FMF 101 Marine Corps History, Rank Structure, and Courtesies Fundamentals

Question 1

What happened in 1775?

Answer 1

The Marine Corps was created on November 10th 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Tun Tavern by the Continental Congress. Two battalions were raised and Captain Samuel became commander. (Considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps)

Question 2

What happened in 1776?

Answer 2

First Marine landing; during the Revolutionary War. They invaded New Providence Island in the Bahamas. They had on leather stocks on their necks resulting the nickname “Leatherneck.”

Question 3

What happened in 1805?

Answer 3

Marines stormed the Barbary pirates strong hold at Burma on the “Shores of Tripoli” There they raised the “Stars and Stripes” for the first time in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Question 4

What happened in 1847?

Answer 4

During the Mexican War, Marines occupied the “Halls of Montezuma” during the Battle of Chapultepec in Mexico City. The palace fell to the Marines and they helped take California.

Question 5

What happened in 1868?

Answer 5

The Marine Corps adopted the Eagle, Global, and Anchor. General Zeilin modified from the Royal Marines depicting Marines as American and maritime. The eagle represents the nation as a whole and the globe and anchor serve as world wide service and sea traditions.

Question 6

What happened in 1834?

Answer 6

The Marines were organized under the Department of the Navy.

Question 7

What happen in 1859?

Answer 7

Under the command of Col. Robert E. Lee, U.S. Army, and Marines stormed Harper’s Ferry to put down an attempted slave revolt lead by John Brown.

Question 8

What happened in 1883?

Answer 8

The official motto of the Marine Corps was adopted. “Semper Fidelis.” (Latin for Always Faithful)

Question 9

What happened in 1900?

Answer 9

Marines on the Asiatic station defended American Legation in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion. Marines protected the Legation Quarter and held out against the Boxers until relief force was able to reach Peking and end the rebellion.

Question 10

What happened in 1912?

Answer 10

The Marine Corps established its Aviation Unit, Major Alfred A. Cunningham was the first pilot. His first flight was on August 1st 1912.

Question 11

What happened in 1917?

Answer 11

Marines landed in France. Participated in eight distinct operations, distinguished themselves, were awarded numbers of decorations, among them the French Fourragere. Still worn by 5th and 6th Marines.

Question 12

What happened in 1933?

Answer 12

The Marine Corps was reorganized into the “Fleet Marine Forces” formally establishing command and administrative relations between the Fleet and the Corps.

Question 13

What happened in 1965?

Answer 13

Marines landed in South Vietnam, and conducted large scale operations. As well as participated in the Pacification Program designed to win the support of local populace.

In addition, Marines landed in the Dominican Republic in response to attempted coup of the local government. There they evacuated and protected the U.S. citizens.

Question 14

What happened in 1982?

Answer 14

Marines deployed to Beirut, Lebanon in efforts to restore peace and order. This action displayed “Force in Readiness.”

Question 15

What happened in 1991?

Answer 15

Operation Desert Storm was launched after Iraqi government refused to comply with United Nations. Marine aviation was heavily used and when bombing failed, Marine ground forces swept in to Kuwait and liberated the country. Causing damage to Iraqi military capabilities.

Question 16

What happened in 2001?

Answer 16

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) named for the war in Afghanistan together with three smaller military actions under the umbrella of GWOT. On October 7th 2001 missiles launched from both U.S. and British signaled the start of OEF.

Question 17

What happened in 2003?

Answer 17

The Invasion of Iraq from March 20th - May 1st. Led by U.S. alongside with the Kingdom and smaller contingents from Australia, and Poland.

Question 18

What happened in 2004 (1)?

Answer 18

The First Battle of Fallujah codename Operation Vigilant Resolve. It was unsuccessful attempt to capture the city of Fallujah.

Question 19

What happened in 2004 (2)?

Answer 19

The Second Battle of Fallujah codenamed Operation Al-Fajr and Operation Phantom Fury. It was a joint U.S.-Iraqi-British offensive in November-December. It was led by the U.S. Marine Corps against Iraqi Insurgency in the city of Fallujah.

Question 20

Describe the significance of the Battle of Belleau Wood?

Answer 20

During World War 1, Marines helped crush a German offensive at Belleau Wood that threatened Paris. In honor, the French renamed the area “The Wood of the Brigade of Marines.” The Germans called their new enemy “Teufelhunden” or “Devil Dogs,” a nicked Marines share pride in.

Question 21

Describe the significance of the Battle of Guadalcanal?

Answer 21

7th August 1942, 1st MARDIV landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and launched the first land offensive of WW2. This battle marked the first combat test and provided a crucial turning point in the war. Providing a base to launch further invasions.

Question 22

Describe the significance of the Battle of Tarawa?

Answer 22

First in the line of advances for the offensive in the Central Pacific. On 20th Nov 1942, Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hours. Because of an extended reef, landing crafts couldn’t cross and Marines were offloaded hundred of yards from the beach. Which led to heavy losses.

Question 23

Describe the significance of the Battle of Mariana Islands?

Answer 23

Due to the needs for airfields, the Marianas were invaded. Landings on Saipan, Guam, and Tinian accomplished this. LtGen Holland Smith led 136k Marines and Soldiers, this was the greatest number of troops led by the Marine Corps.

Question 24

Describe the significance of the Battle of Iwo Jima?

Answer 24

19th February 1945, was the largest all-Marine battle in history also the bloodiest. The MC suffered over 23,000 casualties. The capture of Iwo Jima increased the air support and bombing operations.

Question 25

Describe the significance of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir?

Answer 25

Pushing far into North Korea on November of 1950s, Marines were cut off after the Chinese Forces entered the war. Despite facing a 10-division force, the Marines smashed seven enemy divisions. The significance of this is because Marines brought operable equipment, properly evacuated the wounded and dead, and maintained tactical integrity.

Question 26

Describe the significance of the Battle of Hue City?

Answer 26

During the Vietnamese holiday Tet in January of 1968, communist forces launched a surprise offensive into the major centers of Hue City. Marines fought in built-up areas for the first time since the Korean War. They were fighting house to house and the city was secured on 25th of February 1968.

Question 27

Who is Archibald Henderson?

Answer 27

Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson became Commandant in 1820 and held his command for 39 years. He led the MC through the Indian war, the war with Mexico, the Opening of China, and the disorders in Central America. He was also known as the “Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps.”