Marine Corps History during the month of november

Nov 1

1812 - Marines participated in the capture of the British ship -Argo' by the U.S. frigate -Congress', off the Western Islands.

1827 - Marines and seamen from the U.S. sloop -Warren' landed and burned -Miconi', a pirate town in the Cyclades Islands.

1847 - Marines took part in the unopposed expedition to Todos Santos in Lower California, which returned to San Jose on 7 November.

1876 - Commandant Jacob Zeilin retired from office. Colonel Charles G. McCawley was appointed the eighth Commandant of the Marine Corps.

1906 - The 1st Provisional Regiment was assigned to duty with the Army of Cuban Pacification.

1918 - The 4th Marine Brigade participated in the action at Meuse-Argonne.

On the Western Front, in the vicinity of Sommerance, at 0330, supplied by three artillery brigades, a 2-hour artillery preparation was laid down. This was followed by a 10-minute standing barrage. The attack by the Marine Infantry was made at 0530. In order that the Marines might follow closely behind the barrage, the rate of advance of the barrage was fixed at 100 yards in 4 minutes on favorable ground, and 8 minutes in more difficult country.

The enemy had considerable artillery, set up in many small ravines along the terrain ahead. Immediately before and after the jump-off, the Boche countered to an appreciable extent, causing casualties. Each regiment, using its first battalion, started of with two companies in line, one in support and one attached to the liaison detachment. The other two battalions followed in the same order, with a battalion interval of about 100 yards. Guns of the Sixth Machine Gun Battalion were distributed among the two regiments. On the attainment of the phase objectives, the battalions following were to pass through the front and continue the attack, retaining the echelon order of front, support, and reserve.

Each attacking battalion had five tanks assigned to it to break up machine-gun resistance and otherwise assist in operations. Gas, aviation, balloon, and special-weapons units were assigned to the division to carry out specific missions. During the whole first kilometer of the advance the enemy offered a fierce resistance with artillery and machine-gun fire. By following the barrage closely, the troops succeeded in taking the hill just south of the Landres et St. Georges-St. Georges road which proved to be one of the enemy's principle lines of resistance. A hot machine-gun nest, located in a small patch of woods just south of St. Georges (apparently untouched by the tremendous American artillery fire) offered tiff opposition before yielding.

Rapidly and successfully the three phases of the first day's objective were reached: St. Georges and Landres et St. Georges, 0800; Landresville, 0830; Chennery, 0900; Bayonville et Chennery, 1100; Hill 300, 1430; and, by dark, the line of exploitation was attained. This line ran from the south side of the Bois de la Folie in the west, through Hill 313 in the center, to the southern outskirts of Barricourt in the east. Because the Eightieth Division on the left had not moved ahead parallel with the attack of the Second Division, considerable damaging fire came into the exposed left flank of the 6th Marines during the course of the day.

At one time the rear battalions of the 6th Marines had to cross over the division boundary line to clear the woods between Sivry and the Fontaine de Parades in order to preserve the integrity of the Second Division's left flank. The advance of the Second Division on the first day resulted in a break through the Freya position at Bayonville, and, as a result, presented the First American Army with many opportunities. During the night of 1-2 November, the Third Brigade was to pass through the Marine Brigade and continue the advance to the Nouart-Fosse line 3 kilometers northward, but was diverted to attempt a move through the left flank and capture the town of Buxancy. Liaison difficulties with the Eightieth Division delayed the move; the plan was abandoned.

1941 - The 2d Joint Training Force, commanded by Major General Clayton B. Vogel, was commissioned at Camp Eliot, California. It was composed of the 2d Marine Division and the 3rd Infantry Division, USA, and was the progenitor of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

1942 - Corporal Anthony Casamento received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions with D/1/5 on Guadalcanal.

On Guadalcanal, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, advanced east across the base of Koli Point to the Metapona River to investigate reports of Japanese activity there.

1943 - 1st Marine Amphibious Corps landed at Cape Torokina on Bougainville while the 3rd Marine Division landed on Bougainville.

Sergeant Robert A Owens received the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously for actions with the 3rd, Third Marine Division, against enemy forces during landing operations at Cape Torokina, Bougainville.

In the Solomons, the 3rd Raider Battalion, with one reinforced company, assaulted Puruata Island and established a perimeter about 125 yards inland. I Marine Amphibious Corps landed at Cape Torokina on Bougainville; the 3rd Marine Division landed on Bougainville.

1945 - In Japan, control of the 4th Marines at Yokosuka passed from the U.S. Eighth Army to the Commander, U.S. Fleet Activities, Yokosuka. Wake Atoll was commissioned an Island Command and a Naval Air Base.

VMSB-333 was deactivated.

1948 - During November, the Marine Corps published -Amphibious Operations: Employment of Helicopters (Tentative)', its first doctrine on the subject.

1952 - In Korea, a new record was set during October by Helicopter Transport Squadron 161 which evacuated 365 casualties during the month. Fliers of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing flew 3,765 sorties during October, the highest number for any month since the 4,004 sorties recorded in June 1951. Close Air Support missions occupied 36% of the Marine pilots' efforts during October.

VMF(N)-513 gained full operational status following incorporation of upgrades to its F3D-2 Skynight jets. Soon after it assumed responsibility for escorting Air Force B-29 night bombing raids over North Korea.

1961 - Marine Aircraft Group 31 was reactivated during ceremonies at the Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, South Carolina.

A detachment of 18 officers and 33 men from HMR-264 (MAG-26) from MCAF, New River, aided the victims of Hurricane Hattie in British Honduras. They operated eight HUS-1 helicopters, off the aircraft carrier Antietam.

1963 - A military coup organized by the key generals of the Armed Forces against the Diem regime took place in Saigon. President Diem and his brother were assassinated.

1966 - In Vietnam, with the arrival of VMA(AW)-242 at Da Nang, a new fixed-wing type of aircraft, the A-6A "Intruder," was introduced. The Intruder worked effectively in the monsoon weather and could drop its ordnance on a moving target hidden by darkness or weather.

Four Marines from Camp Pendleton, California, died while fighting a brush fire in the Piedro de Lumbre Canyon area.

1967 - In Vietnam, during Operation SCOTLAND, Battalion Landing Team 1/26 reinforced the hard-pressed defenders at Khe Sanh.

Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey visited III MAF at Da Nang where he presented the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer to the 3rd Marine Division.

1969 - With the 3rd Marine Division returning to Okinawa, 9th MAB was deactivated.

1972 - VMA-542 was activated at Beaufort.

1983 - 300 Marines of the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit staged an amphibious and helicopter landing on Carriacou, 15 miles northeast of Grenada, in a search for Cuban military installations 17 Grenadian soldiers were captured, and arms, ammunition, and training sites were found. The next day the 22nd MAU left the Caribbean area and proceeded to Beirut, Lebanon to replace the 24th MAU.

2001 - Operation ENDURING FREEDOM: Task Force 58 was activated in Central Command to control the 15th and 26th MEU(SOC)s.

 
Nov 2

 
1861 - A Marine battalion of 300 men, commanded by Major John C. Reynolds, while embarked on the chartered steamer Governor for Port Royal, South Carolina, was forced to transfer to the frigate USS 'Sabine', as the Governor sank, with all the equipment of the Marines, in a gale off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

1870 - Two hundred forty-five Marines, commanded by LtCol John L. Broome, from the Navy Yard at Brooklyn, New York, assisted revenue agents in raids on illegal distilleries in "Irishtown," Brooklyn.

1918 - On the Western Front, in the Meuse-Argonne Sector, late on November 2, the 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division, relieved elements of the 6th Marines holding the line in the Bois de la Folie, while the 9th Infantry, 2nd Division, moved up from Bayonville and relieved the 5th Marines on the line between Cote 313 and Ferme la Follarde. That night, the 23rd Infantry, in advance guard formation, moved up the road to Fosse. Using the same formation, the 9th Infantry moved northeast over the Buzancy road to Nouart.
1931 - VS14M on the USS Saratoga and VS15M on the USS Lexington were the first carrier based squadrons. VS-14M on the USS Saratoga, and VS-15M on the USS Lexington were the first Marine carrier-based squadrons.

1941 - On Wake Island, the atoll's garrison was augmented by a draft from the parent 1st Defense Battalion at Pearl Harbor, bringing the total Marine strength to 15 officers and 373 enlisted men.

1942 - On Guadalcanal, two 155mm gun batteries ~ one Marine and the other Army ~ landed in the Lunga Perimeter.

