Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 11th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1798, President John Adams signs an act “Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps,” giving the Corps an institutional footing.
In 1814, the brig Rattlesnake and her Marines are defeated and captured by the British frigate Leander in the Atlantic Ocean.
In 1854, Admiral Perry lands at Okinawa with an escort of Marines to begin treaty negotiations.
In 1898, the Secretary of the Navy observes the 100th birthday of Congress’s creation of the U.S. Marine Corps (as distinguished from its predecessor, the Continental Marines).
In 1919, Congress completes legislation establishing the enlisted strength of the postwar Marine Corps at 27,000.
The next day, Commandant George Barnett promulgates directives to speed up demobilization.
The process is largely completed by the end of the year.
In 1942, the last elements of the 1st Marine Division arrive in New Zealand.
In 1946, VMF-441 is deactivated.
In 1953, Major Robert F. Bolt becomes the first (and only) jet ace in the Marine Corps when he shoots down his fifth and sixth MIGs while flying with an Air Force squadron.
He had downed six Japanese Zeroes during World War II.
In 1959, the Marine Corps resumes participation in the aviation cadet program at Pensacola after a hiatus of 18 years, since it is having difficulty obtaining enough pilots through other commissioning sources.
In 1989, the Commandant establishes the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program for NCOs, SNCOs, and officers.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!