Ten Facts About the Battle of Princeton-- Part 5: Marines Fought Alongside Washington

Maybe I'll finish these ten facts sometime in the future.  Continued from February 17.

7.  MARINES FOUGHT ALONGSIDE  WASHINGTON AT THE BATTLE OF PRINCETON

Washington sent out a desperate plea for reinforcement.  One of the first groups to  respond to this request were  roughly  600 Marines from the Philadelphia area.  This force had been recruited to serve aboard Continental warships now anchored in Philadelphia and were generally considered to be excellent fighters.

Their officers had had duty against British ships and they had been occupied in daily drill and frequent skirmishes with the British forces operating in  the area.

Three companies of Marines accompanied Washington on his nighttime march to Princeton.  Moving with Cadwalader's Brigade into the fight, a few Marines under the command of  Major Samuel Nicholas, engaged Manhood's British troops  on the Clarke Farm.

(Major Samuel Nicholas was the first Marine Corps officer and, by tradition, considered the first commandant of the corps.)

During the fierce fighting, several Marines were killed, including Captain William Shippin.

These casualties were  some of the first to be  suffered by the Marine Corps on any battlefield.

--Cooter

USS Newport News (CA-148)-- Part 4: 1st and 2nd Deployments to Vietnam

Subsequent to the end of Operation Sea Dragon and for the remaining months of the deployment, the Newport News participated in  Naval Gunfire Support operations near the DMZ.  This was in support of of the Third Marine Division on the coastal area.    The ship fired around the clock for periods sometimes lasting for weeks.

During this deployment, the ship expended 59,241 rounds of high-explosive ammunition, while conducting  239 observed and 602 unobserved missions.  She came under fire of enemy coastal defense batteries on seventeen separate occasions, hit by shrapnel but never suffered a direct hit.

The Newport News departed Subic Bay on 21 April and arrived at her homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, on 13 May 1968, via the Panama Canal.

Following an extensive overhaul to prepare for future combat , the ship departed Norfolk 21 November 19 68 for her second deployment to Vietnam.

Combat operations during this tour during this tour commenced on December 1, 1968, focused on providing  naval gunfire support to the 7th and 9th ARVN (South Vietnamese Army) on Vinh Binh Province and the DMZ.

She returned to Norfolk in early July 1969.

--Cooter

A Native American Timeline-- Part 8: Indian Citizenship Act, the Code Talkers, Indian Civil Rights Act

**  JUNE 2, 1924:  U.S. Congress passes Indian Citizenship Act, granting citizenship  to all Native Americans born in the territorial limits of the country.  Previously, citizenship had been limited depending upon what percentage of Indian ancestry the person had, whether they had served in the military, or, of they were women, were married to a U.S, citizen.

**  MARCH 4, 1929:  Charles Curtis serves as the first Native American U.S. vice president under  President Herbert Hoover.

**  MAY 1942:  Members of the Navajo Nation develop a code to transmit messages and radio messages to U.S.  armed forces during World War II.  Eventually, hundreds of  Code Talkers from multiple  Indian tribes serve with the U.S. Marines during he war.

**  APRIL 11, 1968:  The Indian Civil Rights Act is signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, granting Indians many of the benefits guaranteed under the Bill of Rights.

**  MARCH 15, 2021:  Representative  Deb Haaland of New Mexico is confirmed as the Secretary of the Interior, making her the first Native American to lead a cabinet department.

"Growing up in my mother's Pueblo household made me fierce," she tweeted on her confirmation for the post.  "I'll be fierce for all of us, our planet, and all our protected land."

--Cooter

19 Famous Folks You Didn't Know Served in the Military-- Part 1: Driver, Hendrix, Freeman and Jones

In honor of Memorial Day yesterday.

From the May 31, 2021, Gazette "19 famous people you didn't know served in the military" by Terry Terrones. 

Sure, folks know George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower served in the military.  As did Elvis.

But, here are some others:

1.  ADAM DRIVER   "Kenlo in  "Star Wars"  Two years in Marines after 9/11.  Medical discharge.

2.  JIMI HENDRIX--  Enlisted in Army in 1961.  101st Airborne.  Honorably discharged 1962 after injury.

3.  MORGAN FREEMAN--  Joined Air Force 1955.  Radar technician for four years.

4.  JAMES EARL JONES--  Army officer in Korean War

--Cooter

A World War II Marine Comes Home-- Part 2: Howard E. Miller, Killed on Betio in the Pacific

Howard Miller was born  May 6, 1921, and died on November 22, 1942, the third day of the hard-fought battle for Betio, Tarawa while serving  with Company A, 1st Battalion,  6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.  Almost 6,400 Japanese, Koreans and Americans died in the fight for Betio.

Miller attended San Mateo High School and was a football player.  After graduation, he worked at Bethlehem Steel in San Francisco.  He was on a four-day furlough from Marine boot camp, when he married Elizabeth Bettinger. She learned he had died on New Year's Day, 1944.