On Guadalcanal, the 1st and 3rd Battalions, 5th Marines, assisted by the 2nd Battalion, attacked to compress the Japanese pocket west of Point Cruz. An advance by companies F, I, and K overcame Japanese resistance.

1943 - In the Solomons, the Naval Battle of Empress Augusta Bay. Task Force 39 turned back a Japanese naval attempt to counterattack the Cape Torokina landing. Puruata Island was declared secure.

1944 - In the Philippines, the U.S. Sixth Army gained control of Leyte Valley and its airfields.

1950 - S/Sgt Archie Vanwinkle, Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, was the first of thirteen reservists to win the Medal of Honor in Korea, in action near Sudong, Korea.

In Korea, NKPA forces attacked a Marine patrol near Majonni and ambushed a Marine convoy bringing supplies to the town. Losses were 25 killed and 41 wounded. For the moment, 3/1 was isolated. The 7th Marines relieved ROK forces near Sudong and began an advance up a narrow mountain road to the Chosin Reservoir (also known as the Changjin Reservoir). That night, CCF elements launched strong attacks on the positions of the 7th Marines, but were repulsed.

1951 - The Defense Department issued a draft call for January for 59,650 men. 11,650 men went to the Marine Corps.

1959 - BLT 1/9, Company H of 2/9, and the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company participated in a winter amphibious exercise in Alaska. The training continued through 10 December.

1962 - LtCol John H. Glenn, Jr., was the first recipient of the Cunningham Trophy presented by the First Marine Aviation Force Veterans Association to the outstanding Marine pilot. It was presented during ceremonies at Quantico, Virginia, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Marine Corps aviation.

1963 - Military leaders of South Vietnam set up a provisional government, headed by former Vice President Nguyen Ngoc Tho as Premier. The Constitution was suspended and the National Assembly dissolved.

Nov 3

1813 - Marines participated in the action between the U.S. privateer -Globe' and two British brigs.

1841 - Marines were part of a naval brigade from the Florida Squadron which joined an Army force in an expedition into the Everglades, Florida, in search of Indians. The expedition returned on 24 November, no Indians having been encountered.

1918 - The 1st Marine Regiment, commanded by Colonel Thomas C. Treadwell, embarked in the USS -Hancock' at Philadelphia for duty in Cuba, where revolution again threatened American interests. On the Western Front, in the Meuse-Argonne Sector, the Fosse-Nouart line was attained without appreciable difficulty before daylight by the 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division, AEF. During the day the 5th Marines followed the 9th Infantry over the road to Nouart, and the 6th Marines followed the 23rd to Fosse.

 
During the night of 2-3 November the weather turned cold and rainy, and the two narrow dirt roads used by the extended columns of the division soon became bogs of mud. The second forward movement started on the night of 3 November and by midnight the division's head had pushed 11 kilometers deeper into enemy territory. In an almost continuous downpour of cold rain the infantry marched in column through wet wooded hills and forged onward over one of two primitive roads.

 
Rapidly the divisional depth was lengthened, and at the same time its width was drawn in to conform with the narrow channels afforded by the few available mud roads and trails.
In the rear followed the artillery, tanks, organization rolling stock, the divisional train of trucks, ambulances, wagons, staff cars and motorcycles, corps equipment, and motorized captive-balloon units which provided sporting targets for enemy aircraft.
1941 - In Japan, the Chief of the Japanese Naval General Staff, Admiral Osami Nagano, Imperial Japanese Navy, approved the draft plan for an attack against the U.S. Pacific Fleet base at Pearl Harbor.
1943 - On Bougainville, a small detachment of the 3rd Raider Battalion moved to Torokina Island, after preparatory bombardment from the 12th Marines and 3rd Defense Battalion on Bougainville. No live Japanese were found.
1944 - On Guam, the 77th Infantry Division, US Army, departed the island.
1945 - The 4th Marine Division returned to the U.S. from Maui, Hawaiian Islands.
1950 - A detail of one officer and 34 enlisted Marines from the Marine Detachment, USS -Columbus', was ordered to Sweden to participate in the funeral services of the late King Gustav V. Two Marines and two seamen from the USS -Furse' were furnished for the color guard.
1952 - Major William T. Stratton, Jr. and Master Sergeant H.C. Hoglin, USMC, of VMF(N)-513, were the first Marines to destroy an enemy jet aircraft through the use of an airborne intercept radar-equipped fighter, near Sinjiju, Korea.

1957 - HMR(M)-462 was commissioned at Santa Ana.

1967 - A destroyer escort, USS -Gray', was launched. The ship was named for Sergeant Ross F. Gray who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Iwo Jima.

1971 - VMA-214 completed qualifications on board -Hancock' (CVA-19), the first time since the beginning of the Vietnam conflict that a Marine jet squadron had operated on board a carrier on the west coast.

2003 - I MEF was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC), the highest possible unit commendation, for "extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance" during the invasion of Iraq. Marine Administration Message 507/03 announced the approval of the PUC and the contributing elements authorized to display the PUC streamer. It was the first time the award had been presented to a Marine unit since the height of the Vietnam War in 1968. Also approved was the awarding of the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation to the 22d MEU (SOC) for its participation in Operation Enduring Freedom during 2002. It was the sixth such award for the unit since activation in 1982.

Nov 4

1796 - A Treaty of Peace was concluded with the Bashaw of Tripoli and was ratified by the United States on 10 June 1797.

1862 - Three officers and seventy-five enlisted Marines occupied the new naval station at Cairo, Illinois.

1898 - Marines from the USS 'Baltimore', USS 'Boston', and USS 'Raleigh' landed at Taku, China, and proceeded to Peking to establish a Legation Guard.

1903 - Marines from the USS 'Nashville' landed at Colon, Panama, Colombia, to protect American lives and property during a period of political unrest.

1911 - Twenty-four Marines from the USS 'Albany' and 'Rainbow' landed at Woosung (near Shanghai), China, to guard a cable station during a period of political disorder. (Thirty years & three months later, Marines would again be in Woosung in a Japanese prison camp).

1918 - On the Western Front, in the Meuse-Argonne sector, the 2nd Division, AEF, continued pushing into enemy territory in early hours of the morning. The advancing foot troops moved far ahead of their wagons and food and supplies. The passage, from leading companies to battalion and regimental headquarters, covered widening distances, and was made over mud-mired and traffic-congested roads. The men had no protection and were soon drenched. Casualties from enemy fire diminished rapidly. Positions were taken up in shallow fox-holes which rapidly filled with water. The men tried to rest on water-soaked ground. There was no food or potable water.

Exhaustion and acute enteritis followed soon. By this time the front, with which the Marines had become so familiar, had undergone a remarkable change. The organized lines, arranged in compact echelons across the division front, had disappeared. Intense shellfire, machine-gun, and aviation fire ceased. Trenches, works, shell craters, devastated towns, and fields and woods were no longer evident. It was forest land, swamp, and open country. Men, animals, and machines strained ahead through the mud. Under these conditions the battle continued, and the advance proceeded through the great Bois de Beval to a point slightly more than a kilometer south of Beaumont.

Marine Brigade elements supported the Third Brigade during 3, 4, and 5 November, with the 5th Marines proceeding northward though le Champy Haut, le Fontaine au Cronoq Ferme, Beval Bois des Dames, Ferme de la Buicarde, Bois de Beval, Forte de Beval, Ferme de Belle Tour and Bois de la Vache; while the 6th Marines advanced over the route Cote Jean to Beval Bois des Dames, Ferme de la Buicarde, Vaux en Dieulet, Sommauthe, Bois du Four, and Bois de Sommauthe. During the night of 4-5 November the Germans defended the bridgeheads at Pouilly, Letanne, and at Alma Farme. They fell back to the east side of the Meuse, while their forces on the west bank drifted back toward the north to the vicinity of Villemontry and Mouzon.

1924 - The 1st Expeditionary Force moved from Shanghai to Tientsin, China, to protect American interests in the unsettled period.

1942 - Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California, was organized under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Theodore B. Millard.

On Guadalcanal, the American zone was divided into the East and West sectors which were to receive their orders from the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division. Brigadier General William A. Rupertus assumed command of the East Sector and Brgadier General Edmund B. Sebree, USA, was placed in control of the West.

The 164th Infantry, USA, left the perimeter to support the 7th Marines at Koli Point, while the 2nd Raider Battalion was released from Aola Bay and moved toward Koli Point to cut off any Japanese fleeing east from the envelopment of the Marines and soldiers.

