Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 8th day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1861, Marines and sailors from the sloop Savannah occupy Tybee Island of Savannah, Georgia.
In 1933, Commandant Fuller (implementing a Navy authorization signed the previous day) orders the establishment of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF).
This essentially is a renaming of the Expeditionary Forces.
In 1941, the Japanese attacked American garrisons at Wake Island, Guam, and the Philippines.
The United States declared war upon the Empire of Japan.
In 1945, six SB2C-5’s are lost while flying in a snowstorm in north China.
Ten of the 12 crew members die in the crashes.
In 1950, the 1st Marine Division continues its push south, with the lead elements fighting their way out of Koto-ri. Meanwhile the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) attacks north into Funchilin Pass to help clear the way.
In 1951, the announced draft call for February of 55,000 men will provide 14,000 to the Corps.
In 1965, during the period 8 December through 29 December the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7), 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines (3/3), Lima and Echo Companies 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines (2/9), and Golf Company 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) and the 3rd Battalion, 1st ARVN Regiment, 1st Battalion, 5th ARVN Regiment, 1st Battalion,6th ARVN Regiment, and the ARVN 11th Ranger Battalion participated in OPERATION HARVEST MOON, to sweep through an area between Chu Lai and Da Nang.
Marine air and artillery and four Air Force B-52 strikes provide fire support.
At a cost of 51 Marines dead, 256 wounded, and one missing, the operation accounts for 407 Viet Cong killed and 33 captured.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!