Marine Corps Phrases

I got this information from one of my favorite websites: USMC Gals. However, I did make a few tweaks! So, for the full list, go to the hyperlink.

"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, served everywhere and they have a record of readiness 

"Semper Fi"

Marines have lived up to their motto, "Semper Fidelis" (Latin for Always Faithful)

Always Faithful to God, Country, and Corps 

It is proven because there has never been a mutiny among U.S. Marines 

It was adopted about 1883. 

Before Semper Fi, there had been three mottoes:
1. "Fortitudine" (With Fortitude), appeared about 1812.
2. "By Sea and by Land," was obviously a translation of the Royal Marines' "Per Mare, Per Terram."
3. "To the Shores of Tripoli," in commemoration of O'Bannon's capture of Derne in 1805. In 1848, after the return to Washington of the Marine battalion which took part in the capture of Mexico City, this motto was revised to "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli."

"Devil Dogs"

During the Belleau Wood fighting in 1918, the Germans gave this title to United States Marines for fighting through supposedly impenetrable woods and capturing supposedly untakeable terrain. 

They soon had the Germans calling them, "Teufelhunde," 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. 

Implies devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps, with deep regard for history, traditions and honor.

"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.

  

"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.

"Soldiers of the Sea"

A traditional and functional term for Marines, dating back to the British in the 1600's.

"Once a Marine, Always a Marine"

This truism is now the official motto of the Marine Corps League. Once the title "U.S. Marine" has been earned, it is retained. There are no ex-Marines or former-Marines.

There are:

1. Active duty Marines

2. Retired Marines

3. Reserve Marines

4. Marine veterans

Nonetheless, once one has earned the title, he remains a Marine for life.

Please visit The USMC Gals Website! It's a wonderful place for information!