101 MC History, Rank Structure And Courtesis Flashcards
Who was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps?
Captain Samuel Nicholas
1834
The Marines came under The Department of the Navy
1776
1st Marine landing took place during the Revolutionary War.
Marines invaded New Providence Island in the Bahamas and seized guns and supplies.
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.
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.
Marines also helped take California.
1859
Colonel Robert E. Lee,
Marines the United States arsenal at Harper’s Ferry to put down an attempted slave revolt lead by abolitionist John Brown.
1868
EGA is great
The Marine Corps adopted an emblem that consisted an eagle, globe and anchor.
What does the eagle, globe and anchor signify?
Eagle- Symbol of the Nation itself
Globe- Worldwide Service
Anchor- Sea Traditions
1883
The official motto for the USMC was adopted.
Semper Fidelis “Always Faithful”
1900
Marines from ships on the Asiatic station defended the American legion in Peking,
China during the Boxer Rebellion.
The Marines were part of the multinational defense force. The defense held out until relief force was about to reach Peking.
1912
USMC established its Aviation unit.
Who was the first USMC pilot?
Marine Major Alfred A. Cunningham
1917
Marines landed in France as part of the American force.
Marines participated in 8 distinct operations and were awarded the French Fourragere still worn by the 5th and 6th Marines.
1933
The MC reorganized into the Fleet Marine Force, formally establishing “command and administrative relations” between the Fleet and the MC.
Where was the MC Equipment Board established?
Quantico, VA
What year did the MC test and develop materials for landing operations and expeditionary service?
1933
1965
Marines landed in South Vietnam, committing themselves to the longest war in its history. They conducted large-scale offensive operations throughout the course of the war, as well as participated in the pacification program designed to win over the locals.
Why did the Marines land in the Dominican Republic in 1965?
To evacuate and protect US citizens. The Marines formed the core of a multinational force that quickly restored peace.
1982
Marines deployed to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force in order to restore peace and order to the country.
What concept did the Marines display in Lebanon?
“Force in Readiness”
What happened on 23 October 1983?
A suicide truck bomb attack on the HQ building killing 241 Americans and wounding 70 others.
When did the last Marine unit withdraw in Lebanon?
July of 1984
What year did the Marines begin to develop and test materials for landing operations and expeditionary service?
1933
What happened in the Dominican Republic?
In 1965 the Marines landed to evacuate and protect US citizen. The Marines formed a multinational force that quickly restored the peace.
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 1991. When massive bombing failed to dislodge Iraqi forces. Marine ground forces swept Kuwait and liberated the country.
2001
Operation Enduring Freedom is official name that the US government used for the War in Afghanistan, together with three smaller military actions, under the umbrella of Global War on Terrorism.
The Battle of Belleau Wood
During WWI marines fought on of their greatest battles in history at Belleau Wood, France. Marines helped crush the German offensive @ Belleau Wood that threatened Paris. In honor of the Marines that fought the Marines renamed the area “the Wood of the Brigade of Marines.”
How did the Marines get the rating of “Storm Troops?”
It was the highest rating from enemy fighting scale. German intelligence gave them the rating.
What did the Germans nickname the Marines at the Battle of Belleau Wood?
Due to their ferocious fighting ability the Germans called their new enemy “Teufelhunden” or “Devil dogs”
What happened on 7 August 1942?
1st MARDIV landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and launched the 1st US land offensive of WWII. The battle marked the 1st combat test of the amphibious doctrine, it also provided a axe to launch future invasions of Japanese-held islands.
Amphibious landings followed on what islands during The Battle of Guadalcanal?
New Georgia
Choiseul (Feint)
Bougainville
What islands were the first in the line of advance for the offensive during the Battle of Tarawa.
The Gilbert Islands
What why the prime objective of the Battle of Tarawa?
Tarawa Atoll and Betio Island
What did the Japanese commander proclaim at the Battle of Tarawa?
“It would take a million Americans 100 years to conquer it.”
What happened on 20 November 1943?
Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hours, but paid a hefty price. Because of an extended reef, landing craft could not cross it and Marines were offloaded hundreds of yards from the beaches. Which led to heavy loses from enemy fire and Marines drowning.
Why were the Mariana Islands invaded?
