101 Traditions, History

Question 1

The BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG

Answer 1

August 1814

103 Marines and 400 sailors made a vain attempt to block a force of 4,000 British troops from advancing on Washington. The Marines stopped three headlong charges before finally being outflanked and driven back. The British then moved down Bladensburg Road to Washington where they burned public buildings before retiring to their vessels in the Chesapeake Bay.

Question 2

The BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS

Answer 2

January 1815

300 Marines from the New Orleans’ Marine Barracks, joined the command of General Andrew Jackson to soundly defeat British Forces that were attacking the city that was the gateway to the American interior. Because of the Marines’ experience and reputation, Jackson placed them in the center of the American line. The British lost approximately 2,000 men while American losses were less than 100.

Question 3

The BATTLE OF BELLEAU WOOD

Answer 3

Marines fought one of their greatest battles at Belleau Wood, France, during
World War I.

In June 1918, Marines helped to crush a German offensive that threatened Paris. In honor of the Marines who
fought there, the French renamed the area “the Wood of the Brigade of Marines.” German intelligence evaluated the Marines as “storm troops” - the highest rating on the enemy fighting scale.

Marine tradition states that in reference to the Marines fighting ability, German troops called their new enemy “Teufelhunden” or “Devil Dogs,” a nickname which Marines share with pride.

Question 4

BATTLE OF WAKE ISLAND

Answer 4

In 1941, following the air attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese struck Wake Island on 8 December.
Despite being heavily outnumbered,
the Marines mounted a courageous defense before finally falling on 23
December. This small force of Marines caused an extraordinary number of Japanese casualties and damage to
the invading force.

Question 5

THE MONTFORD POINT MARINES

Answer 5

Our Montford point brothers are patriots.

From 1942-1949, nearly 20, 000 African-American men from across
America came to Montford point camp in Jacksonville, North Carolina seeking the American dream of inclusion and the opportunity to defend our country as a united states marine. Like the wider society at large that was socially and culturally divided by race, the Marine Corps trained these men separately denying them their rightful place in the corps and in its rich tradition of service. These men served in battle, provided critical supplies to those on the front lines and evacuated the wounded to safety. They
did their jobs with professionalism and ably proved their courage in epic battles of the pacific like Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

THE DIVERSITY OF TODAY’S MARINE CORPS WAS PAVED IN LARGE PART BY THE SELFLESS DEDICATION TO DUTY OF THE MONTFORD POINT MARINES.

Question 6

Navajo Code Talkers

Answer 6

Navajo Code Talkers provided a fast, secure and error-free line of communication by telephone and radio during World War I in the Pacific. The Japanese remained baffled by the Navajo language and never cracked the code used by the Marines. Participated in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945.

Question 7

Identify colors/standards, and guidons.

Answer 7

Colors/standards. Specialized flags carried by military units. Each arm or branch of the service has its
own colors. The Marine Corps colors/standards are scarlet with gold fringe trim. The Marine emblem is
centered on the flag with a white scroll below. Marine Colors are carried beside the National Colors.

Standards are Marine Colors that are mounted, such as flags mounted in the Commanding Officer’s office.

Organizational standards/colors. Carried by supporting establishment commands. Scroll on the flag says
‘United States Marine Corps”

Battle Colors/Standards. Carried by Fleet Marine Force units (FMF). The scroll has the unit’s name
followed by FMF on it. Battle streamers that have been awarded to the unit are displayed just below the
mast head.

Guidons. Guidons are small rectangular flags, made in Marine Corps colors. They are carried by
companies, batteries, or detachments.

Question 8

The Marine Corps Birthday

Answer 8

The United states Marine Corps of today has had a continual existence since 1798, when President John
Adams signed into law an act reestablishing the corps. However, the traditional and official founding
date of the Marine Corps is celebrated on 10 November. On this day in 1775,
the Continental Congress,
meeting in Philadelphia, authorized the raising and enlistment of two battalions of Marines for service
with the newly formed naval forces of the colonies.
This all started at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making it the birthplace of the corps.

Question 9

Marine Corps Birthdav celebration customs.

