United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combined arms, implementing its own infantry, armor, artillery, aerial and special operations forces. The U.S. Marine Corps is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. The history of the Marine Corps began when two battalions of Continental Marines were formed on 10 November 1775 in Philadelphia as a service branch of infantry troops capable of fighting both at sea and on shore. In the Pacific theater of World War II the Corps took the lead in a massive campaign of amphibious warfare. The Marine Corps has been part of the U.S. Department of the Navy since 30 June 1834 with its sister service, the United States Navy.
United States Marine Corps Flag
An amazing silk embroidered flag dated into the 1950's. This most likely would not have been a flag flown outside, though may have been used inside a Marine base or training facility.
7th War Loan Poster
Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima is an iconic photograph of six United States Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the final stages of the Pacific War. The photograph, taken by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press on February 23, 1945, was first published in Sunday newspapers two days later and reprinted in thousands of publications. It was the only photograph to win the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in the same year as its publication, and was later used for the construction of the Marine Corps War Memorial in 1954, which was dedicated to honor all Marines who died in service since 1775.
The Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal, had decided the previous night that he wanted to go ashore and witness the final stage of the fight for the mountain. Now, under a stern commitment to take orders from Howlin' Mad Smith, the secretary was churning ashore in the company of the blunt, earthy general. Their boat touched the beach just after the flag went up, and the mood among the high command turned jubilant. Gazing upward, at the red, white, and blue speck, Forrestal remarked to Smith: "Holland, the raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years".
Forrestal was so taken with fervor of the moment that he decided he wanted the Second Battalion's flag flying on Mt. Suribachi as a souvenir. The news of this wish did not sit well with 2nd Battalion Commander Chandler Johnson, whose temperament was every bit as fiery as Howlin Mad's. "To hell with that!" the colonel spat when the message reached him. The flag belonged to the battalion, as far as Johnson was concerned. He decided to secure it as soon as possible, and dispatched his assistant operations officer, Lieutenant Ted Tuttle, to the beach to obtain a replacement flag. As an afterthought, Johnson called after Tuttle: "And make it a bigger one."
James Bradley, Flags of our Fathers
167th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corp
A stunning poster heralding the Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. Published by McCandlish Litho. Corp. Phila. Pa, 9-18-42. Note the Leatherneck Magazine dated November 1942 further down this page, also highlighting the167th Anniversary of the Marines.
Motivational World War Two USMC Poster
A powerful image on this poster that listed battles the marine Corps had been involved in. This poster is dated 1943.
The United State Marine Corps Divisions, World War Two
Enlisted Man's Winter, Service A Uniform, was a Forest green cap, jacket, and trouser combo made of finely napped kersey wool that gave the garments a soft feel. It was worn with either a khaki cotton or wool shirt.
1st Division
The First Marine Division was one of the first two division-sized unit ever formed by the Corps. It was established in February 1941 aboard the USS Texas in Cuba around the nucleus of the pre-war First Marine Brigade. The Division's first commander was the amphibious warrior, Brig. Gen. Holland M. Smith. In June 1941, the entire First Marine Division moved into garrison at the newly established Marine base at New River, North Carolina. Maj.Gen. Phillip Torrey took command the same month and the Division continued the serious business of expansion and training.
1st Division
When war came in December 1941, only 8,918 Marines were assigned to the Old Breed, 1st Division, far short of the authorized strength of almost 20,000. In March 1942, the Third Marine Brigade, organized around the Seventh Marines, sailed for Western Samoa. In May 1942, the rest of the Division sailed from Norfolk Naval Base bound for New Zealand. Arriving in June 1942, the Division was alerted for combat operations in the South Pacific.
This coat made by College Hall Fashions under a contract dated Sept. 22, 1942 bears the 1st Davison insignia with a red edge, meaning Combat Service.
