Originally Posted May 22, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 22nd day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
1912, Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham reports for pilot training at the Navy’s flying school at Annapolis, Maryland.
This marks the birth of Marine aviation.
In 1917, Congress authorizes expansion of the Marine Corps to 1,323 officers and 30,000 enlisted.
In 1946, in one of the rare instances of fighting involving Marines since the onset of the truce in China, Communist forces clash with a 1st Marines patrol near Tienstin and one Marine is killed.
He is the only fatal combat loss in the first six months of 1946 in China.
Violations of the truce between the Communists and the Nationalists grow more frequent as summer approaches.
In 1956, the CNO and the Commandant agree to a five-year shipbuilding plan that calls for the construction of five helicopter landing ships (LPH) and the conversion of five escort carriers to that class.
In 1968, 1st MAW makes the first use of the North American OV-10A Bronco, a light observation plane.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!