HAPPY 235th BIRTHDAY, DEVIL DOGS

The United States Marines were formed on this date in 1775:

Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.
Ordered, That a copy of the above be transmitted to the General.
November 10, 1775

My neighbor, Tim, is a proud Marine and if I ever went to battle I'd want that Devil Dog at my side. He told me the story of the start of the Devil Dog/Teufel Hunden during World War I and its a good one. According to tradition in the United States Marine Corps, the moniker was used by German soldiers to describe U.S. Marines who fought in the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918. The Marines fought with such ferocity that they were likened to "Dogs from Hell."

A real Devil Dog.

They march pretty and I've heard they fight reasonably well, too. Happy Birthday.

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Existing In BFE

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