Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 3rd day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1864, sixty Marines manning two light howitzers support army troops in a skirmish with Confederate forces during an unsuccessful Union raid near White Point, South Carolina.
In 1898, Marines man some of the secondary batteries of the Atlantic fleet when it sinks the Spanish fleet off Santiago, Cuba.
In 1900, Meyer’s Marines lead a small force of U.S. and British Marines and Russian soldiers in a pre-dawn attack to seize a Chinese tower placed near the American barricade on the wall.
In 1916, the 4th Regiment defeats a sizable enemy force at Guayacanas, Santo Domingo.
In 1918, the 13th Regiment is formed under LT. Col. Smedley D. Butler at Marine Base Quantico for duty in France.
In 1940, British Naval forces attack French naval forces at various locations to prevent the French fleet from falling into the hands of Germany and Italy.
In 1944, on the 3rd and 4th of July, following the enemy’s withdrawal the previous day from his main defenses, VAC forces make significant progress on Saipan.
The town of Garapan falls to the 2nd Marine Division, which then is pinched out of the corps front.
In 1950, the JCS agree to meet MacArthur’s request for a Marine air-ground force.
In 1952, Golf Company of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (3/7) launches a night raid against Hill 159 and finds it defended by a battalion.
It loses 44 men before disengaging.
In 1953, VMA-323 departs Korea for rotation back to the United States.
In 1967, during the period 3 through 18 July, a 3rd Marine Division SLF participated in OPERATION BEAR BITE, a Marine amphibious and heliborne assault near the DMZ
In 1968, during the period 3 through 25 July, the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) participated in OPERATION HOUSTON IV, a series of clear and search and security operations around the Vandegrift Combat Base.
In 1969, during the period 3 July through 21 September, the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) and the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4) participated in OPERATION ARLINGTON CANYON, a series of clear and search and security operations around the Vandegrift Combat Base.
In 1970, Vietnamese militia forces supported by Marine CAP units, helicopter gunships, and artillery defeat Communist attacks on several villages south of Quang Tri City.
The allies lose 16 dead and six missing, while killing 135 enemy.
In 1999, the Marine Corps closes El Toro and Tustin as part of a reduction in military bases.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!