Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 11th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1800, at Puerto Plaza, Santo Domingo, Captain Daniel Carmick and Marines and sailors from the frigate Constitution use the sloop Sally to capture the Sandwich from the French.
The Marines then land and spike the guns of a shore battery to permit a clean escape.
In 1898, Marines and sailors of the Marblehead cut the transoceanic telegraph cable off Cienfuegos, Cuba.
In 1920, the 16th Regiment is organized at Philadelphia for potential duty in Haiti or Santo Domingo.
In 1928, in Nicaragua a Marine and Guardia patrol has a running battle with Sandinistas along the Cua River.
Two Marines are killed in driving off the much more numerous enemy.
In 1942, Marine Barracks, Fleet Air Base Iceland is established.
In 1945, In another large-scale kamikaze attack off Okinawa, the Bunker Hill is hit by two planes and is severely damaged.
Her two Marine squadrons (VMF_221 and 451) suffer 29 dead.
TAF Marines Pilots shoot down 19 enemy, with Lieutenants Edward C. Keeley and Lawrence N. Crawley (both of VMF-323) getting four each.
The Tenth Army launches a coordinated offensive all along its front.
The 5th Marines wipes out the final enemy resistance in the Awacha Pocket.
In 1966, for the first time in history, jet aircraft launch from a land-based catapult in combat.
Four Skyhawks of VMA-311 take off from the field at Chu Lai, using just 1,400 feet of the 8,000 foot runway.
In 1971, the 2nd Combined Action Group is deactivated in Vietnam, bringing the CAP program to an end.
In 1978, Margaret A. Brewer becomes the first female Brigadier General in the Marine Corps.
In 1989, following General Manuel Noriega’s refusal to recognize the results of elections in his country, the United States deploys additional forces to U.S. bases there.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!