From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli, the U.S. Marine Corps' traces its roots date back to Nov. 10, 1775, when it was created by an act of the Second Continental Congress. That date is celebrated as the Corps' birthday in every clime and place where Marines can be found today.
Here are a few other facts that you may not know about the Marine Corps:
There’s a reason Marines like beer: Samuel Nicholas and Robert Mullan were commissioned to raise two battalions of Marines in Philadelphia in 1775. Mullan happened to operate Tun Tavern and may have used it as the Marines first recruiting office. Legend has it that the lure of beer and the opportunity to serve in the Corps had recruits flocking to the tavern to sign up.
What’s up with the leather on your neck? The Corps began issuing "one stock of black leather and clasp" to Marines back in 1798 to protect their necks while sword fighting. The standing collar on the Marine dress coat is a holdover from that tradition and is why Marines are often called "Leathernecks."
Your sword’s age is showing, Marines: Marines led by Lt. Presley O’Bannon rescued the crew of the U.S.S Philadelphia from Libyan pirates in 1804 in Tripoli. As a token of thanks, he was later awarded the Mameluke sword worn by North African chieftain Prince Hamlet. Marine officers wear a replica of that sword today only with their dress uniform.
"Retreat? Hell, we just got here." More Marines died at the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I than at any point in the entire history of the Corps up to that point. Over 5,000 Marines were killed or wounded in the June 1918 clash. The opposing German force nicknamed the Marines “Devil Dogs” because of the tenacity they showed during the battle.
Houston, you’ve got a …. Marine. John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, served in the Marine Corps from 1942 to 1965. Glenn earned the nickname “Magnet Ass” in Korea, where he shot down three MiG fighter jets, because of how often shrapnel hit his planes. After Korea, Glenn went on to become a test pilot, set a transcontinental speed record and finally orbit the planet. At the age of 77 in 1998, he became the oldest person to go into space.
Finding fame first as a Marine: Before he found fame as Johnny Carson’s sidekick, Ed McMahon was a Marine fighter pilot; And Marine Reservist Drew Carey became a stand-up comic as a way to make a little extra money. Other Marines who found fame in Hollywood include Gene Hackman, R. Lee Emery, and Lee Marvin.
Small, but mighty: With an active-duty force of approximately 185,000, the Marine Corps is the smallest branch of the Department of Defense.
The Corps’ birthday celebration includes a cake cutting ceremony. The first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine in attendance, who hands it over to the youngest Marine present.
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Reach Julia LeDoux: Julia@connectingvets.com