Flag of the United States Marine Corps

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

United States Marine Corps
Flag of the United States Marine Corps
UseOther IFIS Normal.svg
Proportion31:26
Adopted18 January 1939 (1939-01-18)
DesignA centered Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on a scarlet background, with a streaming banner underneath bearing the words "UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS" in scarlet lettering.
Designed byUnited States Marine Corps

The flag of the United States Marine Corps (also known as the standard or battle color) is the flag used to represent the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as its subsidiary units and formations.

Design[]

Official battle color of the U.S. Marine Corps[]

The Color Guard of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. in June 2007.

The official flag is scarlet with the Corps emblem in gray and gold. It was adopted on 18 January 1939, although Marine Corps Order 4 had established scarlet and gold as the official colors of the Corps as early as 1925.[1] The indoor/parade version is bordered by a gold fringe while the outdoor version is plain. It measures 52 inches (130 cm) on the hoist and 62 inches (160 cm) on the fly.[2][3] In addition to the multi-colored battle streamers (measuring 3 feet (0.91 m) by 2+3⁄4 inches (7.0 cm) wide) affixed to the top of the staff, the staff itself is covered with sterling silver bands engraved with the names of conflicts in which the Corps has been engaged.

History[]

A U.S. Marine color guard dips the U.S. Marine Corps flag for a playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in April 2005.
The flag of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1914 to 1939.

Very little information is available regarding the flags carried by early American marines, although indications are that the Grand Union Flag was carried ashore by the battalion led by Captain Samuel Nicholas on New Providence Island, 3 March 1776. It is quite possible that the Gadsden flag was also carried on this expedition.

The standard carried by the Marines during the 1830s and 1840s consisted of a white field with gold fringe, and bore an elaborate design of an anchor and eagle in the center. Prior to the Mexican–American War, this flag bore the legend "To the Shores of Tripoli" across the top. Shortly after the war, the legend was revised to read: "From Tripoli to the Halls of the Montezumas."[4][5]

During the Mexican and Civil Wars, Marines in the field apparently carried a flag similar to the national flag, consisting of red and white stripes and a union. The union, however, contained an eagle perched on a shield of the United States and a half-wreath beneath the shield, with 29 stars encircling the entire design. Beginning in 1876, Marines carried the national colors (the Stars and Stripes) with "U.S. Marine Corps" embroidered in yellow on the middle red stripe.

At the time of the Vera Cruz landing in 1914, a more distinctive standard was carried by Marines. The design consisted of a blue field with a laurel wreath encircling the Marine Corps emblem in the center. A scarlet ribbon above the emblem carried the words "U.S. Marine Corps," while another scarlet ribbon below the emblem carried the motto "Semper Fidelis."

Orders were issued on 2 April 1921 which directed all national colors be manufactured without the yellow fringe and without the words "U.S. Marine Corps" embroidered on the red stripe. This was followed by an order dated 14 March 1922, retiring from use all national colors still in use with yellow fringe or wording on the flag. Following World War I, the Army practice of attaching silver bands carrying inscriptions enumerating specific decorations and battles was adopted. This practice was discontinued on 23 January 1961.

Marine Corps Order No. 4 of 18 April 1925 designated gold and scarlet as the official colors of the U.S. Marine Corps. These colors, however, were not reflected in the official Marine Corps standard until 18 January 1939, when a new design incorporating the new colors was approved. The design was essentially that of today's Marine Corps standard.

For a brief time following World War I, the inscribing of battle honors directly on the colors of a unit was in practice, but realization that a multiplicity of honors and the limited space on the colors made the system impractical, and the procedure was discontinued. On 29 July 1936, a Marine Corps Board recommended that the Army system of attaching streamers to the staff of the organizational colors be adopted. Such a system was finally authorized by Marine Corps Order No. 157, dated 3 November 1939, and is currently in practice. Devices are embroidered onto the streamer to denote special recognition or repeat awards. Unlike the Army and Air Force flags, only a single streamer is utilized for a single campaign, with the exception of those streamers that require more than eight devices, the maximum any one streamer may hold. Devices are only authorized for campaigns participated in the 20th and 21st centuries.[6]

Color Sergeant[]

The official battle color of the Corps is maintained by Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. ("8th and I"), and carried by the Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps.[7] The position of the Color Sergeant was first officially designated in 1965 and was first held by Gunnery Sgt. Shelton L. Eakin. The billet is a two-year tour open to all Sergeants; the only caveat being that the applicant must be at least 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) tall, as outlined by the drill manual of the United States Marine Corp. and pass a rigorous White House security check.[8] The Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps traditionally carries the Flag of the President of the United States at state dinners and other official functions, and leads the color guard at various parades and ceremonies.