2nd Division
The 2nd Marine Division was officially organized on February 1, 1941 at Camp Elliott, California by change of designation from the 2nd Marine Brigade. By mid-1941, because of the growing threat of a German invasion to Iceland, the 6th Marine Regiment, a battalion from 10th Marines and other units were pulled from the division and sent to Iceland.
2nd Division
After the outbreak of war the 8th Marine Regiment with an assortment of other division assets formed the 2nd Marine Brigade and were dispatched to American Samoa.
During World War II, the 2nd Marine Division (Headquarters) participated in authorized operations and engagements in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
This coat is made by College Hall Fashions under a contract dated Dec. 5, 1942
3rd Division
The 3rd Marine Division was officially activated on 16 September 1942 at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. Most of the original members of the division were drawn from the cadre staff of the 2nd Marine Division.[2] The division was initially built around the 9th Marine Regiment, commanded by Colonel Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. who later became the 20th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Major General Charles D. Barrett was the first commanding general of the division.
The division deployed into Auckland, New Zealand, between January and March 1943. In June of that year, it moved onto Guadalcanal for additional training. The next operation in which the division took part was the Battle of Guam. From 21 July 1944 until the last day of organized fighting on 10 August, the division fought through the jungles on the island of Guam.
3rd Division
The division remained on the island of Guam for training, until it embarked as part of the landing force for the Battle of Iwo Jima. The 3rd Marine Division was initially in reserve for the battle.[6] However, the division was committed one regiment at a time when the initial regiments that landed there needed to be relieved.
The 21st Marines came ashore on 20 February followed by the 9th Marines, and then were reinforced by a battalion from the 3rd Marines on 25 February. The Marines of these two infantry regiments, supported by the artillery of the 12th Marine Regiment and tanks of the 3rd Tank Battalion, fought on Iwo Jima until the end of organized resistance on 16 March and the subsequent mopping up operations for the next month. All elements of the division were back on Guam by 17 April 1945.
The coat is stamped, Quartermaster Depot, U.S. Marine Corps, 1942
4th Division
The 4th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps was raised in 1943 for service during World War II, and subsequently fought in the Pacific against the Japanese. This division was formed by the organization and re-designation of several other units. The 23rd Marine Regiment began as infantry detached from the 3rd Marine Division in February 1943, the same month that an artillery battalion of the 12th Marines became the genesis of the 14th Marines and engineer elements of the 19th Marines formed the nucleus of the 20th Marines. In March, the 24th Marine Regiment was organized, and then in May it was split in two to supply the men for the 25th Marines. This war-time shuffling provided the major building blocks for a new division.
4th Division
The units were originally separated, however, with the 24th Marines and a variety of reinforcing units (engineer, artillery, medical, motor transport, special weapons, tanks, etc.) they undertook intensive training at Camp Pendleton, California. The rest of the units were at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This East Coast echelon moved to Pendleton by train and transit of the Panama Canal in July and August. When all the units were finally together, the 4th Marine Division was formally activated on August 16, 1943, with Major General Harry Schmidt in command. After intensive training, it shipped out on 13 January 1944, and in 13 months made four major amphibious assaults, in the battles of Kwajalein (Roi-Namur), Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima under command of V Amphibious Corps. It was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations and a Navy Unit Commendation
5th Division
The 5th Marine Division was a United States Marine Corps ground combat division which was activated on 11 November 1943. The division's Headquarters Battalion officially began operating at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on 1 December, at which time men and equipment began streaming into Camp Pendleton. The 5th Division saw its first combat action during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 where it sustained the highest number of casualties of the three Marine divisions of the V Amphibious Corps (invasion force). The 5th Division was to be part of the planned invasion of the Japan homeland before Japan surrendered. Assault troops of the 5th Division were included in the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the V Amphibious Corps for extraordinary heroism on Iwo Jima from 19 to 28 February 1945.
