If there is a military service as revered, respected, and well known by the world, it’s the U.S. Marine Corps.
Here are five little-known facts about them.
Did you know that the Marine’s birthplace took place in a Philadelphia bar? On Nov. 10, 1775, Capt. Samuel Nicholas appointed Robert Mullen, a chief Marine recruiter to lead the way. Mullen was the manager of the Tun Tavern, which is where they decided to stage the event. The tavern is now considered the birthplace of the U.S. Marines.
(Military.com/YouTube)
Did you know that the first American to orbit the Earth was a U.S. Marine veteran? In 1962, John Glenn was the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth, but he was also a Marine. Before his amazing accomplishment in space, Glenn flew 150 combat missions in World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross six times for his valor in both World War II and the Korean War, piloting the first supersonic flight in the U.S., and his role in the famous Friendship Seven mission.
In 1965, three years after orbiting the Earth, Glenn retired as a Colonel in the Marines.
Take a look at the video below to see if you know the rest of the Marine Corps facts:
“Ooh rah,” the Marines motivational call, originated in the Korean War. At that time, Marines often traveled via submarine and when preparing for a descent, “Dive! Dive!” would go out over the intercom. It was followed by a distinct sound of “oohrugga.” That was eventually shortened to “Ooh Rah”, which is so well-known today.
Did you know that the oldest Marine to undergo recruit training at Parris Island was 50-year-old Paul H. Douglas? At the start of World War II, Paul H. Douglas was a middle-aged college professor living in Chicago, who initially opposed U.S. intervention in the war. After a change of heart and some help from a friend, he enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 50. He graduated from boot camp in 1942 and was deployed to the Pacific, where he received two Purple Hearts. In 1946, after 13 months in the hospital for a serious injury, he was honorably discharged.
Paul H. Douglas (Military.com/YouTube)
Did you know that the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor in the 20th century was a Marine? In Aug. 1942, Jack Lucas was 14 years old, but he lied to a recruiting officer and said he was 17. He completed training and was transferred to Hawaii and then to the Marines Fifth Division, ending up in Iwo Jima. Lucas and three other Marines were in a ravine when they came under heavy Japanese fire. Lucas threw himself on two grenades to save his comrades and was awarded the Medal of Honor.
These five facts give just a glimpse into the rich history of the Marine Corps.
