Overview

Fully revised, this volume serves as the definitive history of the United States Marines, from their inception in 1775 through all major engagements in the World Wars, the Cold War, and into the wars in the Middle East in the twenty-first century. Conceived amidst uncertainty in November 1775, the United States Marine Corps has grown from a small group of Continental Marines into one of the most formidable military forces in the world. This fully revised fifth edition provides a comprehensive history of the Corps that spans 250 years, including two new chapters on twenty-first-century operations. From its first amphibious landing at New Providence, Bahamas, in 1776 to its most recent major conflicts in Afghanistan, this book captures the Corps' enduring legacy of excellence on the battlefield and its unique culture within the Department of the Navy. The authors focus on the major wars that have defined the Marine Corps, including the American Revolution, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the modern-day battles in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to these large-scale conflicts, the book explores smaller campaigns, punitive expeditions, humanitarian missions, and peacekeeping operations that have shaped the Corps' identity. It also examines the Corps' intermittent struggles for survival at home, where it has faced challenges from other branches of the military and occasionally from unfriendly presidents. Written by former Marines for current Marines, this edition is a ready reference for readers seeking to understand the operational and institutional history of the Marine Corps from its humble beginnings to its role as a vital force in modern warfare.

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9798899190438

Table of Contents

Reviews

“Brigadier General Simmons’s classic account needed an update, and Marine historian Charles Neimeyer was just the person to do it.  Neimeyer has enhanced the original work with new material, more historical context, more recent research, and helpful citations, ensuring that it will remain one of the most popular and reliable histories of the United States Marines.” — Col. Rod Andrew, USMCR (Ret.), professor of history, Clemson University, author of The Marines’ Fight for Survival: War, Politics, and Institutional Crisis, 1945-1952  “With the fifth version adding the Global War on Terror, this foundational classic continues to offer a timeless primer on the Marine Corps' history.” —Dr. Heather Venable, author of How the Few Became the Proud “In his conclusion to the 3rd Edition of The United States Marines: A History, legendary Marine and Historian BGen Edwin Simmons concludes with, ‘as the new century approached, it did not appear that the United States Marine Corps would be underemployed.’ Now the equally distinguished historian, Dr. Charlie Neimeyer, grabs the baton with this fresh, updated edition, exploring the human cost of the Corps’ extended commitments in Afghanistan and Iraq.  This timely book emphasizes the challenges of fighting while engaging with culturally different populations under duress and the indispensable role of positive leadership and tactical adaptation in these demanding campaigns.”— LtGen William J. Bowers, United States Marine Corps  “Simmons and Neimeyer present a comprehensive history that integrates major conflicts and institutional challenges into a coherent account of the Marine Corps’ development over nearly 250 years, demonstrating how operational experience and doctrinal innovation have continuously shaped the Marine Corps as a modern expeditionary force-in-readiness.” — Steven-Paul Lapid, USN (Ret.), DODReads, and author of Helm & Horizon: Daily Leadership Principles for the Motivated Sailor

“Brigadier General Simmons’s classic account needed an update, and Marine historian Charles Neimeyer was just the person to do it.  Neimeyer has enhanced the original work with new material, more historical context, more recent research, and helpful citations, ensuring that it will remain one of the most popular and reliable histories of the United States Marines.” — Col. Rod Andrew, USMCR (Ret.), professor of history, Clemson University, author of The Marines’ Fight for Survival: War, Politics, and Institutional Crisis, 1945-1952  “With the fifth version adding the Global War on Terror, this foundational classic continues to offer a timeless primer on the Marine Corps' history.” —Dr Heather Venable, author of How the Few Became the Proud

Author Information

Brig. Gen. Edwin Howard Simmons, USMC (Ret.), served in the Marine Corps for thirty-six years, from 1942 to 1978, and is a decorated veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He also served the Corps for seventeen years as a civilian, including many years as Director of Marine Corps History and Museums. Brigadier General Simmons passed away in May 2007. Lt. Col. Charles P. Neimeyer, USMC (Ret.), began his twenty-year active-duty service as a Marine Corps officer, having held roles in all three Marine Corps divisions. He served as a strategic plans officer at Headquarters Marine Corps and was part of the White House staff for Presidents George H. W. Bush and William J. Clinton. After retiring in 1996, he became a professor at the Naval War College and later served as Director of Marine Corps History from 2006 to 2018. Upon completion of federal service, he received the Department of the Navy's Distinguished Civilian Service Award and the Marine Corps University Foundation Chapman Medallion. He is the author of War in the Chesapeake and editor of On the Corps. He lives in Stafford, Virginia.

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