Originally Posted May 7, 2024
Good morning, Leathernecks, and on this the 7th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1779, the sloop Providence and her Marines defeat the British brig Diligent off Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
In 1846, Lieutenant Gillespie completes a hazardous journey through dangerous country and contacts army Captain John C. Fremont and his expedition near Klamath Lake, Oregon.
In 1873, Marines and sailors from the steamers Pensacola and Tuscarora land at the Bay of Panama in Colombia, to protect American lives and property during a period of political unrest.
In 1918, General Pershing orders Brigadier General Charles A. Doyen home for health reasons and gives command of the 4th Marine Brigade to the AEF chief of staff, Army Brigadier General James G. Harbord.
In 1942, Japanese and U.S. carrier planes attack each other’s fleets in the Coral Sea.
Although U.S. forces sustain slightly higher losses, they forestall Japan’s planned invasion of Port Moresby, New Guinea.
The Battle of the Coral Sea is the first major sea engagement conducted entirely by air.
In 1945, the 1st Marine Division returns to IIIAC control. VMO-7 begins to arrive on Okinawa.
Admiral King approves “Base Post-War Plan No. 1,” which calls for an FMF in the Pacific theater consisting of a Marine division and aircraft wing in California and a brigade and aircraft group in the western Pacific.
In 1954, Communist Viet Minh forces complete the seizure of the French base at Dien Bien Phu in northern Viet Nam.
This military failure weakens the French will to continue the fight and strengthens the hand of the Communists in the Geneva Conference.
In Geneva, Switzerland, France, the Viet Minh, the United States, Communist China and other parties meet to discuss the means of restoring peace in Indochina.
In 1965, the 3rd MAB (RLT4, MAG-12, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 10) begins landing in Chu Lai on the coast about 50 miles south of Da Nang.
The MAB will construct an expeditionary airfield there.
In 1971, the 3rd MAB ceases ground and fixed-wing combat operations in Vietnam.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!