On Guadalcanal, the 8th Marines arrived with its supporting 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (75mm pack howitzers). The 1st Battalion of the 147th Infantry, USA, Carlson's Raiders, the 246th Field Artillery's Provisional Battalion K, USA, and Seabees landed at Aola Bay, about 40 miles east ofthe Lunga River, to construct a new airfield.

1944 - In the Pacific, Marine Carrier Groups of Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, was redesignated Marine Air Support Groups to comprise four carrier air groups.

1948 - Colonel Katherine Towle became the first director if women Marines as regulars and not reserves.

1950 - Corporal Lee H Phillips posthumously received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions as a Squad Leader with E/2/7, in action against enemy forces in Korea.

Sergeant James I Poynter posthumously received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions as a Squad Leader in a Rifle Platoon of A/1/7, during the defense of Hill 532 in Korea.

In Korea, in moving upward as the road rose through Funchilin Pass, the 7th Marines encountered the 124th CCF Division. The regiment failed to dislodge the enemy in three days of heavy fighting, but the Chinese withdrew on the night of 6-7 November. Marine losses totaled about 50 killed and 200 wounded, while Chinese casualties were estimated at 2000.

1951 - In Korea, Captain William F. Guss, of VMF-311, became the first Marine pilot to shoot down a Chinese MIG while serving with the USAF 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing.

1965 - In Vietnam, Dickey Chapelle, famed war correspondent and photographer, was killed near Chu Lai while covering the Marines during Operation BLACK FERRET.

1978 - In Iran, a mob overran the U.S. Embassy in Teheran. 65 Americans, including 13 Marine guards, were taken hostage. Two weeks later, four Marines and nine others would be released.

Nov 5

1775 - Marines participated in the capture of the British provisional vessels 'Polly' and 'Industry' by the 'Harrison' (Washington's fleet) off Boston.
1812 - Marines participated in the action between the U.S. privateer 'Grand Turk' and the British mail packet 'Hinchinbroke' in the Atlantic.
1901 - Marines participated in the Battle of Sohotan River, Samar, during the Philippine Insurrection.
1902 - A battalion of Marines sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, for Culebra, Puerto Rico, aboard the USS 'Prairie' to participate in maneuvers.
1903 - A Marine battalion, commanded by Major John A. Lejeune, landed at Colon, Panama, Colombia, from the USS 'Dixie', to protect American lives and property as political strife was rampant.
1915 - A detachment of Marines, under Major Smedley Darlington Butler, engaged the Cacos rebels in the Battle of Fort Capois, Haiti.
1918 - On the Western Front, in the Meuse-Argonne sector, the 2nd Division, AEF, continued to press deeper into enemy territory. The Infantry (Third) Brigade, supported by the Marine Brigade, moved through the Foret de Jaulney from the river at Pouilly, Beaumont, Letanne, Bois Failly, Sartelle Farm, Bois de l'Hospice, Bois du Fond de Limon and Yonoq, with the left of the line turning toward the east to le Faubourg.
1940 - President Roosevelt was elected to a third term of office.
1942 - On Guadalcanal, Lieutenant General A. A. Vandegrift ordered the 2nd Raider Battalion to march overland toward Koli Point and cut off any Japanese fleeing east from the envelopment of the 7th Marines and the 164th Infantry, USA.
1943 - In the Bismarcks, Task Force 38, covered by F6Fs from Aircraft, Solomons, flew the first carrier-based air strike on Rabaul, causing heavy damage to Japanese warships and preventing another sea attack on the Bougainville beachhead.
1949 - The first enlisted pilots to fly the Lockheed TO-1 "Shooting Star" jet underwent training at the Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro, California.
1950 - In Korea, after having been repulsed the day before, Capt Robert Barrow's Company A, 1st Marines, destroyed the North Korean roadblock on the way to Majon-ni, killing 51 enemy.
1952 - LtGen Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr., 55, commanding FMFPac, was appointed to succeed Gen Clifton B. Cates as Commandant on 1 January. General Cates would be made a lieutenant general and take command of Marine Corps Schools, Quantico.
1959 - Some 200 Marines from the 1st Infantry Training Battalion and the 7th and 5th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California, joined civilian fire fighters in battling fires in the Las Pulgas and Aliso Canyon areas of Southern California.
1968 - Richard M. Nixon was elected the 37th President of the United States.

CORRECTION
Some 200 Marines from the 1st Infantry Training "Regiment as well as two reinforced companies" of the 7th and 5th Marines Regiments at Camp Pendleton, California, joined civilian fire fighters in battling fires in the Las Pulgas and Aliso Canyon areas of Southern California.

Nov 6

1827 - Marines participated in a fight with pirates at Andros, Greece.

1854 - The morning report showed the Marine Corps totaled 63 officers and 1,389 enlisted Marines.

John Philip Sousa born in Washington, D.C.

1942 - On Guadalcanal, the 7th Marines, attacking eastward, crossed the Nalimbiu River and moved along the coast. The Japanese retired from their positions east of the river.

1943 - In the Solomons, a supporting echelon of troops from the 21st Marines, with other 3rd Marine Division elements and cargo, arrived at Cape Torokina and Puruata Island.

1945 - The 5th Marines began landing at Tangku and moving out toward Peiping. Headquarters of 1st MAW shifted to Tientsin from Okinawa. IIIAC, in command of Marine forces in north China, accepted the surrender of 50,000 Japanese troops in the Tientsin-Tangku-Chinwangtao area. An engineer unit and a rifle platoon of the 1st Marines were fired upon by Chinese Communist forces on the road to Peiping.

1983 - Staff Sergeant Farley Simon became the first Marine to win the Marine Corps Marathon.

1950 - 2nd Lieutenant Robert D Reem received the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously for actions as a Platoon Commander for H/3/7, Korea.
2004 - The U.S. Marine Band preformed following a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of the band-s most famous director, John Philip Sousa, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the composer-s birth.

Nov 7

1775 - Marines participated in the recapture of the sloop Ranger by the Lee.

1827 - Marines and seamen from the U.S. sloop Warren landed on Andros, Greece, in the Aegean Sea, to capture piratical vessels.

1847 - Marines were ordered to garrison San Jose in Lower California.

1861 - Marines and seamen from the frigate USS Santee, after being repulsed by the Confederate steamer General Rusk, succeeded in seizing and sinking the Confederate ship Royal Yacht at Galveston Bar, Texas.

1921 - President Harding directed the Marine Corps to assist in the protection of the U.S. mails.

1941 - The Marine Corps Reserve of 23 battalions completed its mobilization.

1942 - The organization of a women's reserve was approved by Major General Thomas Holcomb, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

On Guadalcanal, Brigadier General Louis E. Woods relieved Brigadier General Roy S. Geiger as commander of air operations on the island.

1943 - Sergeant Herbert J Thomas received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions with 3/3 on Bougainville.

On Bougainville, a Japanese battalion from the 17th Division launched a counter landing against the left flank of the beachhead at Cape Torokina and attacked Marine positions almost immediately. Elements of the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, and the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, supported by effective artillery and mortar fire, halted the advance.

On Bougainville, the Piva Trail Battle. Japanese troops hit the right flank of the perimeter with a series of attacks against the 2nd Raiders' trail block about 300 yards west of the junction of the Piva-Numa Numa trails. A final thrust (9 Nov) by the Raider Regiment, supported by the 2nd Battalion, followed by the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, advanced past the junction, through Piva village, and set up defensive positions along the Numa Numa trail.

1944 - President Roosevelt was elected to a fourth term of office.

1945 - In the Ryukyus, the Marine Detachment (Provisional), Ryukyus Area, was disbanded.

In China, a stronger Marine force removed roadblocks on the road to Peiping without opposition. The 5th Marines reached the Chinese capital. Transport aircraft of MAG-25 (VMR-152 and 153) began arriving at Tientsin.

In Japan, MAG-31 at Yokosuka was returned to naval control by Fifth Air Force.

1950 - In Korea, after 48 hours of hard fighting, elements of the 1st Marine Division forced Communist Chinese Forces to break contact and retreat northward.

1955 - The 1st Marine Division and 3rd MAW participated in a major fleet training exercise (PACTRAEX 56L) at Camp Pendleton. Opposition forces were provided by Force Troops.

1965 - In Vietnam, Battalion Landing Team 2/7 boarded ships of Task Group 76.3 at Qui Nhon in preparation for Operation BLUE MARLIN. This unit, which had been operating under control of the Army in II CTZ, returned to its parent organization, the 7th Marines.

