November 10, 2021 marks the 246th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. To pay tribute to this milestone, we’ve highlighted some of the Marines’ finest achievements.
First Amphibious Landing
The Continental Marines achieved their first amphibious landing at the Battle of Nassau in 1776. The Revolutionary War was in full swing, and the American forces had received intelligence suggesting that British forces had stockpiled gunpowder in the Bahamian city of Nassau. The Marines successfully raided the city, recovering 38 casks of gunpowder in the process.
Shores Of Tripoli
As the Marines’ first battle abroad, the Battle of Derna holds a special place in their illustrious history. The conflict started in 1805 after the U.S. government decided to stop paying “tribute” money to Barbary Coast pirates, which protected American merchant ships from raids. Led by Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon, the Marines rescued the crew of the USS Philadelphia, who had been kidnapped, and helped Tripoli’s Prince Hamet Bey reclaim his throne.
The Battle Of Chapultepec
In September 1847, during the Mexican-American War, the Marines conquered Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. This battle is especially significant for establishing the tradition of the “blood stripe”—the red stripe that appears on the side of Marines’ trousers. The Marines suffered an unusually high number of casualties during the battle, and the blood stripe commemorates fallen soldiers. The first line of the Marines’ Hymn, “From the halls of Montezuma,” also pays tribute to this battle.
Montford Point Marines
On June 25, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order No. 8802, which allowed racial minorities to join the Armed Forces. Before this the Marines were all-white, but by October of 1942, hundreds of African-American recruits had begun training at Montford Point, many of whom went on to serve in the Second World War. Racially integrated Marines training did not begin until 1949, at which time Montford Point was closed. In 2012, Congress honored over 400 Montford Point Marines with Congressional Gold Medals.
Inchon Landing
Army General Douglas MacArthur was the mastermind behind this surprise attack that took advantage of the Marines’ amphibious capabilities. In a bid to aid South Korea to reclaim their capital, Seoul, from North Korea, the landing unfolded on September 15, 1950, at the Inchon port. In two short weeks, the Marines reclaimed Seoul and chased out the North Korean forces. Historically, this bold mission is regarded as one of the most important amphibious assaults.
Female Engagement Team
The Marines established the Female Engagement Team (FET) in 2009 to reach out to women and children and gather intelligence in combat zones. FETs were deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the last group being disbanded in Afghanistan in 2012 after local troops took over. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, however, recently established its own FET, opening the door to future deployments.
Marine One
Marine One is the official call sign given to a Marine Corps helicopter transporting the President of the United States. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to be transported via helicopter by the Marines—on a Bell UH-13J Sioux in 1957. Today the Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N WhiteHawk serve as Marine Ones.
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By Greg Dalgetty
John Reidel says,
I also served in the Marine Corps. and I’ve seen a lot. However, I am looking forward to the fullment of , Daniel 2:44 , Isaiah 2:1-4 , not to mention Revelation 21:3,4 .
eduardo cardenas says,
the were at the relation for the comments for these Marines I doing the best for the country is one the best for America and ablation for my country
joseph a vilcsek says,
semper fi ooorah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Richard Long says,
As a former marine , I will always feel honored to have served in the marine corps with the spirits of other former marines standing in the ranks
Sunder Copes says,
I served in the Marine Corps / 6 years in the late 70’s and early eighties and I just want to say once a marine always a Marine hooray
Rachel Telvi says,
Thank you for paying tribute to the Marines. My son is at boot camp now. The Few The Proud…. Semper Fi!
Charles Karn says,
Thank you for this article.I’ve had family at most major battles that the Marine’s have enjoyed being a part of since the beginning we have fought in every war since 1776. Semper Fidelis
Michele Williams says,
I personally Thank the Military of the United States of America. I always thought they kept us Safe. They helped us to not live in Fear. Thank God for our Military. I wish no one had to die. Keep them all in our Prayers. Peace for All.
Karl S Klemme says,
I as a MARINE Veteran, in VietNam for 26 months , with 27 years of service, Thank You, for this recognition !! Always a MARINE
Mrs. Burnette says,
I am proud to be a member of Geico after seeing this. My husband served in the United States Marine Corps, and I appreciate this special article on some of the greatest battles they have been in. Let us not forget that we still have men and women serving the armed forces every day, and they need our support. Reach out to veterans and let them know we care. Again, thank you for this article.
Jim Driscoll says,
Remember Belleau Woods (Devil Dogs), Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Chosin Reservoir, Battle of Hue City, Fallujah and many others in Marine History.
Proud to Serve!
Semper Fi
Jim Driscoll, Sgt US Marines 55-59
Owens L Crider. ( USMC Ret) says,
Enjoyed rhe USMC hi- lites. Ran out of
space too quickly. The list goes on —–
WW-1 Germany Marines earn name ” Devil Dogs”./” Manila John ” the Phillippines WW-II. / The Boxer Rebellion/ The Frozen Chosen and on and on and om
Fay Link says,
I am salute the military for all they have done for our country.
May God bless them and keep them safe.
Michael says,
Aloha
Nice brief of the MC there are a couple of points you might have added. During the time of Tripoli we picked up the name leatherneck, to protect our throats from cutlass strikes. In the Great War (WW1) we were given the Devil Dogs by the Germans since we never stopped in attaching even under their machine gun fire.Of course there is more but I thought I would just mention those.
Vietnam Vet
USMC
Sheila Hundley says,
My Husband passed away this October, 2015. He served as a Marine. I want to thank him for serving and for helping protecting our freedom that we are still enjoying as American citizens.
Love
Your Wife
Eric says,
I am so sorry for your loss, may he’s soul rest in peace and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Charles Karn says,
Thank you for your Husband’s service. Semper Fi