101 Marine Corps History, Rank Structure, And Courtesies

Question 1

1775

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

1776

Answer 2

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”.

Question 3

1805

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

1834

Answer 4

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

Question 5

1847

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

1859

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

1868

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

1883

Answer 8

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”.

Question 9

1900

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

1912

Answer 10

The Marine Corps established its Aviation Unit. Marine Major, Alfred A.
Cunningham was the first pilot. His first solo flight (1stLt at the time)
occurred on 1 August 1912.

Question 11

1917

Answer 11

Marines landed as part of the American force in France. Marines,
participated in eight distinct operations, distinguishing themselves and
were awarded a number of decorations, among them the French
Fourragere; still worn by members of the 5th and 6th Marines.

Question 12

1933

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

1965

Answer 13

Marines landed in South Vietnam, and conducted numerous large-scale
offensive operations throughout the course of the war, as well as
participated in the pacification program designed to win the support of the
local populace.
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.

Question 14

1982

Answer 14

Marines deployed to Beirut, Lebanon as part of a multinational
peacekeeping force in an effort to restore peace and order. This action
further displayed the Marine concept of a “Force in Readiness.”

Question 15

1983

Answer 15

On 23 October 1983, a suicide truck bomb attack on the building serving
as barracks for 1st Battalion 8th Marines killed 241 Americans and
wounded 70 others. The last Marine unit withdrew in July of 1984.

Question 16

1991

Answer 16

Operation Desert Storm was launched after the Iraqi government invaded
Kuwait and refused to comply with United Nations resolutions demanding
their withdrawal. 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.

Question 17

2001

Answer 17

11 September 2001. Terrorist attacks were carried out in New York City.
Two civilian airline planes were hijacked and flew into the World Trade
Center.
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is the official name used by the U.S.
Government for the War in Afghanistan, together with three smaller military
actions, under the umbrella of the Global War on Terror (GWOT). On 7
October, 2001, early combat operations including a mix of strikes from
land-based B-1 Lancers, B-2 Spirit and B-52 StratoFortress bombers;
carrier-based F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet fighters; and Tomahawk
cruise missiles launched from both U.S. and British ships and submarines
signaled the start of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Question 18

2003

Answer 18

The invasion of Iraq (from 20 March to 1 May, 2003) was led by the United
States, alongside the United Kingdom and smaller contingents from
Australia and Poland. Four countries participated with troops during the
initial invasion phase.

Question 19

The Battle of Belleu Wood

Answer 19

On 6 June 1918, 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.

Question 20

The Battle of Guadalcanal -

Answer 20

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, Bougainville, and Choiseul.

Question 21

The Battle of Tarawa

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

The Battle of Mariana Islands

Answer 22

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. “Howlin’ Mad” 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.

Question 23

Battle of Okinawa –

Answer 23

On 1 April 1945 until 22 June 1945, Marines took part in the
last and largest battle of the Pacific, which involved 287,000 troops. The battle was
crucial for securing vital air bases that would be used for the planned invasion of
the Japanese mainland. By the end of the 82-day campaign, the Japanese
suffered over 77,000 casualties and the Allies received 65,000 including 14,000
dead. 23 Medals of Honor were awarded.

Question 24

The Battle of Iwo Jima

Answer 24

On 19 February 1945, Marines landed on Iwo Jima in
what was the largest and bloodiest all-Marine battle in 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.”
**Note: In June 2007, Japan changed the name of Iwo Jima back to its pre-World
War II name of Iwo To

Question 25

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir

Answer 25

• In November of 1950, during the Korean War,
  Marines pushed far into North Korea and 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.

Question 26

The Battle of Hue City -

Answer 26

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 North Vietnamese Army (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.

