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History of Marine Corps Infantry

The Marine Corps Infantry, the backbone of the United States Marine Corps, traces its origins to the Continental Marines established in 1775 during the American Revolution. Renowned for their expeditionary capabilities, Marine infantry units have fought in every major American conflict, from the iconic battles of Belleau Wood in World War I to island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific during World War II. Over the decades, they have adapted to new forms of warfare, conducting amphibious assaults, counterinsurgency operations, and rapid deployments worldwide. Today, Marine Corps Infantry continues to serve as a flexible, highly trained force, ready to respond to crises and protect American interests around the globe.

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ABOUT Marine Corps Infantry

  • Birth of the Marine Corps Infantry: The United States Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, making it older than the United States itself. The original mission included ship-to-ship fighting, security on naval vessels, and assistance in landing forces.
  • “First to Fight” Motto: Marine infantry units have long been known for being among the first American forces to engage in combat, earning the Corps the reputation and motto “First to Fight.”
  • The Battle of Belleau Wood: In World War I, Marines fought with extraordinary bravery at Belleau Wood, France, in 1918. Their ferocity led German forces to nickname them "Teufel Hunden" or “Devil Dogs,” a moniker still used today.
  • Amphibious Warfare Pioneers: Marine infantry units perfected amphibious assault tactics during World War II, leading major landings in the Pacific Theater such as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
  • Marine Rifleman’s Creed: Every Marine infantryman memorizes and lives by the “Rifleman’s Creed,” emphasizing the deep bond between Marine and weapon: “This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine…”
  • Chosin Reservoir Heroics: During the Korean War, surrounded by a much larger Chinese force, the 1st Marine Division fought its way out of the Chosin Reservoir in freezing conditions, demonstrating legendary toughness and cohesion.
  • Guadalcanal’s “Island Hopping”: The 1st Marine Division’s August 1942 landing on Guadalcanal marked the first major Allied offensive against Japan, introducing the deadly and innovative island-hopping campaign.
  • Unit Pride – The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor: The iconic Marine Corps emblem, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, symbolizes the Corps’ commitment to serve on land, sea, and in the air, and is awarded to infantry Marines upon graduation from boot camp.
  • “Every Marine a Rifleman”: All Marines, regardless of specialty, are trained as basic infantry riflemen first, reflecting the Corps’ ethos that every Marine should be ready to fight on the front lines.
  • Modern Deployments: Marine infantry units have been at the forefront of recent conflicts, including the initial invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003), urban combat in Fallujah, and humanitarian missions worldwide.

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