History of Our Corps – November 7

Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 7th day of November in the history of our beloved Corps:

In 1775, the Lee (Washington’s fleet) and her Marines recapture the sloop Ranger in Massachusetts Bay.

In 1827, the Warren’s Marines and sailors go ashore at Andros, Greece, to capture pirate ships.

In 1921, President Warren Harding directs the Marine Corps to provide personnel to guard the U.S. mail following a rash of robberies.

          Fifty-three officers and 2,200 enlisted men are assigned until the following March.

In 1941, the Marine Corps Reserve of 23 Battalions completed its mobilization.

In 1942, the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve is authorized by the Commandant, although actual enlistments are not taken until February 1943.

In 1943, a Japanese battalion lands from destroyers just west of the Marine perimeter and attacks.

          Artillery and Marines of 3/9 and 1/3 turn back the enemy at the Koromokina River on Bougainville.

          During the period 7 November through 10 November, the 2nd and 3rd Raider Battalions and elements of the 9th Marines battle for control of the Piva Trail, the only route into or out of the jungle-choked eastern end of the Bougainville perimeter.

          Marine dive bombers support the final attack on Piva Village on 10 November.

In 1944, MAG-24 and 32 and VMSB-133,142,236, 241, 243, 244, and 341 are assigned to the operational control of the Fifth Air Force for the upcoming Luzon campaign.

In 1955, during the period 7 November through 18 November, the 1st Marine Division and 3rd MAW participate in a major fleet training exercise (PACTRAEX 56L) at Camp Pendleton.

          Opposition forces are provided by Force Troops.

In 1965, BLT 2/7 boards ships and permanently departs the II Corps Zone, rejoining its parent regiment at Chu Lai a few days later.

          during the period 7 November through 10 November a BLT (2nd Battalion 7th Marines) and the 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines, VNMC participated in OPERATION BLUE MARLIN, an amphibious operation near Tam Ky, in Quảng Tín Province.

          the first annual Marine Corps Marathon is held in Washington, D.C.

In 1968, during the period 7 November through 13 November Marines of the 1st Battalion, 13th Marines and the 1st and 3rd Battalions, of the 26th Marines participated in OPERATION NICOLIET BAY, a search and clear operation in Quảng Nam Province.

In 1969, the last significant elements of the 3rd Marine Division sail for Okinawa.

          The 1st Marines terminates Operation Pipestone Canyon in Dodge City and Go Noi Island areas south of DaNang.

          Underway since 26 May, it resulted in 488 enemy dead at a cost of 54 Marines killed and 540 wounded.

          I MEF is established on Okinawa to command all FMF units in Japan and Okinawa.

Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!

-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC

And damn proud of it!