One of the most famous photographs of all time, taken by Joe Rosenthal on Iwo Jima,
Mt Suribachi, 10:20 AM Feb. 23, 1945
Many brave Americans gave their lives in the capture and securing of that miserable piece of black volcanic rock. It was a vital piece of real estate for the air war and potential invasion of the Japanese home islands.
Total American casualties were 26,000, with 6,800 killed in action. This out of over 76,000 involved, a 30% casualty rate.
Japanese casualties were 22,000, most of them killed, virtually a 100% casualty rate.
This was the only major battle in the Pacific war where our casualties exceeded those of the Japanese.
Virtually all of the Japanese defenders perished, forsaken by their government and left to die without hope of rescue or victory.
The United States Marine Corps. The Few, the Proud, the Marines!
Founded on November 10, 1775, the Marines are the very symbol of American military excellence the world over.
Tough and independent, it is said that there is no such thing as a "ex Marine"
Once a Marine, always a Marine!
Nothing stirs the heart of American patriotism like hearing the Marine Band play their hymn,
The Marine's Hymn
"From the halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea; (note, adding In the air is the only change in the hymn's history)
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine."
There are two more verses, but verse one is the one we are all familiar with.
The exact origin of the hymn is unknown, but it has been in continual use since the mid 19th century.
For those legally immigrating and visiting America from foreign shores, the first American they meet will most likely be a young Marine guard at our consulate or embassy.
From the Globe and Anchor insignia on their crisp dress uniform, their unfailing manners and bearing, and the unmistakable "You don't really want to mess with me, now do you?" attitude, they bring credit to us all.
The Marine Corps (official HQ at 8th and I in D.C.) is undoubtedly more steeped in it's history, tradition and legend than any other service branch.
For brevity' s sake I will only list a representative sample of famous Marines and their most noteworthy battles and campaigns.
General Alexander Archer Vandegrift
entered the Corps in January 1909.
His distinguished career ended on 31 December 1947, and he lived to the ripe old age of 86.
A legendary Marine, he advanced to the rank of General (four stars), the first Marine to do so.
Earning the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross, he is likely the most decorated Marine in history.
He was the first Marine general to command a Division (1st Marine) away from America's shores, and he also served as Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1944-1947.
He was a 'China Marine', and was known as a fighting general.
His campaigns included Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Gavite and Bougainville, and he only left field command when tapped as the next Commandant.
Col Gregory " Pappy" Boyington
is perhaps the most famous Marine aviator due to a very popular TV series in the 1970's, "Black Sheep Squadron", with Robert Conrad portraying Major Boyington. In another example of legend matching life, Greg joined the Corps in 1937 and learned to fly. He served prior to WWII in China with the volunteer Flying Tigers with Army legend Claire Chennault.
Boyington downed his first six Japanese planes there.
When the chance came to command VMF214 he took it. At age 31 when most of his pilots were in their early twenties he earned his famous nickname "Pappy"
The squadron was composed for the most part of mis-fit fliers from other units that no one else wanted. He quickly turned them into the most deadly group of fighting aviators in the Pacific. Hard drinking and hard nosed, he was the perfect C.O. for the Black Sheep.
On Jan 3rd 1944 he recorded kills 27 and 28, but he was shot down and spent the next 20 months in Japanese captivity. He was rescued after the Japanese surrender on the home island of Japan. Major Boyington was then promoted to Col., and was presented the Medal of Honor by Pres Harry S. Truman. He finished the war as the top Marine Ace.
Private Jack William Kelso
Private Kelso, from Madera CA was only 18 when he was killed in action in Korea on 2 Oct, 1952. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his unselfish actions. He repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in defense of his comrades, at one point picking up a live grenade in an attempt to save them.
Although not famous outside of the Corps, he exemplified the unselfish courage and love for his fellow Marines that is the stuff of legend.
Major battles and campaigns;
WWI; Belleau Woods, the Marne, the Argonne, the Somme
WWII; Wake Island, Bataan, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Philippines.
Korea; Pusan, Chosin.
Vietnam; Khe Sanh, Tet, Hue City.
Desert Storm, the liberation of Kuwait.
Operation Iraqi Freedom, the War on Terror is ongoing, it includes the capture of Baghdad,
and house to house fighting in Fallujah.
Semper Fi!
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