Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 14th day of October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1917, the first Marine Aeronautic Company deploys to Cape May, New Jersey, and specializes in seaplanes.
They will prepare for duty in the Azores.
In 1918, Captain Robert S. Lytle leads Squadron 9 in the 1st Marine Aviation’s first independent mission.
The five DH-4s and three DH-9As drop 2,218 pounds of bombs on the German-held rail yards at Tielt, Belgium.
Lieutenant Ralph Talbot and his observer, Corporal Robert G. Robinson, shoot down two enemy planes before landing their crippled plane. Both men later received the Medal of Honor.
In 1942, Japanese planes and artillery bomb and shell Henderson Field by day, then two cruisers bombard the airstrip that night.
In 1944, VMSB-144 is redesignated VMTB-144.
In 1950, MAG-12 began operations out of Wonsan Airfield in North Korea.
In 1965, First Lieutenant Billy Mills wins the gold medal in the 10,000-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics.
In 1966, on this the 14th through the 16th days of October, Marines participate in a joint-service task force airlifting food to victims of Hurricane Inez in Tampico, Mexico.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!