Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 25th day of October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1812, near Africa, the United States defeats the British frigate Macedonian, but entirely by long-range firepower, thus leaving little role for the Marines to play.
In 1876, In commemoration of Marine service with the U.S. Army in the Mexican War, the Navy Department authorizes the Corps to adopt the motto “Per Mare, Per Terram” (By sea, By land”).
In 1915, after a hiatus at Norfolk, Virginia, the Marine Recruit Training Depot returns to Port Royal, South Carolina, which is officially turned over to the Marine Corps by the Navy a few days later.
In 1918, the 2nd Division is reassigned to the U.S. First Army.
In 1944, 1/8 assumes responsibility for mopping up Tinian when the rest of the 8th Marines departs for Saipan.
In 1945, MAG-12 (VMF-115, 211, and 218) flight echelons arrive at Peiping.
MAG-22 at Sasebo is returned to naval operational control by Fifth Air Force.
In 1951, for the first time, a flight of corsairs on a mission over North Korea encounters enemy MIG jets.
In 1966, during the period 1 October through 25 October the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines participated in Operation Kern, a Search and Destroy mission in Quang Ngai Province, RVN.
In 1968, during the period 25 October through 31 October, during OPERATION SEA DRAGON the US Navy and the Royal Australian Navy conducted an interdiction of sea lines of communication and supply from North Vietnam to South Vietnam.
In 1973, U.S. forces worldwide are placed on heightened alert following a Soviet threat to send troops to the Middle East.
Later in the day tensions are reduced as an Arab-Israeli ceasefire takes hold.
The alert is canceled a few days later.
The 4th MAB, composed of BLTs 2/6 and 3/6 and HMM-261 and 264, is deployed in the Mediterranean during this time.
In 1983, 22nd MAU, Army Rangers, and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division invade the island of Grenada to rescue over 1,000 Americans from factional fighting.
Three Marine aviators die during the operation, which winds up on2 November.
Navy ships and Marine amphibian tractors and helicopters allow the MAU to secure a substantial portion of the Island.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!