101 MARINE CORPS HISTORY, RANK STRUCTURE AND COURTESIES FUNDAMENTALS Flashcards
What event marked the creation of the Marine Corps?
On 10 November 1775, a Continental Congress resolution raised two battalions of Marines at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Who was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps?
Captain Samuel Nicholas, appointed commander of the two battalions in 1775 and traditionally considered the first Commandant.
What was the first Marine landing in the Revolutionary War?
On 13 March 1776, an invasion of New Providence Island in the Bahamas, seizing guns and supplies.
Why are Marines called “Leathernecks”?
From 1776, their uniform had a stiff leather stock worn around the neck.
What action did Marines take at Derna in 1805?
On 27 April 1805, stormed the Barbary pirates’ stronghold on the “Shores of Tripoli,” raising the “Stars and Stripes” for the first time in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Which department took oversight of the Marines in 1834?
The Department of the Navy.
What act defined the Marine Corps’ present structure?
The National Security Act of 1947, amended in 1952.
Where did Marines fight in the Mexican War?
At the Battle of Chapultepec in Mexico City in September 1847.
What did Marines occupy during the Battle of Chapultepec?
The “Halls of Montezuma,” with the royal palace falling to them as among the first U.S. troops in the capital.
What additional region did Marines help take in 1847?
California.
Who led Marines against John Brown at Harper’s Ferry?
Colonel Robert E. Lee, U.S. Army, on 18 October 1859, storming the U.S. arsenal to put down an attempted slave revolt led by abolitionist John Brown.
What emblem was adopted by the Marine Corps in 1868?
An eagle, globe, and anchor, modified by Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, 7th Commandant, from the British Royal Marine emblem to signify the nation, worldwide service, and sea traditions.
What is the official Marine Corps motto?
“Semper Fidelis,” Latin for “Always Faithful,” adopted in 1883, often abbreviated “Semper Fi.”
What did Marines protect during the Boxer Rebellion?
In 1900, the American Legation in Peking, China as part of a multinational force until a relief force ended the rebellion.
Who was the first Marine Aviator?
First Lieutenant Alfred Cunningham on 1 November 1912.
What intervention did Major Smedley Butler lead in 1912?
Led Marines ashore in Nicaragua.
What decoration did the 5th and 6th Marines earn in WWI?
The French Fourragere, still worn by them, among other awards.
What restructured the Marine Corps with the Navy in 1933?
The Fleet Marine Force, with the Marine Corps Equipment Board at Quantico, Virginia for testing landing operation materials.
Where did Marines deploy in 1965 for combat operations?
In South Vietnam, conducting large-scale offensives and a pacification program.
Where did Marines deploy in 1965 to protect U.S. citizens?
In the Dominican Republic, evacuating and protecting U.S. citizens during an attempted coup, forming the core of a multinational force.
Why were Marines sent to Lebanon in 1982?
As part of a multinational peacekeeping force to restore peace and order, displaying the “Force in Readiness” concept.
What attack occurred in Lebanon?
On 23 October 1983, a suicide truck bomb killed 241 Americans and wounded 70 at their headquarters, with the last unit withdrawing in July 1984.
What led to Operation Desert Storm?
In January 1991, after Iraq defied UN resolutions, Marine aviation led the air phase, followed by ground forces liberating Kuwait and damaging Iraqi military capability.
What triggered Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001?
On 7 October 2001, U.S. and British airstrikes began in Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to surrender Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
How did Marines advance in Operation Iraqi Freedom?
On 20 March 2003, I MEF crossed from Kuwait into southern Iraq after Saddam Hussein and his sons refused to surrender or exile, reaching Baghdad by 5 April to topple the regime.
Why is Belleau Wood a key battle?
In June 1918, crushed a German offensive threatening Paris during World War I, earning the nickname “Teufelhunden” (Devil Dogs) and rated as “storm troops” from German intel, with the French renaming it “the Wood of the Brigade of Marines.”
What made Guadalcanal a turning point?
On 7 August 1942, the 1st Marine Division launched the first U.S. land offensive of WWII in the Solomon Islands, testing the new amphibious doctrine and enabling further invasions of New Georgia, Choiseul (feint), and Bougainville.
Where did Marines land at Tarawa?
On 20 November 1943, Tarawa Atoll and Betio Island in the Gilbert Islands, the first in the Central Pacific offensive.