His body was found after nearly a decade of excavations by History Flight, a Florida non-profit that researches and recovers missing U.S. service members.  This group has accounted for most of the lost Marines on Betio.

The Marines were buried, but the location of those sites was lost.  Mr. Miller's boots had bone fragments in it and DNA on those led to his identification.  They also found his dog tags nearby.

A World War II Marine Comes Home, A Fitting Veterans Day Story-- Part 1

From the November 10, 2020, East Bay Times by Peter Hagarty.  San Mateo, California.

A U.S. Marine  has come to his final resting place decades after gunfire cut him down as he was defending this nation thousands of miles  from home.

Howard Miller died during the grueling Island Hopping Campaign across the Pacific as Americans moved closer and closer to striking distance against Japan. Back then, his brothers in arms lowered the 22-year-old  private first class into  an unmarked grave on Betio, a little-known island that is part of the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.

His remains were flown into San Francisco where active-duty Marines in full dress blues moved the casket and it was then transported  to San Mateo for burial.

Happy 245th Birthday USMC

Today marks the 245th anniversary of one of the world's greatest fighting forces, the United States Marine Corps.

Today's Corps traces its roots back to the Continental Marines of the American Revolution.  It was formed by Captain Samuel Nicholas by resolution of the Second Continental Congress on 10 November 1775, hence today's birthday.

Nicholas was authorized to raise two  battalions of Marines, and that was the beginning.

Happy BD, Jarheads!!!  --CootJar

Happy 244th USMC!!!

Today marks the 244th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  I am sure it will be celebrated all over the world, wherever they're stationed, also all retired Marines.

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

The United States Marine Corps traces its origins to the Continental Marines of the American Revolution.  They were formed by Captain Samuel Nicholas, by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress on 10 November 1775, to raise two battalions of Marines.

That date is regarded and celebrated as the date of the Marine Corps' birthday.

I can remember that MASH episode of the Marines celebrating their birthday during the Korean War and Norm getting the pool ball stuck in his mouth.

Happy Birthday, Jarheads!!  --CootRine

The Court Martial of Major Littleton Waller, USMC for Actions in the Philippines

Major Littleton Waller acted as a major subordinate in carrying out Jacob Smith's orders on Samar and was afterwards court martialed for the executions of  eleven mutinous Filipino porters.

Waller's defense did not mention Smith's orders directly, but used  provisions of the Civil War's  General Order  Number 100 (also called the Lieber Code).  This order dictated how Union soldiers were expected to conduct themselves in relation to enemy military and is considered a precursor to the Geneva Conventions.

The General Order permitted the killing of POWs in reprisal for  violations of the rules of war by the enemy and also provided for the summary execution of spies, saboteurs and guerrilla fighters.

Jacob Smith was called to testify about his orders but perjured himself and denied that he had given any special orders to Waller.  In response, Waller  revealed Smith's order and produced three officers to corroborate it.  Waller said he had been ordered to take no prisoners and to kill every Filipino over the age of ten.

The court martial board voted 11-2 to acquit Waller.  It was later stated that an Army court had no jurisdiction over a Marine officer.

But, this case led to the court martial of Jacob Smith.

--Cooter

Little Known Facts About the First Barbary War-- Part 2: Hyms, Scimitars and A Few Good Men

In 1801, Tripoli declared war on the United States.  President Thomas Jefferson sent the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to the Mediterranean Sea to battle them.  After a four year war, the U.S. finally won.

HYMNS AND SCIMITARS:  After the Battle of Derna, the phrase "To the Shores of Tripoli" was added to the Marine Corps battle hymn.

The Marine Corps officer sword, adopted in 1826, was modeled after the Marmaluke scimitar given to Lt. O'Bannon in honor of his role in the march to Derna.

A FEW GOOD MEN:  In 1799, the Marine Corps consisted of 25 officers and 58 enlisted men.  Lt. O'Bannon continued to serve aboard the USS Argus and retired in 1807.  He moved to Kentucky where he served in both houses of the state legislature before dying in 1850 in Russellville.

A Frankfort, Kentucky, memorial to him that has the inscription "As captain of the United States Marines, he was the First to Plant the American Flag on Foreign Soil."

--DaCoot

A Marine Speaks of Battling "The Horrible Huns" in 1918

From the December 5, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"Joe Neuman, a wounded Marine,  was at Genoa last evening, where he gave a couple of addresses, telling of his experiences in the firing line against the horrible Huns.  Genoa people had planned a regular demonstration for the DeKalb soldier, but rainy weather put a halt to the plans.

"Neuman is scheduled to speak at Sycamore Friday evening and at Shabbona Saturday evening of this week, and it is probable that he will be heard by many people in both places."

