HISTORICAL ARCHIVES
Marine Corps Embassy Security Group
Marine Security Guard Battalion
Headquarters Marine Corps, Headquarters Battalion, F Company
Marine Embassy Guard Association
Send updates / corrections to history@msghistory.com
MSG HISTORY - EXTERNAL LINKS
Together We Served: MSG Detachment List
Wikipedia: History of US Diplomatic Relations by Country
Marine Corps Times: New MSG Posts after Benghazi
YouTube: MSG Documentary
Marine Corps Embassy Security Group: MSG History
Wikipedia: Marine Security Guard
State Department: USMC Safeguarding US Missions around the world
International Journal of Naval History: Female MSGs
State Magazine: Ambassadors in Blue (Chapter 22)
Department of State Archive: Ambassadors in Blue
MCESG LINEAGE
1950
July 17 ACTIVATED Marine Corps Guards, State Department Casual Company, Headquarters Battalion,
Headquarters, Marine Corps, Arlington, VA
1951
March 19 REDESIGNATED Company F, Headquarters Battalion
Headquarters Marine Corps, Marine Corps Guards, State Department Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia
1967
February 10 REDESIGNATED Marine Security Guard Battalion (State Department)
1979
March RELOCATED MCB Quantico, VA
REASSIGNED Marine Corps Development and Education Command
1987
November REDESIGNATED Marine Corps Development and Education Command
2002
June REASSIGNED 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terroism)
2006
February REASSIGNED Marine Corps Combat Development Command
(upon deactivation of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism)
2007
April 20 REASSIGNED Marine Corps Embassy Security Command
September 6 REASSIGNED Marine Corps Embassy Security Group.
Unit Awards
Source: navmc-2922-dtd-13may2020
Definitions
MUC = Meritorious Unit Citation
NUC = Navy Unit Commendation
JMUA = Joint Meritorious Unit Award
MARINE SECURITY GUARD BATTALION
MUC 1Jan68-30Jun74
MUC 1Feb79-21Jan84
MUC 19Apr84-10Feb85 - By name operation N’Digamena
MUC 1Jan89 - 31Mar90 Quantico, VA
MUC 1Jan95-1Jul97
MUC 29Oct01-21Oct04 SU 4th MEB Detachment KATHMANDU
MUC 25Apr15-12May15 Designated Mar Only (9))
MUC 1Jan87-15Sep88
Company A
MUC 1Jun90-30Apr92 - Less Zegreb, Yugoslavia from 19Sep91 - 30Apr92
MUC 1Aug88-1Nov89 - Detachment BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA
MUC 26-27Aug77 - Detachment MOSCOW
MUC 17-18Feb88 - Designated Personnel Only
MUC 1Jun67-30Sep70 -
Company B
MUC 1Jan87-15Sep89 - Personnel assigned MSG Det, Beirut, Lebanon during 1Jan88-1Jul89 are not eligible to participate in this award.
