Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 6th day of June in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1853, Marines escorted Commodore Matthew C. Perry ashore at Naha, Okinawa.
In 1874, Commandant Jacob Zeilin is reverted to the rank of colonel due to the dwindling strength of the Marine Corps.
In 1896, Congress authorizes an increase in Marine strength to 93 Officers and 3,574 enlisted.
In 1898, Marines participate in the North Atlantic Squadron’s bombardment of Santiago, Cuba.
In 1918, the Marine Brigade launches a counterattack to gain better defensive positions around Belleau Wood.
Marine casualties for the day (1,087 killed or wounded) exceed the total losses suffered by the Corps in its entire history up to that point.
Belleau Wood is largely taken by 12 June.
In 1927, the 6th Regiment and Butler’s brigade headquarters shifts to Tientsin as Nationalist forces take over northern China.
In 1944, the largest amphibious operation of the war begins, with General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Allied army landing on the Normandy peninsula of France.
Marine ships detachments participate from their stations in the fleet, while a number of officers are assigned as observers with various army and naval commands.
In 1945, the 4th Marines completes the capture of Naha Airfield on the Oroku Peninsula.
In 1946, MAG-25 departs Tsingtao for El Toro.
In 1951, the 1st Marines opens the fight for a dominating ridge north of the Hwachon Reservoir.
The division is engaging primarily North Korean forces during this period.
In 1960, the 9th Provisional Marine Brigade (composed of RLT-9, MAG-12, and KMC RLT 3) conducts amphibious exercises in Korea.
The 17-day operation includes a helicopter assault by 4,600 troops.
In 1966, On the 6th of June, the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2) participated in OPERATION MUSKOGEE (USMC), a search and destroy operation in the I Corps.
During the period 6 through 12 June, the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5) participated in OPERATION APACHE, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Tri Province.
In 1967, during the period 6 through 11 June, the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3), the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines (3/12), and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines (2/26 & 3/26) participated in OPERATION COLGATE, a search and destroy operation in the Thua Thien Province.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!