Marine Corps Quotes
“I can never again see a UNITED STATES MARINE without experiencing a feeling of reverence.” GEN. JOHNSON, U.S. ARMY
“There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and those who have met them in battle. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion.” Unknown
“Uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
“Panic sweeps my men when they are facing the AMERICAN MARINES.”
CAPTURED NORTH KOREAN MAJOR
“The MARINES have landed and have the situation well in hand!”
RICHARD HARDING DAVIS
If I had one more division like this First Marine Division I could win this war.
General of the Armies Douglas McArthur in Korea,
overheard and reported by Marine Staff Sergeant Bill Houghton, Weapons/2/5
Do not attack the First Marine Division. Leave the yellowlegs alone. Strike the American Army. Orders given to Communist troops in the Korean War;
shortly afterward, the Marines were ordered to not wear their khaki leggings.
The Marine Corps is the Navy’s police force and as long as I am President that is what it will remain. They have a propaganda machine that is almost equal to Stalin’s.
Harry S. Truman
“The deadliest weapon in the world is a MARINE and his rifle!”
GEN. PERSHING, US.ARMY
“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” GEORGE ORWELL
“A ship without MARINES is like a garment without buttons.” ADM. DAVID PORTER, USN
“The more Marines I have around, the better I like it.”
General Clark, U.S. Army
“No one can say that the Marines have failed to do their work in handsome fashion.”
Major General Hagood, U.S. Army
“There is no military body in our country of higher efficiency than the Marine Corps.
They take great pride in their profession. They never let things slack a bit.”
Rear Admiral C.M. Wilslow, U.S. Navy
“They’re on our right, they’re on our left, they’re in front of us, they’re behind us;
they can’t get away from us this time.”
Chesty Puller, USMC, Chosin Reservoir, Korean War
Old breed? New breed? There’s not a damn bit of difference so long as it’s the Marine breed. Chesty Puller, USMC
“Marine Corps integrity is doing that thing which is right, when no one is looking”
Col. Colin Lampard, USMC
Every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary
General A. M. Gray, USMC
Ensure that no Marine who honorably wore the eagle, globe and anchor is lost to the Marine Corps family. General James L. Jones Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps
“They (Marines) have given us our only real fight.” Commanding Officer of the British, War 0f 1812
“The American Marines are terribly reckless fellows… they would make very good storm troopers.” Unidentified German officer at Belleau Wood
The US Air Force Chief-of-Staff would never be called — Airman
The Chief-of-Naval Operations would never be called — Sailor
The Commanding General of The US Army would never be called — Soldier
BUT the Commandant of the Marine Corps would be proud to be called a –
United States Marine
“Marines know how to use their bayonets. Army bayonets may as well be paper-weights.” Navy Times; November 1994
“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
“We are United States Marines, and for two and a quarter centuries we have defined the standards of courage, esprit, and military prowess.” Gen. James L. Jones, USMC
“My only answer as to why the Marines get the toughest jobs is because the average Leatherneck is a much better fighter. He has far more guts, courage, and better officers… These boys out here have a pride in the Marine Corps and will fight to the end no matter what the cost.” 2nd Lt. Richard C. Kennard, Peleliu, World War II
“It’s a funny thing, but, as years go by, I think you appreciate more and more what a great thing it was to be a United States Marine… People will tell me what a shame it was I had to go back into the service a second time, but I’m kinda glad I did.. Besides, I am a U.S. Marine and I’ll be one till I die.” Ted Williams







Since I was five I have wanted to be a marine. I was recently confronted by a marine corps recruiter and at the age of fourteen they attempted to recruit me. With a smile from ear to ear I said sir as soon as I can I’m joining the corps. I can’t wait for the island.
Semper Fi
God bless the united states marines
I graduated high school 2 years ago, and planned on joining the USMC. I told my dad and he freaked out because I’m his only daughter and since I’m a girl, he said that I wouldn’t be able to handle it. Now, I’m 21 and I want to join even more. I tried to go to college and focus on something else, but it’s not working. Joining the Marines is the only thing that I want to do with my life. I know that it’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I know that it’s going to be worth it. I am pretty nervous about basic training because I am kinda shy, but this is what I really want. If anyone has any advice or anything about being joining and being in, that would be greatly appreciated!
I’ve always been proud of being a Marine. I won’t hesitate to defend the Corps. 1984-1988
Marines are not light, medium, or heavy infantry…we are simply amphibious…..Semper Fi
To: Courtney Harris
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
I fully understand your father’s concerns. We (parents, individuals) make decisions based on what we feel is best for us. But when we have children, we wish to protect them (and ourselves, actually) from pain (pain of the heart as parents.)
I joined the Marine Corps in 1968 after graduation from High School to do my fair share in Vietnam. I envisioned that I would become one of those images we saw on TV every night back then; Marines walking through rice paddies, taking fire and returning fire. Instead, the Commandant sent me to Paris, France. Go figure. There’s more to the story than that but the point is, you can never be sure where you’ll wind up in the Corps. I entered a Private and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (W3) in 1991 shortly after returning from Solid Shield, Gulf War. Oh, I did get to Vietnam but had to use a “back-door” method to get there.
