Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 24th day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1813, Lieutenant John Gamble leads a handful of Marines and sailors in a show of force to restore order on the island of Nukuhiva in the Marquesas, which was serving as the base for Captain David Porter’s small Pacific squadron.
In 1814, the Treaty of Ghent is signed in Europe to bring the War of 1812 to an end.
News of the peace is not received in the U.S. until much later.
In 1835, Indians resisting relocation west of the Mississippi massacre an Army column departing Fort Brooke, Tampa Bay, Florida.
This marks the start of the Second Seminole War.
In 1864, Marines man guns of Rear Admiral David D. Porter’s fleet as it bombards Fort Fisher, North Carolina.
A number of Marines are killed or wounded, mainly from the five Parrott guns that burst during the heavy cannonade.
In 1945, both VMF-472 and VMB-621 are deactivated.
In 1950, elements of the 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion are the last to depart Hungnam at the completion of the Allied amphibious withdrawal from that port city.
In 1970, Lieutenant General Donn J. Robertson replaces Lieutenant General McCutcheon as commander of III MAF.
In 2001, the 15th MEU(SOC) begins redeploying back to its ships.
FOB Rhino is closed on 3 January 2002.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!