| "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. |
| "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. |