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February 23, 2008
OOOHRAH! Semper Fi! Carry On!
This is the squadron patch Alex Raymond designed for the Marines in May 1945. He blended images of a masked (pilot's goggles) Flash Gordon style warrior; the Marine Corps emblem; red and white uniform with a field of blue stars; the warrior with wings (probably representing the air crew); the sword as a lightning bolt (representing perhaps aircraft which strike from above) and standing on an aircraft rocket. The squadron adopted the new name 'The Rocket Raiders'. It was listed as one of the best-designed squadron patches of World War 2.
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"U.S. Marines are the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever witnessed. They treat service as if it was some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths, worshipping their Commandant almost as if he was a god, and making weird animal noises like a gang of savages.
They'll fight like rabid dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are the cockiest s-o-b's I have ever known. Most have the foulest mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits, but their high spirits and sense of brotherhood set them apart. Generally speaking, the United States Marines I've come in contact with, are the most professional soldiers and the finest men and women I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a secondhand opinion. All militaries harden their recruits, instill the basics, and bend young men to their will. But the Marine Corps provides its members with a secret weapon. It gives them the unique culture of pride that makes the Marines the world's premier warrior force.
The Navy has its ships, the Air Force has its planes, the Army its detailed doctrine, but 'culture', the values and assumptions that shape its members is all the Marines have. They call this culture, Esprit de Corps.
Alone among the U.S. military services, the Marines have bestowed their name on their enlisted ranks. The Army has Army Officers and soldiers, the Navy has Naval officers and sailors, the Air Force has Air Force Officers and airmen---- but the Marines have only Marines."
General William Thornson, US Army
Wild Thing's comment...........
Thank you Marines from this Navy Vet wife. I see where the left is continuing there attacks and protests at the Marine Corps Recruiting Centers in various places. It breaks my heart to see this happening. I wanted to find something that we seldom see patches from past wars that were used by the Marine Corps. I thought the one above was very special.
...Thank you Bob for sending this to me.
Posted by Wild Thing at February 23, 2008 01:45 AM
Comments
WT, let 'em have their day. In the end, on this Earth, we WILL have our day. "Vengence is mine", sayeth the Marine Corps.
And in the final day, "the streets of heaven are guarded by U. S. Marines"...one guess what we will do with ALL "freaks".
Posted by: SSgt Steve, Republic of Texas Marines at February 23, 2008 06:02 AM
In the US Luftwaffe we had a similar patch, but in the right hand was a bottle of Crown Royal, on the shield was a $ sign, and in latin read $EMPER PER DIEM.
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at February 23, 2008 06:23 AM
On June 8, 1969, I was traveling with mostly Marines for R&R, after a Pan AM inflight mechanical problem delay, we were arrested and put under house arrest on Guam by the AP's at Anderson AFB, the charge, "we frightened the civilians by our presence". We were held overnight until that freedom bird was repaired and we moved on. Four quotes come to mind that aptly describe the Marines.
"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!"
~Eleanor Roosevelt, 1945
"We're surrounded. That simplifies the problem."
- Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. Marines don't have that problem." President Ronald Reagan, 1983.
"Never suppose that in any possible situation, or under any circumstances, it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing..." --Thomas Jefferson
It has been an honor for this soldier to have served amongst you, thanks Marines. Semper Fidelis
Good night, Chesty, wherever you are.
Posted by: Jack at February 23, 2008 10:11 AM
SSgt Steve, giggle I love the quotes.
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 23, 2008 06:13 PM
Darth, Hahahahahaha
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 23, 2008 06:17 PM
Jack, oh my gosh...."we frightened the civilians by our presence". I would have been cheering you on not frightened at all.
I love those quotes Jack, thank you so much.
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 23, 2008 06:20 PM
The wonderful love of a beautiful maid,
The love of a staunch true man,
The love of a baby, unafraid,
Have existed since time began.
But the greatest of loves, The quintessence of loves.
even greater than that of a mother,
Is the tender, passionate, infinite love,
of one drunken Marine for another.
"Semper Fidelis"
General Louis H. Wilson
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Toast given at 203rd Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Camp Lejueune, N.C. 1978
Posted by: Mark at February 24, 2008 07:20 PM
