Today in History - the Legendary 'First Team'

In the rich annals of United States Marine Corps history, there are few units as storied as the Marines of 1/7. This battalion, known as the "First Team," has demonstrated a fighting spirit that resonates across decades, embodying tenacity, resolve, and a fierce loyalty to one another. Their steadfastness was tested to the fullest during the Korean War at the Chosin Reservoir, earning a place in Marine Corps lore and inspiring future generations to uphold their unbreakable spirit.

On this day in 1950, the Marines of the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, began an arduous journey from the port of Hamhung to the Chosin Reservoir. Moving through the unforgiving terrain of North Korea’s mountains, they set out on what would become a brutal test of endurance and survival. Facing temperatures that plunged as low as 35 degrees below zero and surrounded by numerically superior enemy forces, the Marines fought with unparalleled resilience. It was here that legendary Marine Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" Puller made the defiant declaration, "We are surrounded. They can’t get away from us now!"

This indomitable spirit at Chosin remains a defining moment for the Marines of 1/7. The regiment's legacy of fortitude has continued to shape the character of the First Team, as demonstrated by their unwavering resolve in subsequent conflicts, including the Gulf War, where Weapons Company, 1/7 fought under the command of then-LtCol James Mattis. This ethos of fierce determination and loyalty to fellow Marines continues to serve as a beacon for the Marines of today.

The Frozen Chosin

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir tested the limits of human endurance. Despite being vastly outnumbered and enduring sub-zero temperatures that made even the most basic movements arduous, the Marines of 1/7 showed no inclination to give up ground. Their resolve and commitment to each other were evident as they fought through the enemy encirclement and escaped what seemed an inescapable fate. The spirit of "no man left behind" was manifested as Marines carried their wounded comrades, enduring a grueling 78-mile march to the sea to escape the surrounding Chinese forces.

This "frozen" battleground remains emblematic of 1/7's resilience. For the Marines, the brutal cold, lack of supplies, and overwhelming enemy forces were challenges that needed to be overcome—not reasons to retreat. This fighting spirit became a cornerstone of the First Team’s ethos, one that would be called upon again and again throughout the years in wars across the globe.

Upholding a Legacy in the Gulf War

Decades later, during the Gulf War, 1/7 found themselves under the command of then-LtCol James Mattis, a leader known for his own fierce resolve and devotion to his Marines. Under his leadership, the First Team brought the legacy of Chosin to the sands of Kuwait and Iraq. LtCol Mattis, deeply aware of the battalion’s storied past, expected no less than excellence from his Marines. He inspired them to carry the legacy of Chosin into the modern era, emphasizing the same tenacity and strength that had defined their predecessors.

The Gulf War presented its own unique challenges, from the oppressive heat of the desert to the rapidly evolving battlefield. Yet, the Marines of 1/7 showed the same commitment to each other and to the mission that had become the hallmark of their unit. With grit and professionalism, they exemplified the First Team's enduring spirit, further cementing their place within the Marine Corps’ esteemed history. It was here after engaging the Iraqi forces to the front, the battalion was ambushed from the rear. Weapons Company 81s split the gun line and engaged the enemy in two separate directions at once, routing the enemy in true Marine fashion.

The Enduring Spirit of the First Team

The legacy of the First Team is one of unity, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to fellow Marines. For the men who fought at Chosin, their sacrifices became the bedrock upon which future generations of 1/7 would stand. It is a legacy that has been honored and carried forward by every Marine who has served with the First Team, and it continues to inspire new generations to live up to the high standards set by their forebears.

From the frozen mountains of Korea to the scorching deserts of the Middle East, the Marines of 1/7 have consistently proven their resolve in the face of overwhelming odds. The tenacious spirit of the Marines of 1/7 will continue to live on in every Marine who wears the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, ensuring that the ethos forged at Chosin Reservoir remains alive and unyielding.

I am proud to stand with my brothers as members of First Team.

Semper Fi.

 

Remembering the Marines of the 1983 Beirut Bombing

October 23rd marks a somber and significant date in U.S. Marine Corps history. On this day in 1983, at 6:22 AM, a suicide bomber drove a truck filled with explosives into the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. In an instant, the lives of 241 American service members were taken, including 220 Marines, 18 sailors, and 3 soldiers. It was the deadliest single attack on U.S. Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, and it forever changed the landscape of military engagement in the Middle East.

I was stationed in Camp Lejuene in 1984 for Infantry Training School and spoke to Marines in 8^th Marines. This was the Marine unit attacked.

