Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 26th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1779, Marines land on Banks Island, Maine, and install batteries to fire on British ships and positions around Penobscot Bay.
In 1840, following the murder of two Navy officers, the Wilkes Expedition destroys two more Fijian towns.
In 1861, an Act of Congress increased the Marine Corps authorized strength to 93 officers and 3,074 enlisted men.
In 1877, Lieutenant Colonel James Forney forms a battalion from the Marines of the Norfolk Navy Yard and ships of the Atlantic Squadron.
His force guards the arsenal in Washington and railroad property in Baltimore.
In 1918, General Lejeune assumes command of the 4th Marine Brigade.
In 1928, Edson, 46 Marines, and a corpsman depart Bocay, Nicaragua by native boat for a combat patrol up the Coco River toward Sandino’s jungle base at Poteca.
In 1943, the light tanks of the 9th and 10th Defense Battalions lead the Army assault against Japanese bunkers near Munda Airfield.
Marine and Navy aircraft attack Bibilo Hill overlooking Munda Airfield on 25 and 26 July.
In 1944, the Marine brigade launches its assault on Orote Peninsula on Guam.
The 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions drive south on Tinian, with the latter organization seizing Mount Lasso, the highest terrain on the island.
In 1947, President Truman nominates Secretary of the Navy Forrestal to be the first Secretary of National Defense.
In 1948, President Truman issues an executive order that bans racial bias in the military services.
In 1966, during the period 26 through 29 July, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7), 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7), and the ARVN 2nd Division participated in OPERATION FRANKLIN/LIEN KET 50, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Ngai Province.
In 1983, the 6th MAB is activated at Camp Lejeune as another headquarters dedicated to the MPF mission.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!