Ensures that a Marine regiment is on board the first convoy to leave for France. During World War I, two Marine Brigades show great heroism at Belleau Wood and Soissons. Under Lejeune's direction, Quantico becomes a center of doctrinal thought and education. The Marine Corps Institute is established at Quantico, centralizing all officer training. Establishes expeditionary forces on each coast which deploy to Haiti, Santo Domingo, Cuba, China and Nicaragua.
Marines employ the first use of aviation in tactical support of ground forces in Nicaragua.
Prior to his official appointment Fuller serves as Assistant Commandant to both Lejeune and Neville. Development of the FMF continues as Navy-Marine training exercises develop and refine amphibious doctrine and capabilities. Tentative Landing Operations Manual published with substantial innovation by officer students at Quantico. Holcomb oversees Corps' preparation for war in the Pacific and development of a balanced combined arms force of 350,000 by 1943. Marines win decisive battles at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Bougainville.