Originally Posted May 25, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 25th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1775, the first recorded mention of American Marines appears in an account describing eight Connecticut Marines escorting pay for troops to Albany, New York, for further shipment to Ticonderoga.
These Marines are often referred to as the “Original Eight.”
In 1885, the last Marine forces depart Panama following the arrival of Colombian troops to restore government control.
In 1935, the Chief of Naval Operations approves use of the draft manual for landing operations created by the Marine Corps Schools in 1934.
In 1942, Companies C and D of the 2nd Raider Battalion and the 37mm antiaircraft battery of the 3rd Defense Battalion arrive in Midway to reinforce the garrison.
In 1945, Marine fighters from TAF claim 39 of 75 Jase planes downed in aerial combat during a mass kamikaze attack on Okinawa.
Captain Herbert J. Valentine is credited with five kills and Lieutenant William Farrell gets four.
In 1949, Shanghai falls to Communist forces.
In 1953, the 1st Marines and division reconnaissance company move up toward the MLR as a reserve force during extremely heavy Chinese attacks in and around the Nevada Cities complex.
VMA-121, 212, and 323 fly numerous missions in support of the 25th Division, while the 11th Marines and 1st Tank Battalion add their weight to the battle.
To avoid greater casualties, Eighth Army gives up these hotly contested outposts on 29 May.
In 1955, the final elements of the 1st Marine Division depart Korea for Camp Pendleton.
In 1961, President Kennedy requests funds from Congress so that manning in the Marine Corps can increase from 175,000 to 190,000.
In 1966, during the period 25 through 28 May, the 17th Marines, the ARVN 5th Regiment, and the VNMC 5th Battalion participated in OPERATION MOBILE, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Ngai. Province.
In other news, Marine fire drives off five Cuban soldiers who had infiltrated into the Guantanamo base.
In 1967, during the period 25 May through 5 June, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5), 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5), 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7), 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7), and the ARVN 6th Regiment participated in OPERATION UNION II, a search and destroy operation to entrap the NVA 3rd and 21st Regiments north of Tam Ky in the Quang Nam. Province.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!