5750 MCE-I/RSRJR 10 Nov 2007

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL HANDS

Subj: Marine Corps Historical Facts in Celebration of the 232nd Marine Corps Birthday, 10 November 2007

1. We now celebrate 232 years of Marine Corps history, the "first to fight," protecting American shores from those that would harm our way of life, and to project U.S. foreign policy in the form of U.S. sea power ashore into the hearts and minds of the world's belligerent, unruly dictators, terrorists and others who would deny mankind the basic rights we so enjoy and that others are so envious of.

2. We have assembled herein some points of Marine Corps history to remember those that have worn the Globe and Anchor before us, to ensure that we live up to their memories in the conduct of ourselves as Soldiers of the Sea - Marines, and that we propagate our form of inflicting our Commander-in-Chief's will on the battlefield in our own unique way.

3. This is motivational material intended to help you rededicate yourselves to our way - for being a Marine is not what we do, it is what we are. In that vein, the below information was compiled to foster a continuing sense or pride, and to provide some information to make sure your recruiters weren't wrong in accepting your commitment and that all our instructors can be proud of graduating us from our respective sources of accession into our Corps. Remember, everyday you are being a Marine, ask yourself if you ever doubt what you are doing, "would Chesty be proud?" "Would my drill instructor be proud?" "Am I making General Lejeune smile from the ranks at Highest Headquarters?" Food for thought as you execute your orders out here.

4. General Lejeune's Birthday message of 1921 is offered for your review so you can ponder his words, and have some soul-searching thoughts as to your very being as a U.S. Marine:

"On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date, many thousand men have borne the name Marine. In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of it's existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the nations foes. From the battle of Trenton to the Argonne. Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home. Generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term Marine has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps."

I. CAMPAIGNS/BATTLE HISTORY AS REFLECTED BY THE BATTLE COLOR, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS:

1. Presidential Unit Citation (Navy) Streamer with six silver and three bronze stars

2. Presidential Unit Citation (Army) Streamer with one silver oak leaf cluster

3. Joint Meritorious Unit Award Streamer

4. Navy Unit Commendation Streamer

5. Valorous Unit Award (Army) Streamer

6. Meritorious Unit Commendation (Navy-Marine Corps) Streamer

7. Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer

8. Revolutionary War Streamer

9. Quasi-War with France Streamer

10. Barbary Wars Streamer

11. War of 1812 Streamer

12. African Slave Trade Streamer

13. Operations Against West Indian Pirates Streamer

14. Indian Wars Streamer

15. Mexican War Streamer

16. Civil War Streamer

17. Marine Corps Expeditionary Streamer with twelve silver stars, four bronze stars and one silver "W"

18. Spanish Campaign Streamer

19. Philippine Campaign Streamer

20. China Relief Expedition Streamer

21. Cuban Pacification Streamer

22. Nicaraguan Campaign Streamer

23. Mexican Service Streamer

24. Haitian Campaign Streamer with one bronze star

25. Dominican Campaign Streamer

26. World War I Victory Streamer with one silver and one bronze star, one Maltese Cross, and Siberia and West Indies clasps

*Chateau Thierry, Jun 1918 * Belleau Wood, Jun 1918 *Soissons, Jul 1918 * * * 27. Army of Occupation of Germany Streamer

28. Second Nicaraguan Campaign Streamer

29. Yangtze Service Streamer

30. China Service Streamer with one bronze star

*China Service, 1937-39 *China Service, 1945-57 31. American Defense Service Streamer with one bronze star

32. American Campaign Streamer

33. European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Streamer with one silver and four bronze stars * North African Occupation, 8 Nov 1942 - 9 Jul 1943 *Sicilian Occupation, 9-15 Jul and 28 Jul - 17 Aug 1943 *Salerno Landings, 9-12 Sep 1943 *West Coast of Italy Operations, 22 Jan - 17 Jun 1944 *Invasion of Normandy, 6 - 25 Jun 1944 *Northwest Greenland Operations, 10 Jun - 17 Nov 1944 *Invasion of Southern France, 15 Aug - 25 Sep 1944 *Reinforcement of Malta, 14 -21 Apr and 3 - 16 May 1942 *Russian Convoy Operations, 16 Dec 1941 - 27 Feb 1943

34. Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Streamer with eight silver and two bronze stars *Pearl Harbor - Midway, 1941 *Wake Island, 1941 * Philippine Islands Operation, 1941-42 *etherland East Indies, 1941-42 *Pacific Raids, 1942 *Coral Sea, 1942 *Midway, 1942 * Guadalcanal - Tulagi Landings, 1942-43 *Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal, 1942-43 *Makin Island Raid, 1942 *Eastern Solomons (Sqtewart Is.), 1942 *Buin-Faisi-Tonolai, 1942 *Cape Esperance (Second Savo Is.), 1942 *Santa Cruz Islands, 1942 *Guadalcanal (Third Savo), 1942 *Tassafaronga (Fourth Savo), 1942 *Eastern New Guinea, 1942-44 *Rennel Island Operation, 1943 *Solomon Islands Consolidation, 1943-45 *Aleutians Operations, 1943 *New Georgia Group Operations, 1943 *Bismarck Archipelago, 1943-44 *Pacific Raids, 1943 *Treasury-Bougainville Operation, 1943 *Gilbert Islands Operation, 1943 *Marshall Islands Operation, 1943-44 *Asiatic-Pacific Raids, 1944 *Western New Guinea, 1944-45 *Hollandia Operation, 1944 *Marianas Operation, 1944 *Tinian, 1944 *Caroline Islands, 1944 *Western Caroline Islands, 1944 *Leyte, 1944 *Luzon, 1944-45 *Iwo Jima, 1945 *Okinawa Gunto, 1945 *Third Fleet Operations Against Japan, 1945 *Kurile Islands Operation, 1944-45 *Borneo, 1945 *Consolidation of Southern Philippines, 1945 *Manila Bay-Bicol Operation, 1945 *Naval Group, China, 1943-45