1969 - The 5th Marines reached the Chinese capital. Transport aircraft of MAG-25 (VMR-152 and 153) began arriving at Tientsin.

In Japan, MAG-31 at Yokosuka was returned to naval control by Fifth Air Force. 1 MEF was established on Okinawa to command all FMF units in Japan and Okinawa.

In Vietnam, most of the remaining 3rd Marine Division units left Vietnam for Okinawa. About 2,300 Marines were involved in this relocation.

Operation PIPESTONE CANYON, a multi-battalion Allied operation, terminated in Quang Nam Province. It had begun on 26 May and was under the control of the 1st Marines. The enemy lost more than 480 dead.

2001 - CTF58 was established and Major General Mattis was selected as CO.

Nov 8

1795 - Truce Agreement signed with Tunis.

1799 - Marines participated in the capture of the French lugger -Republican' by the U.S. brig -Norfolk' at Cape Nicola Mole, Haiti.

1861 - Six hundred and fifty Marines and seamen, commanded by Major John C. Reynolds, landed from the frigate USS Wabash at Hilton Head, South Carolina, to occupy Fort Walker on Hilton Head, and Fort Beauregard on Bay Point, until General Thomas W. Sherman could bring in Army troops.

1915 - Marines, commanded by Major Smedley D. Butler, fought Cacos bandits in the Battles of Forts Selon and Berthol, Haiti.

1937 - During this period, in several incidents, the Japanese violated the International Settlement in Shanghai, China, leading to the arrest of Japanese gendarmes by Marines of the 4th Regiment.

1942 - In North Africa, the first major Allied operation in this theater opened when
American and British forces landed in French North Africa. Twelve Marines, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel I.C. Plain, went ashore at Arzeu, assisted in taking three steamers and a patrol boat, then continued overland to the port of Mers-el-Kebir where they occupied an ancient Spanish fortress the northern tip of Oran harbor.

On Guadalcanal, the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 7th Marines, and the 164th Infantry, USA, moved east to surround the Japanese on Koli point. The 2nd Raider Battalion began its 150-mile perimeter patrol.

1943 - Sergeant Herbert J Thomas received the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously for actions with 3/3 on Bougainville.

The 3rd Marine Brigade was deactivated.
On Bougainville, a Japanese landing force was defeated by elements of the 3rd, 9th, and 21st Marines after a full-scale attack by the 1st Battalion, 21st Marines, against the Japanese defenses.

I Marine Amphibious Corps assumed control of all forces ashore from the commander of the 3rd Marine Division. The first elements of the 37th Infantry Division, USA, arrived.

On Samoa, the 2nd Defense Battalion, assigned to V Amphibious Corps, left Pago Pago, American Samoa.

1945 - On Okinawa, a typhoon struck and damaged many 1st MAW planes over the following two days.

1951 - VMF-214 embarked for return to the U.S. from Japan.

1952 - In Korea, Captain Oliver R. Davis and Warrant Officer Dramus F. Fessler of VMF(N)-513 scored the first night kill of a MIG jet for the squadron.

1990 - Operation DESERT SHIELD: President Bush announced that the U.S. would double the size of its forces in the Persian Gulf. The additional Marine elements would include 2nd Marine Division, 5th MEB, 2nd MAW, and 2nd FSSG. 2nd MAW would be composed of the 3rd MAW. 1st FSSG would provide general logistics support to the MEF, while 2nd FSSG became the Direct Support Command operating in the immediate rear of the ground combat forces. President Bush announced the addition of more than 200,000 U.S. troops to those already deployed in Operation Desert Shield in the Persian Gulf. The number of Marines in the area would double by the addition of II MEF units from the Corps' East coast bases, and the 5th MEB from California. Within the next two months, Marine strength in the objective area would increase to 90,000 Marines.

2004 - The largest military operation since the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom got underway just after sunset as thousands of U.S. and Iraqi troops pushed into the insurgent-held city of Fallujah. The city had been in rebel control since April after the Marine Corps was instructed to halt all offensives. Operation Phantom Fury began the evening after the Iraqi interim president declared martial law on the city and surrounding area

Nov 9

1812 - Marines participated in sortie by Chauncey's squadron from Sackett's Harbor, Lake Ontario, which resulted in a naval engagement with the British sloop -Royal George'.

Marines participated in the capture of the British-licensed American brig -South Carolina' by the U.S. frigate -Constitution' in the Atlantic.

1822 - Marines participated in the action between the U.S. schooner -Alligator' and several pirate schooners in the harbor of Matazas, Cuba.

1903 - An expeditionary force of Marines, commanded by Major Louis C. Lucas, sailed from Philadelphia aboard the USS -Prairie' for Panama.

1915 - The 4th Marine Regiment, commanded by Colonel Joseph H. Pendleton, was again deployed at sea off the west coast of Mexico.

1942 - David Shoup was promoted to Colonel and assigned as CO of the 2nd Marines.
On Guadalcanal, the 7th Marines and the 2nd Brigade, 164th Infantry, USA, attacked the Japanese pocket at Gavaga Creek.

In the Pacific, Major General Roy S. Geiger relieved Lieutenant General A.A. Vandegrift, newly appointed 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps, as Commanding General, I Marine Amphibious Corps.

On Bougainville, the area between the Marine positions and the Laruma River was bombed and strafed by dive-bombers from Munda, New Georgia, completing the annihilation of the Japanese landing force. Control of the left flank sector passed to the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division, USA.

1950 - In Sweden, the Marine detachments of -Columbus' (CA-74) and -Furse' (DD-882) participated in the funeral of King Gustav V in Sweden.

1968 - General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr. pinned Naval Astronaut wings on Major Walter Cunningham, USMCR, and an Apollo VII Astronaut.

1973 - The armed services implemented strict energy conservation measures in response to shortages arising from the Arab oil embargo.

1982 - The Commandant announced the fielding of the M16A2 rifle, a vastly improved version of the original M16 design.
Following a two-day exercise in northern Somalia, 31st MAU participated in Exercise Jade Tiger 83, a four-day operation with Omani forces at Wahibah Sands, Oman.

1989 - The Berlin Wall began to crumble.

Nov 10

1775 - The Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Marine Corps.
An organization of Marines was authorized when the Continental Congress made the following resolution:
"Resolved, That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors, and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said battalions but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve with advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present War with Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress; that they be distinguished by names of First and Second Battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the Continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of." It appears that this organization was designed to be in addition to Marine ship detachments and was planned for expeditionary purposes.

1776 - Marines participated in the capture of the British brig 'Active' by the 'Alfred' and the sloop 'Providence', off Cape Breton.

1812 - Marines participated in the capture of three British vessels by Chauncy's squadron, on Lake Ontario.

1864 - Marines, commanded by Captain David M. Cohen, from the steamer USS 'Lancaster', assisted in the capture of agents attempting to seize the Union steamer 'Salvador', off the coast of New Granada, Colombia.

1872 - Marines, commanded by Captain Richard S. Collum, from the Navy Yard at Boston, Massachusetts, aided in restoring order after a fire in Boston.

1918 - On the Western Front, on the morning of 10 November, the Second Division, from what had been a northerly course, found itself facing generally east along the west bank of the Meuse. Its right was at Letanne, and its left was at le Faubourg. The enemy was deployed along the opposite shore of the river. As a direct result of this operation the whole enemy line in the Ardenne had been pushed northward and eastward, close to the Belgium frontier. Sedan had been retrieved, thus settling an old French score which dated back to the War of 1870.

As early as 6 November reconnaissance of the Meuse line indicated that preparation for a crossing of the river was imminent. Tactical description of the plan was explained to battalion commanders and surgeons at regimental commanders' conferences. The first plan called for the crossings to be made on the night 8-9 November, which was postponed until the following night, and was again postponed until the night of 10-11 November. The main crossing was to be made over two bridges which were to be thrown across the river above and below the city of Mouzon, and the secondary crossing was to be over a single bridge to be thrown over the river at Le Sartelle Farm, above Letanne.

The 6th Marines was chosen to make the main attack at Mouzon, and the 5th was to cross, with elements of the 89th Division, at Le Sartelle. At the final regimental conferences, held at about 1800 on 10 November, it was obvious to all that the last bitter drop of energy all that remained of the depleted reserve of effort and spirit was to be drawn from the brigade in order to complete the final thrust that would destroy the enormous machine of the German Kaiser. It was almost too much to ask of the men who had survived the rigors of the mission since 1 November. During the period 1-11 November the brigade had never remained in one place for 24 hours.

