Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
1775 - CORRECT ANSWER - The Marine Corps was created on 10 November 1775 in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Tun Tavern by a resolution of the Continental Congress, which
"raised two battalions of Marines." Captain Samuel Nicholas became the commander of these
two battalions and is traditionally considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps.
1776 - CORRECT ANSWER - The first Marine landing took place during the
Revolutionary War. Marines invaded New Providence Island in the Bahamas and seized guns
and supplies. The uniform of the day had a stiff leather stock that was worn around the neck, thus
the nickname "Leatherneck".
1805 - CORRECT ANSWER - Marines stormed the Barbary pirates' stronghold at Burma
on the "Shores of Tripoli." Marines raised the "Stars and Stripes" for the first time in the Eastern
Hemisphere.
1834 - CORRECT ANSWER - Marines were organized under the Department of the Navy
1847 - CORRECT ANSWER - During the Mexican War, Marines occupied the "Halls of
Montezuma" during the Battle of Chapultepec in Mexico City. The royal palace fell to invading
Marines, who were among the first United States troops to enter the capital. Marines also helped
take California.
1859 - CORRECT ANSWER - John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry
1868 - CORRECT ANSWER - The Marine Corps adopted an emblem that consisted of an
eagle, a globe, and an anchor. Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, 7th Commandant, modified the
British (Royal) Marine emblem to depict the Marines as both American and maritime. The globe
and anchor signify worldwide service and sea traditions. The spread eagle is a symbol of the
Nation itself.
, 1883 - CORRECT ANSWER - The official motto of the Marine Corps, "Semper Fidelis,"
(Latin for "Always Faithful") was adopted. The phrase is more commonly heard as its
abbreviation, "Semper Fi".
1900 - CORRECT ANSWER - Marines from ships on the Asiatic station defended the
American Legation in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion.
1912 - CORRECT ANSWER - The Marine Corps established its Aviation Unit. Marine
Major, Alfred A. Cunningham was the first pilot. His first solo flight (1stLt at the time) occurred
on 1 August 1912.
1917 - CORRECT ANSWER - Marines landed as part of the American force in France.
Marines, participating in eight distinct operations, distinguished themselves and were awarded a
number of decorations, among them the French Fourragere still worn by members of the 5th and
6th Marines.
1933 - CORRECT ANSWER - The Marine Corps was reorganized into the Fleet Marine
Force, formally establishing the "command and administrative relations" between the Fleet and
the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Equipment Board was established at Quantico, Virginia,
and Marines began to devote long hours to testing and developing materials for landing
operations and expeditionary service.
1965 - CORRECT ANSWER - Marines landed in South Vietnam, which committed the
Marine Corps to the longest war in its history. Marines conducted numerous large-scale offensive
operations throughout the course of the war, as well as participating in the pacification program
designed to win the support of the local populace. Also, in response to an attempted coup of the
local government, Marines landed in the Dominican Republic to evacuate and protect U.S.
citizens. The Marines formed the core of a multinational force that quickly restored the peace.
1982 - CORRECT ANSWER - Marines deployed to Beirut, Lebanon as part of a
multinational peacekeeping force in an effort to restore peace and order. This action further
displayed the Marine concept of a "Force in Readiness."