35. World War II Victory Streamer

36. Navy Occupation Service Streamer with Europe and Asia Clasps - Europe -Asia

37. National Defense Service Streamer with four bronze stars *Republic of Korea, 1950-54 *Republic of Vietnam, 1961-74 *Southwest Asia, 1990-95 *Global War on Terrorism, 2001-

38. Korean Service Streamer with two silver stars *North Korean Aggression, 27 Jun - 2 Nov 1950 *Communist China Aggression, Nov 1950-24 Jan 1951 *Inchon Landings, 13 - 17 Sep 1950 *1st Counteroffensive, 25 Jan -21 Apr 1951 *Communist China Spring Offensive, 22 Apr - 8 Jul 1951 *UN Summer-Fall Offensive, 9 Jul - 27 Nov 1951 *2nd Korean Winter, 28 Nov 1951 - 30 Apr 1952 *Korean Summer-Fall Defensive, 1 May - 30 Nov 1952 *3rd Korean Winter, 1 Dec 1952 - 30 Apr 1953 *Korean Summer, 1 May - 27 Jul 1953

39. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer with five silver stars *Lebanon, 1958 *Taiwan Straights, 1958-59 *Quemoy & Matsu Islands, 1958-63 *Vietnam, 1958-1965 *Congo, 1960-62 *Laos, 1961-62 *Berlin, 1961-1963 *Cuba, 1962-63 *Congo, 1964 *Dominican Republic, 1965-66 * Korea, 1966-74 * Cambodia, Thailand, 1975 *Cambodia Evacuation, 1975 * Mayaguez Operation, 1975 *Vietnam Evacuation, 1975 *El Salvadore, 1981-92 *Grenada, 1983 *Lebanon, 1983-87 *Libya, 1986 *Persian Gulf, 1987-1990 *Panama, 1989-90 *Somalia, 1992-95 *Haiti, 1994-95 *Persian Gulf Intercept Operations, 1995-TBD * Middle East (Operation VIGILANT SENTINEL), 1995-97 *Yugoslavia (Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR), 1995-96 *Yugoslavia (Operation JOINT GUARD), 1996-98 *Yugoslavia (Operation JOINT FORGE), 1998-TBD *Iraq (Operation SOUTHERN WATCH), 1995- *Iraq (Operation NORTHERN WATCH), 1997- *Iraq (Operation DESERT THUNDER), 1998 *Iraq (Operation DESERT FOX), 1998

40. Vietnam Service Streamer with three silver and two bronze stars

*Vietnam Advisory Campaign, 15 Mar 1962 - 7 Mar 1965 *Vietnam Defense Campaign, 8 Mar - 24 Dec 1965 *Vietnam Counteroffensive, 25 Dec 1965 - 30 Jun 1966 *Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase II, 1 Jul 1966 - 31 May 1967 *Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III, 1 Jun 1967 - 29 Jan 1968 *TET Counteroffensive, 30 Jan 1968 - 1 Apr 1968 *Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV, 2 Apr - 30 Jun 1968 *Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V, 1 Jul - 1 Nov 1968 *Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI, 2 Nov 1968 - 22 Feb 1969 *TET Counteroffensive, 23 Feb - 8 Jun 1969 *Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969, 9 Jun - 31 Oct 1969 *Vietnam Winter-Spring Offensive 1970, 1 Nov 69 - 30 Apr 1970 *Sanctuary Counteroffensive, 1 May - 30 Jun 1970 *Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VII, 1 Jul - 30 Jul 1971 *Consolidation I, 1 Jul - 30 Nov 1971 *Consolidation II, 1 Dec 1971 - 29 Mar 1972 *Vietnam Cease Fire Campaign, 30 Mar 1972 - 28 Jan 1973 41. Southwest Asia Service Streamer with three bronze stars

* Defense of Saudi Arabia, 2 Aug 1990 - 16 Jan 1991 *Liberation & Defense of Kuwait, 17 Jan - 11 Apr 191 *Cease Fire, 12 Apr - 30 Nov 1995 42. Kosovo Campaign Streamer with two bronze stars

*Kosovo Air Campaign, 24 Mar - 10 Jun 1999 * Kosovo Defense Campaign, 10 Jun 1999 - 43. Afghanistan Campaign Streamer

44. Iraq Campaign Streamer

45. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Streamer

46. Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer

47. Philippine Defense Streamer with one bronze star

48. Philippine Liberation Streamer with two bronze stars

49. Philippine Independence Streamer

50. French Croix De Guerre Streamer with two palms and one gilt star

51. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with two bronze stars

52. Korean Presidential Unit Citation Streamer

53. Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation of the Gallantry Cross with Palm

54. Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer with Palm

II COMMANDANTS OF THE MARINE CORPS: Since its birth in 1775, the Marine Corps has been led by 32 different men. The first of these Marine leaders, Samuel Nicholas, technically never held the title of Commandant. His commission, signed by John Hancock, begins as follows:

IN CONGRESS. The Delegates of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Suffex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, to Samuel Nicholas Esquire. We, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, Do by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain of Marines in the service of the Thirteen United Colonies of North-America, fitted out for the defense of American Liberty . . . .