Best of luck and Semper Fidelis.
Semper Fi DO or Die !!
Semper fi
“There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion.” Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army
Just helping you guys update your information
Semper Fidelis
i’ve been in for almost a year and so far i love the corps.
@courtney: it will be difficult but i know a few marines who are female that are probably harder than i am, you will do fine in boot camp, the main thing to remember is never to do more or less than what you’re told because they always have a jacked up way of doing things. also:when in doubt shout it out, if you’re ever over by camp lejune within the next few months feel free to hit me up. my first names nathan
i am proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps. it has been the best experience of my life, and i will proudly take up arms whenever the call to duty arises. Semper fi
I SPENT JUST OVER 3 YEARS IN MY BELOVED CORPS BEFORE I WAS INJURED AND HAD TO GET A MEDICAL DISCHARGE. I WOULD GLADLY DO IT ALL AGAIN. JUST 3 THINGS TO HELP YOU OUT. FIRST REMEMBER HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS HAVE DONE THIS BEFORE YOU. SECOND SOME ADVISE FROM MY FATHER (ALSO A MARINE) WHILE I WAS IN BOOT CAMP. YOU MAY KNOW THE SAYING IF THEY SAY JUMP YOU SAY HOW HIGH. MY FATHERS WAS IF THEY SAY JUMP YOU JUMP AND STAY IN THE AIR TILL THEY TELL YOU TO COME DOWN. AND THE LAST THING EGO’S ARE LIKE YOUR CIVILIAN CLOTHES PUT IT IN STORAGE WHILE IN BOOT CAMP BECAUSE I GUARANTEE YOU YOUR DRILL INSTRUCTORS IS BIGGER AND THERE IS MORE OF THEM TO BACK IT UP.
These quotes are quite incredible. I ship out for Boot Camp on November 7th and absolutely could not be more excited. As a 17 year old female just out of high school i know this road is going to be full of trials and hardships (to say the least) but i know i have an incredible support team behind me all the way. I can’t wait until i step onto those yellow footprints and absolutely cannot wait until i graduate and earn the title U.S. MARINE!!!!
Semper Fi
Poole Crowder
My uncle is marine, active during the days of the Vietnam war. First lieutenant, I couldn’t be any prouder to call myself his nephew. SEMPER FI
All I can say is GOD BLESS AMERICA and and the United State’s Marine Corp’s! I am currently 16 year’s old and will be enlisting to be a Marine next year on my 17th birthday, hell of a birthday present get to sign off as a Marine I can’t wait it is going to be great. I am in my High school’s MCJROTC program and it is awesome I love it it’s the only class I walk into actually fully prepared and smiling from ear to ear lol, I can’t wait to have the title of U.S Marine. Anyone who can or is willing to give me any helpful advice of what I should expect I would appreciate the help you can add me on Facebook my name is Deven Dunseith. Or email me at…,, Devenjolley@yahoo.com. Thank’s, Semper Fi!
My boyfriend recently left for the Island the day after we graduated highschool. I’ve never seen him so happy. I couldn’t even be sad when i hugged him goodbye because he was so excited. Im so proud of him. The Marine Corps is a big family I am proud to be apart of. You all are amazing people.
@ Courtney,
my best advice to you would to do what you know is right, what feels right! Im enlisting myself now in August,i’ve been working on my paperwork since April, im only 18 && fresh out of high school but like you its all ive ever wanted! I am currently attending PT @ my recruiting station && its amazing!! it gives me a small taste of the real thing && I get to compete w/the boys! There are very few Marines, but there are even fewer Female Marines! Your father may not be to excepting at first, i know mine wasnt, but in the end he’ll be extremely proud of you && your decision! So good luck && hopefully you’ll also decide to join!
Ill say this there will be nothing you will be prouder of than earning the title no better friends that you will make, and experience that only the Marine Corps can give you Remember this life is about making decisions and i can promise even getting injured in the Marine Corps you will never be just another person you will always be a Marine till the end of time nothing else in the world can say that everything else is i used to be this or used to be that but a Marine isnt just for the time served your names will be somewhere in history until there is no more world
all i can say is “SEMPER FI”,,thank you for the quotes
@ courtney,
i went into the corps in 1990 just outta high school, 20 years ago. boot camp was awful at first. i was scared and alone, but 3 months later i was a US MARINE. i served in the gulf war. being a marine is the best thing in my life. i married a marine. my kids want to be a marine. my best friend just outta boot camp (yeah hes a bit younger than me). being a female marine has been the best thing in my entire life. nothing (except my son) has ever compared to it. go for it. dont give up.
Peace is nothing more than a sick joke. Man will fight to kill each other till the end of time. It is put in stone by the laws of life that in order to live another must die. Thats why we Marines are here, to make sure that we live, and the rest die.
