I am thus far finding that the M202 was
field tested in SE Asia between July-September of 1969. I am closing in on actual "widespread" operational distribution of the system. I leave with the following along with the info that can be found/or derived from these documents. Once had them all until my computer dumped this was most helpful (Later version.) in my rework of the LAV-AD service dates (See earlier Patch Post ~3 yrs. ago by example.)and retirement of the CH-53D as examples of my use of these documents.
Ref with excerpts time period covered
Jan 1947 - Dec 1964 below...
http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Pu...9000318200.pdf
"23 Dec (Added 1960.) USMC—-—The first Marine Corps F8U—2N "Crusader" supersonic aircraft, an all-weather fighter, was delivered to El Toro and turned over to VMF-34. (Flight Jacket, 6 Jan 1961 p. 1)."
"18 Jan (Added 1961) USMC——Sergeant Major Bertha L. Peters was the first Woman Marine appointed to the top non—commissioned officer post of Sergeant Major established in April 1960. (Scout, 10 Feb 1961, p. 5; Windsock, 27 Jan 1961, p. 3; Globe, 26 Jan 1961, p. 2)."
"30 Aug (Added 1961) CONUS——The first night jump from a Marine Corps GV—l intercontinental jet-prop transport was made near Camp Horno, California, by 31 Marines from the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company in a free—fall parachute jump. (Scout, 8 Sep 1961, p. 3)."
"1964
27 Jul CARIBBEAN—-The Cuban Government accused Marine sentries at the U. S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay of 'killing" one of their guards, indicating that a sentry had fired six
shots and critically wounded the Cuban guard twice. (Varner and Koze, P. 69; 1964 FOF, 241D3)"
With a little
PATIENCE you can find all you need from these documents.
Will post the rest as I find them-
No Fuss, No Mess; straight from the Corps.
Regards,
Pat