On this date in 1815, the US Sloop of War HORNET was attacked by and subsequently captured and sank HMS PENGUIN in the South Atlantic in a fierce 22-minute battle. To relate a portion of the story of that great victory, I'd like to post the text of an article written by Mr. Joe Holt, who formed part of the Marine Detachment aboard
the most recent USS HORNET, CV-12 from 1967 to 1969.
Take it away, Mr. Holt:
We all know the history of seagoing Marines goes back as far as the Navy itself, but how often do we come across an opportunity that tells their tale? All after-action reports promote the Navy’s exploits, but it’s rare to come across a ship’s account that brags on its Marines. I’ve been lucky enough to discover just such a report.
