Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 9th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1800, the Enterprise and her Marines capture the French privateer L’Aigle off Guadeloupe.
In 1846, Marines and sailors from the sloop Portsmouth land and occupy Yerba Buena (San Francisco) and Sonoma, California after proclaiming California part of the United States during the Mexican War.
In 1900, Marines helped in the capture of Tientsin Arsenal.
In 1915, the cruiser Washington (ACR-11) lands her Marine detachment to guard a radio station at Cape Haitien.
They remain there until 27 July.
In 1930, Ben H. Fuller is promoted to Major General and named Commandant of the Marine Corps.
In 1935, the Marine Corps Schools formally publishes the “Tentative Manual for Landing Operations.”
It is the first detailed written doctrine for amphibious operations against defended coastlines.
In 1943, the 1st Raider Battalion launches its attack on Japanese defenders at Enogai.
The Marines finish cleaning out the position on 11 July.
In 1944, the 4th Marine Division reaches Marpi Point, the northern end of Saipan, and all organized Japanese resistance is finished.
Among the Japanese dead is Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, leader of the Pearl Harbor raid.
In 1960, following Congo’s declaration of independence from Belgium on 30 June and the secession of the province of Katanga, the U.N. authorizes a peacekeeping force of the African nation.
Lima company of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines (3/2) and a detachment of HMR(L)-261 on board the Wasp (CVS-18) deploy there.
In 1969, OPERATION UTAH MESA, a joint Marine-Army operation begun on 12 June and conducted southwest of Khe Sanh, comes to an end.
Marine losses are 19 dead and 91 wounded, while the Army suffers 94 casualties. Reported enemy dead total 309.
This is the last operation of the 9th Marines in Vietnam.
In 1970, the fourth round of U.S. troop withdrawals begins.
It will include 17,021 Marines, with the major units being the 7th Marines, the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines (3/11), MAG-13, VMA(AW)-242, VMFA-122 and 314, HMM-161, and VCMJ-1.
In 1971, the Secretary of the Navy grants exemption from disciplinary exemption and discharge under other than honorable conditions to those members of the Navy and Marine Corps who make voluntary disclosure of their illegal drug usage or possession.
During the 9th and 10th of July the first reunion of the WWII Navaho Code Talkers is held in Arizona.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!