Marines
John Glenn Returns to Space
On October 28, 1998, John Glenn returned to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. At the age of 77, he was the oldest person to go into space.
World War II 50th Anniversary Stamps
On September 3, 1991, the USPS issued the first of five souvenir sheets (later classified as commemorative sheets) honoring the 50th anniversary of America’s entrance into World War II.
Founding of the Marine Corps Reserves
On August 29, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916, establishing the Marine Corps Reserve.
U.S. Captures Okinawa
On June 21, 1945, US troops captured Okinawa from the Japanese. It was the last major WWII battle in the Pacific and has been called the “typhoon of steel” for the fierce fighting, intense kamikaze attacks, and large number of Allied ships and vehicles that assaulted the island.
First American Orbit of Earth
On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard his Friendship 7 capsule.
Battle of Tarawa Begins
On November 20, 1943, U.S. troops launched the Battle of Tarawa, the first American offensive in the central Pacific region of World War II.
U.S. Troops Committed to Korean War
On June 27, 1950, President Harry Truman announced that America would send troops to aid South Korea.
Birth of Admiral Chester Nimitz
Chester William Nimitz was born on February 24, 1885, in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Founding of the U.S. Marine Corps
The forerunner of the United States Marines was established on November 10, 1775, in the midst of the American Revolutionary War.