Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 14th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1824, following the detention of a Navy officer in Puerto Rico, Commodore David Porter sends Marines ashore.
They capture the local fort without a shot, spike the guns, and force an apology from the local officials.
In 1846, Perry’s Marines and sailors capture Tampico, Mexico.
In 1888, the steam bark Nipsic’s Marines go ashore at Apia, Samoa, to protect American lives and property during a time of unrest.
In 1936, on the 14th of November through the 16th of November, the 2nd Marine Brigade conducts training with the fleet at San Clemente Island.
In 1942, Japanese troops arrive at Munda Point, New Georgia, in the central Solomons to begin building an airfield.
This will allow Japanese fighter planes to spend more time above Guadalcanal since it is much closer to Henderson Field than existing Japanese bases at Rabaul.
In 1945, Chinese Communist troops fire on a train carrying the 1st Marine Division commander.
In 1947, despite a Soviet boycott, the United Nations approves the establishment of the Korea Commission to hold elections in Korea (currently divided into two zones based on postwar occupation by Soviet forces in the north and American troops in the south).
In 1948, small detachments of Marines move to Peiping and Tientsin to assist in evacuating American citizens desiring to leave before Communist forces overrun those cities.
They remain there for four days.
In 1966, the first four-year Jr. ROTC is commissioned.
In 1967, Major General Bruno A. Hochmuth, commander of the 3rd Marine Division, dies in a helicopter crash near Hue.
In 1973, the Marine Corps adopts the M203 grenade launcher, which is attached under an M-16.
One man in each fireteam will now carry this 40mm weapon and double as a rifleman and grenadier.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!