102: Marine Corps Battles Flashcards
102.2 Describe the following Battle
The Battle of Belleau Wood
Marines fought one of their greatest battle in France during WWI. Marines fought off the German offensive that threatened Paris. After the battle, the French renamed the area “The Woods of the Brigade of Marines”. German intelligence rated Marines as “Storm-Troops”, the highest rating on their troop Scale. German troops also called Marines “Teufelhunden” meaning “Devil Dogs”. A name Marines take pride in.
102.2 Describe the following Battle
The Battle of Guadalcanal
On 07 Aug 1942, 1st Marine Division landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. This Marked the first offensive in the Pacific in WWII. This was also the first combat test of the knew Amphibious Doctrine and would provide a critical launch base from which further attacks could be launched on Japanese islands. Amphibious assaults would be launched in New Georgia, Choisul, and Bouganville.
102.2 Describe the following Battle
The Battle of Tarwa
The Gilbert Islands were the first line of advance in the central pacific. The prime objective was Tarwa Atoll and the Betio Islands. The were heavily fortified by a Japanese who said it would take “One million Americans a hundred years” to conquer. On 20 NOV 1943 it took Marines only 76 hours. The Price was high in exchange due to a reef that kept landing craft from making ashore and landing 100’s of yards away.
102.2 Describe the following Battle
The Battle of Mariana Islands
Due to the needs of the Air Force and Navy for forward bases, Marines landed in Guam, Tinan, and Saipan during June and July of 1943. LtGen Holland Smith led a force of 136,000 Marines and Soldiers which was the last amount of troops under Marine command up to the point.
102.2 Describe the following Battle
The Battle of Iwo Jima
On 19 FEB 1945 the largest all Marine battle took place on Iwo Jima. Also had the most casualties at 23,300 deaths. This would set up a base for the Air Force to conduct bombing runs on Japanese home islands. Admiral Chester Nimitz stated “Among those Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.
102.2 Describe the following Battle
The Battle of Chosen Reservoir
After pushing far into North Korea, a Chinese Communist Force of 10 divisions was dispatched to fight off the Marines. The Marines withdrew defeating 7 divisions and managed to come back with all wounded, casualties, and operable equipment.
102.2 Describe the following Battle
The Battle of Hue City
On the Vietnam holiday of Tet, January 1968, A near division sized communist forces swept into the the city of Hue and the Citadel. This was the first time a battle had occurred in a well built up area and Marines had to to forgo heavy weapons to reduce casualties. The battle was fought house-to-house and measured in yards. The city was captured on 25 FEB 1968.
