A quote attributed to many sources, and popularized by the correspondent Richard Harding Davis during the late nineteenth century.) Then as now, whether those words brought fear or comfort depended entirely on what side of the beach you were standing upon.
More items in my informal salute to the Marines: The quote about a few good men goes way back...
"The Continental ship Providence, now lying at Boston, is bound on a short cruise, immediately; a few good men are wanted to make up her complement." (Marine Capt. William Jones, March 20,1779)
"Retreat, Hell! We just got here!" WWI attributed to several officers, Belleau Wood, June 1918).
"I have only two out of my company and 20 out of some other company. We need support but it's almost suicide to get it as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant barrage in on us. I have no one on my left, and only a few on my right. I will hold." (First Lt. Clifton Cates, USMC, Soissons, July, 19, 1918)
"Goddam it, you'll never get a Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!" (Capt. Henry "Jim" Crowe, USMC, Guadalcanal, Jan. 13, 1943)
But to me, you can learn everything you need to know about the Marines just by watching the Marine Corp band play in the Rose Parade each year. They march with the most precision, they play by far the loudest and with the most passion, and of course, they always have the fewest members. That, is afterall, what makes them special- a few good men.
Not just words. Words to live and die by. What atribute does an Elite Warrior, a Marine hold sacred: Integrity. No wonder they fight so fucking hard.... they said they would.
First to fight. First to die. Not just a slogan, but the truth. Because they said they would.
Unfortunately it looks like your attempt to purchase VIP membership has failed due to your card being declined. Good news is that we have several other payment options that you could try.
VIP MEMBER
, you are now a VIP member!
We thank you for your purchase!
VIP MEMBER
, Thank you for becoming VIP member!
Membership should be activated shortly. You'll receive notification!