On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution, established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. Nicholas, the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, remained the senior Marine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to be the first Marine Commandant. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an end to the Revolutionary War and as the last of the Navy's ships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence. Following the Revolutionary War and the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on 11 July 1798, Marines saw action in the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo, and took part in many operations against the Barbary pirates along the "Shores of Tripoli". Marines participated in numerous naval operations during the War of 1812, as well as participating in the defense of Washington at Bladensburg, Maryland, and fought alongside Andrew Jackson in the defeat of the British at New Orleans. The decades following the War of 1812 saw the Marines protecting American interests around the world, in the Caribbean, at the Falkland Islands, Sumatra and off the coast of West Africa, and also close to home in the operations against the Seminole Indians in Florida. During the Mexican War (1846-1848), Marines seized enemy seaports on both the Gulf and Pacific coasts. A battalion of Marines joined General Scott's army at Pueblo and fought all the way to the "Halls of Montezuma," Mexico City. Marines also served ashore and afloat in the Civil War (1861-1865). Although most service was with the Navy, a battalion fought at Bull Run and other units saw action with the blockading squadrons and at Cape Hatteras, New Orleans, Charleston, and Fort Fisher. The last third of the 19th century saw Marines making numerous landings throughout the world, especially in the Orient and in the Caribbean area. Following the Spanish-American War (1898), in which Marines performed with valor in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, the Corps entered an era of expansion and professional development. It saw active service in the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902), the Boxer Rebellion in China (1900). and in numerous other nations, including Nicaragua, Panama, Cuba, Mexico, and Haiti. In World War I the Marine Corps distinguished itself on the battlefields of France as the 4th Marine Brigade earned the title of "Devil Dogs" for heroic action during 1918 at Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Michiel, Blanc Mont, and in the final Meuse-Argonne offensive. Marine aviation, which dates from 1912, also played a part in the war effort, as Marine pilots flew day bomber missions over France and Belgium. More than 30,000 Marines had served in France and more than a third were killed or wounded in six months of intense fighting. During the two decades before World War II, the Marine Corps began to develop in earnest the doctrine, equipment, and organization needed for amphibious warfare. The success of this effort was proven first on Guadalcanal, then on Bougainville, Tarawa, New Britain, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. By the end of the war in 1945, the Marine Corps had grown to include six divisions, five air wings, and supporting troops. Its strength in World War II peaked at 485,113. The war cost the Marines nearly 87,000 dead and wounded and 82 Marines had earned the Medal of Honor. While Marine units took part in the post-war occupation of Japan and North China, studies were undertaken at Quantico, Virginia, which concentrated on attaining a "vertical envelopment" capability for the Corps through the use of helicopters. Landing at Inchon, Korea in September 1950, Marines proved that the doctrine of amphibious assault was still viable and necessary. After the recapture of Seoul, the Marines advanced to the Chosin Reservoir only to see the Chinese Communists enter the war. After years of offensives, counter-offensives, seemingly endless trench warfare, and occupation duty, the last Marine ground troops were withdrawn in March 1955. More than 25,000 Marines were killed or wounded during the Korean War. In July 1958, a brigade-size force landed in Lebanon to restore order. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, a large amphibious force was marshaled but not landed. In April 1965, a brigade of Marines landed in the Dominican Republic to protect Americans and evacuate those who wished to leave. The landing of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade at Da Nang in 1965 marked the beginning of large-scale Marine involvement in Vietnam. By summer 1968, after the enemy's Tet Offensive, Marine Corps strength in Vietnam rose to a peak of approximately 85,000. The Marine withdrawal began in 1969 as the South Vietnamese began to assume a larger role in the fighting; the last ground forces were out of Vietnam by June 1971. The Vietnam War, longest in the history of the Marine Corps, exacted a high cost as well with over 13,000 Marines killed and more than 88,000 wounded. In the spring of 1975, Marines evacuated embassy staffs, American citizens, and refugees in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. Later, in May 1975, Marines played an integral role in the rescue of the crew of the SS Mayaguez captured off the coast of Cambodia. The mid-1970s saw the Marine Corps assume an increasingly significant role in defending NATO's northern flank as amphibious units of the 2d Marine Division participated in exercises throughout northern Europe. The Marine Corps also played a key role in the development of the Rapid Deployment Force, a multi-service organization created to insure a flexible, timely military response around the world when needed. The Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS) concept was developed to enhance this capability by prestaging equipment needed for combat in the vicinity of the designated area of operations, and reduce response time as Marines travel by air to link up with MPS assets. The 1980s brought an increasing number of terrorist attacks on U.S. embassies around the world. Marine Security Guards, under the direction of the State Department, continued to serve with distinction in the face of this challenge. In August 1982, Marine units landed at Beirut, Lebanon, as part of the multi-national peace-keeping force. For the next 19 months these units faced the hazards of their mission with courage and professionalism. In October 1983, Marines took part in the highly successful, short-notice intervention in Grenada. As the decade of the 1980s came to a