MUC 2Aug90-30Apr91
MUC 1Jul67-31Jan68 - Detachment ADEN, SOUTHERN YEMEN - Designated Mar Only
MUC 17-30Sep70 - Detachment AMMAN, JORDAN
MUC 1Apr75-31Jan76 - Detachment BEIRUT, LEBANON
NUC 1Jan82-30Apr83 - Designated Mar Only
NUC 1Jan88-1Jul89
MUC 19Dec97-18Dec98 - Detachment DAMASCUS, SYRIA
MUC 27Apr-1May78
14-20Feb79 - Detachment KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - Only 1 Award
MUC 21Nov79 - ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN
MUC 1-5Mar73 - Detachment KHARTOUM, SUDAN
MUC 15 Jul 74- 1Sep74 - Detachment NICOSIA, CYPRUS
MUC 24Dec78-30Mar79 - Detachment TEHRAN, IRAN
Company C
MUC 14Apr74 - Detachment MANILA, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
MUC 2May-30Aug73 - Detachment PEKING, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA - Designated Mar only
MUC 3Jun-1Aug89
MUC 12Apr75 - Detachment PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - SU Cmdr, 7th Flt
NUC 29-30Apr75 - Detachment SAIGON, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM - SU Cmdr, TG 79.1
MUC 16-21Dec78 - Detachment TAIPEI, TAIWAN
MUC 4Aug-23Sep88 -
Company D
MUC 1May70-30Jun72
MUC 1Jan84-1Jul86
NUC 1Jul87-31Dec89
MUC 2May-31Jul80 - Detachment HAVANA, CUBA
NUC 1Jan87-30Jun89 - Detachment PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI
NUC 26-30Apr65 - Detachment SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MUC 16May79-31Jan80 - Detachment SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR
MUC 18Jan78-15May79
MUC 10-15Oct86
MUC 7Apr-28Apr88 - Detachment TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS
MUC 1Jun-27Jul79 - Detachment MANAGUA, NICARAGUA
Company E
Company F
MUC 21Jan-30Apr75 - Detachment ASMARA, ETHIOPIA
Company G
JMUA 8Apr-12Aug96 - Detachment, BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - SU JTF Op ASSURED RESPONSE
JMUA 8Apr-12Aug96 - Detachment, FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE - SU JTF Op ASSURED RESPONSE
MUC 25Dec89-15Dec90 - Detachment MONROVIA, LIBERIA
JMUA 8Apr-12Aug96 - Detachment MONROVIA, LIBERIA - SU JTF Op ASSURED RESPONSE
JMUA 8Apr-12Aug96 - Detachment YAOUNDE, CAMEROON - SU JTF Op ASSURED RESPONSE
MARINE CORPS EMBASSY SECURITY GROUP
Region 9
MUC 1Sep17-1Oct17
Motivating Marines of the MSG Program
Wesley Fox
Colonel, USMC
Medal of Honor
Commander MSGBn F Company: Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Together We Served
James Loyd Cooper
Colonel, USMC
Silver Star, Bronze Star (Vietnam)
Commander, Marine Security Guard Battalion
John H. Carson
Sergeant Major
Silver Star (Korea, Vietnam)
MSGBn Instructor
Herbert Joseph "Fritz" Werner
Major, USMC
Silver Star, Bronze Star (Korea)
1966-68 NCOIC Detachment Paris France
Jeremiah Workman
Sergeant, USMC
Navy Cross (Fallujah, Iraq)
Received Navy Cross for gallantry under fire after killing twenty insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq on December 23, 2004
Walter Irvine Jordan
Colonel, USMC
Silver Star - Tarawa WWII
First commander of the Marine Detachment, American Embassy, London,
July 1941 to November 1942.
Robert E. Cleary
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Silver Star (Vietnam)
10th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps / MSGBn Sergeant Major
USMC Edu Marines.mil Marine Times Wikipedia Funeral Funeral Service Hall of Valor Facebook-Funeral
Juan Valdez
MSgt. USMC
1975: NCOIC Saigon, RVN
USMC Museum NBC News LA Times Fall of Saigon PBS Video
Greg Matos
Sergeant USMC
Bronze Star - US Consulate Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Actions while at Post 1 during Al Queda attack on US Consulate, Jeddah Saudi Arabia
06 December 2004
Vincent Cruz
Sergeant Major, USMC
marines.mil
2010: Detachment Commander - MSG Detachment, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
2011: Detachment Commander - MSG Detachment, Beijing, China. Gunnery Sergeant Cruz
Detachment Commander of the Year
- Selected as the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), Runner Up: Marine Security Guard of the Year.
- Detachment was the MSG Detachment of the Year in 2011
MCESG REGIONS / ORGANIZATION
Region 1 - Frankfurt Germany / Eastern Europe & Eurasia / 20 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company A
Region 2 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / South Asia & Middle East 20 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company B
Region 3 - Bangkok, Thailand / East Asia & Pacific / 23 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company C
Region 4 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida / North America / 13 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company D
Region 5 - Frankfurt, Germany / Western Europe & Scandinavia / 20 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company E
Region 6 - Joihannesburg, South Africa / East & Southern Africa / 24 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company F
Region 7 - Frankfurt, Germany / North & West Africa / 20 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company G
Region 8 - Frankfurt, Germany / Central Europe / 19 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company H
Region 9 - Fort Laurderdale, Florida / Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean / 21 Detachments
Formerly MSG Battalion - Company I
WIKIPEDIA
Marine Security Guard - Wikipedia
The Marine Security Guards number approximately a thousand Marines at 174 detachments, organized into nine regional MSG Regions (located in over 135 countries) with MCESG headquarters at Marine Corps Base Quantico.
