Marine Corps History

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1775

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Marine Corps was created 10NOV75 @Tun Tavern.

Samual Nicholas is traditionally considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps

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1776

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First Marine Landing during the Revolutionary War, invading New Providence Island in the Bahamas seizing guns and supplies.

Marines nicknamed “Leathernecks” because the uniform of the day had a stiff leather sock worn around the neck.

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1805

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Marines stormed the Barbary pirates’ stronghold on “Shores of Tripoli”.

Marines raised the “Stars and Stripes” for the first time in the eastern hemisphere.

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1834

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Marines organized under the Department of the Navy (DON).

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1837

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During the Mexican War, Marines occupied the “Halls of Montezuma” during Battle of Chapultepec in Mexico City.

Marines helped take California.

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1859

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Under command of Colonel Robert E. Lee (Army), Marines stormed US 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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Marine Corps adopted the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA). Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, 7th Commandant, modifies the Royal British Marine emblem.

-Globe and Anchor signify worldwide service and sea traditions.

-Spread Eagle symbol of the Nation itself.

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1883

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“Semiper Fidelis” (Latin for Always Faithful) was adopted. Commonly abbreviated as “Semper Fi”.

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1900

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Marines from Asiatic station defended the American Legation in Peking, China during the boxer rebellion.

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1912

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USMC established its Aviation Unit.

Major Alfred A. Cunningham was the first pilot. His first solo flight (as 1stLt) was 1AUG12

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1917

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Marines landed as part of American forces in France participating in 8 distinct operations.

French Fourragere is still worn by 5th and 6th Marines.

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1933

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USMC reorganized into Fleet Marine Force establishing “command and administrative relations” between the Fleet and the USMC.

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1965

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Marines landed in South Vietnam, conducting numerous large-scale offensive operations throughout the war.

Marines landed in the Dominican Republic to protect US citizens in response to an attempted coup. Marines formed a core of multinational forces quickly restoring peace

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1982

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Marines deployed to Beirut, Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force to restore peace and order, displaying the Marine concept of “Force in Readiness”.

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1983

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23OCT83 a suicide truck bomb attack a building serving as a barracks for 1/8 killing 241 Americans and wounding 70 others. Last Marine unit withdrew in July 1984.

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1991

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Operation Desert Storm launches after Iraq government invaded Kuwait & refused to comply w/ UN demanding their withdrawal. Marine aviation was heavily used in January 1991.

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2001

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9/11. 2 civilian planes were hijacked and flew into the WTC.

Operation Enduring Freedom the official name for the War in Afghanistan. 7OCT01 early combat ops signaled the start of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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2003

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Invasion of Iraq (20MAR03-01MAY03). 4 countries participated w/ troops during the initial invasion phase.

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Battle of Belleu Wood

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On 6JUN1918 Marines fought one of their greatest battles in history during WWI. France renamed the area “the Wood of the Brigade of Marines”. German intel evaluated Marines as “storm troops”— the highest rating on the enemy fighting scale. German troops called them “Teufelhunden” or “Devil dogs” which Marines share with pride.

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Battle of Guadalcanal

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7AUG1942 the 1MARDIV landed on beaches of Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands & launched the first US land offensive of WWII. Battle marked the first combat test of the new amphibious doctrine.

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Battle of Tarawa

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Tarawa Atoll & Betio Island which had been fortified to the point a Japanese commander proclaimed it would take a million Americans 100 years to concor it. On 20NOV1943, Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hr. Many marines drowned while attempting to wade ashore.

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Battle of Mariana Islands

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Due to the need of an airfield be the USAF and advanced bases for the USN, Marianas were invaded. Landings of Saipan, Guam, and Tinian accomplishes this. JUN-JUL1943, LtGen Holland M. “Howlin’ Mad” Smith led Marines and soldiers totaling over 136,000, greatest number of troops at the time to operate under Marine command.

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Battle of Okinawa

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1APR1945-22JUN1945 last and largest battle of Pacific involving 287,000 troops. @ the end of the 82-day campaign, the Japanese suffered >77,000 casualties and Allies recurved 65,000 including 14,000 dead.

23 MOH were awarded.

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Battle of Iwo Jima

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19 FEB1945 Marines landed on Iwo Jima, largest and bloodiest all-Marine battle in history. >22,300 casualties. Capture of Iwo Jima greatly increased air support and bombing ops against Japanese home islands. ADM Chester W. Nimitz said “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Islands, uncommon valor was a common virtue”.

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Battle of Chosin Reservoir

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NOV1950 during Korean War, Marines pushed far into NK and cut off after Chinese Communist Forces entered the war. 10-divisions sent to annihilate them. Marines smashed 7 enemy divisions. Major significance was Marines brought out all operational equipment and dead/wounded maintaining tactical integrity.

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Battle of Hue City

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During Vietnamese holiday of Tet in JAN1968, communist forces launched a surprise offensive into major population center of Hue City. A division-sized unit of North Vietnamese Army occupied city of Hue and the Citadel. The city was secured on 25FEB1968.

