section 101- history/customs

Question 0

Describe the origin of the term “First to Fight.”

Answer 0

• Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since the founding of the Marine Corps. They entered the Revolution in 1775, just before the Declaration of Independence was signed. They have carried out more than 300 landings on foreign shores. They have served everywhere, from the poles to the tropics. Their record of readiness reflects pride, responsibility and challenge.

Question 1

In detail, describe the Marine Corps Emblem and discuss the significance of its different elements.

Answer 1

The emblem consists of an eagle clenching the Marine Corps motto in its beak, the globe (Western Hemisphere), and the anchor. The emblem was adopted from the British (Royal) Marines and was modified by Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin in 1868 to depict the Marines as both American and maritime.
• The globe and anchor signify the worldwide service and sea traditions.
• The spread eagle represents the nation itself.
• The motto, “Semper Fidelis” is Latin for “Always Faithful.”

Question 2

Describe the origin of the term “Leathernecks.”

Answer 2

• This nickname dates back to the leather stock, or neckpiece worn as part of the Marine Uniform during the years of 1775-1875. Utilized to protect the neck from saber slashes, the leather bands around their throats had a side effect of ensured that Marines kept their heads erect.

Question 3

Describe the origin of the term “Devil Dogs.”

Answer 3

In 1918, during the battle of Belleau Wood near the Marne River in France, the Germans received a thorough indoctrination on the Marines fighting ability. The Marines persistent attack had the Germans calling them “Teufelhunden” translated “Devil Dogs

Question 4

Describe the meaning of “Esprit de Corps.”

Answer 4

• This implies devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps, with deep regard for its history, traditions and honor. It is the epitome of pride in a unit.

Question 5

Describe the origin of the term “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Answer 5

Refers to largest of all-Marine battles in history. Admiral Nimitz applied the Marines’ fighting ability on Iwo Jima to the entire Corps’ contribution during that war, stating, and “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Question 6

Describe the meaning “Semper Fidelis.”

Answer 6

• The official motto for the Marine Corps, “Semper Fidelis,” is Latin for “Always Faithful.” The motto, sometimes abbreviated, “Semper Fi,” was adopted about 1883.

Question 7

SMEDLEY D. BUTLER.

Answer 7

• Major General Butler is recognized for earning two Medals of Honor: (1) Veracruz and (2) First Caco War in Haiti. By the end of 1916, the Marine Corps was recognized as a national force in readiness and for leadership gained form continual combat and expeditionary experience.

Question 8

JOHN A. LEJEUNE

Answer 8

Major General Lejeune served as 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, 1920-1929. Lejeune was the first Marine officer ever to command an army division in combat, in France during World War I (1918).

Question 9

LEWIS B. (“CHESTY”) PULLER

Answer 9

• Lieutenant General Puller served in Nicaragua, through several periods of political unrest and rebellious activity. Puller and a force of about 32 Marines became famous for their ability to engage rebel groups and bandits while scouring the jungles in a wide area of Nicaragua to the Honduran border. Puller became known as the “Tiger of the Mountains” (1930). The Marine Corps’ mascot, an English bulldog named “Chesty,” is named for this brave and fine Marine Corps officer.

Question 10

PRESLEY NEVILLE O’BANNON

Answer 10

• First Lieutenant O’Bannon is remembered for heroism in the battle for the harbor fortress of Derna (Tripoli) in the Mediterranean. O’Bannon’s Marines were the first U.S. forces to hoist the flag over territory in the Old World. The “Mameluke” sword, carried by Marine officers today, was presented to O’Bannon in 1805.

Question 11

ARCHIBALD HENDERSON.

Answer 11

Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson became Commandant in 1820 and held this command until his death in 1859, a period of 39 years. General Henderson led the Corps through the Indian Wars, the War with Mexico, the “opening” of China, and the disorder’s in Central America. The “Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps,” as he is often called, introduced higher standards of personal appearance, training, discipline, and strived to have the Marine Corps known as a professional military force, capable of more than just sea and guard duties

Question 12

JOHN H. QUICK.