Due for need for airbases by the Air Force and advanced bases for the Navy.
What happened during June and July 1943?
The Battle of the Mariana Islands. LT General Holland M. Smith led the invasion force of Marines and Soldiers that totaled 136,000. The greatest number if troops to operate in the field under Marine command.
What day was the Battle of Iwo Jima?
19 February 1945
What happened during the Battle of Iwo Jima?
Marines landed on Iwo Jima and it was the largest all-Marine battle and bloodiest in Marine Corps history. They suffered 23,300 casualties. The capture of Iwo Jima greatly increased the air support and bombing operations against the Japanese home islands.
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz saying for the Battle of Iwo Jima
“Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was common virtue.”
What happened November of 1950?
After pushing far into North Korea, Marines were cut off after the Chinese Communist Forces entered the war. 10 divisions were sent to annihilate them. The Marines smashed 7/10 enemy divisions in their march from the Chosin Reservoir.
What was the major significance of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir
The major significance of the retrograde was the Marines brought out all operable equipment, properly evacuated their wounded and dead and maintained tactical integrity.
What month and year was the Battle of Hue City?
January of 1968. Was during the Vietnamese holiday of Tet.
What happened in the Battle of Hue City?
Communist forces launched a surprise offensive by infiltrating large numbers of their troops into Hue City, South Vietnam. A division sized NVA sized unit occupied the city of Hue and the Citadel. Marines fought in the built up areas foregoing the application of heavy arms to minimize civilian casualties.
What type of fighting was done during the Battle of Hue City?
House to house with progress measured in yards.
What day was Hue City secured?
25 February 1968
Who was the Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps?
Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson
How long was Archibald Henderson Commandant of the Marine Corps?
39 years from 1820-1859
What wars did Archibald Henderson led the Corps through?
Indian Wars
War with Mexico
Opening of China
Disorders of Central America
What did the Grand Old Man of the MC introduce to the Corps?
A higher standard for personal appearance, training and discipline.
What did Sergeant Major quick get a Medal of Honor for?
For semaphoring an emergency lift of the naval bombardment while under Spanish and American shellfire.
Who is remembered at Cuzco Well (Guantanamo Bay)?
Sergeant Major Quick
Who won two Medals of Honor?
Sergeant Major Dan Daly “Double Dan Daly”
What battles did Dan Daly get recognized for his Medals of Honor?
Chinese Boxer Rebellion
First Caco War in Haiti
What did (at the time) Gunnery Sergeant Daly yell to his men at the Battle of Belleau Wood?
“Come on, you sons of a bitch, do you want to live forever?”
Who was known as the “Tiger of the Mountains”(1930)?
LT General Louis B. “Chesty” Puller
What type of dog is the Marine Corps mascot?
English bulldog,named after Chesty Puller
Where did LT General Puller serve?
He served in Nicaragua through several periods of political unrest and rebellious activity. He lead a force about 32 Marines who became famous for the ability to engage rebel groups and bandits while scouring the jungles in Nicaragua to the Honduran border.
Who commanded VMH-214 the “Black Sheep” in WWII?
Major Gregory R. “Pappy” Boyington
How many victories did Pappy Boyington have?
28 Victories (kills) (1945) He was recognized as the MC top ranking flying ace.
Who was CPL Ira H. Hayes?
A Pima Indian, apart of 5th Amphibious Corps, who was immortalized in the famous photographer taken in the second flag raising incident on Mount Suribachi on 23 Feb 1945.
Who commanded the Fifth Amphibious Corps of the Marines?
Major General Harry Schmidt
Who was the first enlisted woman in the Marine Corps?
Private Opha Mae Johnson
What day did Opha Mae Johnson enlist?
13 August 1918
What were the two titles women Marines were given?
Marine Reserve (F) and Skirt Marines (marinettes)
What happened on 11 May 1978?
Margaret Brewer became the first woman general officer of the Marine Corps. She put on Brigadier General.
When did Colonel Margaret A. Brewer serve as Director of Women Marines(WM)?
1973-1977 and was the seventh and last director.
Who was the youngest WWII Navy man to receive the Medal of Honor?
HA 1st Class Robert E. Bush
When was Robert E. Bush presented his Medal of Honor?
