On November 10, 1775 the 2nd Continental Congress decreed:
That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.
So began the legend of the United States Marine Corps. In true Marine Corps fashion, the first Marine Commandant, Captain Samuel Nicholas, went to Tun Tavern, Virginia to recruit Marines.
Over the last 236 years the Marine Corps has fought in every clime and place, from the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli. They were America’s first to fight in the Battle of Nassau, March 3, 1776. Now they stand as America’s force in readiness.
The Marine Corps is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known, and may ever see. It has proven this time and time again, doing what was said to be impossible. Over the last 100 years the legend has grown more as Marines have done the impossible again and again. In WWI they earned the title “Teufel Hunden” or Devil Dogs during the Battle of Belleau Wood. The woods were said to be impossible to take, but the Marines fought with such ferocity the Germans couldn’t believe they were human and started calling them Teufel Hunden.
The Marines landed at Inchon, Korea in a battle that was designed to fail. The Marines surprised General MacArthur by taking the Port City and pushing inland. Like most modern day Marine forces they were only forced to stop advancing because they outran their supply chains.
During the first Gulf War Iraqi troops were told that a man had to kill and eat his family to become a Marine. The idea was to have the forces fight harder, but they were so terrified they ran when faced with Marines.
In Afghanistan, the Army said it was impossible to fly hundreds of miles over enemy territory and take Kabul Airport to gain a foothold to start the war.
And then in Iraq, 2003 the Marines were the diversionary force while the Army drove around to take Baghdad. The Marines turned it into a race and arrived at the same time as the Army. After Baghdad was taken and Saddam said he was still in charge in Tikrit, America sent the Marines, and in less than a day the city was taken.
These legends will grow as Marines continue to fight and win all over the globe.
So if you see any Marines today, tell them Happy Birthday. They will know what you are talking about and appreciate it.
Stay Safe,
Ben
Modern Self Protection
PS Ask a Marine about the Marine Corps and he or she will tell you a great story.
PSS Check out this link to the Marine Corps Birthday message.