Answer 9

All Marine Corps activities, if at all practical, shall provide for suitable observance of the Marine
Corps birthday on 10 November. When 10 November falls on a Sunday, the birthday will be celebrated on
the preceding saturday. Such observances shall be appropriate to the size and mission of the activity
concerned in accordance with the local conditions and within financial means of personnel of the host
activitv. The Drill and Ceremonies Manual outlines procedures for Birthday observances.

Troop formations, to include parades, are to be held when practical. The reading of General John A
Lejune’s birthday message should be included.
social observances to include the birthday ball and the traditional cake-cutting ceremonv.
The first piece of cake to honor the oldest Marine present.
The second piece of cake to honor the youngest Marine present

Question 10

Answer 10

E-2

Private First Class

Question 11

Answer 11

E-3

Lance Corporal

LCpl

Question 12

Answer 12

E-4

Corporal

Cpl

Question 13

Answer 13

E-5

Sergeant

Sgt

Question 14

Answer 14

E-6

Staff Sergeant

SSgt

Question 15

Answer 15

E-7

Gunnery Sergeant

GySgt

Question 16

Answer 16

E-8

Master Sergeant

MSgt

Question 17

Answer 17

E-8

First Sergeant

1stSgt

Question 18

Answer 18

E-9

Sergeant Major

SgtMaj

Question 19

Answer 19

E-9

Master Gunnery Sergeant

MGySgt

Question 20

Answer 20

E-9

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

Question 21

(gold)

Answer 21

Warrant Officer 1

WO1

Question 22

(gold)

Answer 22

Chief Warrant Officer 2

CWO2

Question 23

(silver)

Answer 23

Chief Warrant Officer 3

CWO3

Question 24

(silver)

Answer 24

Chief Warrant Officer 4

CWO4

Question 25

Answer 25

Chief Warrant Officer 5 CWO5

Question 26

Answer 26

Gunner CWO2-5

Question 27

Answer 27

O-7 Brigadier General BGen

Question 28

Answer 28

O-8 Major General MajGen

Question 29

Answer 29

O-9 Lieutenant General LtGen

Question 30

(gold)

Answer 30

O-1 Second Lieutenant 2ndLt

Question 31

(silver)

Answer 31

O-2 First Lieutenant 1stLt

Question 32

**First to fight**

Answer 32

**First to fight** – Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since their founding in 1775 (revolutionary war, before the declaration of independence was signed). - More than 300 landings of foreign shores. - Poles to tropics.

Question 33

**Leatherneck**

Answer 33

**Leatherneck** – 1775-1875, leather stock neckpiece was worn as part of the uniform. Protected neck from saber slashes. Also kept heads erect.

Question 34

**Devil Dog**

Answer 34

**Devil Dog** – 1918, Battle of Belleau Wood (France), the Germans called Marines “Teufelhunden”, translated as “Devil Dogs” because of their ferocious fighting.

Question 35

**Esprit de corps**

Answer 35

**Esprit de corps** – devotion and loyalty to Marines Corps. Deep regard for history, traditions, and honor. Epitome of pride in a unit.

Question 36

**Uncommon valor was a common virtue**

Answer 36

**Uncommon valor was a common virtue** – Said by Admiral Nimitz of the Marines’ fighting ability on Iwo Jima. Largest Marine battle in history. 3DMARDIV is the only remaining division that fought on Iwo Jima.

Question 37

In detail, describe the Marine Corps Emblem and discuss the significance of its different elements.

Answer 37

* The emblem consists of an eagle clenching the Marine Corps motto in its beak, the globe (Western Hemisphere), and the anchor. The emblem was adopted from the British (Royal) Marines and was modified by Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin in 1868 to depict the Marines as both American and maritime. * The globe and anchor signify the worldwide service and sea traditions. * The spread eagle represents the nation itself. * The motto, "*Semper Fidelis*" is Latin for "Always Faithful."

Question 38

**Semper Fidelis**

Answer 38

**Semper Fidelis** – “Always Faithful”. USMC motto as of **1883**.

Question 39

Origin of the Marine Corps

Answer 39

**10 November 1775** – Birthday of Marines Corps in Philadelphia, PA at Tun Tavern. - Continental Congress raised two battalions of Marines. - Came under Department of Navy in **1834**. - National Security act of 1947 (amended in 1952) states the present structure, missions, and functions of USMC

Question 40

first Commandant of Marines Corps.

