Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 30th and penultimate day of October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1920, Commandant Lejeune approves a new table of organization for aviation that includes four squadrons (designated 1st through 4th), each composed of two smaller units to be known as flights.
In 1943, two companies of the 2nd Parachute Battalion attack and destroy a Japanese barge staging point on the coast.
In 1944, the 5th Marines and the last elements of the 7th Marines depart Peleliu for Pavuvu.
Marine casualties for the operation total 1,336 dead or missing and 5,450 wounded.
Losses among Navy personnel serving with Marine units are 61 killed and 249 wounded.
In 1949, DOD announces that a number of Navy ships will be placed in mothballs in line with plans to reduce Navy and Marine Corps personnel by nearly 55,000 by 1 July 1950.
To accommodate the reductions, Marine infantry battalions shrink to two rifle companies of two rifle platoons each.
In 1952, A Korean Presidential Citation was awarded to the Marine Advisory Group with the Korean Marine Advisory Team.
HMR-161 sets a record with 365 aerial medical evacuations (medevacs) in October.
1st MAW flew its second-highest monthly total of sorties of the war with 3,765, of which 36 percent are dedicated to close air support.
In 1956, following the Israeli invasion of the Sinai Peninsula the day prior, RLT-2 goes on alert for possible deployment to reinforce 3/2 in the Mediterranean.
The alert for RLT-2 ends on 27 November.
In 1963, HMM-162 arrives in Port-au-Prince Bay on board the Thetis Bay to deliver food and supplies to hurricane-stricken areas of southern Haiti.
In 1970, the last of the Marine Corps amphibious artillery units is deactivated when the 4th Armored Amphibian Company furls its flag.
Activated in 1952, the company was the only remaining one of its kind.
In 1979, about 200 armed leftists attack the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador.
The Marine security detachment holds them at bay with tear gas and warning shots until local authorities restore order.
Two Marines are wounded.
In 1982, the 32nd MAU is relieved by the 24th MAU (BLT3/8, HMM-263, and MSSG-24).
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!