Answer 12

Sergeant Major Quick is remembered for his performance at Cuzco Well (Guantanamo Bay, Cuba), where he participated in an operation to seize an advanced base for the Atlantic Fleet battalion of Marines. The Sergeant Major won the Medal of Honor for semaphoring for an emergency lift of the naval bombardment while under Spanish and American shellfire. The landing at Guantanamo demonstrated the usefulness of marines as assault troops. When employed with the fleet, Marines gave added strength for the capture and defense of advanced bases, becoming a primary mission of the Marine Corps (1898).

Question 13

DANIEL DALY.

Answer 13

Sergeant Major Daly is recognized for earning two Medals of Honor: (1) Chinese Boxer Rebellion and (2) First Caco War in Haiti. When his unit had been pinned down and their attack was stopped during the Battle of Belleau Wood, then Gunnery Sergeant Daly yelled to his men, “Come on, you sons of a b—–, do you want to live forever?”

Question 14

JOSEPH L. FOSS.

Answer 14

• Captain Foss was a Marine pilot instrumental in taking, the Japanese airfield at Guadalcanal. For his participation, the Captain was awarded the Medal of Honor. By the end of World War II, Foss was the second-ranking Marine ace, with 26 victories (“kills”) to his credit (1942).

Question 15

GREGORY R. (“PAPPY”) BOYINGTON.

Answer 15

• Major Boyington is recognized for his prowess in aerial dogfights. “Pappy” commanded VMH-214, the Black Sheep,” during World War II. By the end of the War, the Major was recognized as the Marine Corps’ top ranking flying ace with 28 victories (“kills”) (1945).

Question 16

IRA H. HAYES.

Answer 16

• The Fifth Amphibious Corps of Marines, commanded by Major General Harry Schmidt, was assigned to take Iwo Jima. Corporal Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, was one of the Marines immortalized in the now famous photograph (not shown) taken of the second flag raising on Mount Suribachi, shortly after the Japanese stronghold was taken on 23 February, 1945.

Question 17

OPHA MAE JOHNSON.

Answer 17

Private Johnson became the Marine Corps’ first enlisted woman on 13 August, 1918. Her enlistment was a reflection of the dramatic changes in the status of women brought about by the entry of the United States into World War I. Marine Reserve (F) was the official title by which the Marine Corps’ first enlisted women were known. They were better known as “skirt Marines” and “Marinettes”

Question 18

ANNIE L. GRIMES.

Answer 18

• CWO Grimes was the third black woman to become a Marine and the first black woman officer to retire after her “full 20.”

Question 19

MARGARET A. BREWER.

Answer 19

• Brigadier General Brewer, then a Colonel, served as the director of Women Marines (WM) during the period 1973-1977. She was the seventh and last director of WMs, the only post-World War woman to hold the position. Margaret Brewer became the Marine Corps first woman general officer on 11 May 1978.

Question 20

MOLLY MARINE.

Answer 20

• “Molly,” a monument in New Orleans to women, who serve and have served as Marines, was dedicated on the Marine Corps birthday in 1943. The first statue of a woman in uniform anywhere in the world was that of Joan D’Arc, in full armor, in Orleans, France; it is only fitting that the first statue of a woman in uniform in the United States resides in New Orleans.

Question 21

The BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG:

Answer 21

• In August of 1814, 103 Marines and 400 sailors made a vain attempt to block a force of 4,000 disciplined British troops from advancing on Washington. The Marines stopped three headlong charges before finally being outflanked and driven back. The British then moved down Bladensburg Road to Washington where they burned a number of public buildings before retiring to their vessels in the Chesapeake Bay.

Question 22

The BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS

Answer 22

• In January of 1815, Marines under the command of General Andrew Jackson Soundly defeated British Forces that were attacking the city of New Orleans. The British lost approximately 2,000 men while American losses were less than 100.

