Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 12th day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1846, Lieutenant Jacob Zeilin and Marines and sailors of Stockton’s squadron march to the relief of Kearney.
In 1914, the 4th Regiment headquarters and its 2nd Battalion move into a model camp at the Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park in San Diego.
In 1918, the Marine Corps reaches its highest strength since its inception, with 2,462 officers and 72,639 enlisted on active duty.
In 1941, VMF-211 Wildcats sank the Japanese destroyer Kisaragi during the defense of Wake Island.
The United States declares war upon Nazi Germany.
In 1943, during the period 11 December through 18 December, the 21st Marines take Hellzapoppin Ridge in eight days of fighting, with the help of close air support by Marine planes on 13, 14, 15, and 18 December.
In 1944, during the Luzon Operation in the Philippines, MAG-12 Corsairs shoot down 19 Japanese aircraft either attacking U.S. ships or defending their own against Marine air attacks.
In 1950, the last elements of the 1st Marine Division reach the Allied perimeter ay Hungnam. As part of an amphibious withdrawal, the division begins embarking the next day.
In 1961, two Army helicopter companies and 400 men, the first U.S. forces deployed for direct combat support of the South Vietnamese, arrive in Vietnam.
In 1966, during the period 11 December through the 16th of December, the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines participated in OPERATION STERLING, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Ngai Province.
During the period 12 December 1966 through 21 January 1967, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) participated in OPERATION SIERRA, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Ngai Provence.
In 2000, four Marines are killed when their MV-22 Osprey crashes near Jacksonville, North Carolina. The second crash of the year leads to an indefinite suspension of MV-22 flights.
In 2001, elements of the 26th MEU(SOC) secure the long-abandoned U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!