Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 2nd day of November in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1861, while in the Atlantic, during the 2nd and 3rd days of November, the transport Governor begins sinking in a gale, and the Marine battalion aboard it transfers to the frigate Sabine.
Only seven of 300 men are lost in this perilous operation.
In 1870, the Brooklyn Navy Yard dispatches 245 Marines to aid local law enforcement in rooting out illegal distilleries in the city.
In 1931, squadron VS-14M reports on board the Saratoga (CV-3), and VS-15M joins the Lexington (CV-2), the first Marine aviation units to deploy with Navy aircraft carriers.
They remain with these ships for three years.
In 1942, a battery each of Marine and Army 155mm guns arrive on Guadalcanal.
In 1943, elements of the 2nd Parachute Battalion make a mortar attack on Japanese installations on Guppy Island off the coast of Choiseul.
Two Navy torpedo boats (one commanded by Lieutenant Junior Grade John F. Kennedy) assist in returning the Marines to their main perimeter.
A Navy task force defeats a Japanese attempt to attack the Bougainville beachhead prior to dawn.
In 1950, NKPA forces attack a Marine patrol near Majon-ni and ambush a Marine convoy bringing supplies to the town.
Losses are 25 killed and 41 wounded.
For the moment, 3/1 is isolated.
The 7th Marines relieves ROK forces near Sudong and begins an advance up a narrow mountain road to the Chosin Reservoir (also known as the Changjin Reservoir).
That night, CCF elements launch strong attacks on the positions of the 7th Marines, but are repulsed.
In 1951, the DOD issues a large draft call of nearly 60,000 men for January.
11,650 will go to the Corps.
In 1959, BLT 1/9, Company H of 2/9, and the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company participate in a winter amphibious exercise in Alaska.
The training continues through 10 December.
In 1962, Lieutenant Colonel John Glenn (the first American to orbit the earth and the world’s only septuagenarian astronaut) is the first recipient of the Cunningham Trophy, presented by the First Marine Aviation Force Veterans Association to the outstanding Marine Pilot of the year.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!