Top 10 List for Marines

10 Things Every Marine Should See or Do - Every Marine shares a common bond with the Marine Corps and with each other. Although we share common bonds, every Marine has different experiences. Depending how long we served, where we were stationed, our MOS etc. each of us had experiences that afforded us the opportunity to see and do things that other Marines just never got to experience. Likewise, there are things we just never got to do. I’ve seen 20 parades at Marine Barracks, 8^th & I, but I’ve never been to Iwo Jima.

Below is a Marines List, a “Bucket List”, a Marine top ten, based on our common bond and heritage that I believe every Marine should attempt to accomplish at some point in their lives. Granted it isn’t easy to get to Guadalcanal, but if you are afforded the opportunity – don’t blow it off!

As every Marine knows, General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller was the most decorated Marine in Marine Corps History. A legend and true icon to all Marines, he received the nations second highest award for heroism six times (5 Navy Crosses and 1 Army Distinguished Cross).

General Puller was born in West Point Virginia and is buried in the Christ Church Cemetery near his last home in Saluda Virginia. He and his wife were married at Christ Church Parish in 1937.

General Puller choose Saluda to live when he retired in 1955. Some faithful Marines would make the trek to visit Chesty in Saluda until his death in 1971. Saluda is approximately 2 hours south of Quantico near Yorktown/Williamsburg. Hundreds of Marines visit this grave every year.

Every Marine knows Tun Tavern in Philadelphia is the birth place of the Marine Corps. On 10 Nov, 1775 the 1st Continental Congress commissioned the taverns proprietor, Robert Mullan to raise two Battalions of Marines for serve under Capt. Samuel Nicholas, the 1st Commandant of the Marine Corps. Mullen became the first Marine Corps Recruiter and theTavern became the 1st Recruiting Station. Talk about great recruiting duty (in a bar).

Tun Tavern no longer exists, having burned down in 1781, but a historical marker exists on Front St., between Chestnut & Walnut, in Philadelphia. LNG:-75.1426, LAT: 39.94725. It reads “Near here stood Tun Tavern, 1693-1781, which is regarded as the traditional birthplace of the United States Marine Corps, authorized by a resolution of the Continental Congress, November 10, 1775. SEMPER FIDELIS”

The National Museum of the Marine Corps, located just outside the main gate of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia opened on 10 November 2006. It is now the number one tourist attraction in the State of Virginia attracting over 500,000 visitors each year. It offers a unique view of American History through the eyes of United States Marines (that means me and you Marine).

Exhibits include Marine Corps World Wars I & II, Korea and Vietnam. There are also exhibits covering more recent operations. Visitors can experience what it was like to cross the wheat fields of Belleau Wood or to land on the volcanic ash beaches of Iwo Jima through full immersion experience. Marine volunteers, some who participated in the campaigns, guide visitors through the exhibits. The Museum includes a theater, restaurant, bar and gift shop. It is a must see for every Marine at least once in their life time.



National Museum of the Marine Corps
18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Triangle, VA 22172
1.877.635.1775


The location for the barracks was selected by President Thomas Jefferson and the 2nd Commandant LtCol. William Ward Burrows in 1801, because it was within easy marching distance of the Navy Yard and Capitol. Marine Barracks Washington, located on the corners of 8th & I streets, is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. When the British burned Washington during the War of 1812 they captured the barracks, but refrained from burning the barracks and Commandant’s house.

Marine Barracks has been the residence of the Commandant since 1806. It is also home to the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the President’s Own –Marine Band and the Commandant’s Own – the Drum and Bugle Corps.

Every summer (May through August) the Barracks hosts “The Evening Parade”.

According their website, “A one hour and fifteen minute performance of music and precision marching, the Evening Parade features "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington.”

“The ceremony starts at 8:45 p.m., beginning with a concert by the United States Marine Band. The Evening Parade, held every Friday evening during the summer, has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline, and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines.”