close, Marines were summoned to respond to instability in Central America. Operation Just Cause was launched in Panama in December 1989 to protect American lives and restore the democratic process in that nation. Less than a year later, in August 1990, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait set in motion events that would lead to the largest movement of Marine Corps forces since World War II. Between August 1990 and January 1991, some 24 infantry battalions, 40 squadrons, and more than 92,000 Marines deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Desert Shield. Operation Desert Storm was launched 16 January 1991, the day the air campaign began. The main attack came overland beginning 24 February when the 1st and 2d Marine Divisions breached the Iraqi defense lines and stormed into occupied Kuwait. By the morning of February 28, 100 hours after the ground war began, almost the entire Iraqi Army in the Kuwaiti theater of operations had been encircled with 4,000 tanks destroyed and 42 divisions destroyed or rendered ineffective. Overshadowed by the events in the Persian Gulf during 1990-91, were a number of other significant Marine deployments demonstrating the Corps' flexible and rapid response. Included among these were non-combatant evacuation operations in Liberia and Somalia and humanitarian lifesaving operations in Bangladesh, the Philippines, and northern Iraq. In December 1992, Marines landed in Somalia marking the beginning of a two-year humanitarian relief operation in that famine-stricken and strife-torn nation. In another part of the world, Marine Corps aircraft supported Operation Deny Flight in the no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina. During April 1994, Marines once again demonstrated their ability to protect American citizens in remote parts of the world when a Marine task force evacuated U.S. citizens from Rwanda in response to civil unrest in that country. Closer to home, Marines went ashore in September 1994 in Haiti as part of the U.S. force participating in the restoration of democracy in that country. During this same period Marines were actively engaged in providing assistance to the Nation's counter-drug effort, assisting in battling wild fires in the western United States, and aiding in flood and hurricane relief operations. During the late 1990's, Marine Corps units deployed to several African nations, including Liberia, the Central African Republic, Zaire, and Eritrea, in order to provide security and assist in the evacuation of American citizens, during periods of political and civil instability in those nations. Humanitarian and disaster relief operations were also conducted by Marines during 1998 on Kenya, and in the Central American nations of Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In 1999, Marine units deployed to Kosovo in support of Operations Allied Force. As we approach the millennium, the Marine Corps has continued its tradition of innovation to meet the challenges of a new century. The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory was created in 1995 to evaluate change, assess the impact of new technologies on warfighting, and expedite the introduction of new capabilities into the operating forces of the Marine Corps. Exercises such as "Hunter Warrior," and "Urban Warrior" were designed to explore future tactical concepts, and to examine facets of military operations in urban environments. Today's Marine Corps stands ready to continue in the proud tradition of those who so valiantly fought and died at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, and Khe Sanh. Combining a long and proud heritage of faithful service to the nation, with the resolve to face tomorrow's challenges will continue to keep the Marine Corps the "best of the best." Reference Section History and Museums Division August 1999 |
| WARRANT OF FIRST COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS In CONGRESS The Delegates of the United Congress of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, The Counties of New Castle, Kent, and Suffix of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia SAMUAL NICHOLAS ESQUIRE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We, reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valor, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these Presents constitute and appoint you to be CAPTAIN OF MARINES--------------------in the service of the Thirteen United Colonies of North America, turned out for the defense of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of CAPTAIN OF MARINES by doing and performing all Mannor of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers, Marines, and Seamen under your Command to be obedient to your orders as CAPTAIN OF MARINES And you are to follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Navy of the United Colonies, or any other of your superior Officers according to the Rules and Dicipline of War, the Usage of the Sea, and the Instructions herewith given you in Pursuance of the Trust imposed in you. This Commision to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress. By Order of the Congress John Hancock President |
| QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MARINE CORPS HISTORY? What is the document in which the official mission of the Marine Corps is established? National Security act of 1947 amended in 1952. What does the National Security Act state? Marines are trained, organized and equipped for offensive amphibious employment and as a "force in readiness". When and where was the Marine Corps created? 10 November 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Tun Tavern. The U.S. Marines evolved from whom? British Royal Marines When did the Marine Corps come under the Department of the Navy? 1834 What is the motto of the Marine Corps and when was it adopted? "Semper Fidelis" Latin for "Always Faithful" adopted in 1883, by the 8th Commandant of the Marine Corps Charles G. McCawley. Who is the first Commandant of the Marine Corps? Captain Samual Nicholas When and Where did the Marine Corps make its first amphibious assault? 3 March 1776, New Providence, Bahamas. What is the oldest post in the Marine Corps? Marine Barracks, 8th & I. Where did the term "Leatherneck" originate? From the high leather collars worn by Marines from 1775 - 1875 to keep their heads erect. When was the Marine Corps created as a separate military service? 1798 What are the "shores of Tripoli'? Derna where Marines stormed the Barbary Pirates' stronghold. Where did the Barbary Pirates' War take place? 