Owing to the rapid advance, the scarcity of roads, and the continuous rains, it was not until 8 November that a hot meal could be served. The men had been exposed to constant rain, continuous shellfire, and cold. Potable water supply was not maintainable. Ninety percent of the command suffered from either colds or diarrhea. Owing to traffic congestion, deep sticky mud, and a long wilderness to the rear, almost no medicines came forward. This necessitated a large number of evacuations by walking to find their own way to treatment and comfort many miles away. Men who were physically fit on 1 November had lost from 15 to 30 pounds in weight; their eyes were sunken and their faces were haggard from loss of sleep and lack of nutrition.

Evacuation was difficult to effect because of the wooded country, traffic congestion, rain, and poor roads. Litter evacuations had to be accomplished with slow mule-drawn ambulances, which was exhausting to the wounded. Frequently, litter bearers were forced to carry the wounded 4 kilometers before transportation could be found. Walking-wounded, those exhausted by a nonspecific enteritis of 3 or 4 days' duration, trudged on their own to the rear through the mud. The battalions took up their positions within 10 minutes after the order was received: the 6th Marines from the Bois de Fond de Limon; and the elements of the 5th Marines, from the wood near La Sartelle Farm. The roads leading to bridge positions were briskly shelled by the enemy. There were numerous casualties.

Fog fell with the night and visibility was greatly reduced. While this favored the operation at the Sartell crossing, it hampered the main task at Mouzon. There, only one bridge could be prepared. The enemy from concealed commanding emplacements on the heights across the river, subjected the crossing sites to terrific fire; thus completion of the operation was impossible. At the Sartelle bridge the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 5th Marines succeeded in their mission under a withering fire. This crossing of the Meuse River was one of the outstanding feats of the entire war. The approach to the north bridge was in flat open country, and was a free target for enemy artillery and machine guns.

Many Marines and Engineers were killed by this fire, and many at the south bridge were blown off into the icy stream and drowned. Some managed the crossing by swimming under water to the opposite shore. The crossing was to be made at 2130. Immediately after the American barrage opened, it was answered by the Boche and the wounded started to appear. Emergency calls were sent to Beaumont for ambulances, dressings, and blankets. During the night only two ambulances arrived. The wounded continued to accumulate until there were more than 200 awaiting evacuation.

Virtually all wounds were caused by shellfire, and, consequently, were serious. Several times the small supply of dressings, infrequently received, was exhausted. At 2230 the 1st Battalion of the 5th Marines cleared the lower bridge; the 2nd Battalion, held up by the blowing up of the bridge, was not across with the 1st until 2330. These two battalions, after having driven machine-gun outposts and patrols from the flats and woods on the east bank bridgehead, spent the remainder of the night along the western edge of the Bois de Flaviers.

1920 - The Marine Corps Institute, originally established at Quantico, Virginia, as the Vocational Schools Detachment on 1 April and redesignated Marine Corps Institute on 1 July, was moved to Washington, D.C.

1921 - This date marked the first formal commemoration of the birthday of the Marine Corps as 10 November. On 21 October 1921, Major Edwin McClellan, OIC of the Historical Section, HQMC, sent a memo to MajGen Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting that the original birthday of 10 November 1775 be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps. Accordingly, on 1 Nov 1921, Gen Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47 summarizing the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps, and directed it be read to every command.

1940 - The Director of the Marine Corps Reserve issued a letter marking the end of the Organized Reserve and launching its integration into the regular Marine Corps.

1941 - In China, the Commander in Chief, Allied Forces, received permission to withdraw U.S. gunboats and Marines from China.

1942 - The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Calvin R. Freeman, was commissioned at Cherry Point, North Carolina.

On Guadalcanal, the 2nd Marines, augmented by the 8th Marines and the 164th Infantry, USA, pushed west from Point Cruz toward Kokumbona but were forced to retire and resume positions around the perimeter.

In North Africa, a party from the Marine Detachment of the USS Philadelphia, operating under the 47th Infantry, USA, landed at the port of Safi, French Morocco, and proceeded to the airport where they guarded the airport facilities until relieved.

1944 - The 4th Marine Base Defense Air Wing was redesignated the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, commanded by Major General Louis E. Woods.

1945 - Marine separation centers were established at Navy training bases in Bainbridge, Maryland, and Great Lakes, Illinois.

In Japan, 1/3 began landing on Chichi Jima as part of the occupation of the Bonin Islands.

1947 - The first contingent of American war dead returned to the United States from Pacific battlefields on the Army transport -Honda Knot'.

1948 - Women Marines as regulars was initiated with the enlistment of eight former members of the Women's Reserve into the regular Marine Corps by the Commandant on the 173rd birthday of the Corps.

1948 - Commandant Cates personally enlisted the first eight women (all former reservists) to join the regular component of the Corps.

1950 - In celebration for its 175th Birthday, the Marine Corps opened an exhibit of historical documents and artifacts at the Truxton-Decatur Museum in Washington D.C. The evening dress uniform for Marine Corps women officers was introduced for the first time by Colonel Katherine A. Towle at the Marine Corps birthday ball at the Sail Loft, Naval Gun Factory, Washington, D.C. The uniform was patterned after the full dress uniform of Marine officers. It was to be worn by women Marine officers at all state and diplomatic functions.

In Korea, the 7th Marines occupied the village of Koto-ri at the top of Funchilin Pass. From here, a plain led to the Chosin Reservoir several miles to the north.

1951 - Dedication ceremonies for the Marine Corps' newly completed Iwo Jima statue were held at the junction of U.S. Highway #1 at Triangle, Virginia. Felix de Weldon cut the statue out of Indiana limestone. This was a smaller version of the Marine Corps Monument later dedicated at Arlington, Virginia.

1954 - The Iwo Jima statue executed by the sculptor Felix de Weldon was dedicated on the 179th Anniversary of the Marine Corps in Arlington, Virginia. The $850,000 cost was defrayed by U.S. Marines, former Marines, Marine Corps reservists, and friends of the Marine Corps.

1958 - The first permanent Marine aviation detachment afloat was activated on board the USS -Boxer' (LPH) at Norfolk, Virginia to provide supply, maintenance, and flight deck control to Marine helicopter squadrons and troops assigned to the -Boxer'.

1967 - President Johnson celebrated the 192nd Anniversary of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California. He was the first President to visit the base since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942.

1975 - The US Marine Corps celebrated the 200th anniversary of its founding.

1992 - Flags were lowered at Marine Barracks, Guam, for the last time. It was established on 1 August 1899.

Nov 11

1775 - Marines participated in the action between the -Defence' (S.C. Navy) and the British ships -Tamar' and -Cherokee' at Charleston, South Carolina.

1847 - Marines and seamen from the U.S. sloop -Cyane', the U.S. frigate -Congress' and the U.S. -Independence' landed and seized Mazatlan, Mexico.

1918 - Armistice is signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, ending the first world war. At the time of the signing of the armistice with Germany, the Marine Corps had an active duty strength of 2,474 officers and 70,489 enlisted men. On the Western Front, official notification of the Armistice reached the Fourth Brigade from the Fifth Army Corps at 0835, and orders were at once sent forward to cease hostilities at 1100.

Generally, at that hour over the front, the pressure of sustained warfare came to an abrupt end. On the Marine Brigade front there was only one exception and that was a patrol of the Fifth which had pushed ahead to Moulins, so far out that the order announcing the Armistice did not reach it. An hour or so after noon, while improving their positions, they came upon a group of celebrating German soldiers from whom they learned that fighting had ceased and that the terms of an armistice were in effect. Soon this report was confirmed by receipt of the official notification from battalion headquarters. THE FIGHT WAS OVER!

The most noticeable local effect of the Armistice was the attention given to personal comfort. Officers and men alike, colonels, medical personnel, chaplains, and machine-gunners all rose from their wet holes in the earth. They built fires to warm and dry their chilled, water-soaked and debilitated bodies. They spread fire-dried materials on the ground upon which they dropped to sleep. An intense program of cleaning, bathing, feeding, sleeping, resting, delousing, and re-outfitting of the men was instituted. The animals and rolling stock were restored.

1942 - On Guadalcanal, the Japanese force at Gavaga Creek escaped envelopment ;by elements of the 7th Marines and the 164th Infantry, USA. The attacking force swept the area where the Japanese had been trapped, then withdrew across the Meetapona River.

