The official mission of the Marine Corps was established in the National Security Act of 1947, which was amended in 1952. 

This mission consists of, 

A.  Provide Fleet Marine Forces with combined arms and supporting air components for service with the United States Fleet in the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and for the conduct of such land operations as may be essential to the execution of a naval campaign.

B.  Provide detachments and organizations for service on armed vessels of the Navy and security detachments for the protection of naval property at naval stations and bases.

C.  Develop, in coordination with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the doctrine, tactics, and equipment employed by landing forces in amphibious operations.

D.   Provide Marine forces for airborne operations, in coordination with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, according to the doctrine established by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

E.  Develop, in coordination with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the doctrine, procedures, and equipment for airborne operations.

F.   Expand peacetime components to meet wartime needs according to the joint mobilization plans.

G.  Perform such other duties as the president may direct.

Significant Events In Marine Corps History 

A.     1775- The Marine Corps was created on 10 November 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Tun Tavern by a resolution of the Continental Congress, which “raised 2 battalions of Marines.” Captain Samuel Nicholas became the commander of these 2 battalions and is traditionally considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. In 1834, the Marines came under the Department of the Navy. The National Security Act of 1947, amended in 1957, states the present structure, mission, and functions of the Marine Corps.

B.     1776- The first Marine landing took place during the Revolutionary War. Marines invaded New Providence Island in the Bahamas and seized guns and supplies. The uniform of the day had a stiff leather stock that was worn around the neck, thus the nickname “Leatherneck.”

C.     1798- Congress recreated the Marine Corps as a separate military service.

D.     1805- Marines stormed the Barbary pirates’ stronghold at Derna on the “Shores of Tripoli.” Marines raised the “Stars and Stripes” for the first time in the Eastern hemisphere.

E.      1847- During the Mexican War, Marines occupied the “Halls of Montezuma” during the Battle of Chepultepec in Mexico City. The royal palace fell to invading Marines, who were among the first United States troops to enter the capital. Marines also helped take California.

F.      1859- Under the command of Colonel Robert E. Lee, U.S. Army, Marines stormed the United States arsenal at Harper’s Ferry to put down an attempted slave revolt lead by abolitionist John Brown.

G.     1861- Marines saw limited action during the Civil War. Due to resignations, an aging officer corps, and inadequate personnel, effectiveness was hindered. Marines served primarily with naval detachments at sea manning ship’s gun, rarely conducting operations ashore.

H.     1868- The Marine Corps adopted an emblem that consisted of an eagle, a globe, and an anchor. Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, 7^th Commandant, modified the British (Royal) Marine emblem to depict the Marines as both American and maritime. The globe and anchor signify worldwide service and sea traditions. The spread eagle is a symbol of the Nation itself.

I.        1883- The official motto of the Marine Corps, “Semper Fidelis,”(Latin for “Always Faithful”) was adopted. The phrase is more commonly heard as its abbreviation, “Semper Fi”.

J.       1898- In response to a declaration of war against Spain, Marines conducted offensive operations in the Pacific and Cuba. Marine actions led to the establishment of several naval bases overseas.

K.    1900- In support of foreign policy, Marines from ships on the Asiatic station defended the America legation in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion. The Marines were part of a multinational defense force that protected the legation Quarter against attack. This small defense force held out against the Boxers until a relief force was able to reach Peking and end the rebellion.

L.      1901- During the years 1901 to 1934, the Marine Corps was increasingly used to quell disturbances throughout the world. From the Far East to the Caribbean, Marines landed and put down insurrections, guarded and protected American lives and property, and restored order. Due to the extensive use of Marines in various countries in the Caribbean, these actions come to be known as the “Banana Wars.”

M.   1913- The Marine Corps established its aviation unit. Marine Major Alfred A. Cunningham was the 1^st pilot.

N.    1917- Marines landed as part of the American Expeditionary force in France. Marines participated in 8 distinct operations, distinguished themselves and were awarded a number of decorations, among them the French Fourragere still worn by members of the 5^th and 6^th Marine Regiments.

O.    1933- The Marine Corps was reorganized into the Fleet Marine Force, formally establishing the “command and administrative relations” between the Fleet and the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Equipment Board was established at Quantico, Virginia, and Marines began to devote long hours to testing and developing materials for landing operations and expeditionary service.

P.      1941- The United States was thrust into war following the devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces. Marines defended against this attack and similar attacks throughout the Pacific during the opening stages of the war. The Marine Corps was the principle force utilized by the allies in execution of a strategy of “island hopping” campaigns. The earlier development of amphibious doctrine proved to be invaluable in carrying out this strategy. The strength of the Marine Corps reached nearly 500,000 during World War II.

Q.    1950- Conflict in Korea tested Marine Corps combat readiness. The Marines responded to the attack by the North Korean forces by quickly assembling the 1^st Marine Provisional Brigade from the under strength 1^st Marine Division. These Marines shipped out and were later used to rescue the crumbling Pusan Perimeter. Marine forces further showed their combat readiness and versatility by making an amphibious landing over the seawall at Inchon. Marine aviators flew helicopters for the first time in battle.

R.     1958- The Marine Corps completed reorganizing the structure of its Fleet Marine Force. The Marines created units equipped to conduct landing operations in either atomic or non-atomic warfare. The Marine Corps had the ability for the Fleet to go where it was needed, to stay there, and to readily project its power ashore as the cutting edge of sea power. This concept was put to use when Marines landed near Beirut, Lebanon at the request of the Lebanese government to support its army against internal strife. The Marines helped stabilize the situation and withdrew a few months later.

