Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 6th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1854, Marines from the steamer Powhatan land on Okinawa to demand punishment of the murderers of an American.
In 1894, the cruiser Marblehead’s (C-11) Marines and sailors go ashore at Bluefields to safeguard American lives and property during a period of political unrest.
In 1905, Marines and sailors from the cruisers Tacoma (C-18), Brooklyn, Galveston (C-17), and the Chattanooga (C-16) land at Cherbourg, France to escort the body of John Paul Jones from Paris to the United States.
In 1944, Major General H.M. Smith attaches the 77th Infantry Division to IIIAC for the Guam operation.
In 1947, the headquarters of the 1st Marine Division arrives at Camp Pendleton, which will become its permanent home station.
In 1951, President Truman extends for a year the enlistments of more than 300,000 personnel due to expire before 1 July 1952.
VMF-322 is reactivated as a Reserve squadron at Squantum, Massachusetts.
In 1952, in a battalion night raid on Hill 159, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) suffers 102 casualties.
In 1953, the 1st Marine Division begins moving back into its old positions on the west flank of the Eighth Army line.
In 1965, RLT 9 headquarters and BLT 2/9 arrive to join III MAF in Da Nang.
In 1966, during the period 6 through 14 July, the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion participated in OPERATION WASHINGTON, a search and destroy and security operation for the Do Xa region of the Quang Ngai Province.
In 1978, Force Troops at Camp Lejeune is redesignated as 2nd Force Service Support Group.
Similar name changes are made for Force Troops in Okinawa and Camp Pendleton.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!