102 MC History, Rank Structure And Courtesis Flashcards
Who was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps?
Captain Samuel Nicholas
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.
1834
The Marines came under The Department of the Navy
The National Security Act
1947
What year was The National Security Act amended?
1952, and it states the present structure.
1776
1st Marine landing took place during the Revolutionary War. Marines invaded New Providence Island in the Bahamas and seized guns and supplies.
What was special about the uniform of the day during the invasion of New Providence Island?
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
Under 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
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
Who modified the British (Royal) Marine emblem to depict the Marines as both American and maritime?
Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, 7th Commandant
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.
1913
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.