Fmf Chapter 102.1

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1775

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The Marine Corps was created on 10 November 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Tun Tavern by a resolution of the Continental Congress, which "raised two battalions of Marines." Captain Samuel Nicholas became the commander of these two battalions and is traditionally considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. In 1834, the Marines came under the Department of the Navy. The National Security Act of 1947, amended in 1952, states the present structure.

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1776

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The first Marine landing took place during the Revolutionary War. Marines invaded New Providence Island in the Bahamas and seized guns and supplies. The uniform of the day had a stiff leather stock that was worn around the neck, thus the nickname "Leatherneck.

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1805

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Marines stormed the Barbary pirates' stronghold at Burma on the "Shores of Tripoli." Marines raised the "Stars and Stripes" for the first time in the Eastern Hemisphere.

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1847

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During the Mexican War, Marines occupied the "Halls of Montezuma" during the Battle of Chapultepec in Mexico City. The royal palace fell to invading Marines, who were among the first United States troops to enter the capital. Marines also helped take California.

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1859

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Under the command of Colonel Robert E. Lee, U.S. Army, Marines stormed the United States arsenal at Harper's Ferry to put down an attempted slave revolt lead by abolitionist John Brown.

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1868

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The Marine Corps adopted an emblem that consisted of an eagle, a globe, and an anchor. Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, 7th Commandant, modified the British (Royal) Marine emblem to depict the Marines as both American and maritime. The globe and anchor signify worldwide service and sea traditions. The spread eagle is a symbol of the Nation itself.

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1883

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The official motto of the Marine Corps, “Semper Fidelis,” (Latin for “Always Faithful”) was adopted. The phrase is more commonly heard as its abbreviation, “Semper Fi”.

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1900

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In support of foreign policy, Marines from ships on the Asiatic station defended the American Legation in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion. The Marines were part of a multinational defense force that protected the Legation Quarter against attack. This small defense force held out against the Boxers until a relief force was able to reach Peking and end the rebellion.

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1913

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The Marine Corps established its aviation unit. Marine Major Alfred A. Cunningham was the first pilot.

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1917

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Marines landed as part of the American force in France. Marines, participating in eight distinct operations, distinguished themselves and were awarded a number of decorations, among them the French Fourragere still worn by members of the 5th and 6th Marines.

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1933

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The Marine Corps was reorganized into the Fleet Marine Force, formally establishing the "command and administrative relations" between the Fleet and the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Equipment Board was established at Quantico, Virginia, and Marines began to devote long hours to testing and developing materials for landing operations and expeditionary service.

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1965

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Marines landed in South Vietnam, which committed the Marine Corps to the longest war in its history. Marines conducted numerous large-scale offensive operations throughout the course of the war, as well as participating in the pacification program designed to win the support of the local populace. Also, in response to an attempted coup of the local government, Marines landed in the Dominican Republic to evacuate and protect U.S. citizens. The Marines formed the core of a multinational force that quickly restored the peace.

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1982

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Marines deployed to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force in an effort to restore peace and order to this war-torn country. This action further displayed the Marine concept of a "Force in Readiness." On 23 October 1983, a suicide truck bomb attack on the headquarters building killed 241 Americans and wounded 70 others. The last Marine unit withdrew in July of 1984.

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1991

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Operation Desert Storm was launched after the Iraqi government refused to comply with United Nations resolutions. Marine aviation was heavily used when the air phase commenced in January of 1991. When massive bombing failed to dislodge Iraqi forces, Marine ground forces swept into Kuwait and liberated the country, causing severe damage to the Iraqi military capability.