Marine Corps History
Mission Summary
The United States Marine Corps is trained, organized, and equipped for offensive amphibious operations and as a "force in readiness."
Birthday
10 November 1775
Birthplace
Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Motto
"Semper Fidelis," which is a Latin term meaning "Always Faithful," adopted around 1883.
Emblem
Adopted from the British Royal Marines and modified by BGen Jacob Zeilin in 1868 to depict the Marine as American and maritime. The emblem consists of the eagle clenching in its mouth the Marine Corps motto, the globe (Western Hemisphere), and the anchor. The eagle represents the United States, the globe represents worldwide service, and the anchor represents sea traditions (ties to the United States Navy).
The Marines' Hymn
Official song of the Marine Corps, circa 1848-1850. All Marines, former or active duty, stand at attention when this song is played, whether in uniform or in civilian attire. All MCJROTC cadets stand at attention as well.
Scarlet Trouser Stripe ("Blood Stripe")
Worn by officers and NCO’s today in the Corps on dress blue trousers. It is said that the right to wear the blood stripes was passed to the Corps during the Mexican War after the battle of Chapultepec, in honor of Marine Officer’s and NCO’s killed or wounded during the action.
Quatrefoil
Cross - shaped braid, design of French origin, atop Marine officers' frame caps, worn since 1859.
Mamaluke Sword
Sword carried by officers of the Marine Corps, officially prescribed in 1862, with a curved scimitar blade and a uniquely shaped handle. Conferred upon First Lieutenant Presley O' Bannon and the Mediterranean Squadron by the Pasha of Tripoli during the Barbary Wars, 1801-1807. The Mamaluke sword is the oldest single weapon still in use in the United States Armed Forces.
"The President's Own"
The Marine Corps Band
"The Commandant's Own"
The Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps
"Leathernecks"
Expression referring to Marines, resulting from the stock leather neckpiece which was part of the Marine Corps uniform 1775-1875 in order to keep the head erect and neck straight.
"Devil Dogs"
Translation of the German name "Teufelhunden," which were fierce fighting dogs of legendary fame. The Germans gave this name to the Marines during the fighting of Belleau Wood in 1918 during the World War 1, in reference to Marines' persistent and courageous fighting ability.
First Commandant of the Marine Corps
Captain Samuel Nicholas
Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps
Colonel Archibald Henderson, 39 years as commandant
Most Famous Director of the Marine Corps Band
John Philip Sousa
First Female Marine
Private Opha Mae Johnson
1st Marine aviator (Father of Marine Corps Aviation)
1st Lieutenant Alfred Cunningham
Established Drill and "President's Own"
Major Burrows
Established saluting
Lieutenant Colonel Wharton