United States Marine Corps

Marines’ Hymn

 

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.
Of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze.

From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place.

Where we could take a gun;

In the snow of far-off northern lands.

And in sunny tropic scenes;

You will find us always on the job.

The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps.

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life.

And never lost our nerve;

If the Army and the Navy.

Ever look on heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded.
By United States Marines.

 

The Marines’ Hymn is a much respected song by Marines.  We stand at attention when while singing it, or even if we just hear the music being played.  Most Marines learn at least the first verse while at boot camp.  My platoon learned all three verses and we sang it ever night before we went bed.

The Hymn tells a lot about how Marines take pride in what they do.  The first and second verse tells us Marines will fight wherever they are needed and get there however needed.  It also tells us they are the first ones to get there.  Marines are the rapid response force, and are always ready when needed whether it’s responding to an attack or providing humanitarian services following a natural disaster.  Marines will fight in the jungle or desert.  Marines will storm the shores of some far off distance land and even fight by air.

The Third verse is about why we do what we do and hold ourselves to the highest standards.  The lines “Here’s health to you and to our corps, which we are proud to serve” is saying we are fighting for the longevity of America and we hope to always be there to serve the people of America.  The next part says that the Marines have gone to hell and back and willing to do it again.  The Marine Corps is held at a higher standard and is responsible for guarding many different places around the world including embassies and many important people.  If there was anyone guarding the streets of heaven it would be the Marines. 

 
 

 

My Rifle

 Major General WH Rupertus 1941

 

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 shoots me. I will...
  My rifle and myself know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire,
the noise of our bursts, nor the smoke we make.
We know it is the hits that count. 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 its weaknesses, its strengths, 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 our enemy.
  We are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until there is no enemy, but PEACE.

 

"My Rifle” is known as the Marine creed.  Although I personally never had to memorize this, I have been told by other Marines this is what they recited every night before bed while at boot camp.  I did however learn the meaning behind the story and Marines live by this.  Every Marine is assigned a rifle, and usually they have that same rifle for many years. 

Marines learn to become one with their rifle from the very beginning.  They learn everything there is to know about it.  They learn its capabilities, how to disassemble for cleaning, and even memorize the rifles individual serial code.  They spend all of boot camp which is 13 weeks long, and Marine Combat training which is 2 weeks long with their rifle.  While Marines are deployed or in the field they take their rifles everywhere they go.  You also learn that you wouldn’t want to be the one to lose your rifle.  Leaving your rife unattended or forgetting it somewhere will get you into enough trouble.  Marines are taught to make every round count, by taking their time and firing their rifle the correct way.  One of the Marine Corps mottos is “one shot, one kill, ready to die but never will”.  This pretty much sums up what the Credo says.   

Marksmanship is a big part of being a Marine.  Every year a Marine must qualify on the rifle range.  They must hit the target from distances of 200, 300 and 500 yards.  How well a Marine shoots on the rifle range will affect their promotion.       

 

Devil Dog

 Juan Olivarez August 8,2010

 

I met a Devil Dog today,

And I shook his hand.
And said thank-you for caring,
So much for this land.
I met a Jar-Head,
And I told him true,
This country wouldn't be here,
If it wasn't for you.
I met a Leather-Neck,
Just passing by,
And I told him thank you,
For this free blue sky.
I met a Marine,
On the street today,
When I shook his hand,
I made his day.
A tear rolled down,
His eye so brown,
And he said, 'to me,
This is sacred ground.'

Thank you for caring,

Cause we care for you.
And though we are proud,
We are so very few.
Sir, I have to leave now,
And be on my way,
God bless you sir,
And the U.S.A.

 

This poem gives us some examples of different nicknames for Marines such as Devil Dog, Leatherneck, and Jar-Head.  Teufel Hunden which translates to Devil Dog, was a nickname given to Marines during the Battle of Belleau Woods in Germany during World War 1 for their relentless fighting ability.  Today this term is used as a common greeting between Marines.

The nickname Leatherneck refers to a leather collar that was worn as part of the Marines uniform many years ago.  This item is no longer used today; however the dress blue uniform has a collar that resembles the leather collar that was designed to protect the neck.  This name is also still used as a greeting between Marines.

Unlike the other two the nicknames Jar-Head is not used by Marines.  The term refers to an empty jar and implies that the Marines have an empty head.  It is true that some of the standards associated with intelligence to join the Marines are lower than all of the other military branches, however many Marines meet these standards of the other branches.  The physical standards for Marines are much higher than all of the other military branches which is why they lower others   

 This poem is about how grateful some people are for the Marines who put their lives on the line to protect this country and their freedom.  Marines do their job because they love their country and the people living in it.  Marines are proud of who they are, and what they do.