The term "Commandant" did not come into use for over a quarter-century. Notwithstanding technicalities, Samuel Nicholas is considered the first of the lineage, the first Commandant. These 33 United States Marine Corps leaders are listed below:

1 Samuel Nicholas 1775-1781 2 William W. Burrows 1798-1804 3 Franklin Wharton 1804-1818 4 Anthony Gale 1819-1820 5 Archibald Henderson 1820-1859 6 John Harris 1859-1864 7 Jacob Zeilin 1864-1876 8 Charles G. McCawley 1876-1891 9 Charles Heywood 1891-1903 10 George F. Elliott 1903-1910 11 William P. Biddle 1911-1914 12 George Barnett 1914-1920 13 John A. Lejeune 1920-1929 14 Wendell C. Neville 1929-1930 15 Ben H. Fuller 1930-1934 16 John H. Russell, Jr. 1934-1936 17 Thomas Holcomb 1936-1943 18 Alexander A. Vandegrift 1944-1947 19 Clifton B. Cates 1948-1951 20 Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. 1952-1955 21 Randolph M. Pate 1956-1959 22 David M. Shoup 1960-1963 23 Wallace M. Greene, Jr. 1964-1967 24 Leonard F. Chapman, Jr. 1968-1971 25 Robert E. Cushman, Jr. 1972-1975 26 Louis H. Wilson, Jr. 1975-1979 27 Robert H. Barrow 1979-1983 28 Paul X. "PX" Kelley 1983-1987 29 Alfred M. Gray, Jr. 1987-1991 30 Carl E. Mundy, Jr. 1991-1995 31 Charles C. Krulak 1995-1999 32 James L. Jones, Jr. 1999--2003 33 Michael W. Hagee 2003--2006 34 James T. Conway 2006--

Note: On 16 March 1861, The Congress of the Confederate States of America established the Confederate States Marine Corps. On 23 May 1861, Col. Lloyd J. Beall (a West Point graduate who resigned his U.S. Army commission to "go south") was appointed as the Colonel-Commandant. Col. Beall served as Colonel-Commandant of the C.S. Marine Corps until the end of the American Civil War in 1865.

III BIRTH OF THE MARINE CORPS - TUN TAVERN: Ask any Marine. Just ask. He will tell you that the Marine Corps was born in Tun Tavern on 10 November 1775. But, beyond that the Marine's recollection for detail will probably get fuzzy. So, here is the straight scoop:

In the year 1685, Samuel Carpenter built a huge "brew house" in Philadelphia. He located this tavern on the waterfront at the corner of Water Street and Tun Alley. The old English word tun means a cask, barrel, or keg of beer. So, with his new beer tavern on Tun Alley, Carpenter elected to christen the new waterfront brewery with a logical name, Tun Tavern.

Tun Tavern quickly gained a reputation for serving fine beer. Beginning 47 years later in 1732, the first meetings of the St. John's No. 1 Lodge of the Grand Lodge of the Masonic Temple were held in the tavern. An American of note, Benjamin Franklin, was its third Grand Master. Even today the Masonic Temple of Philadelphia recognizes Tun Tavern as the birthplace of Masonic teachings in America.

Roughly ten years later in the early 1740s, the new proprietor expanded Tun Tavern and gave the addition a new name, "Peggy Mullan's Red Hot Beef Steak Club at Tun Tavern." The new restaurant became a smashing commercial success and was patronized by notable Americans. In 1747 the St. Andrews Society, a charitable group dedicated to assisting poor immigrants from Scotland, was founded in the tavern.

Nine years later, then Col. Benjamin Franklin organized the Pennsylvania Militia. He used Tun Tavern as a gathering place to recruit a regiment of soldiers to go into battle against the Indian uprisings that were plaguing the American colonies. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Continental Congress later met in Tun Tavern as the American colonies prepared for independence from the English Crown.

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines. That very day, Nicholas set up shop in Tun Tavern. He appointed Robert Mullan, then the proprietor of the tavern, to the job of chief Marine Recruiter -- serving, of course, from his place of business at Tun Tavern. Prospective recruits flocked to the tavern, lured by (1) cold beer and (2) the opportunity to serve in the new Corps of Marines. So, yes, the U.S. Marine Corps was indeed born in Tun Tavern. Needless to say, both the Marine Corps and the tavern thrived during this new relationship.

Tun Tavern still lives today. And, Tun Tavern beer is still readily available throughout the Philadelphia area. Further, through magazines it is advertised to Marines throughout the world.

