History of Our Corps – December 22

Originally Posted December 22, 2024

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 22nd day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1814, Marines from the Portsmouth Barracks and the Congress fight fires in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

In 1914, the 1^st Battalion, 4^th Regiment embarks from San Diego to Mare Island for subsequent duty with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco Bay.

In 1942, the 1^st and 6^th Barrage Balloon Squadrons arrive on New Caledonia.

          VMF-121 and VMO-251 pilots downed seven Zeroes over Munda.

In 1943, during the 22^nd and 23^rd of December, elements of the 21^st Marines seize Hill 600A overlooking the Torokina River.

          This is the last significant action by the 3^rd Marine Division on Bougainville.

In 1965, USMACV orders a 30-hour truce over Christmas.

          American and South Vietnamese forces announce they will only fight if attacked.

In 1970, the first military personnel are released from duty with OPERATION GRID SQUARE.

Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!

-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC

And damn proud of it!