 

Devil Dog

David M. Wheeler 

 

The Germans gave the Marines this name,

and pretty soon it brought them fame.
The reason for this name is said,
for all the blood the Germans shed.
Marines fought to keep this country free,
They fought for you, for him, and me.
Several more times they went to war,
Traveled to Korea and then to Nams shore.
They fought for what they believed in,
To save this Country from communist sin.
God was with them over there,
and he was with them everywhere.
Just read the title backwards and you will see,
how this Country came to be! 
 

 
 
 
 



This is a short poem but its diction says a lot.  The beginning of this poem is referring to the nickname Devil Dog which was given to Marines during the Battle of Belleau Woods in Germany during World War 1.  Since then they have fought in many wars and served this country well.  During that time they have always lived up to their expectations and lived up to the name Marine.   

I found the last two lines very interesting because I never noticed that Devil Dog spelled backwards is God Lived.  I find this interesting because Marines fight for all Americans regardless of race, gender, or religion.  They fight for your freedom so you can be who you want to be, and live the life you want to live.  They don’t judge others as others judge them.

 

United States Marine Corps

Author: Ryan Wolke

Once one, always one

A killer cause its fun
Never one to flee
And will always fight for you to be free
Draw their gun and kill another bomber
Cause they will always choose death before dishonor
Not everyone can see how or why
They would give up everything and be proud to die
They do what they do
For me and for you
They are devil dogs from hell
And will always ring the bell
Signaling that the battle was won
And goddamn it was fun
Some lose good friends
Some lose brothers
But they get back to work
And put on their covers
They will take revenge, no doubt
But that's not what the job is all about
Yes, I'm talking about the corps.
And they will always be back for more

War is not a glorious sight

But its one that must be seen
So when you go to sleep tonight
You can thank a US Marine.
And next time your on your knees
Pray for one fighting overseas
Because freedom comes with a price
And they're all rich in pride
So maybe you should think twice
About the ones who have died
Semper Fidelis Marines Past, Present and Future!
Raising hell since November 10, 1775

 

The beginning of this poem starts off describing some of the beliefs of Marines. The line “once one, always one” refers to the belief that once you are a Marine you will always be a Marine whether you are in for two years or 30 years. There is no such thing as an x-Marine.  Marines don’t kill because they think it’s fun, it’s a way of life and what they are trained to do.  They might have fun along the way.  Its needed to keep some kind of sanity when doing this job.  Marines never retreat.  They fight for what they believe in and are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  Not everyone understands this, including other military branches.  Marines will continue to protect their country and understand they will lose brothers while doing this.  They are brothers because they live, eat, and sleep together, even in times of peace.  They work together, they protect one another.  Marines do what needs to be done, what others are not even able to imagine.  Freedom isn’t free.  Many have given their life so others could live theirs. 

Some need to think twice about the ones who have died.  Some people don’t like what the military does, but they are doing what they have been instructed to do.  They don’t ask why,  they just do what they are told.  There is no time for questions when your life is on the line.      

 

 

 

I am a Marine

 

Author unknow

I am a Marine,

Born in 1775.
Through two centuries, I’ve fought the best;
And through two centuries, survived.
I’ve fought the British twice,
And two times I have won.
Because of me, there was a setting of the Empire’s sun.
I am a Marine.
And I’ve fought in many nations,
From Mexico’s Chapultepec, to China’s American Legation.
I was the Devil Dog, at bloody Belleau Wood.
My mastiff and I discerned between dog and man,
But the Germans never could.
I froze at Chosin Reservoir,
And burned in the Pacific sun;
Always, I was the first to fight
And last to leave when done.
I stood my ground at Khe Sanh,
Though afraid, I did not run;
Amazing – the miracles that can happen,
When Marines get behind a gun.
I have fought in every clime and place,
Whether cold or warm;
From balmy third-world nations to dusty desert storms.
With every Marine who goes beyond,
A little piece of me ends,
And with every boy who grows up green my life begins again.
I have fought here for people I love,
fought here and on foreign shores,
Fought every type of action and every type of war.
If my country calls on me, I will fight again,
For I am a Marine, and my duty never ends.
We say we’re always faithful,
And that always has been true.
And here’s a truth that some forget,
It always will be, too.
For when you say you are a Marine,
you’re saying more than most,
And when you say you are a Marine,
make sure it is not a boast.
For when you say you are a Marine,
you stand on those gone before.
It’s because of them and up to us,
that there’s honor in the Corps.
Yes, I am a Marine and that really says much more -
I am a Marine, I am timeless, I am the Corps.
Semper Fi