Contact the Protocol Office at (202) 433-4073 for questions, ticketing or reservations.

Another must for every Marine!

Located in Arlington Virginia just outside Arlignton National Cemetery. Formally known as the Marine Corps War Memorial, it is dedicated to all United States Marines who have died in defense of our country since 1775.

Designed by Felix de Weldon from Joe Rosenthal’s famous photo, the massive sculpture features the Marines and Sailor who raised the second American Flag on Iwo Jima. Dedicated by President Eisenhower on November 10^th, 1954, the location and date of every major Marine Corps engagement are inscribed on the memorial.

The Iwo Jima Memorial’s two inscriptions read:

"In honor and memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since 10 November 1775"

"Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue."

Marine Barracks Washington conducts weekly (usually Tuesdays) Sunset Parades featuring the Silent Drill Platoon and Drum and Bugle Corps at the War Memorial every summer. Tickets are not required, but you should contact the Marine Barracks Protocol Officer for more information at (202) 433-4073.

In its own way, The Globe & Laurel Restaurant (and Pub) is as close to Tun Tavern and you’ll ever get. It was opened in 1968 by Major Rick Spooner USMC (Ret) and his wife Gloria as what he called “a pub for professional Marines”. Originally located in Quantico Town, inside Marine Corps Base Quantico, it is currently located on Jefferson Davis Highway less than a mile from the base back gate.

A three war Marine, Major Spooner fought on Saipan and Okinawa as an enlisted Marine during World War II. Attaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant between wars. He next served with the 1^st Marine Air Wing during the Korean War. Major Spooner served as an adviser to the South Vietnamese Police during the Vietnam War. He was medically retired from the Marine Corps in 1972.

Located just three miles south of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the contents of the Globe and Laurel are a historical exhibition all by themselves. From wall to wall you’ll see artifacts dating from the Civil War through the 20^th Century. All the Law Enforcement, Police and military memorabilia create an ambiance that bellows Esprit de Corps! If you are a Marine, or Law Enforcement Officer of any generation you will feel right at home.

A visit with Major Spooner at the Globe & Laurel is great way to finish off a day at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

The Globe and Laurel | 3987 Jefferson Davis Hwy | Stafford, VA 22554 | 703-221-5763

The battle for Wake Island began the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 8^th, 1941. 449 Officers and Marines of the 1^st Defense Battalion, 68 Naval personnel and approximately 1200 civilian workers were on Wake when 27 Japanese bombers attacked. The attack destroyed all but four of the Marine F4F fighters. Led by LtCol. James Devereux the defense battalion, augmented by civilian volunteers, repelled several Japanese amphibious assaults between 11and 23 December.

With no prospect of reinforcement, Wake Island fell to the Japanese on 23 December, 1941. Japanese casualties were estimated at between 700-1000 killed. They lost 2 destroyers, one submarine and 24 aircraft. American losses were 52 Marine and Navy and approximately 70 civilians killed. Most of the captured Americans were sent to POW camps in Asia.

Captain Henry Elrod, a Marine VMF-211 pilot, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for sinking a destroyer, shooting down 2 Japanese Zeros and later continuing to fight on foot.

Wake Island is an unorganized U.S. Territory with only members of the U.S. Military and civilian contractors on the island. Commercial air service has been discontinued as there are no permanent residents. The island is generally not open to visitors. Unless you are on a military mission, or happen to be on a military flight that refuels there, the only way to visit is to get on a scheduled day trip from Guam with Military Historical Tours. (703) 212-0695

Perhaps no Battle in Marine Corps history is more visible in today's Marine Corps than Battle of Belleau Wood. The term "Devil Dog", still used by Marines, comes directly from the German phrase "Teufel Hunden". The Marines fought so fiercely, they were like "Dogs from Hell" to their German enemy. In addition to their tenacity, the Germans praised Marines for “remarkable marksmanship” in their reports. The French Government awarded the 4^th Marine Brigade the Corix de guerre for their actions at Belleau Wood. Today Marines serving in the 5^th and 6^th Marine Regiments are authorized to wear the French Fourragere, the unit decoration for the Corix de guerre, in direct recognition of the Marines who fought at Belleau Wood during World War I throughout June of 1918.