--Cooter

Illinois Bicentennial: Artie Bennett From DeWitt County

From Crang-Bennett American Legion Post 103, Clinton, Illinois.

Crang-Bennett American Legion Post 103 is named after    Crang and Artie Bennett, two Americans from Clinton, Illinois who died in World War I.

Artie Bennett entered the Marine Corps on May 21, 1917.    He was with the 82nd Company 6th Regiment U.S. Marines and landed at Brest, France,  November 19, 1917.  On June 8, 1918, while forcing the enemy from their positions, the company encountered  much enemy gunfire.    Private Bennett was severely wounded while attacking enemy machine gun nests.  He died one hour later.

This was the first death from Dewitt County, Illinois, caused by enemy fire.  Private Bennett was later buried at American Cemetery Belleau, Aisne, France.

The Bicentennial of Illinois Statehood, December 3, 2018: World War I

From the November 4, 2018, Sauk Valley.Com.

ILLINOIS SENT MORE THAN 350,000 SOLDIERS TO EUROPE TO FIGHT DURING WORLD WAR I

By Tony Reid.

Artie Bennett, a Marine from Clinton, Illinois, was cut down by a hail of bullets in France.  A letter home from a fellow Marine said Bennett, age 18, had been attacking a German machine gun nest as Marines fought to stem a enemy advance that was threatening Paris in June 1918.

He lingered an hour before dying, one of the first casualties from Illinois.

The letter was typed by fellow Marine  Private John  W. Olsen, said:  "He passed away quietly, without complaint, and was laid to rest near where he fell."

"The Deadliest Weapon In the World" USMC

Today marks the 243rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  Tomorrow marks the 100th year since the end of World War I, and, of course, Veterans Day.

Probably the greatest compliment ever paid to the Marines is this quote by the Commander of American Forces in Europe during World War I, John "Blackjack" Pershing.

"The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle."

Oh Yeah!!  Thanks General.  --CootMarine

WW I, October 2-9, 1918: Battle of Blanc Mont

OCTOBER 2-9

The 2nd Infantry Division attacks and takes the ridge and village of Etienne after a week's fighting.

The 4th Marine Brigade, part of the division suffers 2,538 casualties.

--Cooter

World War I Chronology, June 1918: Battle of Belleau Wood

JUNE 6

BATTLE OF BELLEAU WOOD

German offensive is stopped at the height of its attack.  Paris is saved.

A fierce fight occurs at Hill 142.

The 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Marine Brigade suffers 50 percent casualties (4,677).  This is where the Marines proved their mettle.

Total U.S. casualties:  1,811 KIA and 7,966 WIA.

An Army brigade captures Vaux, and two days later Bouresches is captured.

All told, the Germans lose 9,500 troops and have 1,600 captured.

--DaCoot

World War I Chronology, March 1918-- Part 2: The Somme Defensive

MARCH 11--  U.S. forces occupy trenches at Toul.

MARCH--  17--  U.S. Marine units enter the front line for the first time.

MARCH 21-APRIL 6--  Somme Defensive.  Elements of the U.S. 6th Engineers (3rd Infantry Division) and the 14th and 212th Engineers (Railway) participate.  Also the 22nd, 28th and 17th Aero squadrons fly missions.

MARCH 28--  In a formal Franco-American agreement, all U.S. forces ready for service are offered to be used as needed, rather than forming an independent American front.

--Cooter

Clinton Glidden Comes Home From the Marines for a Visit During World War I

From the October 25, 2017, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Clinton Glidden, son of Judge and Mrs. V.A. Glidden came home for a few days' visit with his parents and many friends.  Clint is a member of the marines stationed at Quantico and in order to come home it was necessary that he be transferred to another company.

"The furlough was granted after Judge Glidden had written General Barrett a letter explaining the circumstances.  Clint was asked by his lieutenant if it was worth his while to go home after he traveled for 28 hours and the young man did not hesitate to reply in the affirmative."

Looking At His Last Name, Kind of An Important One in DeKalb.  -Cooter

Marines in the American Revolution-- Part 2: Fort Nassau

Just weeks after being formed, the U.S. Marine Corps proved their mettle in 1776 at Fort Nassau, Bahamas.  The British were storing large supplies of gunpowder there.

Captain Samuel Nicholas and 234 Marines sailed with the Continental Navy to the Bahamas.  The British troops surrendered within minutes

The Americans also acquired cannons and other military supplies, all badly needed for the new cause.

--DaCoot

Marines In the American Revolution-- Part 1: The Job and First Commandant

The U.S. Marines were authorized by the Continental Congress 10 November 1775 when two battalions were to be formed.  Their job was conduct ship-to-ship fighting, shipboard security and discipline enforcement and to assist landing forces.

The first commandant, Captain Samuel Nicholas, was commissioned 28 November.  Enlisting took place at Nicholas' family's tavern "The Conestoga Waggon" or, according to Marine lore, the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia.

--Cooter