Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 8th day of September in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1858, Marines on board the sloop Marion participate in the capture of a ship supporting the slave trade off Africa.
In 1863, a force of seven officers and 127 enlisted Marines joins about 400 sailors in launching a night attack in boats on Fort Sumpter in Charleston harbor. The assault is repulsed with significant losses, including 44 Marines killed, wounded, or captured.
In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaims a limited national emergency.
Roosevelt orders an increase in the strength of the Marine Corps to 25,000 enlisted men. He also authorizes the recall of retired officers and enlisted.
In 1942, the 1st Raider Battalion and attached 1st Parachute Battalion conduct an amphibious raid at Tasimboko and defeat the rear echelon of the Kawaguchi Brigade.
Elements of the 3rd Barrage Balloon Squadron arrive on Tulagi.
In 1943, Italy surrenders to the Allies.
German forces subsequently occupy and defend much of the peninsula.
In 1944, the 10th Defense Battalion relieves the 51st Defense Battalion in the Ellice Islands.
The 51st moves forward to Eniwetok Atoll.
In 1949, ********Annie E, Graham becomes the first black female to enlist in the Marine Corps.********
In 1954, the United States, Australia, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand sign a collective defense treaty (known as the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) or SEATO.
In 1955, Lieutenant General William O. Brice assumes command of FMFPAC.
He is the first aviator to command this organization since General Geiger.
In 1958, elements of MAG-11 deploy from Japan to Taiwan to reinforce the island’s air defenses after Communist China begins a heavy bombardment of the Nationalist-held islands of Quemoy and Little Quemoy off the coast of mainland China.
In 1966, during the period 8 through 14 September, the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4) participated in OPERATION PAWNEE II, a search and destroy operation in the Thua Thien Province.
During the 8th of September, the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (3/1) participated in OPERATION SEASIDE, a search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.
During the period 8 through 17 September, , A single Marine battalion participated in OPERATION FRESNO, a search and destroy operation in the Mo Duc District south of Quang Ngai. They became a participant in OPERATION GOLDEN FLEECE 7-1 to protect the rice crop.
The other mission of the operation concerned the Vietnamese national elections.
In 1983, in another escalation of the fighting, Marines call in naval gunfire from the frigate Bowen (FF-1079) to silence a militia artillery battery in the Shouf Mountains above the airport.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!