The United States Marines: A History, Fifth Edition

Fully revised, this volume serves as the definitive history of the United States Marines, from their inception in 1775 through all major engagements in the World Wars, the Cold War, and into the wars in the Middle East in the twenty-first century.

Conceived amidst uncertainty in November 1775, the United States Marine Corps has grown from a small group of Continental Marines into one of the most formidable military forces in the world. This fully revised fifth edition provides a comprehensive history of the Corps that spans 250 years, including two new chapters on twenty-first-century operations. From its first amphibious landing at New Providence, Bahamas, in 1776 to its most recent major conflicts in Afghanistan, this book captures the Corps’ enduring legacy of excellence on the battlefield and its unique culture within the Department of the Navy.

The authors focus on the major wars that have defined the Marine Corps, including the American Revolution, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the modern-day battles in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to these large-scale conflicts, the book explores smaller campaigns, punitive expeditions, humanitarian missions, and peacekeeping operations that have shaped the Corps’ identity. It also examines the Corps’ intermittent struggles for survival at home, where it has faced challenges from other branches of the military and occasionally from unfriendly presidents. Written by former Marines for current Marines, this edition is a ready reference for readers seeking to understand the operational and institutional history of the Marine Corps from its humble beginnings to its role as a vital force in modern warfare.