Nine regions are all commanded by a lieutenant colonel, and a Senior Enlisted Advisor
Each Detachment is commanded by a Staff Non-Commissioned Officer, generally between the ranks of Staff Sergeant and Master Gunnery Sergeant.Marine Detachment Commanders serve two tours of 18 months each.
The minimum detachment size is seven MSGs (Marine Security Guards) and one detachment commander.A Marine Security Guard (MSG) serves three 12-month tours.
Marine Security Guard "watch standers" are unmarried enlisted Marines (Private First Class to Staff Sergeant
GlobalSecurity.org
www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/msgbn.htm
There was a joint working relationship between the MSG Battalion and the Department of State. The detachment commander reported to the battalion commander via the company commander in the administrative chain of command.
The joint Memorandum of Agreement governed these relationships. In the operational chain of command, he reported to the Chief of Mission via the Regional Security Officer or Post Security Officer.
Chief of Mission referred to the senior United States Diplomatic officer. This was normally an Ambassador or Consulate General. Regional Security Officers (RSO) were Diplomatic Security Special Agents. They were at the majority of missions with MSG detachments. At those posts without an RSO, one of the embassy staff was assigned the collateral duty of Post Security Officer (PSO).
MSG RESPONSIBILITIES
MSGs would focus on the interior security of a diplomatic post's building(s). In only the most extreme emergency situations were they authorized duties exterior to the building(s) or to provide special protection to the senior diplomatic officer off of the diplomatic compound. MSGs carried a certain level of diplomatic immunity in the performance of their official duties.
"Post 1" was the name of the primary interior security post. It is normally in the lobby or main entrance of the building housing the Chief of Mission. Post 1 was the principal command station for all access control to the building. It was equipped with closed circuit televisions, radios, intrusion detection and fire alarm controls. Residing behind bulletproof glass, the MSGs could survey the personnel traffic and monitor the various security displays around the clock.
At the larger diplomatic posts, additional security positions were labeled Post 2, Post 3, etc. They might be manned 24 hours per day every day or just during normal business hours. They could have a full compliment of security displays and equipment similar to Post 1 or they could be a roving security watch after the embassy was closed.
MSGs always had to be prepared to conduct reaction drills, called "Reacts", to their embassy for emergencies such as fires, bomb threats, bombs, intruders, riots and demonstrations. Upon reaching the embassy, they would assemble in the "React Room" to receive orders and direction from the detachment commander. This room provided not only a storage area for weapons, ammunition, and personal protective equipment, but a safe and secure position to suit-up for the React situation. Each potential React scenario was practiced and had its own standardized drill from which the MSGs could modify to fit the actual situation.
Weapons & Equipment
DRESS BLUES UNIFORM: The real history of the Marine Dress Blue Uniform
DETEX CLOCK (DETEX WATCHCLOCK) Made in the USA, the Detex Newman Watchclock was first introduced in 1927.
MSGs made their rounds every hour and had to turn the key attached to the station so that the hour was recorded on a piece of paper that later could be printed out. (Wikipedia: Watchclocks) (YouTube Video: Watchclocks)
M1911A M1911A1 Automatic Pistol Caliber .45
SMITH & WESSON M10 .38 : The weapon was used by United States Army and United States Marine Corps, only to be replaced by the M1911A1 and the M9 pistols.[10] Prior to the introduction of the M9 pistol in 1985, the Army and the Marine Corps issued Model 10s to aircrew members and female military policemen (both officers and enlisted MPs). Snub nose versions were used by Criminal Investigation Division (CID) agents Smith and Wesson Model 10
SMITH & WESSON M19 357: Smith and Wesson Model 19 Revolver
RUGER P89 9mm: Ruger P89 * Need confirmation of MSG acquiring these for the program.