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First Battle of Fallujah

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Operation Vigilant Resolve am unsuccessful attempt to capture the city of Fallujah. 4APR04, 1/5 attacked industrial center, 2/1 pushed south through northwest urban district. 10APR04 3/4 & 2/2 were commuted to the still raging conflict.

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Second Battle of Fallujah

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2 distinct operations (Operation Al-Fajr & Operation Phantom Fury) on 7NOV04.

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Operation Al-Fajr

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(Arabic “the dawn”) represents major success for Iraqi government and coalition forces. Attack included 9 U.S.A. & USMC BN, 6 Iraqi BN, & aviation from all Military services. Full assault force 12,00 USMC, USA, USN, USAF, & Iraqi Security Force (ISF).

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Operation Phantom Fury

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Joint US/Iraqi/British offensive led by USMC against Iraqi Insurgency stronghold, authorizes by US-appointed Iraqi Interim Government. Attack took place 7NOV04 & employed Regimental Combat Teams (RTCs) 1 & 7 attacking south into city.

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Operation Strike of the Sword

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Operation Khanjar is an American-led offensive against the Taliban in Helmand province. Aprox. 4,000 Marine from 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade along w/ 650 Afghan Army soldiers took part. Operation began 2JUL09 when US and Afghan forces entered Helmand River Valley. Largest Marine offensive since Battle of Fallujah, biggest offensive airlift since Vietnam. Units involved 2/8, 2D Light Armored Recon BN, 1/5.

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Battle of Marjah

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FEB 2010 Operation Moshtarak (Dari “together”) reclaimed Marjah, strategic agricultural hub and narco-terrorist safe haven in Helmand River Valley. Marines tangibly improved geo-political landscape of Southwestern Afghanistan.

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Archibald Henderson

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Brevet BGEN became Commandant in 1820 for 39 years until his death in 1859. Led USMC through Indian Wars, War with Mexico, opening of China, & disorders in Central America. “Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps” introduces higher standards of personal appearance, training, discipline, & strive for the USMC to be known as professional military force.

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John Quick

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SgtMaj Quick remembered for 1898 Cuzco Well (Guantanamo Bay, Cuba) to seize an advance for the Atlantic Fleet BN. Earned MOH for semaphoring for an emergency lift of the naval bombardment while under Spanish and American shellfire.

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Dan Daly

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SgtMaj Daly earned 2 MOH; 1) Chinese Boxer Rebellion & 2) First Caco War in Haiti. When his unit was pinned down during Battle of Belleau Wood, GSgt Daly said “Come on, you sons of a bitch, do you want to love forever?”

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Louis B. “Chesty” Puller

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LtGen Puller& force of 32 Marines became famous for ability to engage rebel groups & bandits while scouting the jungle of Nicaragua. Puller became known as “Tiger of the Mountains”. USMC mascot, English bulldog, named “Chesty” after him. Awarded 14 personal decorations & awarded Distinguished Service Cross & 5th Navy Cross for heroism during bitter fight to break out of Korea’s Chosin Reservoir.

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Gregory R. “Pappy” Boyington

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Maj Boyington recognized for prowess in aerial dogfights. “Pappy” commanded H-214, the “Black Sheep” during WWII. Top ranking flying ace w/ 28 victories (kills). Awarded MOH on 5OCT1945 for actions against the Japanese forces in Central Solomon’s Area from 12SEP1943-3JAN1944.

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Ira H. Hayes

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Cpl Hayes, Pima Indian, immortalized in a famous photograph of the second flag raising on Mount Suribachi, taken 23FEB1945.

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Opha Mae Johnson

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Pvt Johnson first USMC enlisted women on 13AUG1918. Her enlistment was a reflection of the dramatic changes in the state of women. Marine Reserve (F) was official title which USMC first enlisted women were known. “Skirt Marines” & “Marinettes”.

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Margaret A. Brewer

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BGEN Brewer, then Colonel, served as Director if Women Marines 1973-1977. Seventh and last director of WM, only post world-war women to hold the position. First women general officer 11 May 1978.

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Robert E. Bush

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2MAY1945 Battle of Oki, Hospital Apprentice First Class administered blood plasma to wounded Marine Officer w/ one hand & returning fire w/ the other. Presented MOH by President Harry S. Truman on 5OCT1945 during “Nimitz Day”. Youngest WWII Navy man to receive MOH.

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Robert R. Ingram

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PO Ingram aggressively engaged an outpost of a North Vietnamese Army BN on 28MAR1966. Oblivious to danger, he crawled across the battlefield to administer aid. Bullet went through his hand, received 2 more wounds w/ the third being life threatening, but continued to resupply and aid others then sustained a 4th bullet wound from 1600 ‘til almost sunset. Received MOH.

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Jason Dunham

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Cpl Dunham 14APR04, w/o hesitation, covered a grenade w/ his helmet and body, being posthumously awarded the MOH. A destroyer now bears his name.

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Dakota Meyer

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Cpl Meyer maintained security @ Genjgal in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on 8SEP09. >50 enemy fighters ambushed a patrol. He took the exposed gunner’s position in a gun truck & made several trips to evacuate dead/wounded members of his team and Afghan soldiers. Awarded MOH for his daring initiative and bold fighting spirit throughout the 6 hrs.