1943 - In the Bismarcks, Carrier Task Force 38 and Task Group 50.3 raided Simpson Harbor, New Britain, sinking one destroyer and causing heavy losses to the Japanese Eleventh Air Fleet.

On Bougainville, additional elements of the 21st Marines arrived.

In the Ellice Islands, the 2nd Defense Battalion arrived at Funafuti (Samoa).

1944 - In the Palaus, the 81st Cavalry Reconnaissance Troops, USA, seized Gorokoltan Island.

In the Volcano-Bonins, U.S. Navy surface forces bombarded Iwo Jima.

1956 - Regimental Landing Team 3/3 from Okinawa departed for Port Lyautey, Morocco to reinforce the U.S. Naval Air Station there during the Suez crisis, but it was diverted on a goodwill tour of the Far East when the crisis terminated.

1918 - Armistice Day. WWI ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year.

Nov 12

1776 - Marines participated in the capture of the British brig -Mellish' by the -Alfred' and the sloop -Providence' off Cape Breton.

1824 - Marines landed at Fajardo, Puerto Rico to protect American interest.

1836 - A detachment of mounted Marines was sent out from Tampa Bay, Florida, in search of Indians.

1898 - Marines from the USS -Baltimore', USS -Boston', and USS -Raleigh' landed at Taku, China, and proceeded to Peking to establish a Legation Guard.

1918 - On the Western Front, orders were received by the Marine Brigade to organize the line established when the Armistice became official. The 5th Marine Regiment was across the Meuse, and the 6th in the wood just west of Mouzon. Both regiments were holding the front line.

1926 - A detachment of Marines, commanded by Captain Walter E. McCaughtry, landed from the USS -Gold Star' at Chingwangtao, China, to protect American interests.

1929 - Major General John A. Lejeune retired from the Marine Corps to become superintendent of Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Virginia.

1942 - In the Solomons, two Japanese bombardment groups and a convoy carrying the 38th Division departed the Shortlands for an attack on Guadalcanal, while a third group ranged the Solomons in general support.

In the New Hebrides, Marine Aircraft Group 11 completed a move to Espiritu Santo where it could support Guadalcanal's Cactus AirForce.

The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. A Japanese bombardment group, headed for an attack on Henderson Field, was driven back by a U.S. naval force commanded by rear Admiral D.J. Callahan USN; planes from Henderson Field bombed and strafed the retiring Japanese ships.

On Guadalcanal, Carlson's Raiders, patrolling the area around the village of Binu, skirmished with Japanese troops retiring from Gavaga Creek into the inland hills to skirt south of Henderson Field to Kokumbona

1945 - The Marine detachment at Londonderry, Northern Ireland, was disbanded.
After flying their Corsairs to Okinawa for storage and returning to Kyushu, the pilots and ground personnel of MAG-22 sailed from Japan.

1946 - Gerald C Thomas, the first Marine to rise from Private to General, rank by rank, received his Second Legion of Merit.

1969 - PFC Ralph E Dias received the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously for actions with D/1/7 in RVN.

Nov 13

1814 - Marines participated in the capture of a British brig by the U.S. privateer -Leo' in the Atlantic

1942 - In the Solomons, Japanese troops arrived at Munda Point, New Georgia, to construct an airfield.

1943 - On Bougainville, The second echelon of the 37th Division, USA, arrived and its commander, Major General Robert S. Beightler, assumed command of the Army sector of the perimeter.
In the Bismarcks, the pre-invasion bombardment of western New Britain targets was begun.
On Bougainville, the Battle of Coconut Grove. Company E, 2nd Battalion, 21st Marines, advancing along the Numa Numa Trail to establish an outpost for the protection of an airstrip site, was attacked 200 yards south of the trails junction with the East-West Trail by a sizeable Japanese force located in a coconut
palm grove. Company E, reinforced by Companies F and G, overran the Japanese position. Their advance permitted the entire beachhead to move forward 1,000-1,500 yards.
In the Gilberts-Marshalls, aircraft of Task Force 57 made daily strikes on Japanese bases and conducted searches and photographic missions.

1945 - VMF-215 and VMTB-332 were deactivated.

1962 - Four hundred Marines of 3/4 flew from Hawaii to Guam to provide assistance following a typhoon.

1967 Operations FOSTER and BADGER HUNT: 3/7 and BLT 2/3 swept the area west of An Hoa, killing 125 enemy. Marine losses were 21 dead and 137 wounded.

1968 - Operation DARING ENDEAVOR was commenced by the 7th Marine Regiment in Vietnam.

1970 - HMM-265 was deactivated at El Toro

1962 - 400 Marines of 3rd Battalion 4th Marines assisted in Guam after a typhoon.

1968 - Operation Daring Endeavor was commenced by the 7th Marine Regiment in Vietnam.

1982 - The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, containing the names of more than 13,000 Marines who lost their lives in Vietnam, was dedicated this date at the Memorial site in Washington, D.C. The dedication and parade that preceded it were part of a week-long National Salute to Vietnam Veterans.
1990 - A second involuntary call-up of selected Marine Corps Reserve units began. Marines from 20 units of the 4th Marine Division and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing reported to the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade at Camp Pendleton, California, for redeployment training.

Nov 14

1824 - Commodore Porter landed with Marines at Fajardo, Puerto Rico, to avenge an insult to the American flag.

1846 - Marines and seamen from Commodore Connor's squadron landed and seized the town of Tampico, Mexico.

1888 - Marines from the steam bark USS -Nipsic' landed at Apia, Samoa, to protect American lives and property during a period of political unrest.

1918 - On the Western Front, the 5th Regiment, Marines, 2nd Division AEF, was relieved by the 308th Infantry, 89th Division, and marched its 1st and 2nd Battalions to Pouilly, and its 3rd to Letanne. The 6th Regiment, Marines, moved its headquarters from Yoncq to Villemontry. All were prepared for the new mission ~ to head the victorious armies of the Allies on their march through Belgium and Luxembourg to the Rhine, and, until peace was secured, to become the Army of Occupation of the American bridgehead, at Coblenz in the heart of Germany.

1935 - (Nov 14-16): Fleet Marine Force organizations stationed at San Diego were engaged in exercises with the Fleet on the West Coast.

1936 - (Nov 14-16): The 2nd Marine Brigade conducted training with the Fleet at San Clemente Island, off the California coast.

1942 - Lt. Colonel Harold W Bauer received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions as Squadron Commander of VMF 212.

In the Solomons, The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Planes from Henderson Field, the carrier -Enterprise', and -Espiritu Santo' attacked Japanese transports headed for Guadalcanal with troops of the 38th Division and supplies; seven of the eleven were destroyed. Rear Admiral W.A. Lee, USN, with two battle ships and four destroyers, engaged Vice Admiral Noabutake Kondo's naval force, dispatched to cover the approaching transports, in a gun battle after which both forces retired.

1945 - In Japan, the V Amphibious Corps had established effective control over its entire zone of responsibility.
In the Marianas, the 2nd Battalion, 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division, on Guam, came under the control of the Truk Occupation Force as its military element.
(14-15 Nov): In China, Marines guarding a train carrying Major General DeWitt Pick, commander of the 1st Marine Division, clashed with Communist forces near Kuyeh.

1947 - Despite a Soviet boycott, the United Nations Assembly approved the Korea Commission to hold elections in Korea proposed by the United States.

1948 - In China, small detachments of Marines moved to Peiping and Tientsin to assist in evacuating American citizens desiring to leave before Communist forces overran those cities. They remained there for four days.

1950 - Captain Leonard A. Miller was the first Marine to be assigned to helicopter training at Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia.
In Korea, the 7th Marines captured Hagaru at the southern end of the Changjin Reservoir.

1955 - MajGen Vernon E. Megee was named Assistant Commandant and Chief of Staff of the Marine Corps, effective in January, 1956.

1966 - In Vietnam, two U.S. Marine helicopters were shot down by Viet Cong snipers near Da Nang air base. Five crewmen were killed and two wounded.

1967 - Major General Bruno Hochmuth, Command General 3rd Marine Division, died in a helicopter accident in Vietnam.

1973 - The Marine Corps adopted the M203 grenade launcher, which is attached under an M-16. One man in each fire team would now carry this 40mm weapon and double as a rifleman and grenadier.

