FMF Murder/Final Board UPDATED
ACTUAL 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 - The Marines were organized under the Department of the
Navy (DON).
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 - Under the command of Colonel Robert E. Lee, U.S. Army,
Marines stormed the United States arsenal at Harper's Ferry to put down an attempted slave
revolt lead by abolitionist John Brown.
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 - In support of foreign policy, Marines from ships on the
Asiatic station defended the American Legation in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion.
The Marines were part of a multinational defense force that protected the Legation Quarter
against attack. This small defense force held out against the Boxers until a relief force was able
to reach Peking and end the rebellion.
1912 - CORRECT ANSWER - The Marine Corps established its Aviation Unit. Marine
Major, Alfred A. Cunningham was the first pilot. His first solo flight (1st Lt. 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, and conducted
numerous large-scale offensive operations throughout the course of the war, as well as
participated in the pacification program designed to win the support of the local populace.
,-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."
1983 - CORRECT ANSWER - On 23 October 1983, a suicide truck bomb attack on the
building serving as barracks for 1st Battalion 8th Marines killed 241 Americans and wounded 70
others. The last Marine unit withdrew in July of 1984.
1991 - CORRECT ANSWER - Operation Desert Storm was launched after the Iraqi
government invaded Kuwait and refused to comply with United Nations resolutions demanding
their withdrawal. Marine aviation was heavily used when the air phase commenced in January of
1991. When massive bombing failed to dislodge Iraqi forces, Marine ground forces swept into
Kuwait and liberated the country, causing severe damage to the Iraqi military capability
2001 - CORRECT ANSWER - 11 September 2001. Terrorist attacks were carried out in
New York City. Two civilian airline planes were hijacked and flew into the World Trade Center.
-Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is the official name used by the U.S. Government for the
War in Afghanistan, together with three smaller military actions, under the umbrella of the
Global War on Terror (GWOT). On 7 October, 2001, early combat operations including a mix of
strikes from land-based B-1 Lancers, B-2 Spirit and B-52 StratoFortress bombers; carrier-based
F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet fighters; and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from both
U.S. and British ships and submarines signaled the start of the Operation Enduring Freedom.
2003 - CORRECT ANSWER - The invasion of Iraq (from 20 March to 1 May, 2003) was
led by the United States, alongside the United Kingdom and smaller contingents from Australia
and Poland. Four countries participated with troops during the initial invasion phase.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Belleau Wood - CORRECT ANSWER - On 6
June 1918, Marines fought one of their greatest battles in history at Belleau Wood, France during
WWI. Marines helped to crush a German offensive at Belleau Wood that threatened Paris. In
honor of the Marine who fought there, the French renamed the area "the Wood of the Brigade of
, Marines." German intelligence evaluated the Marines as "storm troops" --the highest rating on
the enemy fighting scale. In reference to the Marine's ferocious fighting ability, German troops
called their new enemy "Teufelhunden" or "Devil dogs," a nickname in which Marines share
pride.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Guadalcanal - CORRECT ANSWER - On 8
August 1942, the 1st Marine Division landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon
Islands and launched the first United States land offensive of WWII. This battle marked the first
combat test of the new amphibious doctrine, and also provided a crucial turning point of the war
in the Pacific by providing a base to launch further invasions of Japanese-held islands.
Amphibious landings followed on the remaining Solomon Islands including New Georgia,
Bougainville, and Choiseul.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Tarawa - CORRECT ANSWER - The Gilbert
Islands were the first in the line of advance for the offensive in the Central Pacific. The prime
objective was the Tarawa Atoll and Betio Island which had been fortified to the point of the
Japanese commander proclaimed that it would take a million Americans 100 years to conquer it.
On 20 November, 1943, Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hours, but paid a heavy
price in doing so. Because of the extended reef, landing craft could not cross it and Marines were
offloaded hundreds of yards from the beaches. This led to heavy losses from enemy fire.
Additionally, many Marines drowned while attempting to wade ashore.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Mariana Islands - CORRECT ANSWER - Due
to the need for airfields by the Air Force and advanced bases for the Navy, the Marianas were
invaded. Landings on the islands of Saipan, Guam, Tinian accomplished this. During June and
July of 1943, Lieutenant General Holland M. "Howlin' Mad" Smith led a combined invasion
force of Marines and soldiers that totaled over 136,000. This was the greatest number of troops
up to that time to operate in the field under Marine command.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Okinawa - CORRECT ANSWER - On 1 April
1945 until 22 June 1945, Marines took part in the last and largest battle of the Pacific, which
involved 287,000 troops. The battle was crucial for securing vital air bases that would be used
for the planned invasion of the Japanese mainland. By the end of the 82-day campaign, the
Japanese suffered over 77,000 casualties and Allies received 65,000 including 14,000 dead. 23
Medals of Honor were awarded.
