Happy Birthday “Devil Dogs.”

Semper Fi!

Koch VETS are honored to recognize and acknowledge the 247th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Today, we remember their sacrifices made to defend democracy, and those who laid down their lives in defense of freedom. We celebrate our Marines’ legacy of battlefield prowess defined by courage, discipline, perseverance, and warfighting innovation.  

The birthplace of the Marine Corps was a bar. After being lured with beer and tales of adventure at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the first Marines enlisted.

The United States Marine Corps’ annual tradition celebrates the establishment of two battalions of Marines on November 10, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress. These first Marines distinguished themselves in several battles and skirmishes, including an amphibious raid into the Bahamas in 1776. Along with the U.S. Navy, the Continental Marines were disestablished when the Revolutionary War ended in 1783.

The Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated in a cake-cutting ceremony where the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present.

In 1798, because of an emerging threat from piracy and increasing conflict with revolutionary France, President John Adams permanently reestablished the Marine Corps. President Adams signed the “act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps” to assist with defending the expanding American merchant fleet. The recreated Corps would be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy. 

In 1883, the Marine Corps adopted their motto, “Semper Fi,” which means “always faithful” in Latin. In 1888, the march, “Semper Fidelis,” composed by John Philip Sousa, became their official march.

Today’s Marine Corps is prepared to fight in any foreign country, whose capabilities are critical in a world where 70 percent of the world's landmass is within two hundred miles of a coastline. It employs and sustains tailored forces in and from multiple dispersed locations in response to a crisis, contributes to deterrence, and enhances stability; all on short notice. This capability continues to make the U.S. Marine Corps a valuable tool for American foreign policy.

While the Marine Corps is its own branch of the U.S. military, it falls under the administration of the Department of the Navy. This close working relationships dates to the American Revolution.

“The Few” and “the Proud” have answered our nation’s call, participating in every single U.S. conflict, fighting for freedom across the globe. They have earned the world’s respect as an elite and dependable fighting unit. Admired by our allies, feared by our enemies, and loved by the American people, the U.S. Marine Corps has the reputation as a fierce and effective fighting force.

One Marine nickname is Leatherneck, the black leather stock, part of the protective gear issued to the first Marines in 1798, was designed to protect the wearer from sword cuts to the neck.

Today there are nearly 280,000 active duty and reserve Marines, and civilian equivalents. They may operate differently than the Continental Marines, yet they possess the same core values. With steadfast “Honor, Courage and Commitment” they continue in the proud heritage of faithful service to the nation. They remain focused on the Corps’ greatest asset – the character, strength, and skill of the individual Marine.  

During World War I, German officers referred to the Marines as "Teufel Hunden" (German for Devil Dogs) because of the ferocity with which the Marines fought.

Happy Birthday Marines!

“Charlie-Mike”

“Our Mission is Your Success"

Anyone interested in simplifying their military-to-civilian transition, then use Koch Industries’ Transition Guide. Access all the great tips and best practices consolidated in one location, which can be found on our veteran career page.