2004 - Marines and Iraqi security forces overran the last center of rebel resistance in the southernmost section of the embattled Iraqi city of Fallujah. U.S. forces discovered an underground bunker and steel-enforced tunnels connecting several houses filled with weapons, medical supplies, and bunk beds. Eighty-three Marines and one Navy corpsman lost their lives with hundreds more wounded in the November fighting.

Nov 15

1777 - Marines aboard ships of the continental fleet under Captain Robinson, participated in the defense of Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania, which action began 1 Oct and was culminated in attacks on this date.

1799 - Marines participated in the capture of the French privateer schooner -Le Onze Vendemiaire' by the U.S. frigate -Adams' off Martinique.

1923 - A detachment of Marines landed at Tungshan, China, to protect 50 American missionaries after the defeat of the forces of Sun Yat-sen near Sheklung.

1942 - On Guadalcanal, ComAirSoPac designated Henderson Field and Fighter 1 a Marine Corps Air Base, and Colonel William J. Fox became base commander.

In the Solomons, the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. The four remaining transports of the Japanese reinforcement group, run aground on Tassafaronga, were destroyed by an attack of the 244th Coast Artillery Battalion, USA, and the 3rd Defense Battalion joined by a U.S. destroyer and planes from Henderson Field and Espiritu Santo.

1943 - In the Pacific, Major General Holland M. Smith, commanding the V Amphibious Corps, issued Operation Plan 2-43, the first overall troop directive for the Marshalls operation.

In Washington, the JCS proposed that strikes against Japan from the Marianas would start in December 1944, although the first B-29 raids would be launched from China bases beginning in early June of that year.

1944 - On Saipan, the 3rd 155mm Howitzer Battalion arrived from Peleliu.
In the Palaus, the 81st Cavalry Reconnaissance Troops, USA, seized Ngeregong Island.

1946 - VMSB-235 was reestablished as VMF-235, a Reserve squadron at Squantum, Massachusetts.

1950 - Elements of the 1st Marine Division reached the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. -Chesty- Puller earned his 5th Navy Cross.

In North Korea, elements of the 1st Marine Division, commanded by MajGen Oliver P. Smith, reached the Chosin (Changjin) Reservoir, as enemy resistance increased, and conducted operations to provide security of the Main Supply Route to consolidate positions.

1951 - The 1st Marine Division finished issuing the new thermal boot to all its personnel. This footgear had a pocket of air between two layers of rubber, which helped retain the wearer's body heat. The bulky boots were awkward for marching, but prevented frostbite and were especially effective in the static tactical situation facing the division.

1959 - The 24th Expeditionary Unit was activated at Camp Lejeune. It consisted of an infantry battalion and a provisional MAG with a light helicopter squadron and a fixed-wing attack squadron.

1963 - In Vietnam, USMACV announced that 1,000 of the 16,575 U.S. military personnel in Vietnam would be withdrawn due to progress made in training the South Vietnamese armed forces. The first 220 servicemen would depart on 3 Dec.

1969 - MAG-36 began its transfer from Vietnam to Okinawa.

2003 - Marine Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Mitchell Paige passed away from congestive heart failure in La Quinta, California, at the age of 85. Colonel Paige received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a platoon sergeant during the Battle of Guadalcanal on 26 October 1942 in which he held back an advancing Japanese regiment single-handedly all night until reinforcements arrived at dawn after his men were either killed or wounded. He retired from the Marine Corps after 28 years of service in 1964 and was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from ground action on Guadalcanal. He was laid to rest in the Riverside National Cemetery in California.

Nov 16

1776: Marines participated in the capture of the British snow -Kitty' by the -Alfred' and the sloop -Providence' off the N.E. coast of the U.S.

1800: Marines participated in the action between the U.S. schooner -Experiment' and the British schooner -Louisa Bridger' which occurred by mistake northeast of St. Bartholomew, West Indies.

1856: A Marine aboard the U.S. sloop -Portsmouth' was wounded when Chinese forts (the "Barrier Forts") fired on the ship at Canton, China.

1899: Marines from the USS -Castine' and the USS -Manila' captured Zamboanga, Philippines.

1942: The first Marine night fighter squadron VMF (N)-531), commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Frank H. Schwable, was commissioned at Cherry Point, North Carolina.

1943: In the Pacific, Tactical Group-1, (Eniwetok landing force) was organized for the command of V Amphibious Corps by General Order N. 55-43 under operations in the Marshalls.

On Bougainville, a supply road, running laterally across the front of the perimeter from the Koromokina beaches to the Piva River, was completed.

On the Ellis Islands, the 2nd Defense Battalion, assigned to V Amphibious corps, left Funafuti ("Samoa").

In the Marshalls, a U.S. carrier group from Espiritu Santo attacked Nauru Island to neutralize its airfield.

1968: In Vietnam, Operation GARRARD BAY, a battalion-size search and clear operation conducted by elements of the 26th Marines, ended southeast of Da Nang. On 25 October, BLT 2/26 landed south of Marble Mountain, in a one day operation, EAGLE HUNTER. Later that day it joined the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, and launched GARRARD BAY. The operation resulted in 19 enemy soldiers killed and 1,761 suspects.

1990 - Admiral Frank B. Kelso II, Chief of Naval Operations, announced that ships would remain in the Middle East longer than the six-month limit established for Navy deployments. The decision of November 8th to send nearly 200,000 more troops to the Persian Gulf not only scuttled Defense Department plans to start rotating personnel home from the desert, but also bumped the subject of troop rotation off the Pentagon-s list of priorities.

Nov 17

1775 - Marines from the -Hancock' and the -Franklin' (Washington's fleet) participated in an unopposed landing at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

1847 - Marines and seamen from the U.S. sloop -Dale' repulsed a Mexican attack on the town of Guaymas, Mexico.

1854 - Marines and seamen from the U.S. sloop -Vincennes' went ashore on Okinawa to enforce treaty provisions.

1859 - The melody which was later utilized in -The Marines Hymn' premiered in an Offenbach operetta [the gallope from -Genevihve de Brabant'].

1901 - Colonel Hiram I Bearss received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions at Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar.
Colonel David D Porter received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions at Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar.

1915 - Leatherneck Magazine established.
Private Samuel Gross received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions in hand-to-hand combat at Fort Riviere, Haiti.
Sergeant Ross L Iams received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions in hand-to-hand combat Fort Riviere, Haiti.
Major Smedley Butler received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions as CO of detachments from the Fifth, Thirteenth, Twenty-third Companies and the Marine and sailor detachments from the USS Connecticut. Major Butler led the attack on Fort Riviere, Haiti. (2nd Award)

A detachment of Marines engaged the Cacos rebels in the Battle of Fort Riviere, Haiti.

1918 - The 2nd Division, AEF assigned to the new Third Corps of the new Third Army (American Army of Occupation), was scheduled to start marching at 0500, from their positions along the Meuse River. From the remaining short strip of France, the plan was to pass through a corner of southeastern Belgium into and across the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg to the German frontier at the Sauer River. From there the route was to and across the Rhine into a large semicircular area on the east bank to be known as the American Bridgehead, in the center of the Allied line (headquarters, Coblenz) between the British in the north (headquarters, Cologne) and the French in the south (headquarters, Mainze).

The distance from the starting point on the Meuse to the German frontier on the Sauer was approximately 60 miles. The plan was to reach the frontier in 6 marching days; one day was allowed for rest. This memorable march to the Rhine started on schedule at 0500 17 November 1918 from Pouilly on the Meuse. At the start, the 5th Marines and Company C of the 2nd Engineers formed the advance guard and preceded the main body by two kilometers. Flank guards maintained contact with the Fourth French Army on the left and the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division on the right. On completion of the first day's march, which ended just short of the Belgium frontier, outposts were established along the line Deux Villers-Moiry-Montmady.

1943 - On Bougainville, Japanese aircraft attacked a convoy carrying Marine reinforcements to the island; the transport -McKean' was sunk with the loss of some personnel from the 21st Marines.

1948 - It was announced by Secretary of Defense James Forrestal that the 3000-man Marine garrison of Tsingtao in North China would be reinforced by an additional 1,250 men from Guam.
A platoon of Marines was sent to Nanking to protect the American Embassy there when the fall of the city to Communist troops was imminent. The guard was withdrawn on 21 April 1949 when the Communists refrained from looting the city.

1964 - Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 from the USS Princeton evacuated some 1,700 Vietnamese flood victims, while Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 delivered more than 900 tons of supplies to flood stricken areas of central Vietnam in the largest relief mission to date in that country.