Streamers[]

The following streamers are authorized, in order of precedence:[9]

Streamers hide
Order Name Image Device(s)
1 Presidential Unit Citation (Navy) x 2 Streamer PUC Navy.PNG
Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
2 Presidential Unit Citation (Army) Streamer PUC Army.PNG
Silver oakleaf-3d.svg
3 Joint Meritorious Unit Award Streamer JMUA.PNG
4 Navy Unit Commendation x 4 Navy Unit Commendation streamer.png
Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.pngSilver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
5 Valorous Unit Award Streamer VUA Army.PNG
6 Meritorious Unit Commendation (Navy) Meritorious Unit Commendation (Navy-Marine) Streamer.jpg
7 Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer MUC Army.PNG
8 Revolutionary War Streamer RW.PNG
9 Quasi-War with France Streamer QWwF.PNG
10 the First Barbary War and the Second Barbary War Streamer BW.PNG
11 War of 1812 Streamer W1812.PNG
12 African Slave Trade Streamer AST.PNG
13 Operations Against West Indian Pirates Streamer OAWIP.PNG
14 Indian Wars Streamer IW.PNG
15 Mexican War Streamer MW.PNG
16 Civil War Streamer CW.PNG
17 Marine Corps Expeditionary x 3 Streamer MCE.PNG
Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
Wake Island Device
18 Spanish Campaign Streamer SC.PNG
19 Philippine Campaign Streamer PC.PNG
20 China Relief Expedition Streamer CRE.PNG
21 Cuban Pacification Streamer CP.PNG
22 Nicaraguan Campaign Streamer NC.PNG
23 Mexican Service Streamer MS.PNG
24 Haitian Campaign Streamer HC.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png
25 Dominican Campaign Streamer DC.PNG
26 World War I Victory x 2 Streamer WWI V.PNG
Silver-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Maltese-Cross-Heraldry.svg
27 Army of Occupation of Germany Streamer AOG.PNG
28 Second Nicaraguan Campaign Streamer SNC.PNG
29 Yangtze Service Streamer YS.PNG
30 China Service Streamer CS.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png
31 American Defense Service Streamer ADS.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png
32 American Campaign World War II - American Campaign Streamer (Plain).png
33 European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal streamer.png
Silver-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
34 Asiatic-Pacific Campaign x 2 Streamer APC.PNG
Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
35 World War II Victory Streamer WWII V.PNG
36 Navy Occupation Service Streamer NOS.PNG
37 National Defense Service Streamer NDS.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
38 Korean Service Korean Service Medal - Streamer.png
Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png
39 Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer AFE.PNG
Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png
40 Vietnam Service Vietnam Service Streamer vector.svg
Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Silver-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
41 Southwest Asia Service Streamer SAS.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
42 Kosovo Campaign Streamer KC.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
43 Afghanistan Campaign Streamer AFGCS.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
44 Iraq Campaign Iraq Campaign streamer (USMC).svg
Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
45 Inherent Resolve Campaign[10][11][12][13] Inherent Resolve Campaign streamer (USMC).svg
Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
46 Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Streamer gwotE.PNG
47 Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer gwotS.PNG
48 Philippine Defense Streamer PD.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png
49 Philippine Liberation Streamer PL.PNG
Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
50 Philippine Independence Streamer PI.PNG
51 Croix de Guerre (France, WWI) Streamer FCDG.PNG
Palm.PNG Palm.PNG Award-star-gold-3d.svg
52 Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines) Streamer.png
Bronze-service-star-3d.png Bronze-service-star-3d.png
53 Korean Presidential Unit Citation Streamer KPUC.PNG
54 Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation of the Gallantry Cross VGCP Streamer.jpg
Palm.PNG
55 Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer Streamer RVMUCCA.PNG
Palm.PNG
  • Note that a "x #" designation denotes the number of streamers used to carry devices (maximum of 8), not the number of awards.

Organizational Battle Colors[]

The only horse-mounted color guard in the Corps at the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade

Each unit in the Corps of battalion-size or larger also hold an organizational color (which makes up the unit's colors along with the national flag). It is usually identical to the Marine Corps battle color, though the scroll will have the unit's name instead of "United States Marine Corps". It will also bear the streamers authorized to the unit, or scarlet and gold tassels if none are authorized.

