Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 6th day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1846, Marines participated in the Battle of San Pasqual.
The series of military skirmishes ended with both sides claiming victory, and the victor of the battle is still debated.
On December 6 and December 7, 1846, General Stephen W. Kearny’s US Army of the West, along with a small detachment of the California Battalion led by a Marine Lieutenant, engaged a small contingent of Californios and their Presidial Lancers Los Galgos (The Greyhounds), led by Major Andrés Pico.
After U.S. reinforcements arrived, Kearny’s troops were able to reach San Diego.
In 1864, during a fresh advance, a Marine battalion and accompanying soldiers and sailors drive back a Confederate Force at Tullifinney Crossroads, South Carolina, and occupy a position threatening the Charlestown-Savannah rail line.
In 1894, sixty Marines land at Taku and move to Tientsin to protect U.S. Interests in China during a time of political turmoil.
In 1918, the 1st Marine Aviation Force sails for the U.S.
In 1928, Marines participated in the Battle of Cuje during the occupation of Nicaragua.
In 1929, Marine Captain A. N. Parker was the first person to fly over unexplored Antarctica.
In 1942, President Roosevelt orders the end of voluntary enlistments for those 18-37 years old for all services effective in January.
Those 17, or older than 37, are still allowed to enlist.
Thereafter, Marine Liaisons at the draft induction centers work to arrange for draftees who want to serve in the Corps to do so.
In 1945, following frequent incidents of ground fire against Marine aircraft on reconnaissance flights over north China, IIIAC issues authorization for return fire, albeit on a very restricted basis.
MAG-22 arrives in the United States from Japan.
Elements of the 5th Marine Division begin sailing for home.
In 1958, 64 Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines (3/8) help fight a forest fire near Pungo Lake, North Carolina.
In 1966, on the 6th and 7th of December, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) participated in OPERATION TRINIDAD, a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province.
In 1968, during the period 6 December through 9 March 1969, the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines participated in OPERATION TAYLOR COMMON, a search and destroy operation to clear the An Hoa Basin, neutralize PAVN Base Area 112 and develop Fire Support Bases to interdict PAVN infiltration routes leading from the Laotian border.
In 1987, Sea School, opened in 1923 at San Diego, is closed as part of the restructuring of Marine security forces.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!