S.      1965- Marines landed in South Vietnam, which committed the Marine Corps to the longest war in its history. Marines conducted numerous large-scale offensive operations throughout the course of the war, as well as participating in the pacification program designed to win the support of the local populace. Also, in response to an attempted coup of the local government, Marines landed in the Dominican Republic to evacuate and protect U.S. citizens. The Marines formed the core of a multinational force that quickly restored the peace.

T.      1982- Marines deployed to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force in an effort to restore peace to this war-torn country. This action further displayed the Maine concept of a “Force in Readiness.” On October 23 1983, a suicide truck bomb attack on the headquarters building killed 241 Americans and wounded 70 others. The last Marine unit withdrew in July of 1984.

U.     1983- Following the assassination of the Prime Minister and violent over through of the government of Grenada, Marines participated in Operation Urgent Fury, a joint military operation in response to a request for intervention from neighboring Caribbean nations. The Marines’ rapid response led to the securing of the island and protecting the lives of American citizens living there.

V.     1989- In response to the increasing unrest in Panama, the President of the United States ordered a joint military operation, Just Cause, to over through the military government of Panama headed by General Manuel Noriega. United States forces, including Marines, accomplished this mission and installed a civilian government. General Noriega, under indictment in the United States for drug trafficking and racketeering, was arrested and sent back to the U.S. for trial.

W.   1990- Following the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces, Operation Dessert Shield was launched. This joint military operation was designed to halt the advance of Iraqi forces and to position multinational forces assembled for possible offensive operations to expel the invading force. This operation validated the Marine Corps Prepositioning Force (MPF) concept and enacted the plan of tailoring units to accomplish a mission as part of a Marine Air Ground Taskforce (MAGTF).

X.     1991- Operation Dessert Storm was launched after the Iraqi government refused to comply with United Nations resolutions. Marine aviation was heavily used when the air phased commenced in January 1991. When massive bombing failed to dislodge Iraqi forces, Marine ground forces swept into Kuwait and liberated the country, causing severe damage to the Iraqi military capability.

Y.     1992- Operation Restore Hope is launched and on December 9^th 1992 Marines land in Mogadishu, Somalia in support of U.N. operations.

Z.      1996- In response to the unrest in the African countries of Liberia and Central African Republic Marines of the 22^nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) went in to protect the U.S. Embassies in those two countries.

AA.           2001- Operation Enduring Freedom is launched. Marine aircraft from VMFA-251, deployed aboard the carrier U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, launch some of the 1^st air strikes against Al-Qada and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.   

Significant Battles In Marine Corps History 

A.     The Battle of Bladensburg: In August of 1814, 103 Marines and 400 sailors made a vain attempt to block a force of 4,000 British troops from advancing on Washington. The Marines stopped 3 headlong charges before finally being outflanked and driven back.

B.     The Battle of New Orleans: 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 the American losses were less than 100.

C.     The Battle of Belleau Wood: Marines fought one of their greatest battles at Belleau Wood, France during WWI. 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 Dog,” a nickname in which Marines share with pride.

D.     The Battle of Wake Island: In 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese struck Wake Island on 8 December. Despite being heavily out numbered, the Marines mounted a courageous defense before finally falling on 23 December. This small force of Marines caused an extraordinary number of Japanese casualties and damage to the invading force.

E.      The Battle of Guadalcanal: On 7 August 1942, the 1^st Marine Division landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and launched the 1^st United States land offensive of WWII. This battle marked the first combat test of the new amphibious doctrine, and also provided a crucial turning point of the war in the Pacific by providing a base to launch further invasions of Japanese held islands. Amphibious landings followed on the remaining islands in the Solomons including New Georgia, Choiseul (Fient), and Bougainville.

F.      The Battle of Tarawa: The Gilbert Islands was the 1^st in the line of advance of the Central Pacific. The prime objective was Tarawa Atoll and Betio Island which had been fortified to the point that the Japanese commander proclaimed that it would take a million American 100 years to conquer it. On 20 November 1943, Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hrs, but paid a heavy price in doing so. Because of an extended reef, landing craft could not cross it and Marines were offloaded hundreds of yards off the beaches. This led to heavy losses to enemy fire. Additionally, many Marines drowned while attempting to wade to shore.

G.     The Battle of The Mariana Islands: Due to the need for airfields by the Air Force and advanced bases for the Navy, the Marianas were invaded. Landings on the islands of Saipan, Guam, and Tinian accomplished this. During June and July of 1943, Lt. General Holland M. Smith led a combined invasion force of Marines and sailors that totaled over 136,000. This was the greatest number of troops up to that time to operate in the field under Marine command.

H.     The Battle of Iwo Jima: 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 Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

I.        The Battle of Okinawa: In April of 1945, Marines and Sailors landed and secured the island of Okinawa. This marked the last large action of WWII. Due to the death of Army commander, Maj. General Roy S. Geiger assumed command of the 10^th Army and became the only Marine General to command a field Army.

J.       The Battle of The Chosin Reservoir: After pushing far into North Korea during November of 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 7 enemy divisions on 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.

K.    The Second Battle of Khe Sanh: In January of 1968, Marines defended the firebase at Khe Sanh from an attack force of 2 North Vietnamese Army (NVA) divisions. Despite heavy bombardment, the Marines held out for over 2 ½ months before finally forcing the enemy forces to withdraw.

L.      The Battle of Hue City: During the Vietnamese holiday of Tet in January of 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 1^st 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.  

These facts were taken from the Marine Corps Common Skills Handbook, Book 1A and personal experience.

Creighton L Henthorn Jr