-Forrest B. Knox
I just got out of mos school and havent even been in a year and also i am a reservist in Indiana. But i coudlnt be happier for joining the corps and everyone i know couldnt have more respect for me joining. It is the greatest feeling you will ever have when your drill instructors place that Eagle, Globe, and Anchor in your hand after the crucible. These quotes are what motivated me through training and still motivate me to assist those who are waiting to go to Boot Camp right now. OORAH, and SEMPER FIDELIS
The day I shipped out for MCRD San Diego my recruiter said to me “The only muscle it takes to be a Marine is heart.” I tell you today that no truer words have ever been spoken. I had to leave the Corps when I was found to have a heart defect that nearly killed me.
Well I’m hitting up the island in exactly 2 weeks from today and I can’t wait!! Highly motivated and ready to go and serve my country with the best fighting force known to man! Semper fi
GUNG HO! GUNG HO! GUNG HO!
Just returned from my second Afghan deployment. I love being a Marine. Semper Fi to all those that came before me, and welcome aboard to all those that come after.
I love reading these qoutes!!god knows I’ve read em 20x before but they are always inspiring to have the chance to part of such a respected brotherhood is truely exciting! I ship less than one week after I graduate high school and know it won’t be easy but I will make it out a U.S Marine!and somhow be connected the actions of men whose valor inspured theses above qoutes.that’s probably why I never botherd to walk into any other recruiting office.no other branch I feel commands such respect,tradition, and fighting spirit as does the United States Marine Corps.that being said I’m a realist and like my recruiter said “shits gonna suck at times,but there’s those moments that make you love being a Marine,you can’t get that anywere else. .and that is why I can never do that shit(be a civilian”
SEMPER FI ..Very proud to serve my country and have the title of a US MARINE till the day I die ..The Few ,The Proud , The Marine’S
My oldest son graduates from boot in a week I can’t begin to explain how proud of him i am. A month later my number two son will graduate from boot and my number three son wants to join as soon as he finishes out school. I am looking foreword to going to watch them on the paraded deck. Im so proud they made this decision to become united states marines. I know thay have a new family now that will watch over them and protect them as they do the same. Marines you are in are prays always. Semper Fi.
@courtney and others…My son is three weeks into boot camp and I am bursting with pride at his decision. Being a Marine is the only thing he wanted to do out of high school, and I can tell that as tough as boot camp is, he is in his zone. I envy that he’s barely 18 and so content in the decision he made about his future. I feel as if I’ve gained a brand new group of family members, and it’s a wonderful feeling.
Semper Fi.
Advice to all Poole’s and other Future Marines. It’s not a game. It is a way of life! Get ready. Your Drill Instructors will stomp a mud hole in you and walk it dry! They are the toughest SOB’s on the planet! However you must remember they were in the same place your are right now. So have that inward smile knowing they went through the same hell that you are about to undertake.
SEMPER FI
Sgt. Danny Faircloth
I enlisted in 1977 the best move I ever made at the age of 21 and now my daughter wants to join at the age of 23. To all those young men and women who really don’t know what they want to do in life take that step…. Oooohray… Semper Fidelis
I’ve been in for 2 years, been on 2 MEU’s and Im in Afghan right now. Love the Corps and love these quotes. Rah!
For those came before and the ones who will serve proudly after. I am honored to have served as a Marine and respect those who have fulfilled the duty to protect, and honor the United States Marine Corps. Happy Birthday Marines! – Cheers! May your sacrifice be never forgotten!
I entered the Corps in 1964 and was discharged in 1970. To those questioning whether or not to join,dont let others influence your decision. It is a decision that will change your life forever -for the better. There is no downside to being a marine. I will always have unfaltering loyalty to the Corps. Semper Fi.
I leave for boot camp in July. I cannot wait I am completely motivated these quotes make me want the title that much more. My favorite quote is by General James Mattis “I come in peace. I did not bring artillery, but I’m pleading with you with tears in my eyes: if you fuck with me I’ll kill you all. He said that to the iraqis. 236 years of tradition. Semper Fidelis.
As I look back at my life now, I often think what it would be like to still be in the Corps. I did 4 yrs from 92-96. I would have over 19 years in at this time and close to retiring. My dad was a Marine in Vietnam. My mom kept his uniforms in their closet and I recall putting on my pops Alphas and playing outside when I was around three or four. I always knew I was going to be a Marine someday just like my him. Every Marine has a reason to join the Corps! Mine was to be like my father. Even though my dad didn’t ever talk about the war to me, I still heard stories from other relatives. Being a Marine made my dad what he was then and what he still is today. I have lived in my fathers footsteps and I will never regret the path I took in life, well maybe only regret was not retiring from the Corps. However, the Marine Corps is not for everyone. I would not just recommend anyone to join. I actually inspired some young people to join other branches of service. Marin Corps Basic Training is the most physically and mentally demanding experiences that one will most likely every go through in life. That said,all Marines have been done it. Once a Marine has earned that title, they become part of family like no other!!!
Oooorah!
Semper Fi!
it is a GREAT honor to have my only bby brother be a US MARINE! god bless all the United States Marines! vets active & inactive duty! honorably discharged! my prayers & heart are w/ you all!!!