09/01/2026
SEPTEMBER – A Month of Marine Corps History
September stands as one of the most defining months in Marine Corps history a time of amphibious breakthroughs, legendary battles, and global missions that shaped the Corps across centuries.
The 19th Century: Birth of Legacies
- September 16, 1814 – Smashing Pirate Strongholds: A detachment of Marines under Major Daniel Carmick joined U.S. soldiers to destroy a pirate fortress at Barataria, Louisiana, securing the Gulf Coast and demonstrating the Corps’ growing role in national defense.
- September 13, 1847 – Battle of Chapultepec (Mexican‑American War): Marines stormed Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. Their valor inspired the opening line of the Marines’ Hymn: “From the Halls of Montezuma.”
- September 24, 1873 – Panama Expedition: Nearly 200 Marines and sailors landed at the Bay of Panama to protect American lives, property, and the trans‑isthmus railroad during a local revolution.
World War II: Pushing Across the Pacific
- September 3, 1942 – Guadalcanal Lifeline: Marine Air Group 25 arrived at Henderson Field, establishing a vital transport network that sustained ground forces during the campaign for Guadalcanal.
- September 15, 1944 – Landing at Peleliu: The 1st Marine Division launched an amphibious assault on Peleliu, securing the island in one of the Pacific’s most intense battles.
- September 2, 1945 – Victory over Japan (V‑J Day): Marine leaders stood aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay as Japan formally surrendered, marking the end of World War II.
- September 30, 1945 – Occupation of North China: The III Amphibious Corps landed in Northern China to disarm surrendered Japanese troops and stabilize the region.
The Korean War: Mastering Amphibious Warfare
- September 15, 1950 – The Inchon Landing (Operation Chromite): The 1st Marine Division executed one of history’s most daring amphibious operations, cutting off enemy supply lines and turning the tide of the Korean War.
- September 20–27, 1950 – Recapture of Seoul: Following Inchon, Marines crossed the Han River and liberated the South Korean capital.
Modern Era & Global Operations
- September 29, 1982 – Peacekeeping in Beirut: The 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit returned to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force.
- September 18, 1990 – Birth of Modern MOUT: General Alfred M. Gray dedicated a Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training facility at Camp Lejeune, revolutionizing urban combat preparation.
- September 11, 2001 – Post‑9/11 Mobilization: Following the terrorist attacks on the United States, the Marine Corps rapidly mobilized for deployment to Afghanistan.
HONORING THE BATTLES AND LEGACIES THAT FORGED THE CORPS
From pirate shores to Pacific battlefields, from Inchon’s tides to modern urban warfare, September reminds us of the courage, innovation, and unwavering commitment of Marines across generations.
Semper Fidelis,
