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102​Marine Corps History, Rank Structure, and Courtesies TC "102​Marine Corps History, Rank Structure, and Courtesies" "1" Fundamentals

Terms in this set (44)

1775
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.
10 November 1775
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
Captain Samuel Nicholas became the commander of these two battalions and is traditionally considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps.
1834
In 1834, the Marines came under the Department of the Navy.
The National Security Act of 1947
The National Security Act of 1947, amended in 1952, states the present structure of the USMC.
1776
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.
Leatherneck
In 1776, The uniform of the day had a stiff leather stock that was worn around the neck, thus the nickname "Leatherneck".
1805
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.
1805 - Barbary pirates' stronghold at Burma
Marines raised the "Stars and Stripes" for the first time in the Eastern Hemisphere.
1847
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.
Halls of Montezuma
Mexican War, Marines occupied the "Halls of Montezuma" during the Battle of Chapultepec in Mexico City.
1859
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.
1868
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.
Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin
7th Commandant, modified the British (Royal) Marine emblem to depict the Marines as both American and maritime.
1883
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".
1900
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.
1913
The Marine Corps established its aviation unit. Marine Major Alfred A. Cunningham was the first pilot.
Major Alfred A. Cunningham
Major Alfred A. Cunningham was the first Marine pilot.
1917
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.
1933
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.
1965
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.
1982
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
January of 1991
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.
The Battle of Belleu Wood
Marines fought one of their greatest battles in history at Belleau Wood, France during World War I. Marines helped to crush a German offensive at Belleau Wood that threatened Paris. In honor of the Marines who fought there, the French renamed the area "the Wood of the Brigade of Marines." German intelligence evaluated the Marines as "storm troops" -- the highest rating on the enemy fighting scale. In reference to the Marine's ferocious fighting ability, German troops called their new enemy "Teufelhunden" or "Devil dogs," a nickname in which Marines share pride.
The Battle of Guadalcanal
On 7 August 1942, the 1st Marine Division landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and launched the first United States land offensive of World War II. This battle marked the first combat test of the new amphibious doctrine, and also provided a crucial turning point of the war in the Pacific by providing a base to launch further invasions of Japanese-held islands. Amphibious landings followed on the remaining Solomon Islands including New Georgia, Choiseul (Feint), and Bougainville.
7 August 1942
On 7 August 1942, the 1st Marine Division landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and launched the first United States land offensive of World War II. This battle marked the first combat test of the new amphibious doctrine, and also provided a crucial turning point of the war in the Pacific by providing a base to launch further invasions of Japanese-held islands. Amphibious landings followed on the remaining Solomon Islands including New Georgia, Choiseul (Feint), and Bougainville.
The Battle of Tarawa
The Gilbert Islands were the first in the line of advance for the offensive in the Central Pacific. The prime objective was the Tarawa Atoll and Betio Island which had been fortified to the point that the Japanese commander proclaimed that it would take a million Americans 100 years to conquer it. On 20 November 1943, Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hours, but paid a heavy price in doing so. Because of an extended reef, landing craft could not cross it and Marines were offloaded hundreds of yards from the beaches. This led to heavy losses from enemy fire. Additionally, many Marines drowned while attempting to wade ashore.
The Battle of Mariana Islands
Due to the need for airfields by the Air Force and advanced bases for the Navy, the Marianas were invaded. Landings on the islands of Saipan, Guam, and Tinian accomplished this. During June and July of 1943, Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith led a combined invasion force of Marines and soldiers that totaled over 136,000. This was the greatest number of troops up to that time to operate in the field under Marine command.
Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith
During June and July of 1943, Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith led a combined invasion force of Marines and soldiers that totaled over 136,000. This was the greatest number of troops up to that time to operate in the field under Marine command.
June and July of 1943
During June and July of 1943, Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith led a combined invasion force of Marines and soldiers that totaled over 136,000. This was the greatest number of troops up to that time to operate in the field under Marine command.
The Battle of Iwo Jima
On 19 February 1945, Marines landed on Iwo Jima in what was the largest all-Marine battle in history. It was also the bloodiest in Marine Corps history. The Marine Corps suffered over 23,300 casualties. The capture of Iwo Jima greatly increased the air support and bombing operations against the Japanese home islands. Of the savage battle, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz said, "Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
19 February 1945
On 19 February 1945, Marines landed on Iwo Jima in what was the largest all-Marine battle in history.