5th Division
The division's Headquarters Battalion officially began operating at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on 1 December, at which time men and equipment began streaming into Camp Pendleton. The official activation date for the Division was 21 January 1944. The division had a solid core of combat veterans from the beginning however there were many issues raising the total required number of Marines as the Marine Corps had to provide combat replacements to other divisions and staff the newly formed 6th Marine Division also. Among the personnel forming the new division were Marines from the former 1st Marine Parachute Regiment, the Raider Training Battalion, the Parachute Training School, West Coast, and the Parachute Replacement Company.
Parts of the division began to deploy overseas to act as the reserve force during the Battle of Guam where they were not needed. Because of this they were sent to Camp Tarawa near Hilo, Hawaii for further training. While there the 31st Naval Construction Battalion was attached to the Division tasked as shore party for the upcoming operation. After more extensive training the division loaded ships and left Hawaii in January 1945. By mid-February they were sailing past Saipan headed for Iwo Jima.
A College Hall Fashions Coat made under contract dated, Sept. 8, 1944
6th Division
The 6th Marine Division was activated on Guadalcanal in the southern Solomon Islands on September 7, 1944. The 6th Division was formed from three infantry regiments, the 4th, 22nd and 29th Marines, and other units such as engineer, medical, pioneer, motor transport, tank, headquarters, and service battalions During the invasion of Okinawa it saw combat at Yae-Take and Sugar Loaf Hill and was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. The 6th Division had also prepared for the invasion of Japan before the war ended. After the war it served in Tsingtao, China where the division was disbanded on April 1, 1946, being the only Marine division to be formed and disbanded overseas and never set foot in the United States.
6th Division
The core cadre around which the division was formed was the former 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, which included the 4th and 22nd Marine Regiments, plus their supporting artillery battalions; these artillery battalions were later consolidated into the 15th Marine Regiment.
The Battle of Guam ended in August 1944 and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade was called to Guadalcanal along with the 1st Battalion, 29th Marines, which had served with the 2nd Marine Division in the Battle of Saipan on the Mariana Islands. With a core of all these veterans incorporated into the new division, the 6th was not considered "green" despite being a new formation; most of the men were veterans of at least one campaign and many were serving a second combat tour, half the forces in the three Infantry Regiments were all veterans, and some units even consisted of 70% veterans. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 29th Marines, disembarked from the United States on 1 August 1944, and landed on Guadalcanal on 7 September 1944 to further augment the division. The now fully manned 6th Division underwent "rugged" training on Guadalcanal between October and January before it shipped 6,000 miles to land as part of the III Amphibious Corps on Okinawa on 1 April 1945.
The Vandegrift Jacket
Following the Guadalcanal Campaign, the 1st Marine Division under Major General Alexander Vandegrift were posted to the cooler climate of Melbourne, Australia. As the Marines only had their utility and tan summer uniforms, they were issued Australian army battle dress with the Marines calling the short jacket the "Vandegrift jacket". An American-made, forest green version was issued to officers in December 1944 and to enlisted Marines in August 1945
1945 Vandegrift
A Standard design Vandegrift jacket that bear resemblance to the U.S. Army Ike Jacket. A very sharp looking and popular jacket.
1945 Vandegrift
This Jacket is marked Quartermaster Depot, U.S. Marine Corps, Dated 1943 to 1945
1945 Vandegrift
This Corporal is not assigned to a Division, though sports the USMC Eagle Globe and Anchor collar insignia.
Australian Made Vandegrift Jacket
A typical Australian made Vandegrift jacket. It bears similarity to the European Theater U.S. Army Field Jacket, nicknamed the "Ike Jacket".
Vandegrift Jacket Makers Tag
The Made in Australia, makers tag dated 1944. Note the maker is indicated by code number V188
Australian Made Vandegrift Jacket
This jacket was issued to 5th Division Marine while stationed in Australia.
6th Division Vandegrift Jacket
This jacket was made by College Hall Fashions under a contract dated July 16, 1943. This is an anomaly as the design originated in 1944 in Australia. It is possible this is a Service Coat that was re-built into a Vandegrift style
6th Division Vandegrift Jacket
The 6th Division patch is clearly shown and the Marine may have been issued this while in training.
