The United States Marine Corp was founded on this date in 1775. Hoo-rah! 230 years old.
I just finished reading Jeff Shaara's book on the Great War, "To The Last Man," which focussed in part on Marines who fought on the Western Front. Through that book, because of a particular quote, I read more information on one of the most legendary Marines, Sergeant Major Daniel Daly.
During the Battle of Belleau Wood, one of the American Expeditionary Force's first actions during WWI, Daly and his men found themselves surrounded by Germans. Outgunned and outflanked, Daly figured the best way to save their butts was to order an assault, not unlike Joshua Chamberlain at Gettysburg.
Daly moved ahead and inspired his men to move forward wth him by yelling, "Come on, you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?" Daly and the other soldiers defeated the Germans and captured the town of Lucy le Bocage.
For his actions, Daly was awarded the Navy Cross. This was on top of the two Medals of Honor he received in the Boxer Rebellion and in Haiti. He probably should have received a third Medal of Honor for this action.
With the help of folks like Dan Daly, the Marine Corp will live forever.
Happy Birthday to the Corp! Hoo-rah!