Each Corps unit has a designated color guard, led by a color sergeant. He is entrusted with the care of the unit colors, which are a symbol of the United States, the Marine Corps, and the commander him/herself. The organizational colors are often passed as part of change of command ceremonies to symbolize the transfer of office. When not in use as part of a parade or ceremony, the colors are traditionally kept in the commander's office.

Guidons[]

A guidon for Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines

A Marine guidon is always rectangular, 22 by 28 inches (56 by 71 cm), with a scarlet field and gold lettering, and an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor centered.

Fleet Marine Forces units have "FMF" emblazoned above an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA), reserve units display "USMCR", and all others have "USMC". The regimental level numeral will be displayed in the lower left corner, unless a higher or lower command numeral provides better identification (for example, a battalion's headquarters company would display that battalion's numeral instead of the regiment). The company-level designation letter, abbreviated title, or number will be in the lower right corner.

No additional attachments are authorized, including streamers, bands, or the like. Some units incorporate additional banners or mascots into unofficial guidons.

Guidons are used in the same manner as colors for a company- or platoon-sized unit. Much like the colors, the guidon represents the unit commander. It is entrusted to the unit guide for parades and ceremonies, and displayed in or near the commander's office when he or she is present.

Guidons are also used in recruit training to identify individual platoons. First and second phase platoons have a gold background with their four-digit platoon number in scarlet, while third phase platoons have a scarlet background with gold lettering and trim. The guidon is used as an aid to instilling unit identity and pride, representing the platoon. Some drill instructors will test that pride by attempting to dishonor the guidon and expecting the recruits to intervene. Also, the recruit assigned to carry it, the guide, is treated as the most senior recruit of the platoon, and uses the guidon to marks the line of advance in close order drill.

Personal flags[]

General-grade officers and the Commandant of the Marine Corps are authorized a personal flag, which displays their rank insignia. A red background with white stars are used, while the Commandant also has a grey and gold Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. These flags are often used to mark a command headquarters in garrison, as well as a symbol for the general himself. Much like a guidon, they are displayed when the general is present, and stowed when not; visiting officers and officials often have their personal flags displayed as a courtesy.

Red flag with a gold and grey Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem centered, surrounded by four white five-point stars
Red flag with four white five-point stars in a centered diamond arrangement
Red flag with three white five-point stars in a centered triange arrangement, peak upward
Red flag with two white five-point stars in a centered horizontal line
Red flag with one centered white five-point star
Personal flags of the Commandant, a general, lieutenant general, major general, and brigadier general

Shared aspects[]

Spearhead

All U.S. Marine flags share a similar wooden staff and silver spearhead and ferrule. The base of the spearhead is used to support streamers or tassels if authorized. Older organizational colors may also have silver bands, awarded for participation in a battle or campaign, though the practice has been discontinued for all but the Corp's main battle colors.

A color mounted on a vehicle of some type is referred to as a standard. When the national flag is flown from a ship, it is referred to as the national ensign.

See also[]

References[]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.

  1. ^ Lejeune, Major General John A (18 April 1925). "Marine Corps Order No. 4 (Series 1925)". Commandant of the Marine Corps. United States Marine Corps History Division. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
  2. ^ "Flag Manual" (PDF). Mco P10520.3B. 15 September 1989. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 May 2009.
  3. ^ McMillan, Joseph (2001). "Flags of the U.S. Marine Corps". Seaflags. Retrieved 10 January 2008.
  4. ^ "Our Flag Number". The National Geographic Magazine. The National Geographic Society. October 1917.
  5. ^ "Flags of the World". The National Geographic Magazine. The National Geographic Society. September 1934.
  6. ^ "United States Navy Battle Streamers". Naval Historical Center. United States Navy. 23 March 1998. Archived from the original on 24 October 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  7. ^ Marine Barracks Washington website Archived 13 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ "Q & A: Sgt Eric Allen Humer". Marines Magazine. United States Marine Corps (July 2010/August 2010/September 2010). 21 October 2010.
  9. ^ "Current Award, Campaign, Service, and Expeditionary Streamer Entitlement, to the Battle Colors of the Marine Corps". Archived from the original on 16 May 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2008.
  10. ^ "AWARDS UPDATE > The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website > Marines.mil - MARADMINS". www.marines.mil.
  11. ^ "AWARDS UPDATE > The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website > Messages Display". www.marines.mil.
  12. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  13. ^ [1][dead link]

External links[]

Retrieved from ""