Question 23

The BATTLE OF BELLEAU WOOD:

Answer 23

• Marines fought one of their greatest battles in history at Belleau Wood, France, during World War I. Marines helped to crush a German offensive at Belleau Wood that threatened Paris. In honor of the Marines who fought there, the French renamed the area “the Wood of the Brigade of Marines.” German intelligence evaluated the Marines as “storm troops” – the highest rating on the enemy fighting scale. In reference to the Marines ferocious fighting ability, German troops called their new enemy “Teufelhunden” or “Devil dogs,” a nickname in which Marines share pride.

Question 24

The BATTLE OF IWO JIMA:

Answer 24

• On 19 February 1945, Marines landed on Iwo Jima in what was the largest all-Marine battle in history. It was also the bloodiest in Marine Corps history. The Marine Corps suffered over 23,300 casualties. The capture of Iwo Jima greatly increased the air support and bombing operations against the Japanese home islands. Of the savage battle, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz said, “among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Question 25

The BATTLE OF OKINAWA

Answer 25

• In April of 1945, Marines and soldiers landed and secured the island of Okinawa. This marked the last large action of World War II. Due to the death of the Army commander, Major General Roy S. Geiger assumed command of the 10th Army and became the only Marine officer ever to have commanded a field Army.

Question 26

The BATTLE OF THE CHOSIN RESERVOIR:

Answer 26

• After pushing far into North Korea during November 1950, Marines were cut off after the Chinese Communist Forces entered the war. Despite facing a 10-division force sent to annihilate them, Marines smashed seven enemy divisions in their march from the Chosin Reservoir. The major significance of this retrograde movement was that Marines brought out all operable equipment, properly evacuated their wounded and dead, and maintained tactical integrity.

Question 27

The SECOND BATTLE OF KHE SANH:

Answer 27

• In January 1968, Marines defended the firebase at Khe Sanh from an attack force of two North Vietnamese Army (NVA) divisions. Despite heavy bombardment, the Marines held out for over two and a half months before finally forcing the enemy forces to withdraw.

Question 28

The BATTLE OF HUE CITY:

Answer 28

• During the Vietnamese holiday of Tet in January 1968, Communist forces launched a surprise offensive by infiltrating large numbers of their troops into the major population centers of Hue City, South Vietnam. A near division-size unit of NVA troops occupied the city of Hue and the Citadel. Marines fought in built-up areas for the first time since the Korean War foregoing the application of heavy arms to minimize civilian casualties. Fighting was house-to-house with progress measured in yards. The city was secured on 25 February 1968.

Question 29

Montford Point Marines:

• A red stripe first appeared on uniform trousers in 1798, and reappeared in 1840 and 1859, partly as a result of the military fashions of the day. The popular story, which cannot be supported by fact, is that the red stripe commemorates the bloodshed by Marines in the Battle of Chapultepec in 1846.

Answer 29

Our Montford point brothers are patriots. From 1942-1949, nearly 20,000 African-American men from across America came to Montford point camp in Jacksonville, North Carolina seeking the American dream of inclusion and the opportunity to defend our country as a united states marine. Like the wider society at large that was socially and culturally divided by race, the Marine Corps trained these men separately denying them their rightful place in the corps and in its rich tradition of service. These men served in battle, provided critical supplies to those on the front lines and evacuated the wounded to safety. They did their jobs with professionalism and ably proved their courage in epic battles of the pacific like Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. THE DIVERSITY OF TODAY’S MARINE CORPS WAS PAVED IN LARGE PART BY THE SELFLESS DEDICATION TO DUTY OF THE MONTFORD POINT MARINES.

Question 30

State the significance of the Marine Corps emblem

Answer 30

The basic design of the emblem was officially adopted in 1868. It is a symbolic representation which Americans, both civilian and military, immediately identify as “Marines.” Prior to 1868, the Marines wore various emblems based mainly on the spread eagle and fouled anchor. In 1868, the seventh Commandant, General Zeilin, decided on a single, distinctive emblem centered around the globe.
The emblem represents what we stand for, our past, and our future.