The Utility Uniform
These uniforms are constructed of a specific USMC Herringbone Twill (H.B.T.) olive color material. The material was very tough and resilient to wear, though was dramatically different in the weave design then the U.S. Army produced Herringbone Twill Utility uniforms. The Camouflage utility uniform actually used the Army H.B.T. Camouflage material as the production of the USMC H.B.T. Camouflage was unsuitable to field use.
1941 USMC H.B.T Utility Uniform
This uniform is identified by the two lower large open pockets. The USMC, Eagle Globe and Anchor are prominently ink stamped on the chest.
1941 USMC H.B.T Utility Uniform
The stamped manufacturer mark in the collar of the jacket, S. Rosenbloom Inc. Contract 41901, Dated October 4, 1943
1941 USMC H.B.T Utility Uniform
Close-up of the pocket unique to this jacket
1944, USMC Utility Uniform
The earlier 1941 Utility Uniform design was found to be deficient in many ways. The 1944 design solved these design flaws and became very popular.
1944, USMC Utility Uniform
The printed cloth makers tag indicating Keystone C&A Mfg. Co. with a contract No. 47249 dated Jan. 26, 1945
1944, USMC Utility Uniform
The 1944 jacket featured large chest pockets with a button closure to secure the contents. The pocket design is seen in this photo
1942, Camouflage Utility Uniform
A double sided Camouflage uniform that became popular in the Pacific island campaign. The green dominant side would be used in the jungles while the tan on the beaches.
1942, Camouflage Utility Uniform
The 1942 Utility uniform bore striking resemblance to the 1941 Utility uniform after which it was patterned. Note the very similar single lower button closure pocket of this jacket
1942, Camouflage Utility Uniform
The reversible design can be seen here as well as the interior single pocket
1944 Camouflage Utility Uniform
The 1944 Camouflage Utility uniform followed the design of the 1994 Olive Green Utility uniform with the large button closure chest pockets. This design was also reversible.
1944 Camouflage Utility Uniform
A close-up of the large chest pockets of the 1944 Camouflage utility uniform
1944 Camouflage Utility Uniform
The tan sided camouflage. The large chest pockets are also mounted in this side and readily accessible through the button closure.
USMC Para-Marines, known as the Marine Parachute Troops
In late October 1940 the airborne unit of the USMC was formed at Naval Air Station (N.A.S.) Lakehurst New Jersey. The Commandant stated, "In organizing the Marine Divisions authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, it is the intention to train one battalion of each infantry regiment as air troops to be trained in the proportion of one company of parachutists to each air troop battalion, involving a total of approximately seven hundred and fifty parachutists." Initial classes were held at Hightstown New Jersey late October, with three parachute schools officially organized at Camp Gillespie, San Diego, Marine Barracks, N.A.S. Lakehurst New Jersey and Marine Barracks, New River, North Carolina. The paratroops were trained as Infantry and first engaged in battle at Gavutu and Guadalcanal Island in August 1942. They have the dubious honor of being the first U.S. Paratroops to see combat during WW2.
The Marine Parachute Troops utilities went through several variations including a Sage Green and Camouflage Para-Smock extending down to mid thigh. Most of the early variants were fitted with padded elbows and had thigh pockets.
USMC, Para-Marine Utilities
As the name infers the Para-Marines were a highly trained Parachutist unit which were outfitted with specially designed utility uniforms. The Marine Corps Equipment Board recommended specific clothing be produced for the parachute troops. The Marine Parachute Troop Utilities are featured here. They were first used in action in august 1943 at Vella Lavella.
USMC, Para-Marine Utilities
Large numbers of these uniforms were re-issued after being modified to standard specification. This meant shortening them considerably. It is rare to find this utility cost in its full length as seen by the pleat in this image. Shortened versions would not have this pleat.
USMC, Para-Marine Utilities
As with other camouflaged Marine Corps Utilities the Parachute troop version were also reversible. The had unique internal pocket that were accessible from both sides.
