Originally Posted October 31, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, it’s Halloween! And on this the 31st and final day of October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1803, the frigate Philadelphia runs aground while pursuing a small cargo ship and surrenders when surrounded by Tripolitan gunboats. Her crew and Marines are imprisoned and the ship brought into the harbor after a storm floats her off the sandbar.
In 1833, Marines and sailors from a U.S. Navy squadron go ashore to protect American lives and property in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In 1876, Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, the 7th Commandant of the Marine Corps, left office.
In 1919, Sergeant Herman Hanneken and Corporal William R. Button (respectively a gendarmerie Captain and Lieutenant) use a ruse to get their patrol into Peralte’s camp and kill him.
In 1929, Commandant Neville initiates a “New Reserve” policy, which merges the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve and Volunteer Reserves into battalions and regiments, with participants bearing all costs on their own and receiving no drill pay.
In 1942, on this day and the next, elements of VMF-211 and VMSB-132 reach Henderson Field on Guadalcanal.
In 1943, the 22nd Marines is detached from the Defense Force, Samoan Group, and assigned to VAC.
In 1945, Marine Air Support Group 42 (formerly MBDAG-42) and MAG-41 (formerly MBDAG-41) are deactivated, as is VMO-4.
In 1955, Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, who earned five Navy Crosses (and 1 Army Distinguished Service Cross), retired as a Lieutenant General.
In 1968, President Johnson orders a complete halt to the bombing of North Vietnam.
In 1969, MAG-39 is deactivated in Vietnam.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!