5 October 1945 during Nimitz day by President Harry S. Truman
What happened 2 May 1945?
During the battle of Okinawa, HA 1st Class Robert E. Bush was a Rifle Company Corpsman with 2/5 5th MARDIV. An officer fell wounded under fire, Bush went to officer and administered blood plasma. Bush fired back his weapon with one hand and held the plasma in the other. Despite his injuries Bush continued to provide aid until his patient was evacuated.
What rank was John H.Bradley?
Pharmacist Mate Second Class
What day was the second flag raised on Mount Suribachi?
23 February 1945
What happened two days before the second raising of the flag of Mount Suribachi?
21 February 1945. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class, rushed to aid a wounded Marine through a mortar barrage and heavy machine gun fire. He waved his marines back and shield his marine with his own body and administered a unit of plasma and bandaged his wounds. He then dragged the casualty 30 yards to safety.
What award was Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class John H. Bradley awarded?
Navy Cross
Do NOT salute when…
At work indoors(except when under arms)
A prisoner or Guarding prisoners
Under battle conditions
While your blouse or coat is unbuttoned
With a smoking device in your hand
In ranks, at games, or part of a work detail
Physically interfere with your performance of an assigned duty or would create a hazard
O-10
General (Gen)
O-9
Lieutenant General (LtGen)
O-8
Major General (MGen)
O-7
Brigadier General (BGen)
O-6
Colonel (Col)
O-5
Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol)
O-4
Major (Maj)
O-3
Captain (Capt)
O-2
First Lieutenant (1st Lt)
O-1
Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt)
W-1
Warrant Officer (WO-1)
W-2
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-2)
W-3
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-3)
W-4
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-4)
W-5
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-5)
The highest E-9 of the Marine Corps?
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
E-9
Sergeant Major (SgtMaj) or Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt)
E-8
First Sergeant (1stSgt) or Master Sergeant (MSgt)
E-7
Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)
E-6
Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
E-5
Sergeant (Sgt)
E-4
Corporal (Cpl)
E-3
Lance Corporal (LCpl)
E-2
Private First Class (PFC)
E-1
Private (Pvt)
What happened 25 November 2001?
15th MEU arrived in Afghanistan, becoming the first team of U.S. Ground troops
What was the first fortified base that the 15th MEU set up?
Camp Rhino
What did the mission “Swift Freedom” do?
Sealed off the city of Kandahar cutting off supplies and escape routes. Within in months terrorist governments were overthrown and 25 million afghans were able to experience freedom.
19 March 2003 what happened?
The President launched Operation Iraqi Freedom.
23-29 March 2003
Battle of Nasiriyah- 2D MEB captured three key bridges. It was the first major battle if the Iraq war.
31 Mar 2004 what happened?
Iraqi insurgents in Fallujah ambushed a convoy containing four American private military contractors.
April 2004
“Operation Vigilant Resolve” First battle of Fallujah. Coalition forces fought in order to capture or kill insurgents elements considered responsible for the deaths of the Blackwater security team.
November 7th 2004
“Operation Phantom Fury” and “Operation Al Fajr (the dawn) was launched to recapture the city of Fallujah.
What happened In”Operation Phantom Fury”?
Resulted in 1,350 insurgent fighters deaths. Approximately 95 American troops were killed and 560 wounded. After 6 days the town was occupied by U.S. Forces. Was the bloodiest battle of the war in Iraq.
How do you board a small boat or ship?
Inverse order of rank; the junior goes firsthand the others follow accordingly to rank
Board and depart a naval ship between sunset and 0800
Salute the OD and request “Permission to go ashore.”
Go to the brow,turn aft and salute the National Ensign
Depart a naval ship between 0800 and sunset
Salute the OD and request “Permission to go ashore.”
Go to the brow,turn aft and salute the National Ensign
Boarding a naval ship between 0800 to sunset
Face aft when reaching top of the gangway(brow)
Salute the National Ensign
Salute the officer of the deck (OD)
Request “Permission to come aboard”
1775
10 November 1775 in Philadelphia PA at Tun Tavern by resolution of the Continental Congress, “raised two battalions of Marines.” Captain Samuel Nicholas became the commander of these two battalions.
