Battles

Question 1

What significant battle did the Marines fight at Belleau Wood?

Answer 1

The Battle of Belleau Wood

It occurred during World War I and was critical in thwarting a German offensive threatening Paris.

Question 2

What nickname did German troops give to the Marines due to their fighting ability?

Answer 2

Teufelhunden or Devil dogs

This nickname reflects the Marines’ ferocious fighting ability.

Question 3

When did the 1st Marine Division land on Guadalcanal?

Answer 3

7 August 1942

This marked the first United States land offensive of World War II.

Question 4

What was the significance of the Battle of Guadalcanal?

Answer 4

It provided a crucial turning point in the war in the Pacific

It established a base for further invasions of Japanese-held islands.

Question 5

What was the objective of the Battle of Tarawa?

Answer 5

The Tarawa Atoll and Betio Island

The Japanese commander believed it would take a million Americans 100 years to conquer it.

Question 6

What challenges did Marines face during the Battle of Tarawa?

Answer 6

Heavy enemy fire and drowning while attempting to wade ashore

Landing craft could not cross an extended reef, leading to significant losses.

Question 7

What was the total number of troops in the combined invasion force during the Battle of the Marianas Islands?

Answer 7

Over 136,000

This was the greatest number of troops to operate in the field under Marine command up to that time.

Question 8

What was the date of the Marines’ landing on Okinawa?

Answer 8

23 March 1945

The operation involved multiple Marine divisions and Army divisions.

Question 9

What was the outcome of the Marines’ mission on Okinawa by 20 April 1945?

Answer 9

They completed their objective

They later assisted Army troops in taking the Shuri Line.

Question 10

How many American service members were killed during the Battle of Okinawa?

Answer 10

More than 12,000

Additionally, over 38,000 were wounded or missing, many from combat fatigue.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The Battle of Belleau Wood helped to crush a German offensive that threatened _______.

Answer 11

Paris

Question 12

True or False: The Battle of Tarawa was completed with minimal casualties.

Answer 12

False

Marines paid a heavy price for securing the island.

Question 13

What was the name of the Marine Corps division that landed on Guadalcanal?

Answer 13

1st Marine Division

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The Battle of Okinawa concluded with all major combat operations ending on _______.

Answer 14

23 June

Question 15

What date did Marines land on Iwo Jima?

Answer 15

19 February 1945

This battle was the largest all-Marine battle in history.

Question 16

How many casualties did the Marine Corps suffer at Iwo Jima?

Answer 16

Over 23,300 casualties

This made it the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history.

Question 17

What was the significance of the capture of Iwo Jima?

Answer 17

It greatly increased air support and bombing operations against the Japanese home islands.

Question 18

Who said, ‘Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue’?

Answer 18

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Question 19

During which month and year did the Battle of Chosin Reservoir occur?

Answer 19

November 1950

Question 20

What major challenge did Marines face at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir?

Answer 20

They were cut off after the Chinese Communist Forces entered the war.

Question 21

How many enemy divisions did Marines defeat during their march from the Chosin Reservoir?

Answer 21

Seven enemy divisions

Question 22

What was a significant achievement of the Marines during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir?

Answer 22

They brought out all operable equipment and properly evacuated their wounded and dead.

Question 23

When did the Battle of Hue City occur?

Answer 23

January 1968

Question 24

What event triggered the surprise offensive in Hue City?

Answer 24

The Vietnamese holiday of Tet

Question 25

What was the size of the NVA troop presence in Hue City during the battle?

Answer 25

Near division-size unit

Question 26

What was the main fighting tactic used by Marines in Hue City to minimize civilian casualties?

Answer 26

Fighting was house-to-house, foregoing heavy arms.

Question 27

When was the city of Hue secured?

Answer 27

25 February 1968

Question 28

What operation was launched in response to the killing of 4 Blackwater guards?

Answer 28

Operation Vigilant Resolve

Question 29

What was the primary goal of the First Battle of Fallujah?

Answer 29

To re-establish security in Fallujah.

Question 30

Who promised an overwhelming response to the Blackwater deaths?

Answer 30

Brigadier General Mark Kimmit

Question 31

What were the names of the operations during the Second Battle of Fallujah?

Answer 31

Operation Al-Fajr and Operation Phantom Fury

Question 32

How many insurgents were believed to be in Fallujah during the Second Battle?

Answer 32

4,000-5,000 insurgents

Question 33

When did operations begin in the Second Battle of Fallujah?

Answer 33

7 November

Question 34

What was the estimated insurgent loss in the Second Battle of Fallujah?

Answer 34

Between 1,200 - 1,350

Question 35

What was the significance of the Second Battle of Fallujah in terms of military operations?

Answer 35

It was the largest military operation since the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Question 36

In what month and year did Operation Strike of the Sword occur?

Answer 36

July 2009

Question 37

What did the Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan construct during Operation Strike of the Sword?

Answer 37

Expeditionary bases and airfields.

Question 38

What was the main goal of Operation MOSHTARAK?

Answer 38

To reclaim Marjah.

Question 39

What strategic importance did Marjah hold?

Answer 39

It was a strategic agricultural hub and narco-terrorist safe haven.

Question 40

What geographical area did the Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan improve during Operation MOSHTARAK?

Answer 40

Southwestern Afghanistan