Happy 243rd birthday to the United States Marine Corps. Oorah and Semper Fidelis! Victory Girls Blog is very proud to number among our writers inactive Marines, wives, daughters, sisters ,and friends. How much do you know about the Marines Corps?

Here are a few factoids for you to astound your friends and neighbors with today:

Founding

Military.com provides the following:

The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The recruiting headquarters was set up by Capt. Samuel Nicholas in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines.

After success in many campaigns, the Corps was abolished at the close of the Revolutionary War for reasons of economy. On July 11, 1798, Congress ordered the creation of the Corps, named it the United States Marine Corps and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy.

The Revolutionary War or the War of Independence had begun a few months earlier and the United States Army had been founded already. So then, why did the Founding Fathers feel we needed a Marine Corps? For the answer we go to History.com:

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passes a resolution stating that “two Battalions of Marines be raised” for service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy. The resolution, drafted by future U.S. president John Adams and adopted in Philadelphia, created the Continental Marines and is now observed as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.

The Army, Navy, and Marines were all formed in 1775.

Mission Statement

The Mission Statement of an organization reminds members of the purpose and keeps everyone in the proper lane. Of course, the Marines have a mission statement:

As America’s expeditionary force in readiness since 1775, the Marines are forward deployed to win our nation’s battles swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis. We fight on land, sea and air, as well as provide forces and detachments to naval ships and ground operations.

Marines have a long history of developing expeditionary doctrine and innovations that set the example while leading other countries in multinational military operations. These unique capabilities and leadership qualities make the Marines our nation’s first line of defense.

Important Battles

Any Marine will tell you that every battle is important. Naturally. There are some that are very well known.

Battle of Derna, 1805: The United States was battling the Barbary Pirates of the coast of Libya. In the “Marine Corps Hymn”, the words “to the shores of Tripoli” commemorate this battle.

Battle of Chapultepec, 1847: This was during the Mexican-American War and gave the “Hymn” the line “From the Halls of Montezuma”.

Battle of Belleau Wood, 1918: Fighting in France in World War I, the Marines defeated German forces after 20 days of ferocious fighting. The remaining German troops called them “Teufelhunden” or “Devil Dogs”, a nickname they wholeheartedly embrace.

One of the most iconic photos in the entire world, the raising of the United States flag on top of Mount Suribachi by Marines during World War II. Photo credit: Joseph John Rosenthal

Battle of Iwo Jima, 1945: This battle lasted 36 days. The Japanese had built tunnels all through the Island of Iwo Jima. Heavy casualties were taken on both sides. At victory, the Marines raised the United States flag.

Chosin Reservoir, 1950: This Korean War battle was called “Frozen Chosin” because of the -40 degree temperature. The survivors were called the “Chosin Few”.

Battle of Hue, 1968: The Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War found outnumbered Marines going house-to-house. The battle lasted 33 days.

Battle of Fallujah, 2003-2011: House-to-house fighting during the Iraq War was brutal. Booby-trapped houses and insurgents were deadly for the Marines. Many lessons were learned that would save lives in the future.

Famous Marines

The top three famous Marines would be Chesty Puller, John Glenn, and our current Secretary of Defense, James Mattis.

Final Thoughts

I have mentioned the “Battle Hymn of the Marine Corps”. It’s very famous. You can listen to it here.

The Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis”. In 1888, famous march composer John Phillip Sousa composed a march “Semper Fidelis” for the Marines.

I don’t care who you are, I bet that made you want to march around the living room.

Happy birthday, Marines. Semper Fi and Oorah.

And, by the way, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guards: we are going to celebrate your foundings too. You are our past, present, and future.

Silent Drill Team photo: Pixabay