IV. MARINE CORPS MOTTO: The Marine Corps adopted Semper Fidelis as its official motto in 1883 (Semper Fidelis is also the title of the official musical March of the Marine Corps). Translated from Latin, Semper Fidelis means "Always Faithful." U.S. Marines use an abbreviated verbal version, "Semper Fi," to voice loyalty and commitment to their Marine comrades-in-arms. Previous mottos of the Marine Corps were (1) To the Shores of Tripoli, adopted in 1805; (2) Fortitude, adopted in 1812; (3) From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli, adopted in 1848; and (4) By Sea and by Land, adopted in the 1850's. V MARINE CORPS TERMS: Leatherneck: The nickname Leatherneck has become a universal moniker for a U.S. Marine. The term originated from the wide and stiff leather neck-piece that was part of the Marine Corps uniform from 1798 until 1872. This leather collar, called The Stock, was roughly four inches high and had two purposes. In combat, it protected the neck and jugular vein from cutlasses slashes. On parade, it kept a Marine's head erect. The term is so widespread that it has become the name of the Marine Corps Association monthly magazine, LEATHERNECK. Gyrene: Around 1900, members of the U.S. Navy began using Gyrene as a jocular derogatory reference to U.S. Marines. Instead of being insulted, the Marines loved it. The term became common by World War I and has been extensively used since that time. Jarhead: For roughly 50 years, sailors had little luck in their effort to insult Marines by calling them Gyrenes. So, during World War II sailors began referring to Marines as Jarheads. Presumably the high collar on the Marine Dress Blues uniform made a Marine's head look like it was sticking out of the top of a Mason jar. Marines were not insulted. Instead, they embraced the new moniker as a term of utmost respect. Devil Dogs: The German Army coined this term of respect for U.S. Marines during World War I. In the summer of 1918 the German Army was driving toward Paris. The French Army was in full retreat. In a desperate effort to save Paris, the newly arrived U.S. Marines were thrown into the breach. In June 1918, in bitter fighting lasting for weeks, Marines repeatedly repulsed the Germans in Belleau Wood. The German drive toward Paris sputtered, fizzled, and died. Then the Marines attacked and swept the Germans back out of Belleau Wood. Paris had been saved. The tide of war had turned. Five months later Germany would be forced to accept an armistice. The battle tenacity and fury of the U.S. Marines had stunned the Germans. In their official reports they called the Marines "teufel hunden," meaning Devil Dogs, the ferocious mountain dogs of Bavarian folklore. Soldiers of the Sea: A traditional and functional term for Marines, dating back to the British in the 1600's.

VI MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY: All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.

The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

VII MARINE CORPS SLOGANS: Selected USMC Slogans

First to Fight: The media in the United States began using this term to describe U.S. Marines during World War I. And, for once the media was right. Marines have served in the vanguard of every American war since the founding of the Corps in 1775. They have carried out over 300 assaults on foreign shores, from the arctic to the tropics. Historically, U.S. Marines are indeed the first to fight.

Once a Marine, Always a Marine: This truism is now the official motto of the Marine Corps League. The origin of the statement is credited to a gung-ho Marine Corps master sergeant, Paul Woyshner. During a barroom argument he shouted, "Once a Marine, always a Marine!" MSgt. Woyshner was right. Once the title "U.S. Marine" has been earned, it is retained. There are no ex-Marines or former-Marines. There are (1) active duty Marines, (2) retired Marines, (3) reserve Marines, and (4) Marine veterans. Nonetheless, once one has earned the title, he remains a Marine for life.

Gung-Ho: The Chinese used this term to describe Marines in China around 1900. In the Chinese language, gung-ho means working together. That's what the "American Marines" were always doing, "working together," the Chinese explained. The term stuck to Marines like glue. Today it conveys willingness to tackle any task, or total commitment to the Corps.

Good night, Chesty, wherever you are: This is an often-used tribute of supreme respect to the late and legendary LtGen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC. Chesty! Without a doubt he was the most outspoken Marine, the most famous Marine, the Marine who really loved to fight, the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps. Chesty enlisted as a Private. Through incredible fortitude and tenacity he became a living legend. He shouted battle orders in a bellow and stalked battlefields as though impervious to enemy fire. Chesty rose to the rank of Lieutenant General. He displayed an abiding love for the Magnificent Grunts, especially the junior enlisted men who did the majority of the sacrificing and dying, and utter contempt for all staff pogues of whatever rank. During his four wars, he became the only Marine to be awarded the Navy Cross five times. The Marines' Marine! "Goodnight, Chesty, wherever you are."

A Few Good Men: On 20 March 1779 in Boston, Capt. William Jones, USMC, advertised for "a few good men" to enlist in the Corps for naval duty. The term seemed ideally suited for Marines, mainly because of the implication that "a few" good men would be enough. This term has survived for over 200 years and has been synonymous with U.S. Marines ever since.

VIII MARINE CORPS MASCOT: Thanks to the German Army, the U.S. Marine Corps has an unofficial mascot. During World War I many German reports had called the attacking Marines "teufel-hunden," meaning Devil-Dogs. Teufel-hunden were the vicious, wild, and ferocious mountain dogs of Bavarian folklore.

Soon afterward a U.S. Marine recruiting poster depicted a snarling English Bulldog wearing a Marine Corps helmet. Because of the tenacity and demeanor of the breed, the image took root with both the Marines and the public. The Marines soon unofficially adopted the English Bulldog as their mascot.

