit, and Brigadier General Thomas Holcomb is promoted to become Major General Commandant.
He is the 17th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
In 1937, the 3rd Marines, a reserve regimental headquarters since December 1925, is disbanded.
In 1940, Major General Holcomb is appointed to a second term as Commandant.
The 5th Defense Battalion is organized at Parris Island.
In 1942, VMF-311 is organized at Cherry Point, North Carolina.
In 1943, the scouts of 2nd Tanks land at Maiana Atoll and determine it is not occupied by enemy forces.
In 1945, the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4) sails from Yokosuka for the United States where it will be disbanded.
In 1946, the Marine Corps reforms its enlisted rank structure, which had developed numerous designations in the same grades during World War II.
There now would be a single rank for each of the seven existing pay grades.
The ranks are now private, private first class, corporal, sergeant, staff sergeant, technical sergeant, and master sergeant.
The Marine Barracks at Parris Island is formally redesignated as the Marine Corps Recruit Depot
In 1947, the first experimental Marine helicopter squadron, HMX-1, is equipped with the Sikorsky HO3S-1 (a utility/observation helicopter) and the Piasecki HRP-1 (a small transport helicopter dubbed the “Flying Banana” for its unusual shape).
In 1950, the 5th and 7th Marines begin their break-out from Yudam-ni toward Hagaru-ri.
That night, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) begins a cross-country night attack to relieve Fox Company in Toktong Pass.
The first C-47 cargo plane lands on the partially completed runway at Hagaru-ri.
Thereafter daily runs bring in replacements and needed supplies and take out wounded.
East of the Chosin Reservoir, the Army force (dubbed Task Force Faith) is overrun by the Chinese during its attempt to reach Hagaru-ri.
Of the original strength of 2,500 men on 27 November, barely 1,000 survivors make it to Marine lines, and only 40 percent of those are still in condition to fight.
In 1951, HMR-163 is activated at Santa Ana, California.
In 1952, President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower and JCS Chairman Omar Bradley visit the 1st Marine Division command post.
In 1957, the duties of Assistant Commandant and Chief of Staff are divided into two separate billets, each held by a lieutenant general.
In 1970, the 1st LAAM Battalion is deactivated.
In 1972, the USMACV announces that during the last week of November no Americans died in Vietnam.
The first week without fatalities there since January 1965.
In 1973, the Navy launches the Tarawa (LHA-1), the first general purpose amphibious assault ship.
In 1978, Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana is renamed MCAS Tustin.
In 1981, Commandant Barrow announces his own war on drugs.
Increased use of urinalysis testing will play a major role in the plan to decrease the use of illegal drugs in the Corps.
HMH-465 is activated at Tustin.
In 1990, during Operation Desert Shield, 5th MEB (RLT-5, MAG-50, BSSG-5), with 11th MEU(SOC) embedded, sails from California.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!