Captain Samuel Nicholas was given orders by Congress on this date in 1775 to form two battalions of Continental Marines.
During the Civil War, the USMC played a very moderate role, primarily serving aboard blockade ships. About half of the officer corps resigned and started the Confederate States Marine Corps.
A battalion of land-based Marines was quickly formed and participated poorly at the First Battle of Bull Run, running away with the rest of the Army.
Quite a few Marines participated in the Naval Column's attack on Fort Fisher in 1865. This force was forced to withdraw under very fire.
Like I Said, Ooh-Rah!! --Cooter
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