Good morning, Leathernecks, and on this the 3rd day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1896, in response to continuing problems in Nicaragua, Marines from the Alert move ashore at Corinto.
In 1927, Brigadier General Smedley Butler, his 3rd Brigade headquarters, the recently organized 6th Regiment, and VMF-3M arrive at Shanghai to reinforce the 4th Regiment.
In 1944, VMF-115 is the first flight element of MAG-12 to arrive on Emirau.
In 1945, the 1st Marine Division launches its first attacks against the Shuri Line on Okinawa.
In 1949, the 8th Marines sails from Morehead City to assume the mission of landing force for the Sixth Fleet.
It will remain afloat until 26 September.
In 1952, star Boston Red Sox baseball player Ted S. Williams is recalled to active duty.
He will serve in Korea flying Panther jets with VMF-311.
He is not the only major league star to serve.
Jerry Coleman of the New York Yankees switched from his World War II Dauntless to the Corsair and flies 63 missions in Korea.
In 1960, the 1st Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion (1stLAAM) is activated as part of Force Troops at 29 Palms.
It is armed with the HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) missile.
In 1898, Admiral William P. Sampson’s fleet and its assigned Marines shell the Spanish fortress at Santiago, Cuba.
In 1910, Major Butler and two companies of Marines arrive at Bluefields from Panama and remain there until early September.
In 1930, Captain Arthur H. Page wins the Curtiss Marine Trophy Race at Anacostia Naval Air Station in the District of Columbia.
In 1945, the 1st Marine Division cleans out final enemy resistance in Wana Draw on Okinawa.
In 1947, MAG-25, MAG-31, VMR-253, VMF(N)-534, VMJ-952, and 953 are deactivated.
In 1951, the new Uniform Code of Military Justice replaces separate Army-Air Force and Navy-Marine legal systems.
In 1952, VMA-334 is reactivated at Miami.
In 1955, MAG-33 returns from Korea to El Toro following five years in the Far East.
In 1898, Admiral William P. Sampson’s fleet and its assigned Marines shell the Spanish fortress at Santiago, Cuba.
In 1910, Major Butler and two companies of Marines arrive at Bluefields from Panama and remain there until early September.
In 1930, Captain Arthur H. Page wins the Curtiss Marine Trophy Race at Anacostia Naval Air Station in the District of Columbia.
In 1945, the 1st Marine Division cleans out final enemy resistance in Wana Draw on Okinawa.
In 1947, MAG-25, MAG-31, VMR-253, VMF(N)-534, VMJ-952, and 953 are deactivated.
In 1951, the new Uniform Code of Military Justice replaces separate Army-Air Force and Navy-Marine legal systems.
In 1952, VMA-334 is reactivated at Miami.
In 1955, MAG-33 returns from Korea to El Toro following five years in the Far East.
In 1967, during the period 3 through 7 May, the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines participated in OPERATION GULF, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.
Lieutenant General Robert E. Cushman takes over III MAF in place of Lieutenant General Walt.
In 1969, during OPERATION MAINE CRAG, the 3rd Marines search and destroy operation south of Khe Sanh, begun on 15 March, results in 157 enemy killed.
Marine losses are 21 dead and 134 wounded.
In 1970, HMM-365 and a company of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines are ordered to South America to conduct disaster relief operations after an earthquake.
They proceed there on the Guam (LPH-9).
For 11 days Marines and sailors deliver food and medical supplies and evacuate the injured.
In 1984, Bell Aerospace Textron rolls out the first landing craft air-cushion (LCAC) in New Orleans.
The Navy hover craft will bring new speed and range to amphibious operations.
In 1985, the 1st LAV Battalion is activated at Camp Pendleton.
In 1989, a CH-46 crashes during a night flight off the Denver (LPD-9), killing 13 Marines and 1 corpsman.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!