For a split second I was fearful because I knew I wasn't going to survive, but then I was OK because at least I was going out with a bang.

— Cpl Kyle Carpenter - MOH - answer to question "What's the moment that you feel most fearful on the battlefield and how did you overcome that" 06/16/2014

“The boys we took from the farm, the factory, the school, and the office became the best amphibious troops in the world.”  — Gen. Holland M. Smith

If a recruit can’t shoot, he can’t be a Marine.”  ~ Warrant Office Anthony Carbonari | Parris Island

"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!" ~ Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945

"Goddam it, you'll never get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!" - Captain Henry P. "Jim" Crowe, USMC, Guadalcanal, 13 January 1943

“We Marines are truly blessed. We get to enjoy the sweet taste of freedom because we know its price.” ~ John Chipura, USMC

"A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine. ~ General James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps

“If officers desire to have control over their commands, they must remain habitually with them, industriously attend to their instruction and comfort, and in battle lead them well.”  ~ Lt. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, 1861

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - GEORGE ORWELL

“Old breed? New breed? There's not a damn bit of difference so long asit's the Marine breed.” — Lt. Gen. “Chesty” Puller