The 6^th of June advance by 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marines and 3^rd Battalion, 6^th Marines through the wheat field is legendary. With the highest casualty rate up to that day in Marine Corps history, the Marines broke through establishing a foothold. Almost 1100 Marines were killed or wounded. Marines were in close, fighting hand-to-hand with the Germans. Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly’s famous quote “Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever” drove his Marines forward.

Pershing later said that the battle of Belleau Wood was the most significant U.S. battle since Appomattox and that the it was “the most considerable engagement American troops had ever had with a foreign enemy.”

The American Aisne-Marne Cemetery and Memorial. Belleau Wood Cemetery is on the outskirts of small village of Belleau France. The remains of 2,289 Americans who fought in the area during the summer of 1918 rest there. Belleau Wood is adjacent to the cemetery. The Belleau Wood Cemetery is open daily except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Marines can find directions on the American Battle Monuments Commission website.

Mention Manila John Basilone, Mitchell Paige, AA Vandergrift, Edson’s Ridge, Henderson Field to a Marine and their response with be - Guadalcanal. The 1^st significant offense action of World War II occurred on 7 August 1942 when the 1^st Marine Division, led by General AA Vandergrift landed in the Solomon Islands.

Platoon Sergeant Mitchell Paige was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions on 26 October, 1942 as a machine gun section leader. After all his men had been killed or wounded, Paige held the line alone against continuous Japanese attacks. He moved from gun to gun, never stopping his defense against advancing Japanese unit reinforcements arrived.

During the battle of Henderson field during Oct, 1942, Sergeant "Manila John" Basilone, a machine gun section leader, fought continuously for two days against hordes of Japanese attackers keeping his guns in action. He moved to continually to man, repair, replace and resupply his guns to keep them in action against the Japanese. When his unit was cut off, he fought through enemy forces to resupply his Marines with badly needed ammunition.

Today Guadalcanal is known as a top diving spot, with clear water and a rich array of wildlife, as well as shipwrecks to explore. Visitors also come to Guadalcanal to explore battle sites and museums and take in the culture of the island at traditional performances.

Henderson International Airport (Henderson Field) - Solomon Airlines flies into this airport from cities around the South Pacific, including Brisbane, Australia, Auckland, New Zealand, and Nadi, Fiji. Solomon Airlines also serves several Asian cities, including Bangkok, Thailand, Bombay, India, and Jakarta, Indonesia. More information about comerical travel can be found on www.Guadalcanal.com.

Marines may also want to contact Military Historical Tours for organized battlefield tours. (703) 212-0695

Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi became the most well-known picture and image from WWII. Approximately 650 NM south of Tokyo, Japanese air fields were critical to allied victory in the pacific as they could be used for the impending invasion of Japan. It was the first attack on "Japanese" soil. Iwo Jima is considered Hallowed Ground by every Marine.

D-Day occurred on February 19, 1945 when Marines began landing. Some 21,000 Japanese defenders were hidden in approximately 11 miles of underground tunnels and bunkers. Only 1,083 were taken prisoner in some of the fiercest fighting of the war. There were 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 killed in action.

During the 36 day battle, 27 Medals of Honor (28% of the 82 Medals awarded to Marines during WWII) were awarded to Marines and Sailors. 13 were awarded posthumously. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, Medal of Honor recipient from Guadalcanal, was killed in action. He received the Navy Cross posthumously.

Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz said "By their victory, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans serving on Iwo Island, Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue."

Today, the Japanese Self Defense Force operates a Naval Air Base on the island. Civilian access is restricted to those attending memorial services for fallen U.S. and Japanese personnel. Other than military personnel there is no civilian population. Marines may want to contact Military Historical Tours for organized battlefield tours. (703) 212-0695