Originally Posted December 18, 2025
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 18th day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1903, Marines escorted American diplomats to Addis Ababa, Abyssinia.
In 1950, the 1st Marine Division is assigned to Eighth Army reserve.
In 1957, RLT 3 and HMR(L)-162 deploy from Okinawa toward the waters off Indonesia for possible evacuation of U.S. citizens during continued unrest there.
BLT 3 remains offshore until 6 January 1958.
In 1972, following another stalemate in peace talks, the United States launches Operation Linebacker II, a heavy aerial bombardment of North Vietnam that dwarfs any prior aerial campaign against the North.
The main targets are in Hanoi and Haiphong.
The operation lasts until 29 December.
In 1990, the first Marine Corps M1A1 Abrams tank is rolled off the assembly line.
The 2nd Tank Battalion will be the first to receive the new tanks and will deploy to the Persian Gulf with them.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!