Originally Posted October 18, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 18th day of October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1799, Marines participate in the action between the revenue cutter Pickering and the French privateer L’Egypt Conquise off the island of Guadeloupe.
In 1800, the Marines paid a tribute to the Dey of Algiers.
In 1812, the 17 Marines on the sloop Wasp help defeat the British sloop Frolic southwest of Bermuda.
Later that same day the American warship, as it tends to the battered Frolic, is captured by the British ship of the line Poictiers.
In 1845, Lieutenant Archibald H. Gillespie receives orders from the President to prepare for a mission to California.
In 1859, Marine Barracks 8th and I dispatches a company to put down an insurrection launched by John Brown at Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, in what was then Virginia.
The force is led by Army Colonel Robert E. Lee, then home on leave in Arlington.
In 1867, Marines officially raise the U.S. flag over newly purchased Alaska at Sitka.
In 1942, Vice Admiral William F. Halsey replaces Ghormley in command of the South Pacific Area.
In 1945, Marines guarding the rail lines to Peiping kill six Chinese Communist soldiers firing at their train.
In 1947, Colonel Katherine A. Towle reports for duty as the Director of Women Marines and is the first to head the regular female component of the Corps.
In 1958, BLT 2/6 and the headquarters of the 6th Marines depart, ending the deployment of U.S. combat forces to Lebanon.
In 1966, on these the 18th through the 30th days of October, Marines of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines participate in Operation Dewey, a search and destroy operation in the Quảng Tín Province.
In 1982, the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) is announced as the replacement for the venerable jeep.
The Corps will take its first deliveries in late 1985.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!