"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and those who have met them in battle. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion." - Unknown

"I come in peace, I didn't bring artillery. But I am pleading with you with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all."  ~ Marine General James Mattis, to Iraqi tribal leaders

“I’ll never forget them or their spirit. Those boys were burned and bruised. But I never saw a Marine who was beaten.” ~ Navy Flight Nurse Norma Crotty, Iwo Jima

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

"We're not retreating, Hell! We're just attacking in a different direction!" — Gen. Oliver Smith | USMC

“Success in battle is not a function of how many show up, but who they are.” ~ 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert H. Barrow

“The most deadly thing on a battlefield is one well-aimed shot.”  — Sgt. Carlos Hathcock | USMC Sniper

"I have only two men out of my company and 20 out of some other company. We need support, but it is almost suicide to try to get it here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant barrage is on us. I have no one on my left and only a few on my right. I will hold." ~ 1stLt. Clifton B. Cates, USMC - in Belleau Wood, 19 July 1918

“We found a water pipe, tied the flag to it and put it up. Then all hell broke loose below. Troops cheered, ships blew whistles, some men openly wept.”  ~ Cpl. Charles Lindbergh, flag raising on Iwo Jima

"For over 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation. We make Marines, and we win battles." ~ Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC (CMC); 5 May 1997