United States Marine Corps

Semper Fidelis

On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing the Continental Marines who would serve on both land and sea. This group of troops were involved in the successful mission on a British Fort in Nassau in the Bahamas and participated in the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. When the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1793, ending the Revolutionary War, the Continental Marines, along with the Continental Navy, were disbanded.

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Although marines were recruited in August 1797 to serve on frigates to combat the French Navy’s harassment of American shipping during the French and Indian War, it was not until President John Adams signed a congressional act An Act for Establishing and Organizing the Marine Corps into law that the United States Marine Corps was formally created on July 11, 1798.

The Early Years

Marines engage Barbary pirates during the bombardment of Tripoli, Algiers on August 3, 1804. Oil on canvas, 1850 by Dennis Malone Carter. Wikimedia

U.S. Marines engage Barbary pirates during the 1804 bombardment of Tripoli, Algiers • Dennis Malone Carter, 1850

The early years of the Marine Corps were marked by various wars including the Quasi-War with France (1798-1800) and the First Barbary War against piracy in the Caribbean (1801-1805). However, much of this time was spent guarding ships and naval depots. The Marines did not become an expeditionary force until Archibald Henderson became Commandant of the Corps in 1820. Under his command, the Marines diversified and were utilized in landing party operations and acquisitioned artillery for use in combat and in training exercises. By 1834, the Marine Corps was reorganized under the Department of the Navy.

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Evolution to Today

The 19th century saw the establishment of many of the traditions and customs associated with the Marine Corps including the emblem, Marine’s Hymn, and the blue-black evening jacket and trousers with gold braid. During the 1880s, the motto was adopted, followed by the the first manual for enlisted marines and the first landing manual. By the end of the century, the Marine Corps was engaged in making landing expeditions throughout the world.

Throughout the 20th century, the Marine Corps continued to grow and expand, adding a Marine Aviation division in 1912 and further developing and refining the organization and equipment for amphibious warfare. The Marine Corps continues its long and proud history of faithfully serving our country and defending our nation by being ever ready today.

HONORING STAMFORD VETERANS

Second Lieutenant Myles Fox

Myles Fox was a Second Lieutenant who served in the Marine Raider Battalion. He enlisted in 1940 and died on August 9, 1942, after being wounded during the assault on Tulagi in the Solomon Islands. During the battle, the Japanese threatened to break the battalion line between two companies. Although mortally wounded, Fox directed the deployment of soldiers to cover the gap. The Japanese military suffered heavy losses and their attack failed. Fox, having upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service, was awarded the Navy Cross. In January 1944, the Navy launched the USS Myles Fox, a new destroyer named in his honor.

PFC Edward Leonard Lewis

Private First Class Edward Leonard Lewis, Company H, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On July 24, 1952, Lewis’ outpost, which was reinforced by a 1st Korean Marine Corps Regiment, was probed by an enemy platoon. During the engagement, Lewis was killed in action by hostile ground fire. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

WANT TO RECOGNIZE A STAMFORD VETERAN?

The Stamford Veterans Park Partnership is seeking more information on Stamford veterans. If you have a loved one whose service you’d like to recognize, please contact us by scanning the QR code here.