ACTUAL 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 - The Marines were organized under the Department of the
Navy (DON).
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 - Under the command of Colonel Robert E. Lee, U.S. Army,
Marines stormed the United States arsenal at Harper's Ferry to put down an attempted slave
revolt lead by abolitionist John Brown.
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 - In support of foreign policy, Marines from ships on the
Asiatic station defended the American Legation in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion.
The Marines were part of a multinational defense force that protected the Legation Quarter
against attack. This small defense force held out against the Boxers until a relief force was able
to reach Peking and end the rebellion.
1912 - CORRECT ANSWER - The Marine Corps established its Aviation Unit. Marine
Major, Alfred A. Cunningham was the first pilot. His first solo flight (1st Lt. 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, and conducted
numerous large-scale offensive operations throughout the course of the war, as well as
participated in the pacification program designed to win the support of the local populace.
,-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."
1983 - CORRECT ANSWER - On 23 October 1983, a suicide truck bomb attack on the
building serving as barracks for 1st Battalion 8th Marines killed 241 Americans and wounded 70
others. The last Marine unit withdrew in July of 1984.
1991 - CORRECT ANSWER - Operation Desert Storm was launched after the Iraqi
government invaded Kuwait and refused to comply with United Nations resolutions demanding
their withdrawal. Marine aviation was heavily used when the air phase commenced in January of
1991. When massive bombing failed to dislodge Iraqi forces, Marine ground forces swept into
Kuwait and liberated the country, causing severe damage to the Iraqi military capability
2001 - CORRECT ANSWER - 11 September 2001. Terrorist attacks were carried out in
New York City. Two civilian airline planes were hijacked and flew into the World Trade Center.
-Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is the official name used by the U.S. Government for the
War in Afghanistan, together with three smaller military actions, under the umbrella of the
Global War on Terror (GWOT). On 7 October, 2001, early combat operations including a mix of
strikes from land-based B-1 Lancers, B-2 Spirit and B-52 StratoFortress bombers; carrier-based
F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet fighters; and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from both
U.S. and British ships and submarines signaled the start of the Operation Enduring Freedom.
2003 - CORRECT ANSWER - The invasion of Iraq (from 20 March to 1 May, 2003) was
led by the United States, alongside the United Kingdom and smaller contingents from Australia
and Poland. Four countries participated with troops during the initial invasion phase.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Belleau Wood - CORRECT ANSWER - On 6
June 1918, Marines fought one of their greatest battles in history at Belleau Wood, France during
WWI. Marines helped to crush a German offensive at Belleau Wood that threatened Paris. In
honor of the Marine who fought there, the French renamed the area "the Wood of the Brigade of
, Marines." German intelligence evaluated the Marines as "storm troops" --the highest rating on
the enemy fighting scale. In reference to the Marine's ferocious fighting ability, German troops
called their new enemy "Teufelhunden" or "Devil dogs," a nickname in which Marines share
pride.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Guadalcanal - CORRECT ANSWER - On 8
August 1942, the 1st Marine Division landed on the beaches of Guadalcanal in the Solomon
Islands and launched the first United States land offensive of WWII. This battle marked the first
combat test of the new amphibious doctrine, and also provided a crucial turning point of the war
in the Pacific by providing a base to launch further invasions of Japanese-held islands.
Amphibious landings followed on the remaining Solomon Islands including New Georgia,
Bougainville, and Choiseul.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Tarawa - CORRECT ANSWER - The Gilbert
Islands were the first in the line of advance for the offensive in the Central Pacific. The prime
objective was the Tarawa Atoll and Betio Island which had been fortified to the point of the
Japanese commander proclaimed that it would take a million Americans 100 years to conquer it.
On 20 November, 1943, Marines landed and secured the island within 76 hours, but paid a heavy
price in doing so. Because of the extended reef, landing craft could not cross it and Marines were
offloaded hundreds of yards from the beaches. This led to heavy losses from enemy fire.
Additionally, many Marines drowned while attempting to wade ashore.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Mariana Islands - CORRECT ANSWER - Due
to the need for airfields by the Air Force and advanced bases for the Navy, the Marianas were
invaded. Landings on the islands of Saipan, Guam, Tinian accomplished this. During June and
July of 1943, Lieutenant General Holland M. "Howlin' Mad" Smith led a combined invasion
force of Marines and soldiers that totaled over 136,000. This was the greatest number of troops
up to that time to operate in the field under Marine command.
Describe the Importance of: The Battle of Okinawa - CORRECT ANSWER - On 1 April
1945 until 22 June 1945, Marines took part in the last and largest battle of the Pacific, which
involved 287,000 troops. The battle was crucial for securing vital air bases that would be used
for the planned invasion of the Japanese mainland. By the end of the 82-day campaign, the
Japanese suffered over 77,000 casualties and Allies received 65,000 including 14,000 dead. 23
Medals of Honor were awarded.