United States Marine Corps Marksmanship Badges
The U.S. Marines, employ a method of regular Marksmanship Qualification courses, in Service Rifle, Service Pistols in addition to other specialized equipment commonly used by the Marine in the performance of his duties. IN 1937 the Marine Corps instituted an enlarged program of qualification awards which prior to this time utilized the Army award system. There were three qualification levels from highest to lowest, Expert, Sharpshooter and Marksman. The Marine Corps Basic Badge for marksmanship qualifications with other arms was instituted and included an added clasp with qualification levels indicated as previously mentioned. There were 16 clasps authorized wit prefixes of EX, SS and one clasp having MM; followed by the specific arm the Marine qualified in.
The badges illustrated here include the Army version of Marksmanship badges fitted the USMC Eagle/Globe and Anchor. Examples of the Basic Badge are also illustrated.
World War Two Pistol Expert Badge, with crossed M1911 pistols and an applied EGA in two color material
Post 1937 Basic Badge with Carbine Sharpshooter clasp
World War Two era Basic Badge with an applied EGA emblem in two color material
Post 1937 Basic Badge with no clasps added
World War Two Basic Badge fitted with Bayonet, Gunner and Hand Grenade Clasps
Boxed Sharpshooter badge, possibly post World War Two. Hillborn-Hamburger Inc was a common maker of United States Marine Corps badges and insignia.
World War Two Era Marine Corps Sharpshooter badge, made by Hillborn-Hamburger Inc. The H-H stylized logo is commonly seen on USMC insignia and badges
WW2
Sharpshooter
World War Two era Sharpshooter badge with an applied EGA emblem centered on the Maltese Cross
WW2
Expert Rifleman
World War Two era Expert Rifleman badge with an applied EGA emblem Centered on the crossed rifles.
Post World War Two Basic Badge for Pistol Marksmanship
Post World War Two Basic Badge for Rifle Marksmanship
The Leatherneck Magazine
The Quantico Leatherneck was started by off-duty US Marines, and in large part by the post printer, Sgt. Smith, in 1917. The link to Editor & Publisher for February 19, 1921, page 38 contains a passionate article giving the details of the beginnings of the Quantico Leatherneck. Included: Captain Jonas H Platt, a newspaper man in civilian life, 1st Lt. Angus A. Aull (at the officers' training school held an honorary position with the paper and is the author of the linked Editor & Publisher article.
In 1918, "Quantico" was dropped from the publication's name. In 1920, with the formation of the Marine Corps Institute (MCI) by Commandant of the Marine Corps John A. Lejeune, Leatherneck became an official Marine Corps publication under the auspices of MCI, and was moved to Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. In 1925, the format was changed from a newspaper to a magazine.
During World War II, many of the Marine Corps' combat correspondents were assigned to Leatherneck. In 1943, the Leatherneck Association was formed to govern the magazine, making it more autonomous and answerable only to the Commandant.
The magazine's name derives from the slang term "leatherneck" for a U.S. Marine, referring to the leather-lined collar or stock of the original Marine uniform.
Leatherneck was an official Marine Corps publication until 1972, staffed primarily by active-duty Marines. That year all active-duty positions were eliminated and the magazine returned to Quantico. In 1976, the Leatherneck Association merged with the Marine Corps Association (MCA). As of 2016, MCA continues to publish Leatherneck alongside another Marine Corps periodical, the Marine Corps Gazette. Wikipedia
December 1931, Marines First Christmas
July 1944
November 1942, 167th USMC Anniversary
November 1943, 168th USMC Anniversary
December 1945
December 1947
Spearhead Magazine, 5th Marine Division
Spearhead, Vol. I, 1944
Spearhead, Vol. II, 1945
Spearhead, Vol. II, 1946
Home Front Buttons
This group of 7/8 inch button pins signified a relative in Marine Corps Service. Also note the "Avenge" buttons, for Corregidor, Wake Island, and Bataan.