At the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia, the Marines obtained a registered English Bulldog, King Bulwark. In a formal ceremony on 14 October 1922, BGen. Smedley D. Butler signed documents enlisting the bulldog, renamed Jiggs, for the "term of life." Pvt. Jiggs then began his official duties in the U.S. Marine Corps.

A hard-charging Marine, Pvt. Jiggs did not remain a private for long. Within three months he was wearing corporal chevrons on his custom-made uniform. On New Years Day 1924, Jiggs was promoted to Sergeant. And in a meteoric rise, he got promoted again -- this time to Sergeant Major -- seven months later.

SgtMaj. Jiggs' death on 9 January 1927 was mourned throughout the Corps. His satin-lined coffin lay in state in a hangar at Quantico, surrounded by flowers from hundreds of Corps admirers. He was interred with full military honors.

But, a replacement was on the way. Former heavyweight boxing champion, James J. "Gene" Tunney, who had fought with the Marines in France, donated his English Bulldog. Renamed as Jiggs II, he stepped into the role of his predecessor.

Big problem! No discipline! Jiggs chased people, he bit people. He showed a total lack of respect for authority. The new Jiggs would have likely made an outstanding combat Marine, but barracks life did not suit him. After one of his many rampages, he died of heat exhaustion on 1928. Nonetheless, other bulldogs followed. During the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s they were all named Smedley, a tribute to Gen. Butler.

In the late 1950s the Marine Barracks in Washington, the oldest post in the Corps, became the new home for the Corps' mascot. Renamed Chesty to honor the legendary LtGen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller Jr., the mascot made his first formal public appearance at the Evening Parade on 5 July 1957. In his canine Dress Blues, Chesty became an immediate media darling, a smash hit!

After the demise of the original Chesty, the replacement was named Chesty II. He became an instant renegade. You name it, he did it. He even escaped and went AWOL once. Two days later he was returned in a police paddy wagon. About the only thing he ever managed to do correctly was to sire a replacement.

In contrast to his father, Chesty III proved to be a model Marine. He even became a favorite of neighborhood children, for which he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal. Other bulldogs would follow Chesty III (bulldogs don't live long). When Chesty VI died after an Evening Parade, a Marine detachment in Tennessee called Washington. Their local bulldog mascot, LCpl. Bodacious Little, was standing by for PCS orders to Washington, they reported.

Upon arrival at the Marine Barracks in Washington, LCpl. Little got ceremoniously renamed Chesty VII. He and the English Bulldogs who followed him epitomize the fighting spirit of the U.S. Marines. Tough, muscular, aggressive, fearless, and often arrogant, they are the ultimate canine warriors.

English Bulldogs. Teufel-hunden. Devil Dogs. They symbolize the ethos of the Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines. Corps Values:

IX. MARINE CORPS CORE VALUES: Why are U.S. Marines considered the world's premier warriors? Why? What puts the Marine Corps above the rest? Other military services have rigorous training and weapons of equal or greater lethality. So, why do U.S. Marines stand head and shoulders above the crowd?

The truth lies in the individual Marine. He (or she) did not join the Marines. Roughly 40,000 try each year. Those who survive the crucible of Marine basic training have been sculpted in mind and body. They have become Marines.

Once he has earned the title and entered the Brotherhood of Marines, a new warrior must draw upon the legacy of his Corps. Therein lies his strength. In return, the strength of the Corps lies in the individual Marine. The character (often defined as "what you are in the dark") of these warriors is defined by the three constant Corps Values: honor, courage, and commitment.

Honor: Honor requires each Marine to exemplify the ultimate standard in ethical and moral conduct. Honor is many things; honor requires many things. A U.S. Marine must never lie, never cheat, never steal, but that is not enough. Much more is required. Each Marine must cling to an uncompromising code of personal integrity, accountable for his actions and holding others accountable for theirs. And, above all, honor mandates that a Marine never sully the reputation of his Corps.

Courage: Simply stated, courage is honor in action -- and more. Courage is moral strength, the will to heed the inner voice of conscience, the will to do what is right regardless of the conduct of others. It is mental discipline, an adherence to a higher standard. Courage means willingness to take a stand for what is right in spite of adverse consequences. This courage, throughout the history of the Corps, has sustained Marines during the chaos, perils, and hardships of combat. And each day, it enables each Marine to look in the mirror -- and smile.

Commitment: Total dedication to Corps and Country. Gung-ho Marine teamwork. All for one, one for all. By whatever name or cliche, commitment is a combination of (1) selfless determination and (2) a relentless dedication to excellence. Marines never give up, never give in, never willingly accept second best. Excellence is always the goal. And, when their active duty days are over, Marines remain reserve Marines, retired Marines, or Marine veterans. There is no such thing as an ex-Marine or former-Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Commitment never dies.

The three Corps Values: honor, courage, commitment. They make up the bedrock of the character of each individual Marine. They are the foundation of his Corps. These three values, handed down from generation to generation, have made U.S. Marines the Warrior Elite. The U.S. Marine Corps: the most respected and revered fighting force on earth.

X USMC QUOTATIONS: The fighting heritage of Marine Warriors runs deep. Marines are revered and feared for their prowess in combat. Below are ten quotations about U.S. Marines, followed by ten quotations - fighting words - by U.S. Marines. Each of these quotations has been randomly excerpted from the hundreds of such quotations found in Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines.

