FMF PQS for GCE

The Marine Corps was created on 10 November 1775 at Tun's Tavern in Philadelphia, PA. Continental Congress raised 2 battalions of Marines to be commanded by Capt Samuel Nicholas who is considered the 1st Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The first landing of the revolutionary war took place when Marines landed at New Providence Islands in the Bahamas. A stiff leather stock was worn around the neck, hence the name leatherneck.

Marines stormed the Barbary Pirates at Burma on the shores of Tripoli. They we able to acquire weapons, and supplies. It was the first time the stars and stripes was raised in the eastern hemisphere.

Marines occupied the halls of montezuma during the battle of Chapultepec in the Mexican war. They seized the capital city and helped take parts of California.

Col Robert E. Lee commanded Marines and Soldiers in stopping a slave revolt led by abolitionist John Brown at the US Arsenal at Harpers Ferry.

BGen Jacob Zeilen, the 7th Commandant of the Marine Corps modified the British marine emblem to show the Marines as both maritime and American. The Eagle represents the nation, the anchor represents sea service and tradition and the globe signifies world wide service.

The motto Semper Fidelis is adopted. It is Latin for always faithful and is more commonly heard as Sempervivum Fi.

Marines participated in the Boxer Rebellion at the American legation in Peking China. They served as part of a multi-national defense force that protected the legation quarter from attack.

The Marine Corps established its 1st aviation unit and Major Alfred Cunningham was the first pilot.

Marines served in 8 distinct operations earning the French Forregier which is still worn by members of the 5th and 6th Marines today.

The Marine Corps was officially reorganized into the FMF, establishing the command and administrative relations between the fleet and the Marine Corps. The uniform board was established at Quantico VA as well.

Marines landed in south Vietnam for the longest war in it's history. They participated in both offensive and peace pacification programs.

On 23 October 1983 a suicide bomber killed 241 and wounded 70 Americans. The last unit withdrew in July 1984.

During Desert Storm the Iraqi government would not comply with UN sanctions. USMC aviation was used and although massive bombing failed, ground forces were able to march in and liberate Kuwait.

Fought in Belleau Wood France during WW1. Marines crushed a German offensive that threatened Paris. The nickname Tuefelhunden was given to Marines for their ferocious fighting ability. Marines were rated a storm troopers, the highest rating on the enemy fighting scale.

Fought in the Solomon islands in August 1942 during WW2. It was the 1st US land offensive and led by 1st MARDIV. It was also the 1st combat test of the new amphibious doctrine and would provide a base to launch further invasions.

Fought in the Gilbert islands in November 1943 during WW2. Marines secured the island with in 76 hours of landing. Heavy losses were suffered due to extended reefs.

Islands include Saipan, Guam and Tinian. Fought in July of 1943 during WW2. General Holland M. Smith commanded over 136,000 troops which was the most under a Marine's command at that time.

Fought on Mount Surabachi in February 1945. It wa the largest all Marine battle where 23,300 were lost. ADM Nimitz noted that "uncommon valor was a common virtue".

Fought in North Korea in 1950. Marines faced an opponent roughly the size of 10 divisions. The impressive feat was that they were able to recoup 100% of wounded and gear.

Fought during the Tet Offensive during Vietnam in January 1968. Heavy arms were not used to minimize the loss of civilians and Marines fought in built up areas for the first time since the Korean war.

Served as Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1820 to 1859 (39 years). Known as the grand old man of the Marine Corps. Introduced higher standards to show Marines were more than just a sea and anchor detail.

Sgt Maj who received the MOH for his actions at Cuzco Well in GTMO. He semaphored to the USS Dolphin to lift bombardment to save his Marines lifves. He did this at great risk to his own life.

Sgt Maj who received 2 MOH for actions in the Boxer Rebellion and the 1st Caco war in Haiti. In Bellea Wood, then GySgt Daly was quoted as saying "come on you SOBs, do you want to live forever.".

LtGen who was called the Tiger of the Mountains for his jungle warfare in Nicaragua to Honduras while leading 32 Marines. USMC mascot is nicknamed after him.

CO of VMH 214 Blacksheep. Marine Corp's top flying ace with 28 confirmed kills.

Pima Indian who was at Iwo during second flag raising. Part of the 5th amphibious corps and was returned home to help in selling bonds for the war effort. Returned to his reservation where he reportedly drank himself into much trouble possibly including his death.

1st enlisted female Marine. August 13 1918.

Served as the 7th and final director of WMs. Was the 1st female general officer 11May78.