Question 27

The First Battle of Fallujah

Answer 27

codenamed Operation Vigilant Resolve, was an
unsuccessful attempt by the United States Military to capture the city of Fallujah,
Iraq. On 4 April 2004, 1st Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment (1/5) attacked the city’s
industrial center, and the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1) pushed south through the
northwestern urban district. They met harsh resistance, and by 10 April, 3/4 and
2/2 were committed to the still raging conflict

Question 28

The Second Battle of Fallujah- Two distinct operations
1-Operation Al-Fajr arabic for the dawn

Answer 28

Operation Al-Fajr (Arabic, “the dawn”) represented a major success for the
Iraqi Government and coalition forces. The attack force included nine U.S.
Army and Marine battalions, six Iraqi battalions, and attack aviation from all
of the Military Services, to include naval air flying off an aircraft carrier. The
full assault force included some 12,000 Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,
and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). The keys to successful integration of this
joint and coalition force were complementary war fighting capabilities, a
single chain of command, advances in technology, and the unifying vision of
liberating a city from the oppressive grip of the insurgents and terrorists. The
assault and subsequent reconstruction efforts turned Fallujah from an
insurgent base of operations into the cornerstone of progress in the Al Anbar
Province.

Question 29

Operation Strike of the Sword -

Answer 29

Operation Khanjar was an American-led military
offensive against the Taliban in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan.
Approximately 4,000 Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade along
with 650 Afghan Army soldiers took part in the offensive. The operation began
when the U.S. and Afghan forces entered the Helmand River Valley in the early
morning of 2 July 2009. This operation was the largest Marine offensive since the
Battle of Fallujah in 2004. The operation was also the biggest offensive airlift by the
Marines since the Vietnam War. Units involved in the offensive include 2nd
Battalion, 8th Marines; 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and 1st
Battalion, 5th Marines.

Question 30

The Battle of Marjah

Answer 30

Also known as Operation Moshtarak (Dari word for “together”). In February 2010
Operation Moshtarak reclaimed Marjah, a strategic agricultural hub and narcoterrorist safe haven in the Helmand River Valley. Together with thousands of
Afghan National Security Forces, the Marines tangibly improved the geo-political
landscape of Southwestern Afghanistan.

Question 31

Archibald Henderson

Answer 31

• 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 ofthe 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

Question 32

John Quick

Answer 32

Sergeant Major Quick is remembered for his performance in 1898 at
Cuzco Well (Guantanamo Bay, Cuba) where he participated in an operation to
seize an advanced base for the Atlantic Fleet battalion of Marines. Sergeant Major
Quick earned the Medal of Honor for semaphoring for an emergency lift of the
naval bombardment while under Spanish and American shellfire.

Question 33

Dan Daly -

Answer 33

• 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 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?”

Question 34

Louis B. “Chesty” Puller

Answer 34

• Lieutenant General Puller served in Nicaragua through
  several periods of political unrest and rebellious activity in 1930. 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. He was awarded a total of 14 personal decorations in
  combat, plus a long list of campaign medals, unit citation ribbons, and other
  awards. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and his fifth Navy Cross
  for heroism, during the bitter fight to break out of Korea’s Chosin Reservoir area.

Question 35

Gregory R. “Pappy” Boyington

Answer 35

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”). He was awarded the
Medal of Honor on 5 October 1945 for his actions against enemy Japanese forces
in Central Solomon’s Area from 12 September 1943 to 3 January 1944.

Question 36

Ira H. Hayes

Answer 36

Corporal Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, was one of the Marines
immortalized in the now famous photograph taken of the second flag raising on
Mount Suribachi, taken on 23 Feb 1945.

Question 37

Opha Mae Johnson -

Answer 37

• 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.”

Question 38

Margaret A. Brewer -

Answer 38

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.

Question 39

Robert E. Bush

Answer 39

On 2 May 1945, during the battle for Okinawa, Hospital
Apprentice First Class Robert E. Bush administered blood plasma to a wounded
Marine Officer with one hand, and returned fire with the other, amidst the perilous
battle conditions. For his “conspicuous gallantry” on this occasion, he was
presented with the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on 5 October
1945, during “Nimitz Day” celebrations at the White House in Washington, D.C. He
was the youngest World War II Navy man to receive the Medal of Honor.