BERETTA M9 ( Beretta 92FS) : Beretta M9 Semi-automatic Pistol
1985: The M9 was adopted by the United States military as their service pistol
M1 GARAND: M1 Garand Semiautomatic Rifle
The M1 replaced the bolt-action M1903 Springfield as the U.S.' service rifle in 1936,
M14 : M14 Assault Rifle
M1 Garand replaced by the selective-fire M14 rifle on March 26, 1958
M16A1 / M16A2 / M16A3 / M16A4 : M16A2 Assault Rifle
M234 Riot Control Launcher - The M234 Riot Control Launcher (M16-series rifle attachment firing an M755 blank round). It fires either the M734 64 mm Kinetic Riot Control or the M742 64 mm CSI Riot Control Ring Airfoil Projectiles. The latter produces a 4 to 5-foot tear gas cloud on impact. The main advantage to using Ring Airfoil Projectiles is that their design does not allow them be thrown back by rioters with any real effect. The M234 is no longer used by U.S. forces. It has been replaced by the M203 grenade launcher and nonlethal ammunition.
M67 FRAGMENTATION GRENADES: (Wikipedia) The M67 grenade is a fragmentation hand grenade used by the United States military. The M67 is a further development of the M33 grenade, itself a replacement for the M26-series grenades used during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the older Mk 2 "pineapple" grenade used since World War I
CAR 15 (The Colt Automatic Rifle-15)
MK18: Mk 18 Mod 0 grenade launcher
M4 CARBINE: M4 Carbine
October 2015: USMC Switches Over from M16 to M4
MSG HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Sources: Wikipedia, NY Times, CNN, Fox News, ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, DVIDS, American Military News, Marines.mil,
2023
8 December - Baghdad, Iraq Mortar rounds landed in the U.S. Embassy compound.
April 6, 2023: After an awards ceremony At Marine Corps Embassy Security School, on MCB Quantico, Virginia the Navy Marine Corps Achievment Medal received by MSG School Students: Corporal Bradley Feldkamp, Lance Corporal Nicholas Dural, Corporal John Darby, for heroic acts performed on April 1st, 2023, while off-duty , April 6, 2023. The Marines received the award for intervening during an altercation between civilians involving a knife. The Marines successfully deescalated the situation, recovered the weapon and restrained the perpetrators until the police arrived on scene.
2022
17 December : Corporal Elwin Ramirez dies on post at Abuja, Nigeria.
(DVIDS) Dignified Transfer Dover AFB. Angel Flight Services -Transfer
01 December - Madrid, Spain Letter bomb sent to the embassy
23 June: Marine Corps Embassy Security Group Change of Command-1
Marine Corps Embassy Security Group Change of Command-2
Marine Corps Embassy Security Group Change of Command Ceremony-3
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Keith A. Parrella, former commanding officer of Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG), receives an award during the MCESG change of command ceremony in Quantico, Va., June 24, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the official passing of authority from the outgoing commander, to the incoming commander.
16 MAY
Press Release (American Military News) Sergeant Dylan F. Pena dies while serving as MSG in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Press Release (American Military News): US Marine guarding US Embassy dies in Guatemala
OBITUARY (Wake Funeral Service): Sergeant Dylan F. Pena / Wake & Funeral Service
April 22 2022 - Erbil, Iraq: Press Release (Marine Corps Times): Sgt. Amanda N. Brazeal died on Post (U.S. Consulate Erbil, Iraq)
(Facebook) Video of Memorial Service Sgt. Amanda N. Brazeal
2021
27 March - Yangon, Myanmar Attack on the embassy in Yangon
21 JULY
Pr
PRESS RELEASE (Marines.mil)
MARINE SECURITY GUARD SECURITY AUGMENTATION UNIT DEPLOYS TO US EMBASSY IN ESWATINI FOLLOWING CIVIL UNREST IN THE COUNTRY
PRESS RELEASE (Fox News): US Marine quick reaction force deployed twice in last 30 days to defend embassies | Fox News
2019
08 AUGUST
Marine Security Guards compete in Squad Competition
Watch standers with Marine Security Augmentation Unit, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group apprehend a simulated intruder during a unit-wide squad competition aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., August 8, 2019. During the competition, each squad of MSAU Marines completed grueling tasks, which challenged them both physically and mentally. There were a total of 11 stations laid out on an 11-mile-long course. The challenges tested a variety of skills, including tactical combat casualty care, room clearing, defensive tactics, intruder apprehension, weapons handling, and live-fire training.
