Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 20th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1803, Marines and sailors from the U.S. blockading squadron land on shore in a bay near Tripoli to drive off defending soldiers while other Americans burn 10 small enemy cargo ships.
In 1836, Commandant Henderson and the 1st Battalion of Marines depart Fort Monroe, Virginia, by steamer for the Georgia coast.
In 1891, Marines land from the steam bark Kearsarge on Navassa Island, between Jamaica and Haiti, to maintain order among contract laborers.
In 1915, Commandant George Barnett becomes an ex-officio member of the General Board of the Navy.
In 1918, the French Croix de Guerre awarded to those serving at Belleau Wood, France during the period 2 June through 13 June.
In 1945, elements of the 8th Marines occupy Iheya Shima north of Okinawa to provide a base for early warning radar.
In 1948, Congress passes the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which authorizes the armed services to enlist up to 20,045 women in their regular components on active duty.
The act is signed by President Truman and goes into effect on 12 June.
The Marine Corps portion of this allotment is 1,100.
It obtains the first women regulars in November by rejoining veterans of the World War II Women’s Reserve.
In 1955, the 9th Marines moves from Japan to Okinawa.
In 1959, BLT 2/6 sails from Morehead City for a two-month cruise through the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway to the Great Lakes.
During its time in the Great Lakes, it will conduct five amphibious demonstration landings for the public.
In 1967, during the period 20 through 26 July, the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), participated in OPERATION BEAR CHAIN / OPERATION FREMONT, an operation to engage the VC 806th Battalion in the “Street Without Joy” area seat of Route 1 between Quang Tri and Hue.
During the period 20 through 27 July, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) and the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines (3/11) participated in OPERATION PECOS, a search and destroy operation in “Happy Valley” in the Quang Nam Province.
In 1969, during the period 20 July through 13 August, , the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1), 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5), 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines (2/11), and the ARVN 21st and 37th Ranger Battalions participated in OPERATION DURHAM PEAK, a clear and search operation northeast of Khe Sanh in the Quang Nam Quang and Quang Tri Provinces.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!