A. Ten quotations about U.S. Marines:

"The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. Lord, how they could fight!" [MGen. Frank E. Lowe, USA; Korea, 26 January 1952]

"Marines know how to use their bayonets. Army bayonets may as well be paper-weights." [Navy Times; November 1994]

"Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines." [Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, USA; 12 February 1918]

"The United States Marine Corps, with it fiercely proud tradition of excellence in combat, its hallowed rituals, and its unbending code of honor, is part of the fabric of American myth." [Thomas E. Ricks; Making the Corps, 1997]

"The raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years." [James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy; 23 February 1945 (the flag-raising on Iwo Jima had been immortalized in a photograph by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal)]

"I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world!" [Gen. Douglas MacArthur, USA; Korea, 21 September 195

"We have two companies of Marines running rampant all over the northern half of this island, and three Army regiments pinned down in the southwestern corner, doing nothing. What the hell is going on?" [Gen. John W. Vessey Jr., USA, Chairman of the the Joint Chiefs of Staff; during the assault on Grenada, 1983]

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." [Ronald Reagan, U.S. President; 1985]

"Marines I see as two breeds, Rottweilers or Dobermans, because Marines come in two varieties, big and mean, or skinny and mean. They're aggressive on the attack and tenacious on defense. They've got really short hair and they always go for the throat." [RAdm. "Jay" R. Stark, USN; 10 November 1995] "They told (us) to open up the Embassy, or "we'll blow you away." And then they looked up and saw the Marines on the roof with these really big guns, and they said in Somali, "Igaralli ahow," which means "Excuse me, I didn't mean it, my mistake." [Karen Aquilar, in the U.S. Embassy; Mogadishu, Somalia, 1991]

B. Ten quotations by U.S. Marines:

"For over 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation. We make Marines, and we win battles." [Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC (CMC); 5 May 1997]

"Come on, you sons of *****es! Do you want to live forever?" [GySgt. Daniel J. "Dan" Daly, USMC; near Lucy-`le-Bocage as he led the 5th Marines' attack into Belleau Wood, 6 June 1918]

"Gone to Florida to fight the Indians. Will be back when the war is over." [Col. Archibald Henderson, USMC (CMC); in a note pinned to his office door, 1836]

"Don't you forget that you're First Marines! Not all the communists in Hell can overrun you!" [Col. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC; rallying his First Marine Regiment near Chosin Reservoir, Korea, December 195

"Marines die, that's what we're here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever." [the mythical GySgt. Hartman, USMC; portrayed by GySgt. R. Lee Ermey, a Marine Corps Drill Instructor using his own choice of words in Full Metal Jacket, 1987]

"You'll never get a Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!" [Capt. Henry P. Crowe, USMC; Guadalcanal, 13 January 1943]

"We are United States Marines, and for two and a quarter centuries we have defined the standards of courage, esprit, and military prowess." [Gen. James L. Jones, USMC (CMC); 10 November 200

"I have only two men out of my company and 20 out of some other company. We need support, but it is almost suicide to try to get it here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant barrage is on us. I have no one on my left and only a few on my right. I will hold." [1stLt. Clifton B. Cates, USMC; in Belleau Wood, 19 July 1918]

"I love the Corps for those intangible possessions that cannot be issued: pride, honor, integrity, and being able to carry on the traditions for generations of warriors past." [Cpl. Jeff Sornig, USMC; in Navy Times, November 1994]

XI. THE MARINE CORPS PRAYER: Regardless of the situation, the Marine Corps has an answer for almost everything. Contact with The Deity is serious business. It is also an excellent idea for Warriors who are expected to put their lives on the line against an assortment of foes. For U.S. Marines of any faith who may desire guidance when contacting their Maker, the Marine Corps has a ready aid, The Marine's Prayer:

"Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer."

XI MARINES HYMN: The U.S. Marine Corps is the United States' military band of brothers dedicated to warfighting. The proud Brotherhood of Marines is guided by principles, values, virtues, love of country, and its Warrior Culture. This brotherhood of American Patriots has no song. Instead, Marine Warriors have a hymn. When The Marines' Hymn is played, United States Marines stand at attention. They silently show their pride in their fellow Marines, their Corps, their Country, their heritage, and their hymn.

The Marines' Hymn is a tribute to Warriors. Marine Warriors stormed fortress Derna, raised the American flag, and gave us "the shores of Tripoli." Marines fought their way into the castle at Chapultepec and gave us the "halls of Montezuma." Marines exist for the purpose of warfighting. Fighting is their role in life. They "fight for right and freedom" and "to keep our honor clean." They fight "in the air, on land, and sea." The Marine Corps is Valhalla for Warriors. U.S. Marines need no song. They have a hymn.

Ironically, no one knows who wrote the hymn, which was in widespread use by the mid-1800s. Col. A.S. McLemore, USMC, spent several years trying to identify the origin of the tune. In 1878 he told the leader of the Marine Band that the tune had been adopted from the comic opera Genevieve de Barbant, by Jaques Offenback. Yet, others believe the tune originated from a Spanish folk song. Whatever! Regardless of its origin, The Marines' Hymn has remained a revered icon of the United States Marine Corps for almost 200 years.