What did a Japanese commander claim about Tarawa?
It would take a million Americans 100 years to conquer it in 1943.
How long did it take Marines to secure Tarawa?
Within 76 hours, despite an extended reef preventing landing craft from crossing, offloading them hundreds of yards from the beaches, with many drowning under enemy fire.
What was the goal in the Marianas Islands in 1943?
To secure airfields for the Air Force and bases for the Navy on Saipan, Guam, and Tinian with over 136,000 troops under Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith.
When did the Okinawa operation begin?
On 23 March 1945 with MajGen Roy S. Geiger’s III Marine Amphibious Corps (1st, 2nd, and 6th Divisions) and Army divisions in the Ryukyu Islands.
What was the scale of casualties at Okinawa?
Over 12,000 killed and 38,000 wounded or missing by 23 June 1945, many from combat fatigue.
What key objective did Marines take at Okinawa?
The Shuri Line, including Sugar Loaf hill after multiple assaults.
What distinguishes Iwo Jima in Marine history?
On 19 February 1945, the largest and bloodiest all-Marine battle with over 23,300 casualties, greatly increasing air support against Japan.
What did Admiral Nimitz say about Iwo Jima?
“Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue” in 1945.
Where and when did the Chosin Reservoir battle occur?
In November 1950 in North Korea after pushing far into the region.
Who did Marines face at Chosin Reservoir?
A 10-division Chinese Communist force sent to annihilate them in 1950.
What did Marines achieve at Chosin Reservoir?
Smashed seven divisions, brought out equipment, evacuated wounded and dead, and maintained tactical integrity in a major retrograde movement.
How did Marines secure Hue City?
Starting January 1968 during Tet, fought house-to-house against a near division-size NVA unit, securing it and the Citadel by 25 February, minimizing civilian casualties.
What sparked the First Battle of Fallujah?
On 4 April 2004, the brutal killing of four Blackwater guards in Fallujah, Iraq, prompting I MEF’s Operation Vigilant Resolve with Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt’s promise to “pacify that city.”
How did the Second Battle of Fallujah conclude?
On 7 November 2004, I MEF cordoned off Fallujah, assaulted 4,000–5,000 insurgents from the north, controlled most of the city by 13 November, and cleared 1,200–1,350 house-to-house by 16 November in Operation Al-Fajr (Phantom Fury).
What was Operation Strike of the Sword’s objective?
In July 2009, led by Brigadier General Nicholson, struck the Taliban insurgency in three austere Afghan provinces, building expeditionary bases and airfields.
What impact did Operation Moshtarak have on Marjah?
In February 2010, reclaimed Marjah, a strategic agricultural hub and narco-terrorist safe haven in Afghanistan’s Helmand River Valley, with Afghan forces improving the geo-political landscape.
Who became Commandant in 1820?
Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson, serving until 1859 for 39 years, earning the nickname “Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps,” leading through the Indian Wars, War with Mexico, opening of China, and disorders in Central America, raising standards of personal appearance, training, and discipline for a professional force beyond sea and guard duties.
What heroic act did John Quick perform at Cuzco Well?
In June 1898, semaphored for an emergency lift of naval bombardment under Spanish and American shellfire at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, earning the Medal of Honor and demonstrating the usefulness of Marines as assault troops for capturing and defending advanced bases with the Atlantic Fleet battalion.
For what actions did Dan Daly earn his Medals of Honor?
In 1900 for the Chinese Boxer Rebellion and in 1915 for the First Caco War in Haiti, yelling “Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?” in 1918 at Belleau Wood as Gunnery Sergeant to rally his pinned-down unit during a stalled attack.
What title did Louis B. “Chesty” Puller gain?
“Tiger of the Mountains” in the 1930s, leading about 32 Marines against rebel groups and bandits across a wide jungle area in Nicaragua to the Honduran border during unrest, inspiring the Marine mascot “Chesty,” an English bulldog.
What record did Gregory R. “Pappy” Boyington set?
Commanded VMH-214 “Black Sheep” in WWII, achieving 28 victories (“kills”) in aerial dogfights by 1945 as the Marine Corps’ top flying ace.
What iconic moment involved Ira H. Hayes at Iwo Jima?
On 23 February 1945, photographed in the second flag raising on Mount Suribachi with the Fifth Amphibious Corps under Major General Harry Schmidt during Iwo Jima’s capture.