31 December - Baghdad, Iraq - Attack on embassy
2018
1 February - Podgorica, Montenegro Hand grenade thrown over Embassy wall. Grenade appeared to detonate as it was thrown detonating a second device that killed attacker
December 1, - Guadaljara, Mexico: Unidentified assailant threw a grenade at the consulate.
August 3, 2018 - (DVIDS)Corporal James Marshall killed during Viet Cong attack on U.S. Embassy, Saigon, Republic of South Vietnam
Marine Security Guards honor one of their fallen
July 28 - Beijing, China - Unidentified 26-year-old man set off explosive device outside the Embassy
March 08 - Marine Security Guards honor one of their fallen - The security group has held a long standing history of honoring the sacrifice of each of the 12 Marines killed while serving in the MCESG program on the anniversary of their deaths.
February 21 Podgorica, Montenegro: A pro-Russian and Serbian-born assailant threw a hand grenade over the wall of the Embassy. Reporting indicated the grenade appeared to detonate as it was thrown into the air, and the man detonated a second device that killed him. The man's body was found 100 feet from the embassy wall.
(Reuters) US Embassy Afghan employee kills U.S. citizen at Kabul CIA base
03 AUGUST
Marine Security Guards honor one of their fallen
(DVIDS)Corporal James Marshall killed during Viet Cong attack on U.S. Embassy, Saigon, Republic of South Vietnam
2015
28 September - Tashkent, Uzbekistan Explosives thrown over the wall of the Embassy
2014
21 FEBRUARY
(DVIDS) Marine Corps Commandant Visits Spain-3 (DVIDS)Marine Corps Commandant Visits Spain-4
-3 The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, center, meets with the Marines of the Marine Security Guard Detachment at the United States Embassy in Madrid, Spain
-4 The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, second from left, eats a meal with the Marines of the Marine Security Guard Detachment at the United States Embassy in Madrid, Spain
2013
1 February - Ankara, Turkey A suicide bomber attacked the Embassy, detonating himself inside a security entrance to the compound (more details)
25 June - Kabul, Afghanistan - Failed suicide assault on the Embassy
13 September -Herat, Afghanistan - Militants attacked Consulate 2 killed / 20 injured (more details)
President Obama authorized the addition of 1,000 MSGs as part of the 2013 Defense Authorization Act, increasing number of MSGs to 2,450 / 150 diplomatic posts.
Marine Security Augmentation Unit squads were created in 2013 to provide additional support, wherever and whenever needed.
(Press Release - CBS News): Attack on U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece - A rocket-propelled grenade was fired into the front of the U.S. embassy around 6 am in the morning. No one was killed or hurt. A Greek terrorist group called "Revolutionary Struggle" claimed responsibility.
2012
11 September - Cairo, Egypt - Protestors Consulate wall driven back by Egyptian security (more details)
Benghazi, Libya - Terrorists storm the Consulate—killing the Ambassador, 3 others including 2 Navy Seal contractors (more details)
14 September - Tunis, Tunisia- Embassy attacked by protestes (more details)
Sana'a, Yemen - Embassy attaked by Protestors, driven back by Yemeni security
2011
28 October - Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina - Islamist gunman fired on the embassy, local guard by police sniper
2010
05 APRIL Peshawar, Pakistan (SOURCE: NY Times) U.S. Consulate in Pakistan Attacked by Militants
(SOURCE: Wikipedia) 5 April 2010 North-West Frontier Province attacks - Wikipedia
25 September - Baghdad, Iraq Rocket struck an Embassy firing range, killing three / injuring 15 fifteen
2009
30 October - Managua, Nicaragua -Sandinista National Liberation Front Protesters swarm the embassy compound, attacking personnel
2008
21 February - Belgrade, Serbia - Rioters burn Embassy building. (more details)
18 March - Sana'a, Yemen - Mortar rounds miss Embassy, hitting school
9 July - Istanbul, Turkey - Consulate attacked (more details)
2007
14 April - Casablanca, Morocco - Two suicide bombers detonated explosives near Consulate General & Consulate General’s public diplomacy facility.
