MARINE CORPS CREED
This is my rifle; There are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. My rifle, without me is useless. Without my rifle I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoot me. I will... My rifle and myself know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that counts. We will hit...
My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn it's weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...
Before god I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of my enemy. We are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace!
USMC HYMM
"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 United States Marines."
"Our flags unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun. We have fought in every clime and palce, where we could take our gun. From the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scens, You will find us always on the job, The United States Marines."
"Hears to health to you and to our Corps which we are proud to serve. In many a strife we've fought for life and we've never lost our nerve. And if the Army Or the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by the United States Marines."
MARINE CORPS QUOTES AND TERMS
"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. They have served everywhere, from the poles to the tropics. Their record of readiness reflects pride, responsibility and challenge.
"Leathernecks"
The Marine's long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock or neckpiece, which was part of the Marine uniform from 1775 to 1875. The leather collar was to provide protection from saber cuts as the saber was still fairly common prior to WWI.
"Devil Dogs"
In the Belleau Wood fighting in 1918, the Germans recived a thorough indoctrination in the fighting ability of the Marines. Fighting through supposedly impenetrable woods and capturing supposedly untakeable terrain, the persistent attacks, delivered with unbelievable courage soon had the germans calling Marines "teufelhunden," refering to the fierce fighting dogs of legendary origin.