When did Opha Mae Johnson enlist?
On 13 August 1918 during World War I, becoming the first enlisted woman Marine, joining the Marine Reserve (F), known as “skirt Marines” or “Marinettes,” reflecting changes in women’s status after U.S. entry.
What pioneering rank did Margaret A. Brewer achieve?
Brigadier General on 11 May 1978, the first woman Marine general officer, previously the seventh and last Director of Women Marines (WM) from 1973 to 1977, the only post-WWII woman in that role.
What bravery earned Robert E. Bush the Medal of Honor?
On 2 May 1945 with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines on Okinawa, administered plasma under fire, killed six Japanese despite losing an eye in a counterattack, as the youngest WWII Navy recipient at 18.
What actions led to John H. Bradley’s Navy Cross?
On 23 February 1945 with 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines on Iwo Jima, ran through intense fire, shielded a wounded infantryman, tied plasma to a rifle, and pulled him 30 yards to safety, earning the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.
How did Robert R. Ingram earn his Medal of Honor?
On 28 March 1966 with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Quang Ngai, Vietnam, aided wounded under fire against an NVA battalion despite four bullet wounds from 1600 to sunset, saving many lives.
What sacrifice did Jason L. Dunham make?
On 14 April 2004 with 4th Platoon, Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Karabilah, Iraq, covered a grenade with his helmet and body during a reconnaissance mission, saving at least two Marines at the cost of his life.
What feats earned Dakota Meyer the Medal of Honor?
On 8 September 2009 with Embedded Training Team 2-8 in Ganjgal, Afghanistan, made five trips into an ambush by over 50 enemy fighters, killed several, evacuated wounded Afghan soldiers, and recovered four U.S. bodies despite a shrapnel wound over six hours.
How far away should a salute begin?
At least six but not more than 30 paces, begun in ample time.
How long is a salute held?
Until returned or acknowledged.
What accompanies a salute?
An appropriate greeting.
Where do you look during a salute?
Squarely at the person or colors.
What is said when passing an officer?
“By your leave, sir (ma’am),” saluting until “Carry on” or “Granted,” then passing ahead.
Which officers receive a salute?
Regular and reserve officers of the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and foreign militaries recognized by the U.S. Government.
When are salutes optional in crowded settings?
At crowded gatherings, public conveyances, or congested areas unless addressing or addressed by a senior, or if blouse/coat is unbuttoned or holding a smoking device.
O-10 to O-1
General (Gen), 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)
W-5 to W-1
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-5), Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-4), Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-3), Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-2), Warrant Officer (WO-1)
E-9
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major (SgtMaj), Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt)
E-8
First Sergeant (1stSgt), Master Sergeant (MSgt)
E-7
Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)
E-6
Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
E-5
Sergeant (Sgt)
E-4 to E-1
Corporal (Cpl), Lance Corporal (LCpl), Private First Class (PFC), Private (Pvt)
How do vehicle occupants act during honors?
Driver halts, all remain seated at attention without saluting during colors or the anthem.
How do you respond if not in formation during colors or the anthem?
Render the prescribed salute until the last note of music sounds if not in formation or a vehicle.
How do you salute without a flag nearby during music?
Face the music and salute.
When does a formation salute during honors?
On the command “present arms.”
What do you do outdoors without a cover during colors?
Stand at attention facing the flag or music.
What’s the indoor procedure during the anthem?
Stand at attention facing the music and/or flag.
How do vehicle occupants act during honors?
Driver halts, all remain seated at attention without saluting.
How far do you salute an uncased color on parade?
Six paces before and after passing or until it passes by six paces if paraded, presented, or displayed.
What’s the protocol if uncovered near an uncased color?
Stand or march at attention when passing or passed.
When do you salute for morning or evening colors?
At the first note of the National Anthem or “To the Colors,” holding until “Carry On,” facing the flag unless duty requires otherwise.
What if saluting poses a hazard during colors?
Stand at attention without saluting if it risks safety or property, resuming duties at “Carry On.”
How do you board a naval ship between 0800 and sunset?
Face aft and salute the National Ensign at the gangway top to board, salute the officer of the deck on the quarterdeck, request “Permission to come aboard.”
In what sequence do Marines board a small boat or ship?
Inverse order of rank, junior first, when practicable.
