Originally Posted June 7, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 7th day of June in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1777, The frigates Hancock and Boston and their Marine detachments capture the British frigate Fox.
In 1898, the Marine Battalion re-embarks on the Panther at Key West for transport to Cuba.
Eighty Marines from the cruiser New York (ACR-2), the battleship Oregon (BB-3), and the Marblehead conduct an amphibious reconnaissance at Guantanamo Bay.
In 1912, Company A, 1st Marines landed at Santiago, Cuba.
In 1918, Marines participated in the Battle of Bouresches in France.
In 1943, the Japanese make an unusually large aerial attack against Guadalcanal in an effort to erode growing U.S. power on the island.
Allied fighter planes turn back the attack and inflict heavy enemy losses.
Similar large Japanese air attacks on 12 and 16 June meet the same fate.
In 1945, MAG-14 begins its movement from Samar in the Philippines to Okinawa.
In 1954, following amphibious exercises, the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines remains afloat on board the Mellette (APA-156) off the coast of Guatemala, prepared to evacuate American citizens during an attempt by other forces to overthrow the pro-Communist government of Guatemala.
The Marines remain there until 1 July.
In 1968, during the period 7 through 14 June, a BLT (3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (3/1) participated in OPERATION SWIFT SABER, a clear and search operation in the Elephant Valley, 16 Km north of Da Nang in the Quang Nam Province.
During the period 7 through 12 June, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5) defeats several enemy night attacks and destroys an NVA battalion command group, inflicting over 700 dead.
In 1969, the youngest Marine to die in Viet Nam was killed in action. PFC Dan Bullock, was 16 years of age. Every time I read this, I cringe and damn whomever it was that allowed this young lad to enlist.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!