Question 31

• There are three basic components of the Marine Corps emblem:

Answer 31

• Anchor. The first part of the emblem is the anchor. It is not just a plain anchor but a “fouled” anchor. The anchor emphasizes the close ties of the Marine Corps with the U.S. Navy.
• Globe. Emphasizing the close ties between the U.S. Marine Corps and the British Royal Marines, the idea of a globe as part of the emblem was borrowed from the emblem of the Royal Marines. However, the Royal Marines’ emblem shows the Eastern Hemisphere, whereas the U.S. Marine Corps’ emblem shows the Western Hemisphere. This was only natural since the United States is located in the Western Hemisphere and many of the early Marine combat operations and noncombatant duties were in the Western Hemisphere. Today, of course, the globe can also symbolize the “global” Marine Corps commitments and responsibilities which have evolved in the 20th century.
• Eagle. The third part of the emblem is the eagle. The eagle is the national symbol of the United States, and is the one part of the emblem which readily identifies the Marine Corps with the United States. The eagle proudly carries a streamer in its beak which bears the motto of the Corps, “Semper Fidelis.”

Question 32

The scarlet trouser stripe:

Answer 32

• A red stripe first appeared on uniform trousers in 1798, and reappeared in 1840 and 1859, partly as a result of the military fashions of the day. The popular story, which cannot be supported by fact, is that the red stripe commemorates the bloodshed by Marines in the Battle of Chapultepec in 1846.

Question 33

State the significance of the quatrefoil.

• Battle Colors/Standards. Carried by Fleet Marine Force units (FMF). The scroll has the unit’s name followed by FMF on it. Battle streamers that have been awarded to the unit are displayed just below the mast head.
• Guidons. Guidons are small rectangular flags, made in Marine Corps colors. They are carried by companies, batteries, or detachments.
Identify the traditions associated with the Marine Corps birthday celebration.
The Marine Corps Birthday
• The United States Marine Corps of today has had a continual existence since 1798, when President John Adams signed into law an act reestablishing the Corps. However, the traditional and official founding date of the Marine Corps is celebrated on 10 November. On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, authorized the raising and enlistment of two battalions of Marines for service with the newly formed naval forces of the colonies. This all started at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making it the birthplace of the Corps.
Marine Corps Birthday celebration customs.
• All Marine Corps activities, if at all practical, shall provide for suitable observance of the Marine Corps birthday on 10 November. When 10 November falls on a Sunday, the birthday will be celebrated on the preceding Saturday. Such observances shall be appropriate to the size and mission of the activity concerned in accordance with the local conditions and within financial means of personnel of the host activity. The Drill and Ceremonies Manual outlines procedures for Birthday observances.
• Troop formations, to include parades, are to be held when practical. The reading of General John A. Lejune’s birthday message should be included.
• Social observances to include the birthday ball and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
• The first piece of cake to honor the oldest Marine present.
• The second piece of cake to honor the youngest Marine present.

Answer 33

• The quatrefoil: The quatrefoil is an interwoven braid in the shape of a cross of figure eights found on top of the Marine officer’s barracks covers. Officially, the quatrefoil first became an authorized part of the uniform in 1859. The quatrefoil was the fashionable military style of the era. Popular belief tells us that the quatrefoil was worn on the caps of Marines fighting on the decks of ships in order that they might be easily recognized by the Marine sharpshooters located above in the ship’s rigging.

Question 34

State the significance of the Mameluke sword.

Answer 34

• Mameluke sword: Until the invention of gunpowder, the sword was once one of the primary combat weapons used by the military. The association of the Marine Corps with the Mameluke sword began in the early 19th century. The “Mamelukes” were an elite Muslim military force from Eastern and Northern Africa. They used a sword that had a gold hilt, ivory handle, and a curved blade. Tradition states that in recognition of Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon’s heroic actions in the Tripoli expedition, Prince Hamet Bey presented him a Mameluke sword.

Question 35

State the significance of the NCO sword.