January 12 - Athens, Greece: (Press Release - CBS News): Attack on U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece - A rocket-propelled grenade was fired into the front of the U.S. embassy around 6 am in the morning.
No one was killed or hurt. A Greek terrorist group called "Revolutionary Struggle" claimed responsibility.
April 20,
Quantico Sentry: Marine Security Guard Battalion reassigned as Marine Corps Embassy Security Command.
September 6
Marine Corps Embassy Security Command reassigned as Marine Corps Embassy Security
2006
February 26
Reassigned to Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Marine Security Guard Battalion
(upon deactivation of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism)
2 March - Karachi, Pakistan - Car bomb explodes outside Consulate, killing a diplomat (more details)
August: SECNAV Inst. 1650.1H MSG Ribbon award established retroactive to 28JAN49.
12 SEPTEMBER
(Press Release - NY Times): U.S. Embassy Damascus, Syria
- Three gunmen were killed after tossing grenades over the embassy's outer wall. Car bomb exploded outside the embassy.
A Syrian security guard and a Chinese diplomat also died.
December 6 - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia al-Qaeda gunmen raid diplomatic compound
March 02 - Karachi, Pakistan Car bomb explodes outside Consulate, killing a diplomat
October 27, - Former Viena MSG (2004-2005), Sgt. Luke Zimmerman KIA, Anbar, Iraq
Staff Sgt. James L. Aultman (Moldova, Oman) Marine Security Guard of the year
- Leatherneck Magazine
- 1st Marine Logistics Group
- DVIDS
2004
06 DECEMBER U.S. Consulate Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Militants breached the outer wall of the U.S. consulate and began shooting, but did not enter the consulate. Five civilians and the gunmen were killed. Ten people were wounded.
(WashingtonInstitue.org) Saudi Stability in the Shadow of the U.S. Consulate Attack in Jeddah
Sergeant M. Greg Matos : Bronze Star Award
30 JULY - U.S. Embassy Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan bombs Embassy. Two security guards were killed.
June 30 - Tashkent, Uzbekistan - The U.S. and Israeli embassies were targeted by suicide bombers. Two security guards were killed.
Terrorism in Uzbekistan
January 29, - Sergeant Danton Kyle Seitsinger, former MSG in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow MSG(1998) On January 29, 2004, killed when a weapons cache exploded in Ghazni province of Afghanistan Received "Top Gun" award: MSG School, Quantico, VA
US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airboune) Fallen Heroes
2003
28 February - Karachi, Pakistan - Unknown gunmen attack Consulate
2003 Terrorst Attacks in Pakistan
2002
June - Reassigned to 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terroism), Marine Security Guard Battalion
June 14 - Karachi, Pakistan al-Qaeda truck bomb detonated outside Consulate
June 12 - Karachi, Pakistan - Bombings June 14, 2002, February 28, 2003, March 15, 2004, and March 2, 2006 outside the U.S. consulate in Karachi in retaliation for the War on Terror in Afghanistan, and later Iraq.
The first bomb in June 2002 was a suicide bomber, who killed 12 and injured 51 people. In February 2003, a gunman killed two police officer and injured five others outside the consulate. In March 2004, an attempted bombing was stopped when police discovered 200 gallons of liquid explosives in the back of a truck.
In March 2006, another suicide bomber killed six people outside a nearby Marriott Hotel.
January 22 - Calcutta, India Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami gunmen attacked American cultural centre, which included public affairs office of nearby US Consulate
1998
September 19 - Monrovia, Liberia Monrovia Clashes Liberian security forces opened fire on a warlord speaking with U.S. officials at the Embassy gate and subsequently laid siege to the building, killing or wounding more than 10 people. An Embassy staff member and a government contractor were among the wounded.
