Sgt Grit Marine Forums

23 December 1817: Marines in a joint Army-Navy operation forced the surrender of Amelia Island.
23 December 1941: Japanese forces launched a predawn landing on Wake Island and Wilkes Island, while their carriers launched air strikes against Wilkes, Wake, and Peale islands in support of the landing force. After nearly 12 hours of desperate fighting, the three islands were surrendered.

24 December 1950: The last elements of the 1stMarDiv departed Hungnam, North Korea.

25 December: Christmas Day. Each year on Christmas, Marines guard our national security all over the world.

26 December 1776: Marines participated in the second Battle of Trenton (NJ) as part of General George Washington's force.
26 December 1943: The 1stMarDiv landed in the assault of Cape Gloucester, New Britain.
26 December 1957: Twenty helicopters from Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 162, were rushed to Ceylon onboard the USS PRINCETON where Marines participated in the rescue and evacuation of flood victims.

27 December 1903: Major General George F. Elliot, 10th Commandant of the Marine Corps, departed Washington, DC, to command Marines in Panama.

28 December 1901: Major L. W. T. Waller's ill-fated "March Across Samar" began.

29 December 1966: The 11th Motor Transport Battalion was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for service 29 December 1966 - 20 September 1969.

30 December 1927: Marines participated in the Battle of Camino Real (Nicaragua).

31 December 1930: Eight Marines were killed and two escaped when surrounded at Ocotal, Nicaragua.
31 December 1946: Official end of World War II.