Significant Figures
Brigadier General Margaret A. Brewer
While serving as a Colonel, was the 7th and last Director of Women Marines from 1973-1977, the ONLY post WW woman to hold the position. Became the first MC general officer on 11 May 1978.
Beirut Bombing
Promotions and Re-enlistments
These ceremonies include honoring the Marine’s preferences, involving family and celebrating with appropriate recognition and media.
The Second Battle of Fallujah
2004 battles included two major operations—Al-Fajr and Phantom Fury—aimed at defeating insurgent forces in a key Iraqi city.
Boarding a Naval Vessel (0800–Sunset)
This procedure requires saluting the national ensign, saluting the officer of the deck and requesting permission to come aboard.
Corporal Dakota Meyer
On 8 September 2009 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, this Marine repeatedly entered heavy enemy fire to rescue wounded teammates and recover the fallen during a 6-hour ambush, earning the Medal of Honor.
Operation Desert Storm
Launched after the Iraqi government invaded Kuwait and refused to comply with United Nations resolutions. Marine aviation was heavily utzed when the air phase commenced in Jan of 1991. When massing bombing failed, the Marine ground forces swept into Kuwait and liberated the country.
Dining-In
This formal Marine Corps event honors achievements, builds camaraderie and follows strict traditions and etiquette.
Operation Al-Fajr
Launched in November 2004, this operation successfully unified U.S., Iraqi and coalition forces to reclaim Fallujah using coordinated ground and air assaults.
Departing a Naval Vessel (0800–Sunset)
This procedure includes saluting the officer of the deck, requesting permission to go ashore and saluting the ensign before leaving.
Petty Officer First Class Justin A. Wilson
On 28 September 2011 in Afghanistan, this Navy EOD technician exposed himself to danger to rescue wounded teammates after an IED blast, ultimately sacrificing his life and earning the Navy Cross.
Operation Strike of the Sword
July 2nd, 2009 American-led offensive in Helmand Province against the Taliban was the largest Marine operation (4k Marines from 2nd MEB and 650 Afghan Soliders) since Fallujah and involved thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan forces.
Units involved: 2/8, 2nd LAR and 1/5.
Marine Corps Birthday Tradition
In this tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine and the second to the youngest Marine present.
Operation Phantom Fury
Beginning 7 November 2004, this Marine-led offensive cleared insurgents from Fallujah through house-to-house fighting and coordinated joint-force attacks.
When to Salute
This military custom requires rendering a salute in sufficient time, holding it until returned and accompanying it with a proper greeting.
Corporal Jason Lee Dunham
On 14 April 2004 in Husaybah, Iraq, this Marine covered a live grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines, sacrificing his life and receiving the Medal of Honor.
The Battle of Marjah
(Operation Moshtarak); Feb of 2010 joint operation reclaimed a key agricultural and narco-terrorist stronghold in Afghanistan, with its name meaning “together” in Dari.
-Southwestern Afghanistan.
Wet Down
This celebration occurs after a promotion where the newly promoted Marine hosts fellow Marines, often spending part of their pay raise.
Battle of Chapultepec
An assault by American forces on the small contingent of Mexican forces holding the strategically located Chapultepec Castle outside of Mexico City. Battle was fought on 12-13 Sept 1847 during the Mexican American War. Assault on the castle included 40 Marines with over 90% casualties. Mexican forces surrenders at 0900 on 13 September 1847, opening the way into Mexico City.
When NOT to Salute
This includes situations such as indoors (unless under arms), in combat, during work details or in crowded public spaces.
Hospitalman Apprentice Luis E. Fonseca
During combat operations in 2004 in Iraq, this Navy Corpsman risked his life under enemy fire to treat and evacuate multiple wounded Marines, earning the Navy Cross.
The First Battle of Fallujah
Operation Inherent Resolve
4 April 2004; 1/5 attacked the cities industrial center and 2/1 pushed south through the northwestern urban district. This operation aimed to capture a key Iraqi city but faced intense resistance and ultimately did not achieve its objective. By 10 April, 3/4 and 2/2 were committed tothe still raging conflict.
Hail and Farewell
This event welcomes new members and honors those departing a unit, reinforcing camaraderie and esprit de corps.
Pearl Harbor
7 December 1941, massive surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy; "like a thunderclap from the clear sky". Japanese carrier attack planes numbering 353 aircraft from 6 aircraft carriers attacked the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor in 2 waves. The enemy sank 5 battleships, damaged 3; sank a gunnery training ship, three destroyers, damaged a heavy cruiser, 3 light cruisers, two destroyers, two seaplane tenders, two repair ships and a destroy tender. 188 Navy, Army and MC planes were destroyed.
Killed/Wounded:
Navy: 2,008/710
MC: 109/69
Army:218/364
Saluting in a Group
In this situation, either the first person to notice or the senior member calls the group to attention and renders the salute.