August 7 - Nairobi, Kenya: Sergeant Jesse Nathanael Aliganga killed during terrorist car bombing at U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya
Bombings at U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya & U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - resulted in over 4,000 people injured and 223 dead. The bombings are believed to have been a retaliatory move for the arrest and torture of four members of the Al-Qaeda affiliate, The Egyptian Islamist Jihad.
August 7 - Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: Embassy Bombing
1998 US Embassy Bombings.
June 21 - Beirut, Lebanon RPGs fired at Embassy by Hezbollah
1997
July 15 - Marine Security Guard Ribbon authorized for MSGs, retroactive to 28 January 1949.
Marines assigned to Marine Security Guard duty (MOS 8156) are eligible to receive the ribbon upon completion of 36 months of service at a foreign establishment.
1995
13 September - Moscow, Russia RPG fired on Embassy
1993
27 July - Lima, Peru - Car bomb planted by Shining Path, damages embassy building
1990
October 10, - La Paz, Bolivia, Local Guard, Jose Luis Miranda Rodriguez, killed during attack on Marine House
January 15 - Lima, Peru - The Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, a left-wing insurgent group, bombed the U.S. embassy
1989
17 September - Bogota, Colombia - rocket fired at embassy
1987
June 19, - Rome, Italy - The Japanese Red Army again fired on the U.S. and British embassies in Rome.
November
Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Marine Security Guard Battalion Redesignated as Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Marine Security Guard Battalion
1986
Title Assignments of Non-Commissioned Officers In Charge (NCOIC) changed to Detachment Commander.
July - MSG Detachment, U.S. Consulate, Frankfurt Germany receive "Meritorious Honor Award" from Ambassador
May 14, - Jakarta, Indonisia. The Japanese Red Army fired on the Japanese, Canadian, and U.S. embassies.
The Red Army's goals included overthrowing the Japanese government and starting a world revolution
February - Lisbon, Portugal Popular Forces of 25 April car bomb outside embassy
1985
Noncommissioned Officers In Charge (NCOIC) re-identified as Detachment Commanders
Assistant NCOICs re-identified as Asssistant Detachment Commanders
June 19, - San Salvador, El Salvador:
Staff Sergeant Bobby Joe Dickson
Staff Sergeant Thomas Handwork,
Sergeant Patrick Kwiatkowski
Sergeant Gregory Weber
Off-duty Marines assigned to the Marine Security Guard Detachment in San Salvador. They were killed by terrorists armed with automatic weapons at a cafe in the Zona Rosa District of San Salvador
Press Release (Pittsburg Press): The Pittsburgh Press - 4 Marines Slain in El Salvador Honored
1984
Nov - Bogota, Colombia Car bomb outside embassy planted by drug cartel
September20 - Beirut, Lebanon Hezbollah car bomb outside embassy ( 1984 United States embassy annex bombing)
1983
December - Kuwait City, Kuwait A truck rammed into the front gates of the U.S. embassy and exploded, killing five people. The U.S. embassy was one of several targets hit that day, including the French embassy and the Kuwait International Airport.
April 18 -Beirut, Lebanon: Corporal Robert McMaugh killed when U.S. Embassy in Beruit, Lebanon bombed during terrorist attack
April 15 - Reykjavik, Iceland: Bombing at U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Sgt. James D. Pointkouski receives Navy Achievement Medal (1) Navy Achievement Medal (2) for Superior Performance of his Duties
1979
Women Marines were first accepted for MSG training and assignment in 1979.
first two Women Marine MSGs were in MSG School Class 3-79, graduating in July, 1979.
3rd & 4th Women Marine MSGs assigned to Karachi, Pakistan.
