Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 25th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1855, the Germantown’s Marine detachment goes ashore in Uruguay to guard the U.S. consulate during a revolution.
The Marines spend a week there and prevent a massacre of insurgents who surrender to the Uruguayan army.
In 1917, Marine detachments sail from Chesapeake Bay on board the battleships sent to reinforce the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet in British waters.
In 1943, the VAC Reconnaissance Company completes its conquest of Apamama Atoll.
In 1945, 2/21 arrives to occupy the island, formerly the main Japanese fleet base in the Pacific.
The battalion will garrison the key naval installation and repatriate Japanese troops.
In 1950, the 7th Marines reaches Yudam-ni, a village west of the Chosin Reservoir.
Charlie and Fox Company of the 7th each hold outposts in Toktong Pass, about halfway between Hagaru-ri and Yudam-ni.
An Army battalion relieves the 5th Marines east of the Chosin Reservoir and the regiment begins to move through Hagaru-ri and up toward Yudam-ni.
Chinese forces attack II ROK Corps on the right flank of the Eighth Army (in center country, about 70 miles west of Yudam-ni) and practically destroy it.
In 1958, the Marine Corps grade structure was revised to make room for additional ranks (E8/E9).
In 2001, during Operation Enduring Freedom, the 15th MEU(SOC) elements begin landing in Afghanistan more than 400 miles from the coast and take control of Forward Operation Base (FOB) Rhino.
Marine air and ground forces begin patrolling the region in search of Taliban and Al Qaida fighters.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!