USMC History
The Marine Corps was founded in this Philadelphia tavern.
Tun Tavern
This Marine went on to become the 13th Commandant and is known as the "Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps."
Col. Archibald Henderson
This Pacific island battle is remembered by the phrase “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
Iwo Jima
The early Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis”. What does it mean in English?
Always Faithful
The first official Birthday Ball took place in this city, fittingly the birthplace of the Marine Corps.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The oldest post in the Marine Corps, still active today, is located where?
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. (8th & I)
These Marines earned the Medal of Honor twice, name one.
Sergeant Major Dan Daly, General Smedley Butler
During WWII, Marines captured these islands in the Marianas to secure airfields for B-29 bombers.
Saipan & Tinian
Finish the phrase: “If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes…”
They will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
The cutting of the birthday cake traditionally uses what weapon?
The Mameluke Sword
Who was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps?
Capt. Samuel Nicholas
This Marine aviator became the first American to orbit the Earth.
Col. John Glenn
The 1st Marine Division made a fighting withdrawal here during the Korean War winter of 1950.
Chosin Reservoir
The nickname “Devil Dog” originated during this World War I battle.
Battle of Belleau Wood
What is read aloud at every Marine Corps Birthday Ball to remind Marines of their legacy and purpose?
General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message (Marine Corps Order No. 47)
The Marine Corps served as the American spearhead for these Caribbean and Central American conflicts between 1898 and 1934.
What are the Banana Wars
He commanded 1st Marine Regiment during the Inchon Landing in Korea.
General Lewis "Chesty" Puller
This Vietnam War mountain battle became one of the bloodiest sieges in Marine history.
Khe Sanh
The Marine Corps adopted the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem in 1868. Describe what each symbol represents.
To symbolize the Corps’ commitment to nation (eagle), worldwide service (globe), and naval tradition (anchor).
The first slice of cake at the Birthday Ball is presented to the oldest Marine. This tradition specifically honors what principle of the Marine Corps?
Respect for experience and the transfer of knowledge from senior to junior Marines.
During the American Revolutionary War, Marines fought in the first amphibious landing in U.S. military history at this location in 1776. Name the city and the operation. (or Fort taken)
New Providence, Bahamas — the Battle of Nassau. (Fort Montagu)
He was the first the first Marine to win the Medal of Honor in 1863.
Cpl. John F. Mackie
Marines conducted the first major U.S. ground assault in this 2003 Iraq War battle
Al-Nasiriyah
The blood stripe honors Marines who fought and died in which battle?
The Battle of Chapultepec (1847)
The first official Marine Corps Birthday Ball was held in this year, marking the beginning of the modern tradition.
1925