Answer 40

**Captain Samuel Nicholas** – first Commandant of Marines Corps.

Question 41

**1776**

Answer 41

**1776** – First Marine landing – Revolutionary War – New Providence Island in Bahamas.

Question 42

**1798**

Answer 42

**1798** – Congress made Marines Corps its own military branch.

Question 43

**1805**

Answer 43

**1805** – Marines stormed the Barbary pirates’ stronghold at Derna on “the shores of Tripoli” - American flag raised for first time in Eastern Hemisphere (Libya / south of Mediterranean Sea) - Prince Hamet of the Ottoman Empire presented the mameluke sword to **1stLt Presley O’Bannon** as a gesture of respect and praise for the Marines’ actions at the Battle of Derna - Mamelukes were an elite Muslim military force in northern Africa. - Sword has curved blade, gold hilt, ivory handle.

Question 44

**1847**

Answer 44

**1847** ## Footnote – Mexican War – Marines occupied “the Halls of Montezuma” during the Battle of Chapultepec.

Question 45

**1861 – 1865**

Answer 45

**1861 – 1865** ## Footnote – Civil War – limited action because many resignations, aging officer corps, and inadequate personnel. Marines basically just manned the guns of Navy ships.

Question 46

**1868**

Answer 46

**1868** – Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem was officially adopted. BG Jacob Zeilin, 7^th Commandant made it happen – altered the British Royal Marine emblem. -Original emblem (just eagle and anchor) still used on brass buttons of service uniforms

Question 47

**1898**

Answer 47

**1898** ## Footnote – Offensive operations in the pacific and Cuba due to declaration of war against Spain. Led to establishment of naval installations overseas

Question 48

**1900**

Answer 48

**1900** ## Footnote – Marines defended American Legation in Peking, China during Boxer Rebellion.

Question 49

**1901**

Answer 49

**1901 – 1934** – Marines doing a lot more around the world, from the Far East to the Caribbean. “Banana Wars” refers to the large amount of conflicts in the Caribbean during this time.

Question 50

**1913**

Answer 50

**1913** – First USMC aviation unit. **Maj Alfred Cunningham** = first pilot.

Question 51

**1933**

Answer 51

**1933** – Marines Corps is reorganized into the Fleet Marine Force, formally establishing the “Command and administrative relations” between the Fleet and the Corps.

Question 52

**1917-1918**

Answer 52

**1917-1918** ## Footnote Marines landed as part of the American force in France. Marines, participating in 8 distinct operations, ***including the Battle of BELLEAU WOOD on JUNE 1918***, distinguised themselves and were awarded a number of decorations, among them ***_the French Fourragere_***, still worn today by members of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments.

Question 53

**\*1941-1945**

Answer 53

**1941-1945** – WWII. USMC strength reached nearly 500,000 Marines. * US to war after attack on Pearl Harbor * USMC primary force & "island hopping" strategy

Question 54

1942, 16SEP

Answer 54

**16SEP1942** - 3dMARDIV was formed for action in the Pacific Theater (created at Camp Elliott, San Diego)

Question 55

**1950**

Answer 55

**1950** – Korean War begins. -Amphibious Landing at Inchon (South Korea), recapturing Seoul from communist forces.

Question 56

**\*1953**

Answer 56

**1953** - 3DMARDIV trained for combat in Korea under BG Chesty Puller, but was sent to Japan instead, one month after Korean Armistice was signed. -3DMARDIV redeployed to Okinawa in **1956**.

Question 57

**1958**

Answer 57

**1958** – FMF reorganization now complete – capable of projecting power ashore (and then staying there) from anywhere in the world. -3DMARDIV recognized as a permanent part of the Marines Corps organization.

Question 58

**1965**

Answer 58

**1965** – Marines land in South Vietnam. -3DMARDIV was based in Vietnam from **1965 – 1969**, conducting security and offensive operations, mostly near the North Vietnam Border.

Question 59

**1982**

Answer 59

**1982** – Marines deployed to Beirut, Lebanon as part of multinational peacekeeping force.

Question 60

**1983**

Answer 60

**1983** – Suicide truck bomb attack on barracks housing U.S (1/8 barracks). Killed 241 Americans and 70 others. Last Marine Unit withdrew in 1984.

Question 61

**1990**

Answer 61

**1990** – Operation Desert Shield in Iraq. This operation validated the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) concept and enacted the plan of tailoring units to accomplish a mission as part of a MAGTF.