Question 40

Robert R. Ingram -

Answer 40

Petty Officer Ingram accompanied the point platoon as it
aggressively engaged an outpost of a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) battalion
Republic of Vietnam on March 28, 1966. As he moved forward, a tree line suddenly
exploded with an intense hail of automatic rifle fire from approximately 100 NVA
Soldiers. Oblivious to the danger, he crawled across the battlefield to reach a
downed Marine. As he administered aid, a bullet went through the palm of his
hand. Receiving two more wounds, with the third wound being a life-threatening
one, he continued to resupply and aid others. While dressing the head wound of
another corpsman, he sustained his fourth bullet wound. From sixteen hundred
hours until almost sunset, He pushed, pulled, cajoled, and doctored his Marines.
Petty Officer Ingram’s gallant actions saved many lives and he was awarded the
Medal of Honor.

Question 41

Jason Dunham

Answer 41

Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards
an engagement in Husaybah, Iraq on 14 April 2004 to provide fire support to their
Battalion Commander’s convoy, which had been ambushed. While wrestling an
insurgent to the ground he, saw a grenade being released. Aware of the imminent
danger and without hesitation, he covered the grenade with his helmet and body,
bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. He was
posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, and a US Navy Destroyer now bears
his name.

Question 42

Dakota Meyer-

Answer 42

Corporal Meyer maintained security at a patrol rally point while
other members of his team moved on foot into the village Ganjgal in Kunar
Province, Afghanistan on 8 September 2009. More than 50 enemy fighters
ambushed the patrol; firing rocket propelled grenades, mortars, and machine guns
from houses and fortified positions on the slopes above. He took the exposed
gunner’s position in a gun-truck as they made several trips in to evacuate the dead
and wounded members of his team as well as Afghan soldiers. Corporal Meyer’s
was awarded the Medal of Honor for his daring initiative and bold fighting spirit
throughout the 6-hour battle significantly disrupted the enemy’s attack.

Question 43

When/ how to salute:

Answer 43

Begin your salute in ample time (at least six, but not more than 30 paces
away).
Hold your salute until it is returned or acknowledged.
Accompany the salute with an appropriate greeting.
Look squarely at the person or colors being saluted.
Render the salute only once if a senior remains in the immediate vicinity.
Render the salute again if conversation takes place when a senior leaves or
when you depart.
**NOTE: Do not interrupt the conversation to salute another senior unless the
officer to who you are speaking salutes a senior.

Question 44

Salute in a group:

Answer 44

If your group is not in formation, then the first person to notice an officer
approaching calls the group to attention and salutes for the group, or entire
group salutes the officer.
If your group is in formation, then the senior person calls the formation to
attention and salutes for the group.

Question 45

Salute when passing an officer who is going in the same direction as you:

Answer 45

Come abreast of the officer, salute and say, “By your leave, sir (ma’am).”
Officer returns the salute, and says, “Carry on” or “Granted.”
Terminate your salute and pass ahead. Salute officers, regular and reserve, of
the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and foreign military
and Naval Officers whose governments are formally recognized by the U.S.
Government.

Question 46

Do not salute when:

Answer 46

At work indoors (except when under arms)
A prisoner or Guarding prisoners
Under battle conditions
In ranks, at games, or part of a working detail
At crowded gatherings, in public conveyances, or in congested areas, unless
you are addressing or are being directly addressed by a senior
Doing so would physically interfere with your performance of an assigned duty.
or would create a hazard
While your blouse or coat is unbuttoned
With a smoking device in your hand

Question 47

General (Gen) 0
Lieutenant General (LtGen)
Major General (MGen)
Brigadier General (BGen)
Colonel (Col)
Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol)
Major (Maj)
Captain (Capt)
First Lieutenant (1st Lt)
Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt)
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-5)
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-4)
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-3)
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-2)
Warrant Officer (WO-1)
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Sergeant Major (SgtMaj)
Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt)
First Sergeant (1stSgt)
Master Sergeant (MSgt)
Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)
Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
Sergeant (Sgt)
Corporal (Cpl)
Lance Corporal (LCpl)
Private First Class (PFC)
Private (Pvt)