Answer 35

• The NCO sword: Noncommissioned officers of the Marine Corps are the only NCOs in any branch of the regular United States Armed Forces who still have the privilege of carrying what is considered to be a commissioned officer’s weapon. The Marine NCO sword rates as one of the oldest U. S. weapons still in use (second only to the Mameluke sword). While limited by regulation to “when in charge of troops on ceremonial occasions,” the sword is part of our intangible esprit de corps.

Question 36

State the significance of the French Fourragere.

Answer 36

• The Fourragere was awarded by the French Ministry of War to those units which were cited two or more times in the French Orders of the Army, and when awarded became part of the cited unit’s uniform.
• The 5th and 6th Marine Regiments were so cited during World War I, and therefore, all Marines serving in these units are authorized to wear the Fourragere.
• Marines entitled to wear the Fourragere will wear it on all uniform service and dress coats/jackets when medals or ribbons are prescribed. The Fourragere will not be worn on the tanker jacket or the AWC.
• The Fourragere will have a pencil attachment with a polished brass or black tip, will be of the same shades as the ribbon of the Croix de Guerre Medal, and will conform to applicable military specifications.
• The Fourragere will be worn over the left shoulder with the left arm passing through the large loop of the cord; the small loop will engage the button under the shoulder strap, except on the enlisted men’s blue dress coat when it will engage the button above the strap, and the metal pencil attachment will hang naturally to the front.

Question 37

• Colors/standards.

Answer 37

Specialized flags carried by military units. Each arm or branch of the service has its own colors. The Marine Corps colors/standards are scarlet with gold fringe trim. The Marine emblem is centered on the flag with a white scroll below. Marine Colors are carried beside the National Colors. Standards are Marine Colors that are mounted, such as flags mounted in the Commanding Officer’s office.

Question 38

• Organizational standards/colors.

Answer 38

Carried by supporting establishment commands. Scroll on the flag says “United States Marine Corps”.

Question 39

• Battle Colors/Standards.

• All Marine Corps activities, if at all practical, shall provide for suitable observance of the Marine Corps birthday on 10 November. When 10 November falls on a Sunday, the birthday will be celebrated on the preceding Saturday. Such observances shall be appropriate to the size and mission of the activity concerned in accordance with the local conditions and within financial means of personnel of the host activity. The Drill and Ceremonies Manual outlines procedures for Birthday observances.
• Troop formations, to include parades, are to be held when practical. The reading of General John A. Lejune’s birthday message should be included.
• Social observances to include the birthday ball and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
• The first piece of cake to honor the oldest Marine present.
• The second piece of cake to honor the youngest Marine present.

Answer 39

Carried by Fleet Marine Force units (FMF). The scroll has the unit’s name followed by FMF on it. Battle streamers that have been awarded to the unit are displayed just below the mast head.

Question 40

• Guidons.

Answer 40

Guidons are small rectangular flags, made in Marine Corps colors. They are carried by companies, batteries, or detachments.
Identify the traditions associated with the Marine Corps birthday celebration.

Question 41

The Marine Corps Birthday

Answer 41

• The United States Marine Corps of today has had a continual existence since 1798, when President John Adams signed into law an act reestablishing the Corps. However, the traditional and official founding date of the Marine Corps is celebrated on 10 November. On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, authorized the raising and enlistment of two battalions of Marines for service with the newly formed naval forces of the colonies. This all started at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making it the birthplace of the Corps.

Question 42

Marine Corps Birthday celebration customs.

Answer 42

• All Marine Corps activities, if at all practical, shall provide for suitable observance of the Marine Corps birthday on 10 November. When 10 November falls on a Sunday, the birthday will be celebrated on the preceding Saturday. Such observances shall be appropriate to the size and mission of the activity concerned in accordance with the local conditions and within financial means of personnel of the host activity. The Drill and Ceremonies Manual outlines procedures for Birthday observances.
• Troop formations, to include parades, are to be held when practical. The reading of General John A. Lejune’s birthday message should be included.
• Social observances to include the birthday ball and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
• The first piece of cake to honor the oldest Marine present.
• The second piece of cake to honor the youngest Marine present.