23,300 casualties
On 19 February 1945, Marines landed on Iwo Jima in what was the largest all-Marine battle in history. It was also the bloodiest in Marine Corps history. The Marine Corps suffered over 23,300 casualties.
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz said, "Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
The Battle of Chosin Reservior
After pushing far into North Korea during November of 1950, Marines were cut off after the Chinese Communist Forces entered the war. Despite facing a 10-division force sent to annihilate them, Marines smashed seven enemy divisions in their march from the Chosin Reservoir. The major significance of this retrograde movement was that Marines brought out all operable equipment, properly evacuated their wounded and dead, and maintained tactical integrity.
The Battle of Hue City
The Battle of Hue City - During the Vietnamese holiday of Tet in January of 1968, Communist forces launched a surprise offensive by infiltrating large numbers of their troops into the major population centers of Hue City, South Vietnam. A near division-size unit of NVA troops occupied the city of Hue and the Citadel. Marines fought in built-up areas for the first time since the Korean War foregoing the application of heavy arms to minimize civilian casualties. Fighting was house-to-house with progress measured in yards. The city was secured on 25 February 1968.
Archibald Henderson
Archibald Henderson - Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson became Commandant in 1820 and held his command for 39 years until his death in 1859. General Henderson led the Corps through the Indian Wars, the War with Mexico, the opening of China, and the disorders in Central America. The "Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps," as he is often called, introduced higher standards of personal appearance, training, discipline, and strived to have the Marine Corps known as a professional military force, capable of more than just sea and guard duties
John Quick
John Quick - Sergeant Major Quick is remembered for his performance at Cuzco Well (Guantanamo Bay, Cuba) where he participated in an operation to seize an advanced base for the Atlantic Fleet battalion of Marines. The Sergeant Major won the Medal of Honor for semaphoring for an emergency lift of the naval bombardment while under Spanish and American shellfire. The landing at Guantanamo demonstrated the usefulness of Marines as assault troops. When employed with the fleet, Marines gave added strength for the capture and defense of advanced bases, becoming a primary mission of the Marine Corps (1898).
Dan Daly
Dan Daly - Sergeant Major Daly is recognized for earning two Medals of Honor: (1) Chinese Boxer Rebellion and (2) First Caco War in Haiti. When his unit had been pinned down and their attack was stalled during the Battle of Belleau Wood, then Gunnery Sergeant Daly yelled to his men, "Come on, you sons of a b-----, do you want to live forever?"
Louis B. "Chesty" Puller
Louis B. "Chesty" Puller - Lieutenant General Puller served in Nicaragua through several periods of political unrest and rebellious activity. Puller and a force of about 32 Marines became famous for their ability to engage rebel groups and bandits while scouring the jungles in a wide area of Nicaragua to the Honduran border. Puller became known as the "Tiger of the Mountains" (1930). The Marine Corps' mascot, an English bulldog named "Chesty," is named for this brave and fine Marine Corps officer.
Gregory R. "Pappy" Boyington
Major Boyington is recognized for Marine prowess in aerial dogfights. "Pappy" commanded VMH-214, the "Black Sheep," during World War II. By the end of the War, the Major was recognized as the Marine Corps' top ranking flying ace with 28 victories ("kills") (1945).
Ira H. Hayes
Ira H. Hayes - The Fifth Amphibious Corps of Marines, commanded by Major General Harry Schmidt, was assigned to take Iwo Jima. Corporal Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, was one of the Marines immortalized in the now famous photograph (not shown) taken of the second flag raising incident on Mount Suribachi shortly after the Japanese stronghold was taken on 23 Feb 1945.
Opha Mae Johnson
Private Johnson became the Marine Corps' first enlisted woman on 13 August 1918. Her enlistment was a reflection of the dramatic changes in the status of women brought about by the entry of the United States into World War I. Marine Reserve (F) was the official title by which the Marine Corps' first enlisted women were known. They were better known as skirt Marines" and "Marinettes."
Margaret A. Brewer
Margaret A. Brewer - Brigadier General Brewer, then a Colonel, served as the Director of Women Marines (WM) during the period 1973-1977. She was the seventh and last director of WM, the only post-World War woman to hold the position. Margaret Brewer became the Marine Corps' first woman general officer on 11 May 1978.
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