Nov 18

1915 - Marines participated in the Battle of Fort Riviere during the occupation of Haiti.
1918 - The 4th Marine Brigade, as part of the 2d Division, American Expeditionary Force, began its march to the Rhine River, passing through Belgium and Luxembourg, as part of the American forces occupying a defeated Germany.
1955 - A memorial honoring the 4th Marine Brigade was dedicated at Belleau Wood, France.

Nov 19

1847 - Marines repulsed an Indian attack at San Jose, Lower California.
1879 - The Argentine Marine Corps was organized.

Nov 20

1943 - The 2d Marine Division, commanded by Major General Julian C. Smith, landed on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands. After seventy-six hours of bitter fighting during which almost 1,000 Marines died, and more than 2,000 were wounded, MajGen Smith declared the island secure.

S/Sergeant William J Bordelon posthumously received the MEDAL OF HONOR for his actions with 1/18 on Tarawa.

1st Lieutenant William D Hawkins received the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously for actions as CO of a Scout Sniper Platoon with the Second Marines, Second Marine Division on Tarawa.

1947 - Major Bill Hendricks and the Marine Reserves started the Toy for Tots in Los Angeles the Marine Corps Reserve adopted the program one year later.

2003 - Five Marines and 20 Army soldiers supporting CJTF-HOA made history as the first Americans to graduate from the French Commando School there. The American platoon trained alongside French Foreign Legionnaires during the three-week course which was to better prepare them for nautical and mountain warfare challenges in the terrain of Djibouti. Each Marine and soldier was awarded the French Commando medal and a certificate of completion.

Nov 21

1836 - Marines and Sailors took action against the Seminole Indians at Wahoo Swamp, FL
1933 - Marine Major C.L. Forndey and a Navy Commander set a new balloon record - 61,237 feet.
2001 - For the first time since the Gulf War, the Marine Corps initiated a limited stop-loss order, which kept approximately 560 Marines on active-duty for an additional six-months. The order was in place so that the Marine Corps can fully man the reactivated 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-terrorism) and only effected those serving as an infantry officer, rifleman, infantry unit leader, or nuclear, biological and chemical defense specialist, who had an end-of-active-service date in or after January
-service date in or after January

Nov 22

1776 - Marines raided Canso Harbor
1943 - Tarawa was secured after 72 hours of bitter fighting.
1st Lt Alexander Bonneyman Jr received the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously for actions as XO of 2/8 at Tarawa.
Colonel David M Shoup received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions as CO/Marine Corps troops on Betio Island.
2001 - Marines from the 15th MEU (SOC) secured FOB RHINO.

Nov 23

1945 - The Fifth Amphibious Corps relieved the 5th Marine Division in Japan.
1950 - Thanksgiving was celebrated in Korea with a temperature of 20 degrees below zero.
2001 - The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aboard the Bataan amphibious ready group (ARG) arrived in the Arabian Sea after receiving orders to deploy from the Mediterranean Sea. The Bataan ARG joins the Peleliu ARG (with the 15th MEU on board) and brings the total number of Marines on standby in the area to more than 4,000. The 26th MEU deployed in late September, relieving the 24th MEU.
2003 - Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific and the 2d Marine Division returned to Tarawa to honor the more than 1,000 killed during one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific during World War II on the 60th anniversary of the battle. In November 1943, approximately 17,500 Marines and sailors defeated the Japanese defenders on the atoll after three days of intense fighting.

Nov 24

1775 - Marines from Washington-s fleet boarded a British brig, in Boston Harbor.
1942 - The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing established the South Pacific Combat Air Transport (SCAT)
1992 - Marines lowered the flag at Subic Bay, U.S. Naval Facility, Republic of the Philippines, for the last time during ceremonies to turn over the facility to the government of the Philippines. The withdrawal ended almost a century of U.S. presence in that nation.
2003 - The last CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was delivered to the Marine Corps Air Station New River by officials from the manufacturer, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), the first squadron to receive the CH-53E in December 1980, was also the last. The Marine Corps received 172 of the second-generation CH-53 helicopters over the past 23 years and has used the CH-53E in nearly every engagement and humanitarian operation since Vietnam.

Nov 25

1855 - Marines protected American interest in Uruguay
1958 - Marine Corps grade structure was revised to make room for additional ranks (E-8/E-9)
1968 - The conclusion of Operation Lancaster II ended 10 months of action against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops in the west-central sector of the demilitarized zone region. Over 1,800 enemy were killed, 42 captured, and 913 weapons seized during the operation.
2001 - The 15th Expeditionary Unit (SOC) moved inland 400 miles, in what was declared the longest amphibious landing in history, to seize forward operation base -Camp Rhino- in southern Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
2002 - The 15th MEU earned its Special Operations Capable certification after wrapping up its final exercises. SOCEX was the final exercise in the MEU-s six-moth work-ups for a planned deployment to the Middle East in January. The Marines staged a noncombatant evacuation, direct-action raids, and a simulated humanitarian-service operation while working from the amphibious assault ship Tarawa off the coast near Camp Pendleton.

Nov 26

1915 - The 14th and 15th Companies of Marines were formed at Quantico, VA.
1944 - Marines participated in the Marshall Island operations, WWII
1950 - 1st Lieutenant Frank N Mitchell received the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously for actions as Platoon Commander with A/1/7 in Korea.

Nov 27

1941 - The 4th Marine Regiment departed Shanghai, China to strengthen forces at Olongapo, Philippines.
1950 - Chinese Communists launched an attack, surrounding the Marines at the Chosin Reservoir. In a carefully planned assault, eight Chinese Communist divisions in Korea launched a massive attack which had as its expressed purpose, the destruction of the 1st Marine Division. This action led to the successful southward Marine Corps attack out of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir to the coastal port of Hungnam.

Staff Sergeant Robert S Kennemore received the MEDAL OF HONOR for his action as the leader of a machine-gun section in E/2/7, in Korea.

Nov 28

First Commandant
28 November 1775 - August 1783

1775 - Samuel Nicholas was the first officer commissioned in the Continental Marines, and, by tradition, is considered to be the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was born in Philadelphia in 1744.
His commission as a captain, signed by John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress, was dated 28 November 1775, 18 days after the recognized birth of the Corps itself. Promoted to major in June 1776, Nicholas led his small Corps with distinction throughout the Revolution, including command of the landing force which captured New Providence and service with Washington's army at the Battle of Princeton. With the disbandment of the Marine Corps and Navy at the end of the Revolution, Major Nicholas returned to civilian life. He continued to reside in Philadelphia, dying there on 27 August 1790, and was buried in the Society of Friends Cemetery.
1812 - Marines participated in the -Battle of Red House- in Canada.
2001 - The body of the first American killed in action inside Afghanistan since the bombing campaign began was recovered from a prison compound. Former Marine Mike Spann, 32, of McLean, Virginia, was a paramilitary trooper with the Central Intelligence Agency and was tasked with interrogating the Taliban and al-Qaida prisoners held at the compound. The prisoners rioted on Sunday, taking over the compound until quelled by northern alliance fighters and U.S. airstrikes.

Nov 29

1804 - Lieutenant Presley O-Bannon and seven Marines landed in Alexandria, Egypt.
1916 - 1st Lieutenant Earnest C Williams received the MEDAL OF HONOR for action in against hostile forces at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic.
1948 - The 9th Marines were dispatched to Shanghai to evacuate U.S. nationals.
1950 - Private Hector A Cafferatta, Jr, received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions with F/2/7, Korea
PFC William B Baugh received the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously for actions with G/3/1, Korea.
Captain William E Barber received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions as CO of F/2/7 at the Chosin Reservoir.
Captain Carl L Sitter received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions as CO of G/3/1, Korea.
Major Reginald R Myers received the MEDAL OF HONOR for actions as the XO of 3/1, Korea.

Nov 30

1936 - The 16 Commandant, Major General John Russell, Jr. retired.
1962 - Master Sergeant Catherine Murray was the first woman Marine transferred to the FMCR.
2000 - The Marine Corps announced that the remains of 19 World War II Marines killed in action on Butaritari Island (Makin Atoll) and listed as missing since August 1942 were recently identified and would be returned to the U.S. for burial. The Marines were with the 2d Raider Battalion and were killed during the 17-18 August 1942 raid on Japanese-held Butaritari Island. Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson commanded the Raiders during the raid and President Franklin D. Roosevelt's son, Captain James Roosevelt, was the operation's second-in-command.