Friday, November 11, 2011

Marine Corp Salute!

I was so busy yesterday with my "day" job that I didn't have a chance to do a bit of blogging, and to say Happy Birthday to our US Marines, established on November 10th, 1775, known at the time as the Continental Marines during the American Revolution.  They were created by the Second Continental Congress calling for the "raising of two battalions". Though they disbanded in 1783, their first and only Commandant was Captain Samuel Nicholas (at right). By the way, in his honor, 3 US Navy ships have been named USS Nicholas in his honor.

The Marines were founded to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide shipboard security, and assist landing parties. Owing to their presence at sea, they have been involved in practically every US conflict since the beginning. When they were formed, there were only 131 Colonial Marine officers, and about 2,000 enlisted men. During engagements at sea, they were positioned high in the masts, and did sharp-shooting work aagainst enemy ship's officers, naval gunners, and helmsmen. One of their first actions, in March 1776, was against the British, in the Bahamas, capturing gunpowder for General Washington . They captured 4 small prize ships in the process! They came back in April 1776, with 7 dead Marines, 4 wounded. A small, but successful band of brothers!

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