R 031500Z AUG 26
ALMAR 019/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/UNITED STATES COAST GUARD 236TH BIRTHDAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. On behalf of the United States Marine Corps, I
salute the United States Coast Guard on the occasion of its 236th
anniversary.
2.  Founded by Alexander Hamilton on 4 August 1790, the Coast Guard 
has served as the Nation's first and enduring maritime military
force, saving lives, safeguarding American shores, and protecting
U.S. interests overseas for more than two centuries.  Throughout,
Coast Guardsmen, Sailors, and Marines have stood shoulder-to-
shoulder in peace and war for more than two centuries.  On the
first day of the Guadalcanal campaign, 7 August 1942, Coast Guard 
Coxswains Glen Harris, Harold Miller, Daniel Tarr, and William
Sparling piloted landing craft from USS McKean (APD-5) to put the
Marines of Company D, 1st Raider Battalion, ashore on Tulagi.  
In the three days that followed, these coxswains continued 
supporting the assault while under fire.  For their valor, each 
was awarded the Silver Star, becoming the first Coast Guardsmen so 
honored.  Coast Guard coxswains would continue putting Marines
ashore throughout the remainder of the Pacific War.
3.  Marines and Coast Guardsmen continue to serve together
across the globe today, from maritime security and counter-illicit
trafficking operations to Arctic exercises and expeditionary
operations in contested littorals.  Together, our naval services
carry a proud tradition of maritime partnership, strengthening
interoperability and advancing integrated naval operations in
support of our Nation and allies.  Happy 236th birthday, and Semper
Paratus!
4.  Semper Fidelis, Eric M. Smith, General, U.S. Marine Corps,
Commandant of the Marine Corps.//