History of the Marines represented by a lineup of Marines.

History of the Marine Corps

THROUGH EVERY CONFLICT. FOR EVERY COMMUNITY. THE HISTORY OF OUR CORPS TELLS THE TRIUMPHS OF OUR NATION.

Since November 10, 1775, ours is a legacy of having each other’s back—and never backing down. On legendary battlefields like Guadalcanal, Chosin Reservoir, and Marjah in defense of our national interests. Through necessary actions back home, enabling our own struggling communities to thrive once more. Then and now, every Marine is a United States Marine, fighting through every circumstance to continue our Nation's advance.

Video thumbnail showcasing the history of the Marines.

STORIES OF DISTINCTION

To be a Marine is to always move forward with tenacity towards the next battle standing in the way of our Nation’s progress, but Marines also have a long lineage of defining moments to look back on, serving as a source of immeasurable inspiration. View some of the stories that make all Marines walk a little taller and prouder.

Captain Samuel Nicholas sets up the first Marine Corps recruiting headquarters at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA, looking for "a few good men." The "Few and the Proud" who make up today's ranks are comprised of men and women who have the resolve to fight and win for our Nation's common cause.

Marines carrying out first amphibious landing on foreign soil.

Five companies of Marines carry out the Corps’ first amphibious landing on foreign soil, successfully seizing stockpiles of British gunpowder and munitions.

Marines rescuing kidnapped crew of the USS Philadelphia on the shores of Tripoli.

The Marines rescue the kidnapped crew of the USS Philadelphia on the shores of Tripoli. They receive the nickname “Leatherneck” due to the high collar they wore as protection against the sabers of pirates.

Marine in close combat assault against German soldiers .

Marine forces launch a last-ditch close combat assault against German soldiers and completely shred the defensive counterattack. Surviving German soldiers nicknamed their adversaries “Devil Dogs,” due to their relentless fighting spirit.

Several innovative tactical strategies were used by the Marines to capture the Japanese airfield, including intense Close Air Support for Marine ground forces. From the Father of Marine Aviation, Alfred Cunningham, "The only excuse for aviation in any service is its usefulness in assisting the troops on the ground."

Marines raising flag on Mt Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

The flag raising on Mt Suribachi on February 23, 1945, was a vital moment at the Battle of Iwo Jima, propelling the U.S. to victory on the tiny volcanic island three weeks later. Today, this symbol serves as a permanent reminder of the fighting spirit found in our Marines and the resiliency shared by our entire Nation. "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."

1st Marine Division battling and defeating Chinese infantry divisions in snow.

Outnumbered 8 to 1 and cut off from air support, the 1st Marine Division battled and defeated 10 Chinese infantry divisions through snow, -40ºF temperatures, and dangerous terrain to rejoin American forces.

Lasting 33 days, the Battle of Hue was an intense, unrelenting ground battle that deployed block-by-block street fighting strategies, hammering back defensive forces and allowing Marines to secure the city.

Marines during battle to push back invading Iraqi forces.

Combining precise air operations, tenacious amphibious assaults, and grueling ground tactics to push back invading Iraqi forces, the Marines, in concert with UN forces, lead in one of the most successful modern operations.

Marines in Afghanistan during a mission to defeat Al-Qaeda.

Within two months of the attacks on September 11, 2001, Marines were the first major ground forces in Afghanistan, focused on defeating Al-Qaeda. By mid-December Marine forces had captured Kandahar Airport, creating one of the first coalition command centers.

Using street-level ground tactics first deployed during Vietnam, Marines in dense metropolitan areas like Fallujah breached, searched, and cleared areas, building by building, to root out insurgents.

"The Marine Corps will be the 'force of choice' for the President, Secretary, and Combatant Commander. No matter what the crisis, our civilian leaders should always have one shared thought—Send in the Marines." —General Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps

STORIES OF DISTINCTION

NAVAJO CODE TALKERS

Crucial in securing victory over Japan in World War II, it was our Marine Navajo Code Talkers who provided the unbreakable code necessary to communicate on the battlefield effectively.

Marine Navajo code talker during Word War II.

MONTFORD POINT MARINES

Paving the way for generations to come, more than 20,000 Montford Point Marines made history winning crucial battles for our Nation in the Pacific, Korea, and Vietnam.

HAPPY 249TH BIRTHDAY, MARINES

Happy 249th birthday, Marines. Our battle color streamers tell the story of the collective fight Marines have won for our nation since the birth of the Corps. These colors represent the collective determination of an entire unit committed to winning for our cause. Marines recognize the meaning behind each color and take pride in the values and battles they signify.