Originally Posted May 4, 2024
Good morning, Leathernecks, and on this the 4th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1898, Congress increases the permanent strength of the Marine Corps by 473 men and provides for an additional 43 officers and 1,580 men for temporary service during the war. With Spain.
The Commandant is elevated again to the rank of brigadier general.
In 1927, former U.S. Secretary of War Henry Stimson negotiates the Peace of Tipitapa between liberal and conservative factions in Nicaragua.
The terms call for all parties to surrender their arms (for a bounty) to the Marines, who will set up a national constabulary and supervise free elections in 1928.
Augusto Sandino and some of his Liberal followers reject the peace agreement.
In 1944, the last elements of the 1st Marine Division sail for Pavuvu.
Marine casualties for the New Britain campaign totaled 275 dead and 948 wounded.
Losses among Navy Personnel serving with Marine units are 12 killed and 30 wounded.
The 12th Defense Battalion remains on New Britain.
In 1945, the Japanese launch a major daylight counterattack against XXIV Corps and continue into the night, but the Marines and soldiers defeat it and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.
On Guam, the 52nd Defense Battalion arrives on the island.
In 1946, Marines assist civilian police in putting down a prison riot in the federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay.
In 1949, VMF-211 arrives in the United States from its duty in Chines waters.
It eventually settles at MCAS Edenton, North Carolina.
In 1950, the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines (Reinforced) departs Morehead City to become the landing force for the Sixth Fleet.
It is scheduled to remain at sea until 18 August.
In 1959, RLT3, MAG-12, and the Korean Marine Corps’ RLT2 conduct amphibious training in Korea.
The exercise continues through 9 May.
In 1963, BLT (2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines) while on a training cruise in the Caribbean, takes station off the coast of Haiti during political unrest there.
It remains in the area for 5 days.
In 1966, during the period 4 through 7 May, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4), and the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4) participated in OPERATION CHEROKEE, a search and destroy operation in the Thua Thien Province.
In 1968, during the period 4 through 24 August, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7), 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7), 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (3/7), 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), 1st Battalion, 26th Marines (1/26), the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions, 27th Marines (1/27, 2/27, 3/27), and the 2nd Battalion, 13th Marines (2/13) participated in OPERATION ALLEN BROOK, an operation on the Go Noi Island in the southern Quang Nam Province.
In 1993, Lieutenant General Johnston passes command of OPERATION RESTORE HOPE to Turkish General Cevik Bir, as the U.S. role in the effort shrinks.
The last I MEF Marines depart Somalia.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!