Answer 47

General (Gen) 0-10
Lieutenant General (LtGen) 0-9
Major General (MGen) 0-8
Brigadier General (BGen) 0-7
Colonel (Col) 0-6
Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) 0-5
Major (Maj) 0-4
Captain (Capt) 0-3
First Lieutenant (1st Lt) 0-2
Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) 0-1
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-5) W-5
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-4) W-4
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-3) W-3
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-2) W-2
Warrant Officer (WO-1) W-1
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps E-9
Sergeant Major (SgtMaj) E-9
Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) E-9
First Sergeant (1stSgt) E-8
Master Sergeant (MSgt) E-8
Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) E-7
Staff Sergeant (SSgt) E-6
Sergeant (Sgt) E-5
Corporal (Cpl) E-4
Lance Corporal (LCpl) E-3
Private First Class (PFC) E-2
Private (Pvt) E-1

Question 48

Discuss the procedures for rendering honors and the circumstances during which
honors are rendered during colors, the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and
boarding naval vessels. [ref. g, ch. 10 p A-1 – A-2]

Answer 48

If you are neither in formation nor in a vehicle, then render the prescribed
salute and hold the salute until the last note of music is sounded.
If no flag is near, then face the music and salute.
If you are in formation, then salute only on the command, “present arms.”
If you are outdoors and uncovered, then stand at attention and face the
direction of the flag or music.
If you are indoors, then stand at attention face the music and/or flag.
If you are in a vehicle, then driver halt vehicle, passengers and driver remain
seated at attention and do not salute.
If you are passing or being passed by an uncased color which is being
paraded, presented, or is on formal display, then salute at six paces distance
and hold the salute for six paces beyond or until it has passed your position by
six paces.
If you are uncovered, then stand or march at attention when passing or being
passed by an uncased color.
**NOTE: When the flag is raised at morning colors or is lowered at evening colors,
stand at attention at the first note of the National Anthem or “To the Colors”
(standard), and render the prescribed salute. If you are engaged in a duty, which
would become a safety hazard or risk to property, do not salute. Usually face the
flag while saluting, but if your duty requires it, face in another direction. When the
music sounds “Carry On,” resume regular duties.

Question 49

Boarding a naval ship between 0800 to sunset.

Answer 49

Face aft upon reaching the top of the gangway (brow).
Salute the National Ensign.
Salute the officer of the deck (OD), who will be standing on the quarterdeck
at the head of the gangway.
Request “Permission to come aboard.”

Question 50

Departing a naval ship between 0800 and sunset.

Answer 50

Salute the OD and request “Permission to go ashore.”
Go to the brow, turn aft, and salute the National Ensign.

Question 51

Board and depart a naval ship between sunset and 0800.

Answer 51

Follow the above procedures but do not turn aft and do not salute the
National Ensign.
**NOTE: Boarding a small boat or ship by inverse order of rank; the junior goes
first, and the others follow according to rank

Question 52

The Second Battle of Fallujah- Two distinct operations
2-Operation Phantom Fury

Answer 52

Operation Phantom Fury was a joint U.S.-Iraqi -British offensive led by the
U.S. Marine Corps against the Iraqi insurgency stronghold in the city of
Fallujah, which was authorized by the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Interim
Government. The carefully designed and skillfully executed attack took place
on 7 November 2004 and employed Regimental Combat Teams (RCTs) 1
and 7 attacking south into the city. The Marines were well supported by Army
mechanized infantry and cavalry units. This inter-service and fully
coordinated air-ground approach gradually overwhelmed the insurgents
trapped in the city. The dense urban fighting was fierce, and conducted
house by house and rooftop to rooftop.