 

This poem is explaining that all Marines are one.  Since the beginning in 1775 when we were fighting for our independence, before there was even an America the Marines have proudly served.  Marines have always been there for this country. You are a Marine twenty four hours a day seven days a week.  They are the first to fight because they are rapid response force.  They are the last to leave to make sure everyone else gets out safely.  They fight everywhere in any country on any battlefield, in the air, on land, and sea.  They fight in the desert or the snow, and no matter where the battle might be, Marines never retreat.  They are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, so others can be free.  Semper Fi is the Marine Corps motto which means always faithful.  Marines fight with honor and are proud of it.  When saying you’re a Marine you are saying more than most because it is a great accomplishment.  Those who serve now represent those who have served before, and it’s up to those who serve now to uphold the honor of those who have served before us.  The Marine Corps will continue to serve as they have in the past.  Some things will change but the Corps Value’s will stay the same.  These are the rules that Marines live by.  A way of life.        

The Devil Dogs

John F. McCullagh

Through grain fields with bayonets fixed,

from Belleau Woods the Germans came.
The sixth Marines in shallow pits
unleashed a deadly metal rain.
The French collapsed upon the left
Their flank exposed by craven fear
The Marines held fast when urged to flee:
'Retreat? , Hell we just got here.'
By June the sixth, it fell to them 
to take a Hill to save the French.
A German company with machine guns
waited for them well entrenched.
With tactics from another war
Audacious yes, but not too clever
'Come on, you bastards' Dan Daly roared,
'Do you really want to live forever'
With casualties high, so many dead
The Marine Corps held the hill by night.
Counter attacks were fended off
some times with fists and K bar knife.
Now the cannon of both sides
rained steel where the combatants stood:
A once beautiful preserve of princes
was turned into a shattered wood.
Through mustard gas and cannon fire
The Marines advanced into the Wood.
Silenced machine guns and cut barbed wire
Till the enemy fled, this time for good.
Before the flag at Iwo flew,
Before the Canal's jungle squalor
Marines were nicknamed 'Devil Dogs'
by the Germans who admired valor.

 

This is a poem about how the name Devil dog was given to Marines.  It gives a lot of information on the actual battle almost like a history lesson.  Although what the Marines accomplished was very impressive this poem really doesn’t leave any room for the mind to think or wonder what else might have happened like most poems do.  I did enjoy reading this poem because it gives a lot of information that isn’t common knowledge.  There were two legends that fought in this battle and this poem tells us of both of them.  The first example is the line of an officer who was told by the French to Retreat then replied “Retreat?  Hell we just got here.”  The second example is Dan Daly, who was awarded the Medal of Honor twice.  It’s almost an impossible task to earn one Medal of Honor which is the highest award given in the military.  There is only one other Marine to do this same feat and earn the Medal of Honor twice.

 

Once a Marine

 

Straight and proudly they stand,

The bravest ever seen.
Loving country more than life,
The United States Marine.
They live the Marine Corps motto.
Just two words, “Semper Fi”,
Meaning always faithful
Even if it means to die.
No matter when their service,
In a time of peace or war,
“Once a marine, always a marine.”
Comrades forevermore.
Protectors of our freedom,
America’s fighting machine.
The proud, the few, the respected.
The United States Marine.

 

The title of this poem is referring to once a Marine always a Marine.  The poem represent freedom, and an individual’s commitment to their country.  It’s not just a commintment to their country but a commitment the individual to themselves.  It represents courage and honor.  It symbolizes friendships and the relationships those who serve in the Marine Corps.

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Marine Corps Web Log "I am a Marine". 1 October 2009. web. 1 August 2014.

Marine.mil "Marines' Hymn". n.d. web. 1 August 2014A.

McCullagh, John F. Poemhunter"The Devil Dog". n.d. web. 1 August 2014.

Olivarez, Juan. PoemHunter "Devil Dog". 6 August 2010. web. 1 August 2014.

Rupertus, Maj Gen WH. The Wondering Minstrels "My Rifle". 1941. web. 1 August 2014.

Tranmer, Ron. Ron Tranmer Poetry "Once a Marine". n.d. web. 1 August 2014.

Wheeler, David M. Sgt Grit "Devil Dog". n.d. web. 1 August 2014.

Wolke, Ryan. scrapbook "United States Marine Corps". n.d. web. 1 August 2014 .