History of Our Corps – January 3

Originally Posted January 3, 2024

And on this the 3^rd and 4^th days of January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1966, during the 3^rd and 4^th of January 1966, the 2^nd Battalion, 9^th Marines (2/9) and the 3^rd Tank Battalion participated in OPERATION WAR BONNET, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.

And on this the period 3 through 8 January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1966, during the period 3 through 8 January 1966, the 1^st Battalion, 1^st Marines (1/1) participated in OPERATION LONG LANCE, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 3rd day of January in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1777, During the night, Washington’s force silently departs the battlefield and marches toward Princeton.

Marines assist in defeating the British garrison and capturing the town.

In 1837, Henderson and his Marines depart Fort Brooke with an Army expedition that remains in the field until 18 May.

In 1902, with illness and shortages of food debilitating his force, Waller sets out with the strongest Marines to find a way out of the jungle and seek help for the remainder of his beleaguered detachment.

The cruiser Detroit (C-10) lands her Marines at Puerto Plata to help forestall intervention by European creditor nations.

In 1904, two additional battalions of Marines arrive in Panama to ensure the independence of that new nation.

Brigadier General Commandant Elliot accompanies them and takes command of the brigade composed of the four Marine battalion in Panama.

In 1914, the 1^st Advance Base Brigade sails from Philadelphia for field exercises Culebra, Puerto Rico.

In 1939, the Hepburn Board (a Navy fact-finding group led by Admiral Arthur Hepburn) reports to Congress about base expansion in the Pacific.

It calls for the construction of bases and defenses at Wake, Midway, Johnston, and Palmyra Atolls.

This work will eventually be facilitated by the 1^st, 3^rd, and 6^th Defense Battalions.

In 1944, Boyington shoots down three enemy planes during a fighter sweep over Rabaul, only to be shot down himself soon after.

His claimed kill gives him 28, two more than the number achieved by Joe Foss.

Boyington the rest of the conflict as a prisoner of war.

AirSols maintains a daily schedule of heavy attacks on Rabaul throughout the month.

In 1945, Marine aircraft on the Essex participate in their first missions from the carrier, during strikes on Formosa and the Ryukyu Islands, and shoot down their first Japanese plane.

In 1949, the 2^nd Marines (a reinforced battalion) departs Morehead City to take over as the landing force of the Sixth Fleet.

The 2^nd will remain afloat until 24 May.

A Marine Guard is formally organized for the the long-term protection of the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem.

In 1951, the JCS authorize the Marine Corps to add three aviation squadrons for a total of 21.

In 1961, the United States formally terminates diplomatic relations with the Castro regime, as a result of ever-increasing tensions with the Caribbean nation.

President Eisenhower already has vowed to defend the base at Guantanamo Bay with force, if necessary.

In 1966, during the 3^rd and 4^th of January 1966, the 2^nd Battalion, 9^th Marines (2/9) and the 3^rd Tank Battalion participated in OPERATION WAR BONNET, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.

During the period 3 through 8 January 1966, the 1^st Battalion, 1^st Marines (1/1) participated in OPERATION LONG LANCE, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.

Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!

-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC

And damn proud of it!