Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 27th day of September in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1777, the frigate Delaware and her Marines are driven onto a shoal in the Delaware River as they fight with British batteries guarding the approaches to Philadelphia (now occupied by the British).
The ship is captured, but many of the Marines are able to escape.
In 1778, the British ships Experiment and Unicorn engage the Raleigh off the Penobscot River, Maine, and force her aground.
Some of the Marines and sailors escape to shore, but most are captured.
In 1860, the Marine detachment of St. Mary’s lands at Bay of Panama in Colombia to protect Americans and the railroad from revolutionaries.
In 1940, Japan becomes the third Axis power when it signs a military alliance with Germany and Italy.
In 1943, Marine aircraft land at Barakoma Airfield on Vella Lavella and begin operating from that base.
It becomes the home of VMF-212, 215, and 221.
In 1950, elements of the 1st Marines raise the American flag over the U.S. Consulate in Seoul, while the 5th Marines does the same over Korean government buildings in its zone.
Both regiments reach the eastern outskirts of the city.
Except for mopping up, the liberation of the South Korean capital is complete.
President Truman authorizes MacArthur to conduct operations north of the 38th Parallel to destroy the NKPA.
The goal of those operations is to destroy the remaining NKPA, with the likely result of reunifying the country.
In 1951, the division rehearses its plan to bring a reserve company from the rear by helicopter to reinforce any threatened point on its long front.
The night troop movement of 223 men is made in two hours and 20 minutes.
In 1966, the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines (1/26), arrives in Viet Nam.
In 1969, the 3rd Marines terminates a search and clear mission (OPERATION IDAHO CANYON) in the area southwest of Con Thien that has been going on since 17 July.
At a cost of 95 dead and 450 wounded, the regiment killed 565 enemy.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!