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Today in the US marks the 245th Birthday of the USMC. Founded out of Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA during the Revolution. And to go through it’s entire history in one post is just too much. So instead I’ll focus a bit on its involvement during the Civil War.
Although at this time in its life. It was severely neglected, undermanned, and quite honesty very confusing for people. But it still played a vital role in helping the Union war machine secure a victory.
Union Marines along with their NCO in Washington Boat Yard, 1864
Their real presence lasted with guard duty along the many forts still belonging to the Union as other Federal troops fought along the other battles in the south. Although 328 Marines did see action at the Battle of First Bull Run, under the command of then Major John F. Reynolds (the same Reynolds who was killed on the first day of Gettysburg.) And they were have said to have shown extreme valor and courage during the fight. Although they were routed with the rest of Union forces in the afternoon. And this would be one of the only major ground battles they would take part in.
But perhaps the most stunning example was the Battle of Hampton Roads. The very first clash of Ironclad Vessels in Naval Warfare history.
Artist depiction of the USS-Moniter up against the CSS-Merrimack
Originally the Battle was the USS-Cumberland up against the CSS-Merrimack. But the Cumberland was sank from a head on ram by the Merrimack. But the Marines on the other hand were also helpful. Manning the cannons on many other wooden ships. And also manning the guns on the Cumberland before she was sank.
Although the most important part they took part in during the war was the capture of New Orleans. Effectively halting a large chunk of Confederate supply. And quite honestly the most badass part of this all was during a exchange with two gunships. Although I couldn’t find any names of the ships. These two gunships, one Confederate and Union. Collided with one another. With caused the Union Marines to hop on over, fix bayonets. And FUCKING STAB the Confederate sailors THROUGH THE FUCKING PORTHOLES of the ship.
The Battle of Drewry’s Bluff in 1862 saw the first instance in USMC history of the Medal of Honor recipient.
Corporal John F. Mackie aboard the USS-Galena was the man in question. And during the Battle when his ship came under heavy Confederate fire from the shore. They knocked out a important gun on the ship. Which John proceeded to not only help but also led the gun crew when he got it back into operation.
Artists work of the Corporal in pussy melting action
And finally. It wouldn’t be the Marines if they didn’t help put the final nail in the coffin for the Confederacy. So in January of 1865. A Naval Brigade of 400 sailors and Marines assaulted Fort Fisher. Which held open the port in Wilmington, North Carolina. The final major port in the war. And although they were beaten back. It served as a distraction to allow the Army to launch its own attack, which saw the fort fall thanks to the sacrifice of the Marines and Sailors. And it was thanks to this that the surrender of Lee came only a few months later. Ending the war.
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