Question 62

**1991**

Answer 62

**1991** – Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. Marines Ground forces from I MEF, II MEF, & III MEF swept into Kuwait and liberated the country.

Question 63

**2001 – Present**

Answer 63

**2001 – Present** – 3DMARDIV elements participated in OIF.

Question 64

**Archibald Henderson**

Answer 64

**Archibald Henderson** – Commandant of Marines Corps from **1820 – 1859**, 39 years. - Grand old man of the Marines Corps. - Introduced higher standards of personal appearance, training, discipline, and strived to have the Corps known as a professional military force.

Question 65

**John Quick**

Answer 65

**John Quick** – Sergeant Major – Received MOH for actions in Cuzco well (Guantanamo Bay).

Question 66

**Daniel Daly**

Answer 66

**Daniel Daly** – Sergeant Major – 2 MOH – Chinese Boxer Rebellion, First Caco War in Haiti. - “Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?” – Battle of Belleau Wood.

Question 67

**Smedley Butler**

Answer 67

**Smedley Butler** – Major General – 2 MOH – Veracruz, First Caco War in Haiti. - Marine bases in Okinawa are collectively named after him. - Helped the Marine Corps be recognized as a national force in readiness

Question 68

**John Lejeune**

Answer 68

**John Lejeune** – Major General – 13^th Commandant of the Marines Corps, **1920-1929** - First Marine officer ever to command an Army Division in combat – France, 1918, WWI - Transitions Marine Corps from a ***colonial naval force to an amphibious force in readiness*** - Birthday message is read at every Marines Corps Ball

Question 69

**Lewis “Chesty” Puller**

Answer 69

**Lewis “Chesty” Puller** – Lieutenant General – “Tiger of the Mountains” (1930) for reputation in Nicaragua / Honduran border (much conflict there). - Led the Marine withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir, Korea, 1950. - CG of 3DMARDIV in early 1950s - Marines Corps Bulldog mascot named after him

Question 70

**Gregory “Pappy” Boyington**

Answer 70

**Gregory “Pappy” Boyington** – Major – Top ranking USMC pilot in WWII, 28 kills (1945).

Question 71

**Ira Hayes** –

Answer 71

**Ira Hayes** – Pima Indian, part of flag raising at Iwo Jima – Mount Suribachi. Was a part of 3DMARDIV, but transferred to 5^th DIV just before the Iwo Jima campaign.

Question 72

Opha Mae Johnson

Answer 72

**Opha Mae Johnson** – first USMC enlisted woman, 1918.

Question 73

**Annie Grimes**

Answer 73

**Annie Grimes** – CWO – 3^rd black woman to become a marine and the 1^st black woman officer to retire after her “full 20”.

Question 74

**Margaret Brewer** –

Answer 74

**Margaret Brewer** – Brigadier General – Last director of Woman Marines (WM) from 1973-1977. Became ***first woman general officer*** in 1978.

Question 75

**Molly Marine**

Answer 75

**Molly Marine** – monument in New Orleans. 1943.

Question 76

**Captain Anne Lentz**

Answer 76

**Captain Anne Lentz** – first commissioned officer in 1943

Question 77

**Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter**

Answer 77

**Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter** – first 3 star female officer

Question 78

_LT Vincent “Grunt Padre” R. Capodanno_

Answer 78

_LT Vincent “Grunt Padre” R. Capodanno_ - Greenside Chaplain KIA in Vietnam. MOH. Racing around reading last rights to Marines as they died in battle.

Question 79

Major General Bruno Hochmuth

Answer 79

**Major General Bruno Hochmuth** – only 3DMARDIV CG killed in action – Vietnam, 1967

Question 80

_3 MOH Corpsman_:

Answer 80

_3 MOH Corpsman_: Hospitalman John Kilmer Hospitalman Francis Hammond Hospital Corpsman 3^rd Class Donald Ballard

Question 81

**Battle of Guadalcanal**

Answer 81

**Battle of Guadalcanal** – August, 1942 – February, 1943 - 1^st MAR DIV landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands - Launched *_the first U.S. land offensive of WWII_* - First combat of the new amphibious doctrine - Provided a base to launch further invasions of Japanese-held islands.

