Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 5th day of September in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1776, the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress decrees the first uniform for Marines (green coats faced with white, white trousers, and a single silver epaulette for officers).
In 1912, more than 300 Marines and sailors from the cruiser Colorado (CA-7) land at Corinto.
In 1913, the Buffalo’s Marines aid in evacuating American citizens from Ciaris Estero, Mexico, during a time of civil strife.
In 1918, the Commandant directs formation of the 5th Marine Brigade headquarters at Quantico. The 11th and 13th Regiments and the 5th Machine Gun Battalion are assigned to it.
Marines paraded with the Royal Marines in Rosyth, Scotland.
In 1928, in a swap of designations, the utility squadron in Quantico becomes VO-6M, while the old VO-6M in Nicaragua becomes VJ-6M.
In 1939, the U.S. proclaims its neutrality in the war in Europe.
In 1942, Australians halted an attempt to invade Milne Bay in New Guinea.
In 1944, MAG-51 moves from Oak Grove, North Carolina, to Mojave, California.
In 1950, the 5th Marines, halt their attack just short of Obong-ni Ridge, in preparation for a return to the coast to embark for the Inchon landing.
Before the regiment can disengage, it has to defeat a determined NKPA counterattack in the afternoon.
That night an Army regiment takes over the positions of the Marines and the brigade begins a movement to Pusan.
In 1959, RLT 9 and elements of MAG-16, organized as the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, sail from Okinawa to serve as the first landing force of the Seventh Fleet, stationed in the western Pacific.
In 1960, Lt. Colonel Thomas H. Miller sets a new world speed record of 1,216.78 miles per hour over a 500-kilometer course in a McDonnell F4H-1 Phantom II.
In 1965, during the period 5 through 7 September, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7) participated in OPERATION STOMP, a search and destroy operation in the Ky-Son Mountains, 16 Km north of Qui Nhon, in the Binh Dinh Province.
In 1966, during the period 4 through 15 September, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5), 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), and the 2/6, 3/6, and 4/6 ARVN battalions participated in OPERATION NAPA/LIEN KET 56, northwest of Tam Ky.
In 1968, Typhoon Bess strikes I Corps Zone with 50-knot winds and heavy rain.
Operations are suspended for two days and defensive positions are washed out.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!