The United States Marine Corps celebrates 242 years of history on November 10, 2017.
Turn up the volume, Marines!
We're starting our birthday week the right way. pic.twitter.com/BOe1pBDjpk
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) November 6, 2017
The Marine Corps’ history traces back to its founding on November 10, 1775, when two battalions of Marines were formed with a resolution from the Second Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War.
The Marine Corps played a number of roles throughout American history, but it wasn’t until World War I that the size of the Marine Corps became significant – starting from 13,000 enlisted personnel at the start of the war and finishing with 70,000 enlisted personnel by the end of the war.
Recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion watch a rappel demonstration Oct. 4, 2017, on Parris Island, S.C. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Jacob)
During World War II, the Marine Corps played a central role in the Pacific War, fighting against the Imperial Japanese Army in conflicts such as the Battle of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Saipan, the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa, to name a few. By the end of the war, there were roughly 485,000 Marines.
In this video that pays tribute to Marine history, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green speak to Marines and Sailors about the importance of teamwork and how it has led to the Corps’ success.
The Marine Corps has continued to uphold its values of honor, courage and commitment in the fight for freedom.