Question 82

**Battle of Bougainville**

Answer 82

**Battle of Bougainville** – Nov-Dec 1943 - 3DMARDIV’s first offensive action in WWII (after training in Guadalcanal) - 423 Marines were killed - Securing the island of Bougainville provided an advanced base for air attacks on the harbor of Rabaul, the key Japanese stronghold in the area

Question 83

**Battle of Tarawa** –

Answer 83

**Battle of Tarawa** – Nov 20^th-23^rd, 1943 - Part of the Gilbert Islands – more in the middle of the Pacific – crucial for offensive operations in the central Pacific - Commander of Japanese forces said it would take a million Americans 100 years to conquer Tarawa - Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hours. 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed.

Question 84

​**Battle of the Mariana Islands**

Answer 84

**Battle of the Mariana Islands (Saipan, Guam, Tinian)** – June-August 1944 - Crucial for airfield needs of Army and advanced bases for Navy - 136,000 Marines and soldiers in the invasion – at that time, largest number of troops to operate in the field under a Marine Command - _3DMARDIV was the lead element in invasion of Guam_ in July, 1944 – 5,000 Japanese, 677 Marines died.

Question 85

**Battle of Peleliu**

Answer 85

**Battle of Peleliu** – Sept-Nov, 1944 -1^st Mar Div, captured airstrip on Peleliu. 2 months. Fierce resistance.

Question 86

**Battle of Iwo Jima**

Answer 86

**Battle of Iwo Jima** – February - March, 1945 - 3D, 4^th, and 5^th Marine Divisions - Largest all-Marine battle in history, and the bloodiest – 23,300 casualties - The capture of Iwo Jima greatly facilitated the air war against Japanese islands - 22 of the 82 MOH in WWII were awarded in this battle

Question 87

**Battle of Okinawa**

Answer 87

**Battle of Okinawa** – April - June, 1945 - Last large action of WWII - Army Commander died – Marine MG Roy Geiger assumed command of the 10^th Army and become the only Marine officer ever to have commanded a field army - Secured Okinawa to prepare for invasion of mainland Japan, which never took place – Japan surrendered in September of 1945.

Question 88

_John Basilone_

Answer 88

_John Basilone_ was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima

Question 89

**Battle of the Chosin Reservoir**

Answer 89

**Battle of the Chosin Reservoir** – North Korea, 1950 - One month after China entered the war - Marines eliminated 7 Divisions out of 10 that were sent to annihilate them in their march from the Chosin Reservoir. Outnumbered 120,000 to 15,000. - Throughout the entire retrograde movement, Marines *_maintained complete tactical integrity_*, meaning that they brought out all operable equipment and properly evacuated all their wounded and dead.

Question 90

**Battle of Khe Sanh**

Answer 90

**Battle of Khe Sanh** – Vietnam, 1968 - Marines (including from 3DMARDIV) defended the firebase at Khe Sanh from an attack from two North Vietnamese Army Divisions - Held out for two and half months before finally forcing the enemy to withdraw

Question 91

**Battle of Hue City**

Answer 91

**Battle of Hue City** – Vietnam, 1968 - North Vietnamese forces invaded Hue City, South Vietnam - Marines (including from 3DMARDIV) fought in built-up areas, foregoing the use of heavy arms to minimize civilian casualties - Fighting was house-to-house - Example of Military Operations on Urban Terrain

Question 92

**Scarlet trouser stripe**

Answer 92

**Scarlet trouser stripe** – First appeared in 1798, then again in 1840 and 1859…. -The story is that the red stripe commemorates the blood shed by Marines in the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847

Question 93

**Quatrefoil**

Answer 93

**Quatrefoil** – Worn on the caps of Marines fighting on the decks of ships so that Marine sharpshooters could recognize them and not shoot them.

Question 94

**NCO sword**

Answer 94

**NCO sword** – considered an officer’s weapon, but can be carried by NCOs. -Oldest U.S. weapon still in use (second only to Mameluke sword), though technically only to be used when in charge of troops on ceremonious occasions. Part of the *esprit de corps*

Question 95

**French Fourragere**

Answer 95

**French Fourragere –** Senior unit award by Marines in 5^th & 6^th Regiments, who were awarded the fourragere for their efforts in WWI. They won the Croix de Guerre with palm leaf 3 times…