Fun Facts About the Marines
Semper Fi! Learn all about the oldest branch of the US military with these fun facts about the Marines.
Basic Facts About the Marines
The Marines’ mission is to fight on land, sea, and air. They specialize in rapid response, so they can quickly arrive when needed.
Due to their reputation as being ready for combat at a moment’s notice, their unofficial motto is “First to Fight.”
The Marines are structured as part of the Navy but operate as a separate branch.
The Marines have around 186,000 active duty service members (with an additional 30,000 in the reserves).
Their core values are honor, courage, and commitment.
Now that you know some basic facts about the Marines, let’s move on to some fun facts!
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12 Fun Facts About the Marines
These fun facts about the Marine Corps will enlighten and inspire you!
The Marine Corp Is One of the First Branches of the Military
The Continental Congress established the Marines on November 10, 1775, making it the second branch of the military (after the army).
The first Marines were actually recruited in a bar! Tun Tavern in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania hosted the first recruitment drive for soldiers in the American Revolution.
The Marine Motto Is “Semper Fi”
“Semper Fi” is a shortened form of the Latin phrase “Semper Fidelis,” which means “always faithful.
The meaning is twofold. It reflects the Marines’ commitment to one another and their faithfulness to their country.
The Marine Uniform Has a Blood Stripe
The blue dress uniform of the United States Marine Corps is easily recognizable.
The jacket is dark blue with a standing collar and red piping. It has a white belt around the waist.
The pants are also blue, and officers’ pants have a red stripe down the side. The stripe is called the Blood Stripe.
It was added to the uniform after the Mexican-American War to honor the Marines who died at the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847.
The hat is white with a black brim.
The Germans Gave the Marines a Nickname That Stuck
During World War II, after observing the Marines’ ferocity in battle, the Germans nicknamed the soldiers “Teufel Hunden,” which translates to “Devil Dogs.”
Rather than bristling at the name, the Marines embraced it as a badge of honor. They still refer to themselves as Devil Dogs.
Marines Are Also Called Leathernecks
Today’s Marine uniform has a standing collar, which harkens back to the 1800s when Marines wore a high, stiff leather collar.
The purpose of this collar was to protect the neck from sword strikes. That is how the Marines got the nickname “Leathernecks.”
“From the Halls of Montezuma” Is the Oldest US Service Hymn
The Marine Hymn is the oldest hymn of all the service branches.
Though no one knows when the lyrics were composed, the tune is from an 1859 opera by German-born French composer Jacques Offenbach.
Soon afterward, the lyrics were paired with the tune.
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country’s battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.
The halls of Montezuma refer to the battles of the Mexican American War (1846-1848).
The shores of Tripoli refer to the Barbary War (1801-1805) when the Marines invaded a city in Libya. It was the first American victory on foreign soil.
The Marine Corps Emblem Has Three Components
The Marine Corps Emblem, which you can see on the hat of every officer’s dress uniform, has three components: eagle, globe, and anchor.
The eagle represents the nation (since the bald eagle is our national bird).
The globe stands for the global reach of the Marines. They can quickly deploy anywhere in the world.
The anchor represents their roots in the US Navy and their amphibious capabilities.
The Marines Run a Notable Charity
The Marine Corps reserve runs an annual toy drive called “Toys for Tots.” They collect and distribute toy donations for children in need.
Toys for Tots is one of America’s most recognized charities. In 2023, they distributed 20 million toys to almost 8 million kids.
The Marines Are Featured in a Famous Photograph
During the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, a group of Marines raised the flag together on Mount Suribachi.
A photograph of that moment is one of the most famous images in US history.
Photographer Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945 for that photo.
Inspired by the photo, a bronze statue of the scene stands at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
The President Flies on a Marine Helicopter
When the President of the United States needs quick transport, they fly in a Marine helicopter (there is a helipad at the White House).
Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) is in charge of transporting the President.
They have multiple helicopters. Whichever helicopter the President is in is called “Marine One.”
The Marines Wish Chesty Good Night
Known for his bravery and leadership, Lieutenant General Lewis “Chesty” Puller (1895-1971) is one of the most decorated Marines in history.
He was awarded five Navy Crosses and one Distinctive Service Crosses during his 37 years in the Marine Corps.
Marines honor his legendary status by saying, “Good night, Chesty, wherever you are!” before bed.
Oorah Is a Battle Cry of the Marines
Each branch has its own slightly different version of the battle cry. “Oorah” is the version of the Marine Corps.
It is used at the beginning of a mission or training exercise. It is also used to signify agreement with a fellow Marine.
Although no one is exactly sure where the expression comes from, one suggestion is that it came from Marines who served in the Korean War.
The Marines stationed on submarines would have heard the sound of the Klaxon horn, which alerted the crew of imminent danger.
Marines started mimicking the sound as their battle cry: “Oorah!”
Read More About the Marines
If you enjoyed these Marine Corp Fun Facts, check out these books about the Marines.
A Salute to Our Heroes: The US Marines
This children’s book for early elementary provides a quick lesson on the Marines.
A Marine’s Tale: Chesty Goes to Boot Camp
A story about the ins and outs of Boot Camp for elementary kids.
A Visit to a Marine Base
This early reader tells kids about what it is like to live and work at a Marine Base.
Greatest US Marine Corps Stories Ever Told
This book for older students and adults highlights stories of the courage and sacrifice of the US Marines.
Fun Facts About the US Marine Corps
The Marines are a respected and formidable branch of the US Armed Forces.
Their loyalty to one another, allies, and people in need is coupled with their bravery and fierce fighting spirit.
These fun facts about the Marines show you a portion of the legacy and honor of this notable service branch.