In 1929 The Marines' Hymn became the official hymn of the Corps. Thirteen years later in November 1942 the Commandant approved a change in the words of the first verse, fourth line. Because of the increasing use of aircraft in the Corps, the words were changed to "In the air, on land, and sea." No other changes have been made since that time. When you have attained absolute perfection, there is no need for further modification:

From the Halls of Montezuma, To the Shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of UNITED STATES MARINES.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze, From dawn to setting sun; We have fought in every clime and place Where we could take a gun; In the snow of far off northern lands And in sunny tropic scenes; You will find us always on the job -- The UNITED STATES MARINES.

Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life And never lost our nerve; If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven's scenes; They will find the streets are guarded By UNITED STATES MARINES.

Sir Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, became an ardent admirer of the U.S. Marine Corps. In the company of guests of state, he often demonstrated his respect for U.S. Marines by reciting, from memory, all three verses of The Marines' Hymn.

XII. MARINE CORPS RIFLEMAN'S CREED: In boot camp at Parris Island or San Diego, and in the Basic School at Quantico, no one escapes from the Rifleman's Creed. Every Marine is trained, first and foremost, as a rifleman, for it is the rifleman who must close with and destroy the enemy. The rifleman remains the most basic tenet of Marine Corps doctrine. All else revolves around him. Marine Aviation, Marine Armor, Marine Artillery, and all supporting arms and warfighting assets exist to support the rifleman. It is believed that MGen. William H. Rupertus, USMC, authored the creed shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It is commonly known as the Rifleman's Creed, but it has also been called "My Rifle: The Creed of a United States Marine." Every Marine must memorize this creed. And, every Marine must live by the creed.

"This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. My rifle and I know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit.

My rifle is human, even as I am human, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other.

Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.

So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy."

XIII MARINE NCO CREED: The Marine NCO, the Marine Non-Commissioned Officer. Tales of their combat exploits have become the stuff of legend. NCOs are the Corporals and Sergeants responsible for the lives of their men in combat. They must be leaders of men, but also much more. They carry with them the unbroken traditions of duty and dedication to their assigned mission. Their creed need not be lengthy. It is short, succinct, and to the point:

" I am an NCO dedicated to training new Marines and influencing the old. I am forever conscious of each Marine under my charge, and by example will inspire him to the highest standards possible. I will strive to be patient, understanding, just, and firm. I will commend the deserving and encourage the wayward.

I will never forget that I am responsible to my Commanding Officer for the morale, discipline, and efficiency of my men. Their performance will reflect an image of me."

XIV. MARINE SNCO CREED: We all need roadmaps for life. We all need goals. Those unfortunate souls who don't know what is expected of them can rarely accomplish anything of significance, and they can never be a team player.

In the Marine Corps each Marine -- regardless of rank, in war or in time of peace -- has goals and responsibilities. Goals change from time to time and from situation to situation. But, the elementary and constant responsibility of each Staff NCO is outlined in the Staff NCO Creed:

"I am a Staff Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps. As such, I am a member of the most unique group of professional military practitioners in the world. I am bound by duty to God, Country, and my fellow Marines to execute the demands of my position to and beyond what I believe to be the limits of my capabilities.

I realize I am the mainstay of Marine Corps discipline, and I carry myself with military grace, unbowed by the weight of command, unflinching in the execution lawful orders, and unswerving in my dedication to the most complete success of my assigned mission.

Both my professional and personal demeanor shall be such that I may take pride if my juniors emulate me, and knowing perfection to lie beyond the grasp of any mortal hand, I shall yet strive to attain perfection that I may ever be aware of my needs and capabilities to improve myself. I shall be fair in my personal relations, just in the enforcement of discipline, true to myself and my fellow Marines, and equitable in my dealing with every man."

XV. MARINE GENERAL ORDERS FOR SENTRIES: The eleven General Orders for sentries never change. They constitute the unyielding bedrock upon which Marines enforce military security in the United States and throughout the world. General Orders dictate the conduct of all Marines on guard duty. These orders apply to all Marines at all bases and outposts in time of peace, and in time of war.

Marine recruits in boot camp must memorize these General Orders. Woe be unto the unfortunate recruit who can not shout out, verbatim and without hesitation, all eleven of them. Such a recruit will incur a firestorm of wrath from his Drill Instructor. There is sound logic for this rigid training. The eleven General Orders will guide each Marine throughout his years in the Corps:

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on then alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey, and pass on the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.

7. To talk to no one except in line of duty.

8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

9. To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.

10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

11. To be especially watchful at night and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.

XVI: CODE OF CONDUCT: During the Korean War in the early 1950s, the Chinese Army and North Korean Army captured some American military men. These American prisoners then faced a deadly new enemy, the Eastern World's POW environment.

For the American prisoners, brutal torture, random genocide, lack of food, absence of medical aid, and subhuman treatment became a daily way of life. Many of the Americans found that their training had not prepared them for this new battlefield.

After the war the American armed forces jointly developed a Code of Conduct. The President of the United States approved this written code in 1955. The six articles of the code create a comprehensive guide for all American military forces in time of war, and in time of peace. The articles of the code embrace (1) general statements of dedication to the United States and to the cause of freedom, (2) conduct on the battlefield, and (3) conduct as a prisoner of war.

The new Code of Conduct is not a part of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Instead, the Code of Conduct is a personal conduct mandate for members of the American armed forces throughout the world.

