Showing posts with label photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photos. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

BATTLE OF TINIAN - 27 July 1944


The Ushi Point Airfield becomes operational on Tinian. The airfield was captured two days earlier by elements of the 2nd Marine Division who handed it over to a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (Seabees). Assist by Marine Engineers, the Seabees quickly repaired the runway and damaged facilities to allow air operations to begin while Marines continued fighting to secure the remainder of the island.

The Seabees continued working on the runaway, expanded it to allow the U.S. Army Air Corps bombers to establish their principal base of operations in the Central Pacific. On August 6, 1945 the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" loaded with "Little Boy" departed Tinian en route to Hiroshima.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

THIS DAY IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY: 27 July

"The First Recruits" by Col Charles Waterhouse, USMCR (Ret)

Significant Marine events on this date included a meeting in Martinique, raising the flag over Puerto Rico, island-hopping battles in the Pacific, plus a look at the Corps' 1st Commandant.


Friday, July 22, 2016

PHIBLEX ON VIEQUES ISLAND

Major Kevin McClernon, USMC meeting with his unit leaders and staff and the base camp is established in the background.

Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, July 1996. Commanded the Landing Force during the annual UNITAS Exercise. Here I'm meeting with some of the headquarters staff and unit leaders as the base camp is being established in the background. Besides U.S. Marines, the landing force included Brazilian, Colombian, Dutch, Peruvian and Venezuelan Marines. Additionally the staff was augmented by Marines from Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay and a South African paratrooper.

This was one of the last amphibious landings conducted on Vieques as the Department of the Navy ceased operations on the island in 2001. The island had been used by the Navy and Marine Corps since 1941 to practice and perfect amphibious warfare techniques.


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

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


Tuesday, July 19, 2016

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.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

THIS DAY IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY

Today's Marine is the descendant of a proud line of warriors dating back to the founding of the Continental Marines by the Continental Congress on the 10th of November, 1775. Their slogans of "First to Fight" and "The Few, The Proud, The Marines" give credit to their history and traditions. These traditions have been passed along from generation to generation from seasoned veterans to the newcomers. "The Marine Hymn" is the oldest official song within the U.S. Armed Forces. Every item on U.S. Marine Corps dress and services uniforms have a historical and traditional significance. Preparedness is their heritage.
This is a snapshot of the Corps' history which focuses on the events of the 13th of July. In addition to the events, background material and photographs are included to give a look at the bigger picture and location of occurrence. "Tell it to the Marines"...

Bombardment of San Juan del Norte
Marine Barracks 8th & I "The Oldest Post in the Corps"
Marines escorting civilians to safety. More than 20,000 non-combatants died during the Battle for Saipan.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

MARINES IN CHINA DURING 1900

Sgt Alexander Foley was one of four Marines to earn the Medal of Honor on 13 July 1900.
U.S. Marines in China, 1900

1900 - BOXER REBELLION

An allied force of 5,500 troops attacked and seized the old, walled, Boxer-controlled section of Tientsin, China. The allied force was comprised of American, British and Russian marines and soldiers.
The American brigade was commanded by Colonel Robert L. Meade, USMC. U.S. forces included the 1st Marine Regiment, a Marine artillery battery and two battalions of the U.S. Army's 9th Infantry Regiment.
Four Marines; Private James Cooney, Sergeant Alexander Foley, Private Clarence Mathias, and Sergeant Clarence Sutton, received Congressional Medals of Honor for their actions during battle. Their citations read as follows:
In the presence of the enemy during the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900, Cooney distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
In the presence of the enemy in the battle near Tientsin, China, July 13, 1900, Foley distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
In the presence of the enemy during the advance on Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900, Mathias distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
In action during the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900. Although under heavy fire from the enemy, Sutton assisted in carrying a wounded officer from the field of battle.