Originally Posted June 15, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 15th day of June in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1775, Marines participate in the action between Katy and Washington, (Rhode Island Navy), and an armed tender supporting the British frigate Rose.
In 1917, the Navy purchases 232 acres on San Diego Bay. San Diego donates 500 acres of adjacent tidal land (to be covered by fill) for a Marine Base for the West Coast expeditionary force.
In 1942, the 11th Defense Battalion is formed at Parris Island.
In 1943, the 20th Marines (a regiment of engineers and pioneers) is established at Camp Lejeune.
VMJ-952 is formed at Camp Kearney.
In 1944, the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions launch their amphibious assault on the west coast of Saipan.
They meet strong resistance, including an unusually profuse Japanese employment of artillery.
Following an amphibious feint against the north coast of Saipan, the reserve regiments of both divisions are committed ashore.
Despite heavy casualties (over 2,000 dead and wounded), the divisions seize a firm beachhead by nightfall, then drive off enemy counterattacks.
China-based Army Air Forces B-29 bombers launch their first attacks on Kyushu, thus opening an air offensive against the Japanese home islands.
The South Pacific theater is revamped, with some forces and territory going to MacArthur’s command.
AirSols is redesignated as Aircraft, Northern Solomons.
Its new commander is Major General Ralph Mitchell.
Of its 40 flying squadrons, 23 are Marine.
In 1945, the 8th Marines comes ashore on Okinawa and is attached to the 1st Marine Division.
In 1950, in an attempt to convince President Truman that the Corps is deserving of a bigger budget, Marine infantrymen and aviators put on a demonstration of a helicopter assault for him at Quantico.
VMR-253 is commissioned at El Toro.
In 1951, FMFPAC units conduct an amphibious exercise dubbed Operation LEX in Southern California.
VMR-253 is reactivated at El Toro.
In 1961, the 8th Marine Expeditionary Unit (BLT 1/8, Provisional MAG-20, VMA-242, and HMR(L)-262) deploys at sea on standby until 1 August.
During this period, it conducts training emphasizing counter-guerrilla and riot-control operations.
In 1963, the 11th MEB, including RLT3 (USMC) and RLT 2 (KMC), conducts a joint amphibious exercise around Pohang, South Korea.
In 1965, VMFA-513 relieves VMFA-531 which departs Vietnam.
In 1967, during the period 15 through 24 June, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5) and the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5) participated in OPERATION ADAIR, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam and Quang Tin Provinces.
In 1968, the 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion begins redeploying to Okinawa.
In 1969, during the period 15 June through 25 September, the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division and the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5) participated in OPERATION IRIQUOIS GROVE, a clear and search operation to protect civilians and assist in an accelerated pacification program at the PAVN Base, Area 101, southeast of Quang Tri City.
In 1972, VMA(AW)-225 is deactivated at El Toro.
In 2023, the Corps announced that it will deactivate the 4th Recruit Training Battalion, a unit that has trained female Marines since 1986.
Established in 1915, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina has trained recruits for more than 100 years and, as a result, it holds a special place in the already lore-centered Corps. Since 1949, it was also the sole base where female Marine recruits would receive training. However, that training kept the two genders separate until 2019 when the service finally graduated its first co-ed company of 50 Marines.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!