Originally Posted October 8, 2024
Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 8th day of October in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1846, on the 8th and 9th days of October Marines participate in the overland movement from San Pedro to retake Los Angeles, but the small expedition retires to San Pedro and its ships after small skirmishes.
In 1899, in conjunction with Army forces in the Philippines, the Second Marine Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel George F. Elliot assaults the rebel stronghold of Novaleta and takes it with the assistance of naval gunfire from the gunboat Petrel (PG-2).
In 1918, the brigade takes the village of St. Etienne, its last objective beyond Mont Blanc.
In 1927, the Boeing O2B-1 (a metal-fuselage version of the DH-4) of Lieutenant Earl A. Thomas and Sergeant Frank E Dowdell crashes on Sapotillal Ridge in the rough hinterland of Nueva Segovia province.
The accompanying aircraft observes the men exit the wreckage alive, but they are later captured and killed by the Sandanistas.
In 1943, Major General Vandegrift reassumes command of I MAC following the accidental death of Major General Barrett.
In 1944, MBDAG-45 arrives from the States with the mission of protecting this vital anchorage.
In 1945, a typhoon strikes Okinawa and damages many 1st MAW planes over the next two days.
In 1949, the Fifth Air Force assumes operational control of 1st MAW and begins to dictate how its sorties will be used. WTF does the Fifth Air Force know about “close air support”?
In 1964, HMM-365 replaces HMM-364 as the Shufly force.
In 1966, during the period 8 October through 15 October, Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines participated in OPERATION KENT, a search and destroy mission in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam.
During the period 8 October through 4 December, the 4th Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment participated in OPERATION WINCHESTER, a search and destroy operation to relieve the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines (2/26) and to occupy and maintain control of an assigned sector of the Da Nang TAOR.
In 1968, the 1st Marine Division and the 1st Marine Aeronautic Wing were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation in Da Nang, Vietnam.
In 1987, with just 48 hours’ notice Contingency MAGTF I-88 is formed and sails on board the Okinawa (LPH-3).
Its mission is to relieve the detachment of 24th MAU on duty in Iran in the Persian Gulf.
CM 1-88 remains on station until replaced by CM 2-88 on 20 February 1988.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!