THIS DAY IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY

1st MAW F-8 "Crusader" conducting a close air support mission in South Vietnam, 1966.

Significant events on the day in the Corps' history include:

• Expansion of Marine Corps aviation

• The activation of the 23rd Marines

• Participation in the Solomon Islands Campaign

• OPERATION TALLY HO

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U.S. Marine Corps History: July 20th

"Flying is hours and hours of boredom sprinkled with a few seconds of sheer terror."

-Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, USMC World War II ace and Medal of Honor recipient

Since its founding in 1775 the Marine Corps has served this nation "from the sea". From manning "the fighting tops" of the frigate navy through the bloody "island hopping campaign" of World War II, Marines have served as the nation's amphibious force in readiness.

A theme of this day in the Corps' history is Marine aviation. Included are its pre-World War II expansion, an action of the Marine component of the Cactus Air Force in the Central Pacific and supporting an U.S. Air Force operation over North Vietnam.

The Air Combat Element is an integral component of Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTF). Its roles include; assault support to ground combat and support elements of the MAGTF, anti-air warfare, offensive air support, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance. Additionally, Marines provide squadrons and detachments to serve on aircraft carriers as part of the Navy's Carrier Air Wings.

U.S. MARINE CORPS HISTORY: JULY 20TH

SNAPSHOT OF USMC MISSION & COMBAT ORGANIZATION

The U.S. Marine Corps is this nation's amphibious force in readiness. To accomplish its mission, Marine operational forces are composed of aviation elements, combat service support elements, ground combat elements and headquarters elements.

Marine Air-Ground Task Forces have air combat, combat support and ground combat elements.

WHAT IS THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS?