"First to Fight"
Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since the
founding of the
Corps. They have carried out over 300 landings on foreign shores.
They have
served everywhere, from the poles to the tropics. Their record of
readiness reflects
pride, responsibility and challenge.
"Leathernecks"
The Marines' long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock
or neckpiece,
which was part of the Marine uniform from 1775 to 1875. The leather
bands around
their throats were intended to ensure that Marines kept their heads
erect.
"Devil Dogs"
In the Belleau Wood fighting in 1918, the Germans received a
thorough
indoctrination in the fighting ability of the Marines. Fighting
through supposedly
impenetrable woods and capturing supposedly untakeable terrain, the
persistent
attacks, delivered with unbelievable courage soon had the Germans
calling Marines
"teufelhunden," referring to the fierce fighting dogs of legendary
origin.
"Esprit de Corps"
The "spirit" of a unit. This spirit is commonly reflected by all
members. It implies
devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps, with deep regard for
history, traditions
and honor.
"Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue"
Refers to the victories in World War II, especially at Iwo Jima,
the largest
all-Marine battle in history. Admiral Nimitz's ringing epitome of
Marine fighting on
Iwo Jima was applied to the entire Marine Corps in World War II.
"Gyrenes"
The term "gyrene" is a jocular reference to Marines which was first
used in
England as early as 1894. It was used in the United States around
the time of World
War I. Its exact origin is unknown, but it did appear to have a
derogatory meaning in
its early usage. It has been suggested that the term may embody a
reference to
pollywog, a naval slang term for a person who has not yet "crossed"
[the equator],
hence, a landlubber.
"Jarhead"
A slang term used by sailors as early as World War II to refer to
members of the
Marine Corps, drawing the term from the resemblance of the Marine
dress blues
uniform, with its high collar, to a Mason jar.
"Semper Fidelis"
The Motto of the United States Marine Corps. Latin for always
faithful. Faithful to
god, Country, Family and the Corps.
"Once a Marine, Always a Marine"
The motto of the Marine Corps League. Having earned the title of
Marine it
becomes a integral part of who and what we will become later in
life.