Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 9th day of December in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1776, Marines participate in the action between the Alfred and the British frigate Milford.
The American ship outsails its better-armed opponent and escapes unharmed.
In 1942, General Vandegrift turns command of Guadalcanal over to Major General Alexander M. Patch of the Army’s Americal Division.
The 1st Marine Division begins its movement to Australia, with the 5th Marines departing this day, followed soon after by the 1st Marines.
In 1943, the ground echelons of VMF-212 and 215 reach Bougainville and move to the airstrip under construction at Cape Torokina.
During the 9th and 10th of December, the 1st Parachute Regiment and its 3rd Battalion begin an attack to seize Hellzapoppin Ridge, a heavily defended spur east of the Bougainville perimeter.
The parachutists are relieved by 1/9 and 1/21 on the night of 10 December.
In 1945, VMTB-144 and VMF-514 are deactivated.
In 1965, The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, L and E Companies 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, and G Company 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines and 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, a search and destroy operation 37 km NW of Chu Lai in Phuoc Ha and Que Son Valley‘s, Quảng Tín Province.
In 1968, OPERATION MEADE RIVER ends.
In 1969, OPERATION NAPOLEAN/SALINE a 13-month-old series of search and destroy operations by the 3rd Marines in the northeast quadrant of Quang Tri Province comes to an end.
The effort resulted in 3,495 enemy killed and 106 captured, while Marine losses totaled 395 dead and 2,134 wounded.
In 1992, after the famine in Somalia worsens due to continued instability, President Bush orders direct military intervention to permit effective relief operations.
15th MEU(SOC) begins landing to secure ports and airfields for additional forces for Operation Restore Hope.
Marine Lieutenant General Robert B. Johnson and his 1st MEF headquarters assume command of the joint task force, which will grow to 30,000 troops, including the 7th Marines, MAG-16, and elements of 1st FSSG.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!