Originally Posted December 31, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 31st and final day of the year in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1799, the frigate Connecticut and her Marines engage the French privateer L’Italie Conquise off the island of Guadeloupe.
In 1925, a detachment of Marines lands at Shanghai during a renewed period of internecine warfare.
In 1927, a Marine/Guardia patrol sent to attack El Chipote is ambushed by strong Sandinista forces near Quilali.
Captain Richard Livingston and six of his men are killed, and 25 are wounded in driving off the ambushers.
His force falls back on Quilali.
Another Sandanista force attacks a second column, under Lieutenant Merlon A. Richal, which breaks through with only one man wounded.
In 1930, eight Marines were killed and two escaped when surrounded at Ocotal, Nicaragua.
In 1943, the 1st and 5th Marines overrun the final enemy defenses and seize the airfields at Cape Gloucester.
Commandant Holcomb issues an order abolishing the Marine parachute and raider programs.
Commandant Holcomb retires and is promoted to the rank of General (4 stars).
Lieutenant General Alexander A. Vandergrift becomes the 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
In 1944, B-29s begin using airfields on Tinian.
In 1946, World War II is officially over.
In 1971, VMFA-334 is deactivated at El Toro.
In 1996, female Marines begin reporting for the first time to Marine Combat Training.
This is a post-boot camp program that provides infantry training to Marines destined to serve in non-infantry specialties.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!