Good morning Leathernecks!
The real “Columbus Day”
Quick pop-quiz for all you maggots:
Who coined the phrase “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”?
When was it written?
Who was it written for?
And on this the 12th day of October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1800, Who knew? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah, frigate.
Marines on board the frigate Boston assist in defeating the French corvette Le Berceau in the Atlantic Ocean.
Neither ship was aware that a peace agreement recently had been signed between the two nations.
In 1917, the Advance Base Force aviation unit at Philadelphia is divided into the 1st Marine Aviation Squadron and the first Marine Aeronautic Company.
In 1920, elements of the 4th Regiment help fight a severe fire in Santiago, Santo Domingo.
In 1944, the assault phase of the Peleliu operation is declared over, but IIIAC continues to control the battle to reduce the Umurbrogol Pocket.
Marine Brigadier General Harold D. Campbell and his Island Command assume responsibility for the remainder of Peleliu.
Among his forces is the 12th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion.
In 1945, aircraft of VMO-6 land at an airfield near Tsingtao.
In 1947, Corregidor Island is formally returned to control of the Republic of the Philippines.
In 1949, Congress passes the Career Compensation Act.
Among other provisions, it turns the existing enlisted pay grade structure on its head.
Henceforth privates are E-1s and master sergeants E-7s, instead of the other way around.
In 1960, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company begins to deploy elements as part of the transplacement rotation of units to Okinawa.
In 1970, Retired Master Sergeant Paul Woyshner dies at the age of 75.
Creator of many early recruiting posters, he coined the motto “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” for the Marine Corps League in 1917.
In 2000, a boat bomb blasts a hole in the side of the destroyer Cole (DDG-67), killing 17 sailors and injuring 39.
The 13th MEU(SOC) and elements of 2nd FAST deploy to secure the ship in the harbor of Aden, Yemen.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!