March 1979
Unit Relocated to Quantico Virginia / Reassigned to Marine Corps Development and Education Command,
Marine Security Guard Battalion
November 21 - Islamabad, Pakistan: Corporal Steven Crowley killed during attack on US Embassy, Islamabad, Pakistan
Press Release (Hawaii Marine): Embassy Marine Honored
Press Release (New York Times): Long Island Family Grieves
1978
December 02 - Tripoli, Libya: The U.S. embassy in Tripoli, Libya was burned in retaliation for the supposed U.S.-led takeover of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. After the attack, all U.S. personnel were pulled out of Libya. The U.S. did not re-instate its diplomats in Libya until 2004.
November 04 - Tehran, Iran: Attack on U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran by Terrorists, MSG Detachment Taken Hostage (52 Hostages) for 444 days.
Historical Artical (History.com): Iran Hostage Crisis
March 01 - Paris, France: Sergeant Bobby Romero died while fighting a fire at his post at the U.S. Mission to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris.
1976
June 16, - U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Francis Meloy, his economic counselor Robert O. Waring and their Lebanese driver disappeared as they crossed the Green Line, the division between Beirut’s Christian and Muslim sectors. Their bullet-riddled bodies were found a short time later in mainly Muslim west Beirut, which was then controlled by PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat’s guerrillas.
1975
September 29 - Saigon, Vietnam
Lance Corporal Darwin L. Judge killed with Corporal Chalres McMahon Jr. during an artillery attack while providing security for the Defense Attaché Office, at Tan Son Nhut Airport, Saigon.
Youtube Video: Fall of Saigon, Last Marines killed in Vietnam
Press Release (voanews.com): US / Vietnam Commemorate Different Outcomes of War
Press Release (WBUR): How The Last 2 U.S. Service Members Killed On Vietnamese Soil Finally Made It Home
Corporal Charles McMahon Jr. killed with LCpl Darwin Judge during an artillery attack while providing security for the Defense Attaché Office, at Tan Son Nhut Airport, Saigon.
Press Release (Nashua Telegraph): Woburn Marine One of Last Two Killed
Press Release (CNN): Buddies, Home Towns honor last two Marines killed in Vietnam War.
Press Release (NPR): Senetor's Effort Helps Bring Home Last Marines Killed in Vietnam
1974
August 19, - Nicosia, Cyprus Roger Davies, US Ambassador to Cyprus killed by Greek Cypriot gunmen during an anti-American demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, sparked by the U.S's failure to stop the Turkish intervention in Cyprus.
1973
March 1, - Cleo Allen Noel Jr., US Ambassador to the Sudan, Assasinated. Militants from the Black September faction of PLO stormed the Saudi Embassy in Khartoum, where a farewell ceremony for Moore had just concluded. Ambassador Noel was wounded during the taking, he and Moore were among the ten diplomats taken hostage by the militants. The next day, March 2, the hostage takers shot Noel to death. Also murdered were his deputy, Moore; and Belgian diplomat Guy Eid.
June 26, - MSGs Activated at US Embassy Beijing, China
1971
September 26 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Sergeant Charles Wayne Turberville killed in Terrorist during a terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy softball game in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
1969
January 31 - Saigon, Vietnam: Corporal James Conrad Marshall killed in a Viet Cong attack on the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, South Vietnam
After Action Report (tsna.org): Assault on the Embassy
Augst 28, - Guatemala City, Guatemala
John Mein, US Ambassador to Guatemala, is shot by rebels belonging to the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR) one block from the U.S. consulate on Avenida Reforma in Guatemala City. U.S. officials believed that FAR intended to kidnap him in order to negotiate an exchange, but instead they shot him when he attempted to escape.[3] The rebels had killed two U.S. military aides prior to the assassination.
1967
February 10, Redesignated as Marine Security Guard Battalion (State Department)
1965
March 30 - Saigon, Vietnam: (vietnamwar50th.com) Embassy Bombing in Saigon.
1956
Company B HQ Moved from Cairo, Egypt to Beirut, Lebanon
1954
November - USMC Assumes Training Responsibility for Marines assigned to Embassy Security
1954
March 19, Redesignated as Company F, Headquarters Battalion
Headquarters Marine Corps, Marine Corps Guards, State Department
1949
20 January: first MSGs departed for Tangier and Bangkok