1801-1807 When did Marines occupy the "Halls of Montezuma"? During the Mexican War, during the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847. When was the Marine Corps emblem adopted and by whom? 1868 by BrGen Jacob Zeilin 7th Commandant. What do the components of the Marine Corps emblem represent? Eagle - Nation, Globe - World Wide Service, Anchor - Naval Traditions. When did Marines participate in the war against Spain? 1898 When and where did the Boxer Rebellion take place? In 1900 in Peking China. What was the Marines mission during the Boxer Rebellion? Protect American Legation against attack in Peking, China. When did the "Banana Wars" take place? From 1901-1934. What was the significance of the Banana Wars? Close air support and Jungle warfare. Who was the first Marine Aviator? Major Alfred A. Cunningham in 1913. What is the significance of the French Fourragere? It was awarded to the 5th and 6th Regiment (4th Brigade) in 1917 by the French in lieu of being awarded a 3rd Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) at Blanc Mont. When was the Marine Corps reorganized into the Fleet Marine Force? 1933 Where did the term "First to Fight" come from? WWI Recruiting poster. When did the Marine Corps become involved in WWII? 8 December 1941. What is the "Island Hopping" Campaign? 63 Amphibious landings during WWII, and not one mission failed due to teamwork, pride, discipline and Espirit de Corps. What was the first amphibious assault of WWII? Guadalcanal, 7 August 1942. What was the last amphibious assault of WWII? Okinawa, 21 June 1945. What was the significance of the Korean War? It tested Marine Corps combat readiness, Marine aviators flew helicopters for the first time in battle. When did the Marine Corps become involved in the Vietnam War? 8 March 1965 What was the unit that became involved in the Vietnam war? 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. When did Marines deploy to Lebanon? 1982 What happened on 23 October 1983 in Lebanon? A terrorist drove a five-ton truck into the building of a Marine Command post and barracks killing 241 and wounding 70 others. When did Marines enter Granada? 1983 What was the significance of Grenada? 25 October 1983 Marines evacuated medical students and any other Americans from the island of Grenada. When did Marines invade and overthrow General Noriega from Panama? 1989 When was Operation Desert Shield launched? 1990 When was Operation Desert Storm launched? January 1991 What was the significance of Operation Desert Storm? Most successful air assault in the history of modern day warfare. What is the origin of the Mameluke sword? Prince Hamet of Tripoli awarded it to Lt Presly O'Bannon in 1805. Who was the "Grand old man of the Marine Corps"? Archibald Henderson, Fifth Commandant When and how many years did BrGen Henderson serve as Commandant? From 1820-1859 for a period of 39 years. Who were the only Marines awarded two Medals of Honor? Dan Daly (Chinese Boxer Rebellion, First Caco War in Haiti), Smedly Butler (Veracruz, First Caco War in Haiti) |
| FOR MORE ANSWERS ABOUT THE MARINE CORPS, A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CORPS IS FOUND BELOW. |
| HISTORY OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR The first formal system for rewarding acts of individual gallantry by the nation's fighting men was established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782. Designed to recognize "any singularly meritorious action," the award consisted of a purple cloth heart. Records show that only three persons received the ward: Sergeant Elijah Churchill, Sergeant William Brown, and Sergeant Daniel Bissel Jr. The Badge of Military Merit, as it was called, fell into oblivion until 1932, when General Douglas MacArthur, then Army Chief of Staff, pressed for its revival. Officially reinstituted on February 22, 1932, the now familiar Purple Heart was at first an Army award, given to those who had been wounded in World War I or who possessed a Meritorious Service Citation Certificate. In 1943, the order was amended to include personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Coverage was eventually extended to include all services and "any civilian national" wounded while serving with the Armed Forces. Although the Badge of Military Merit fell into disuse after the Revolutionary War, the idea of a decoration for individual gallantry remained through the early 1800s. In 1847, after the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, a "certificate of merit" was established for any soldier who distinguished himself in action. No medal went with the honor. After the Mexican-American War, the award was discontinued, which meant there was no military award with which to recognize the nation's fighting men. Early in the Civil War, a medal for individual valor was proposed to General-in-Chief of the Army Winfield Scott. But Scott felt medals smacked of European affectation and killed the idea. The medal found support in the Navy, however, where it was felt recognition of courage in strife was needed. Public Resolution 82, containing a provision for a Navy medal of valor, was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on December 21, 1861. The medal was "to be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen, and Marines as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry and other seamanlike qualities during the present war." Shortly after this, a resolution similar in wording was introduced on behalf of the Army. Signed into law July 12, 1862, the measure provided for awarding a medal of honor "to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldierlike qualities, during the present insurrection." Although it was created for the Civil War, Congress made the Medal of Honor a permanent decoration in 1863. Almost 3,400 men and one woman have received the award for heroic actions in the nation's battles since that time. * Quoted from "Armed Forces Decorations and Awards," a publication of the American Forces Information Service. Copies of the pamphlet are available upon request (in print format only), via the "DefenseLINK Comment/Question Form" in the "Questions" section. |
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| AJ's Place Midis Marine Section Marine Prayer Core Values Leadership Traits Code Of Conduct Phrases of M.C. My Rifle DI's Questions about M.C. Brief History 1st Commandant of M.C. History/Medal Of Honor In-Depth History Marine Acronyms Helpful Info on: Drill Uniforms Customs/Courtesy Orgs & Attachments Marksmanship Weight Standards Fitness Program Battle Skills Interior Guard Leadership |
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