Originally Posted May 5, 2024
Good morning, Leathernecks, and on this the 5th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1916, two companies of Marines from Haiti on board the Prairie and the detachment of the Castine (Gunboat No. 6) go ashore at Santo Domingo City to protect the U.S. Legation during a revolt.
Additional Marines follow during the month.
Their ultimate mission is to support the U.S. policy of establishing an effective government for Santo Domingo following years of instability.
In 1919, Marine Headquarters moves to the new Navy Building on Constitution Avenue.
In 1922, the Marine detachments of the Asiatic Fleet land at Tienstin for possible duty in Peking.
The crisis soon passes, and they return to their ships.
The air facility at Quantico is named Brown Field in honor of 2nd Lieutenant Walter V. Brown, killed in a crash during a training exercise on 9 June 1921.
In 1942, a Japanese regiment lands on Corregidor.
The reserve elements of the 4th Marines counterattack, but are unable to defeat the enemy.
General Wainwright surrenders the island on the second day.
Colonel Samuel L. Howard, commander of the 4th Marines, orders the national and regimental colors burned to prevent them from falling into Japanese hands.
Total Marine casualties during the Philippines campaign are 331 killed and 357 wounded.
Another 239 will die while prisoners of war.
In 1944, the Marine Corps promulgates the new F-series tables of organization for its divisions.
The main changes include enlargement of the rifle squad from 12 to 13 and the adoption of the four-man fire team, removal of the amphibian tractor battalion, deletion of the infantry battalion weapons company (with its machine guns and mortars dispersed to other companies), and abolition of the engineer regiments (though not its component engineer and pioneer battalions).
The divisions implement the changes over the coming months.
VMF-523 is formed at Cherry Point.
In 1945, on Okinawa, the 1st Marine Division reaches its initial objective, the northern banks of the Asa River.
The Tenth Army orders IIIAC to assume responsibility for the right half of the Shuri front lines by 7 May.
In 1951, despite strong opposition from the Navy and Army, the Senate unanimously passes a bill calling for a 400,000-man ceiling for the Corps and giving the Commandant a non-voting seat on the JCS when issues arise concerning the Corps.
Soon after, the House votes 253-30 for a bill giving the Corps a strength of 300,000 and the Commandant full membership in the JCS.
Both bills die when Congress adjourns its session without being able to reach a compromise.
In 1960, at the request of the Vietnamese government, the United States agrees to more than double the number of military advisors to 685.
In 1961, President Kennedy announces he is considering using U.S. forces, if necessary, to aid South Vietnam in resisting Communist aggression.
A helicopter from HMR(L)-262 retrieves America’s first man in space, Commander Alan B. Shepherd, from the ocean and deposits him and his Mercury capsule on the deck of the Lake Champlain.
In 1968, in a miniature repeat of the Tet offensive, Communist forces launch rocket and mortar attacks against 119 towns and cities.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!