The United States Marines
Subtitle: a history
By: Edwin Howard Simmons ; maps by Charles H. Waterhouse.
Edition: 4th ed.
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Published: 2003
Place of publication: Annapolis, Md
Language: eng
Number of pages: 405
Subjects: United States. Marine Corps -- History
Description: Since its somewhat confused beginnings in November 1775 when the Second Continental Congress almost absentmindedly authorized two battalions of American marines, the U.S. Marine Corps has participated in all the nation's wars from the American Revolution through Desert Storm. This compact yet complete study focuses on the big wars but never slights events in between: the little wars, campaigns, punitive expeditions, showings of the flag, protection of American lives and property, and humanitarian missions that help define the corps. Nor does the author neglect the intermittent but never-ending fight for the corps's survival at home where it faces periodic challenges from Army, Navy, Air Force, and on occasion, unfriendly presidents. This third edition brings the popular and accessible history fully up to date. Because the previous edition left off at 1975, new chapters have been added to cover the tumultuous events of the last quarter-century, including Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Haiti. Other chapters have been revised in light of new scholarship.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [371]-379) and index.
Table of contents: title: 1775-1785: To serve to advantage by sea; title: 1798-1811: To be called the Marine Corps; title: 1812-1815: "Shall I board her, Sir?"; title: 1816-1844: Insult to the flag reveng'd; title: 1845-1859: To the halls of the Montezumas; title: 1859-1865: This Negro question; title: 1865-1898: As a separate Corps be preserved; title: 1898-1902: Civilize 'em with a Krag!; title: 1899-1916: A pacific effect upon the oriental mind; title: 1917-1918: The whole nation has reason to be proud; title: 1917-1941: If attacked, shoot and shoot to kill; title: 1941-1944: From shipboard to small islands; title: 1943-1945: All organized resistance has ceased; title: 1946-1950: A very serious and urgent matter; title: 1950-1953: If I only had the 1st Marine Division; title: 1952-1965: A separate service, distinct and apart; title: 1965-1972: Battles would be fought and re-fought; title: 1972-1975: Getting back into the amphibious business; title: 1975-1989: As tough and ready as Marines have ever been; title: 1990-1991: Breaching the so-called impenetrable barrier; title: 1991-1998: A maritime nation; title: always was, always will be.