Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 10th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1775, on Lake Champlain, Liberty participates in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga from the British.
In 1940, Germany invades France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
A key element of the offensive is a glider-borne attack that seizes the important Belgian fortress of Eben Emael.
Other airborne assaults aid in the rapid conquest of these countries.
Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister of Great Britain upon the resignation of Neville Chamberlain.
In 1944, VMF-524 and VMB-622 are organized at Cherry Point.
In 1945, the 5th Marines seizes control of Awacha Draw.
In a determined attack against a Japanese reconnaissance plane flying at high altitude, VMF-312’s 1st Lieutenant Robert R. Klingman’s guns freeze, but he uses his propeller to cut away the enemy’s tail and send it into the sea.
VMF(N)-533 arrives on Okinawa following a long flight from Eniwetok Atoll.
The carrier Block Island and its Marine squadrons join the fleet of Okinawa.
VMTB-234 (formerly VMSB-234) joins the escort carrier Vella Gulf (CVE-111).
In 1946, VMF-512 is deactivated.
In 1949, the 1st Marine Brigade is deactivated after its arrival at Camp Pendleton.
Its personnel are absorbed into the 1st Marine Division.
In 1966, during the period 10 through 12 May, the 4th Marines participated in OPERATION WAYNE , a search and destroy operation 10 Km southwest of Phu Bai in the Thua Thien Province.
In 1969, during the period 10 May through 17 June, the 9th Marines and the 101st Airborne Division participated in OPERATION APACHE SNOW, a clear and search operation in the Quang Tri Province.
In 1970, to counter possible civil disturbances in Washington, D.C., resulting from antiwar demonstrations, a Quantico-based battalion moves to the Anacostia Naval Air Station.
The 6th Marines goes on six-hour alert for possible deployment to the area.
In 1996, a mid-air collision involving a CH-46E and an AH-1W over Camp Lejeune results in the death of 12 Marines, one sailor, and one soldier.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!