Article I: I am an American, fighting in the armed forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II: I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III: If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV: If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V: When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service, number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America. XVII: EVOLTION OF THE OATHES OF OFFICE: During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress established different oaths for the enlisted men and officers of the Continental Army: Enlisted: The first oath, voted on 14 June 1775 as part of the act creating the Continental Army, read: "I _____ have, this day, voluntarily enlisted myself, as a soldier, in the American continental army, for one year, unless sooner discharged: And I do bind myself to conform, in all instances, to such rules and regulations, as are, or shall be, established for the government of the said Army." The original wording was effectively replaced by Section 3, Article 1, of the Articles of War approved by Congress on 20 September 1776, which specified that the oath of enlistment read: "I _____ swear (or affirm as the case may be) to be trued to the United States of America, and to serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies opposers whatsoever; and to observe and obey the orders of the Continental Congress, and the orders of the Generals and officers set over me by them." Officers: Continental Congress passed two versions of this oath of office, applied to military and civilian national officers. The first, on 21 October 1776, read: "I _____, do acknowledge the Thirteen United States of America, namely, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, to be free, independent, and sovereign states, and declare, that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the third, king of Great Britain; and I renounce, refuse and abjure any allegiance or obedience to him; and I do swear that I will, to the utmost of my power, support, maintain, and defend the said United States against the said king, George the third, and his heirs and successors, and his and their abettors, assistants and adherents; and will serve the said United States in the office of _____, which I now hold, and in any other office which I may hereafter hold by their appointment, or under their authority, with fidelity and honour, and according to the best of my skill and understanding. So help me God." The revised version, voted 3 February 1778, read "I, _____ do acknowledge the United States of America to be free, independent and sovereign states, and declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience, to George the third, king of Great Britain; and I renounce, refuse and abjure any allegiance or obedience to him: and I do swear (or affirm) that I will, to the utmost of my power, support, maintain and defend the said United States, against the said king George the third and his heirs and successors, and his and their abettors, assistants and adherents, and will serve the said United States in the office of _____ which I now hold, with fidelity, according to the best of my skill and understanding. So help me God." The first oath under the Constitution was approved by Act of Congress 29 September 1789 (Sec. 3, Ch. 25, 1st Congress). It applied to all commissioned officers, noncommissioned officers and privates in the service of the United States. It came in two parts, the first of which read: "I, _____., do solemnly swear or affirm (as the case may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States." The second part read: "I, A.B., do solemnly swear or affirm (as the case may be) to bear true allegiance to the United States of America, and to serve them honestly and faithfully, against all their enemies or opposers whatsoever, and to observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States of America, and the orders of the officers appointed over me." The next section of that chapter specified that "the said troops shall be governed by the rules and articles of war, which have been established by the United States in Congress assembled, or by such rules and articles of war as may hereafter by law be established." Although the enlisted oath remained unchanged until 1950, the officer oath has undergone substantial minor modification since 1789. A change in about 1830 read: "I, _____, appointed a _____ in the Army of the United States, do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will bear true allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whatsoever, and observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules and articles for the government of the Armies of the United States." Under an act of 2 July 1862 the oath became: "I, ______., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have never borne arms against the United States since I have been a citizen thereof; that I have voluntarily given no aid, countenance, counsel, or encouragement to persons engaged in armed hostility thereto; that I have neither sought nor accepted nor attempted to exercise the functions of any office whatsoever under any authority or pretended authority in hostility to the United States; that I have not yielded voluntary support to any pretended government, authority, power, or constitution within the United States, hostile or inimical thereto. And I do further swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and ability, I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God." An act of 13 May 1884 reverted to a simpler formulation: "I, A.B., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God." This version remained in effect until the 1959 adoption of the present wording: "I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962). XVIII. USMC UNIFORM STENCILS:

INSIGNIA, BOS, STENCIL, P-1936

INSIGNIA, BOS, STENCIL, P-1954 MOD 1 XIX. MARINE "BARK:" It's "AARUGHA!" not "oohrah." In 1953, or so, "A" Company, 1st Amphibious Recon Battalion is thought to be credited with the birth of "AARUGHA!", or, as bastardized now by some, " OOORAH!". When Recon Marines were aboard the converted WW II fleet submarine USS Perch (APSS-313) about to dive, they would hear the words, "Dive! Dive! Dive!" followed by the klaxon horn sounding the "AARUGHA, AARUGHA, AARUGHA" (just like on the old model A cars).

Sometime between 53 and 54, while on a conditioning run and singing out their cadence chants, someone in the company formation imitated the Klaxon diving horn sound, "AARUGHA", and it was a natural for the Recon Marines from then on.

Former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, John Massaro, was the Company Gunny of 1st Amphibious Recon Co in the late 50's when he was transferred to MCRD, San Diego as Instructor at the DI school. He took "AARUGHA" with him and passed it on to the DI students as they ran and they, in turn, passed it on to the recruits, who brought it to the rest of the Corps. So, now you have the whole story. 5. Finally, offered is General Conway's birthday message with the question: Can you live up to his challenge, and to remain faithful to the challenge of living up to our ghostly brethren watching over us?

6. Happy Birthday, Marines!

R. S. Rayfield, Jr. Major, United States Marine Corps (Retired) Baghdad, Iraq