As we honor the memory of those brave men and women, we reflect on the courage, duty, and sacrifice they embodied. Semper Fidelis, the motto of the Marine Corps, translates to "Always Faithful"—a guiding principle that was exemplified by the service members stationed in Beirut. They were there as part of a peacekeeping mission in a land torn by civil war, serving not in an act of aggression, but in the hope of fostering stability and peace. Their commitment to the mission, even in the face of great danger, is a testament to the enduring values of the Marine Corps.

The Mission in Beirut: Peace Amid Conflict

The U.S. Marines were in Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force, which also included French, Italian, and British troops. Their presence followed the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, part of a broader effort to stabilize the region during the height of the Lebanese Civil War. The Marines were not there to fight but to act as a stabilizing force, protecting civilians and aiding the Lebanese government in restoring order.

However, the situation in Lebanon was complex and fraught with tension. Various factions—ranging from militias and foreign armies to newly emerging groups like Hezbollah—were battling for control. The region was, in many ways, a powder keg, and the multinational forces quickly found themselves caught in the middle of the violence.

Despite this volatile environment, the Marines remained steadfast. They were stationed near the Beirut International Airport, living in a makeshift barracks in an effort to help keep the peace. It was a mission that carried great risk, but one that was crucial in an effort to stabilize a country on the brink of collapse.

The Attack: A Tragic Day of Loss

On that fateful morning, a Mercedes truck loaded with approximately 12,000 pounds of explosives sped toward the U.S. Marine barracks. The driver crashed through the barbed wire perimeter and barreled toward the central lobby of the building. Once inside, the driver detonated the bomb, causing a massive explosion that reduced the four-story structure to rubble.

In a matter of seconds, 241 American service members lost their lives. Hundreds more were injured. The devastation was complete, and the impact of that single explosion echoed across the globe. The bombing was followed by a second attack, targeting the French paratroopers' barracks, which killed 58 French soldiers.

This attack was one of the earliest large-scale suicide bombings against U.S. forces, marking the beginning of a new era of asymmetrical warfare. It was a day of immense loss, not only for the families and friends of those killed but for the entire Marine Corps and the nation.

Honor and Remembrance

In the wake of the Beirut bombing, the nation mourned. For the families of the fallen, the pain was unimaginable, but they were not alone in their grief. The Marine Corps, as it always has, stood together in solidarity, bound by the unwavering loyalty and commitment that define the Corps. "Semper Fidelis" was not just a motto on that day—it was a promise to honor the fallen and to ensure that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.

Each year, the Beirut Memorial in Jacksonville, North Carolina, serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost in the bombing. Located near Camp Lejeune, the memorial features the names of all 241 service members who perished. Etched in stone are the words, "They Came in Peace," a tribute to the mission of those Marines who served not as conquerors but as protectors, striving to bring peace to a war-torn region.

Across the nation, Marines and civilians alike gather to remember that tragic day. The stories of those who were lost are retold, ensuring that their legacy of bravery and sacrifice endures. They were men and women who answered the call to serve, who believed in something greater than themselves, and who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace.

The Enduring Legacy of the Beirut Bombing

The attack on the Marine barracks in Beirut was a watershed moment in U.S. military history. It changed the way the United States approached peacekeeping missions and counterterrorism, highlighting the dangers of asymmetric warfare and the emerging threat of suicide bombings. The way we trained became something different. In many ways, the lessons learned from Beirut laid the groundwork for how the U.S. would later approach conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.

For the Marine Corps, the Beirut bombing remains a profound reminder of the costs of service. It stands as a testament to the unpredictability of war and the ever-present dangers faced by those who wear the uniform. Yet, it also serves as a reminder of the unbreakable spirit of the Corps. In the face of tragedy, the Marines have always risen, holding fast to their values of honor, courage, and commitment.

In the aftermath of the bombing, many questioned the U.S. mission in Lebanon. Was it worth the loss? Did the peacekeeping effort achieve its goals? These are difficult questions, but they pale in comparison to the sacrifice made by those who served. What remains indisputable is the valor and dedication of the Marines who were stationed in Beirut. Their actions were driven by duty, and they served with honor in one of the most complex and dangerous environments in the world at that time.

Semper Fidelis: Always Faithful

The motto of the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis, meaning "Always Faithful," is not just a catchphrase—it is the foundation of the Corps' identity. Faithfulness to country, to comrades, and to the mission is what defines a Marine. Those 241 service members in Beirut exemplified this principle in the ultimate way. They stayed faithful to their duty despite the risks and uncertainty of their mission. They upheld the honor of the Marine Corps by putting themselves in harm's way for the sake of others, and they paid the highest price.

For the Marines, "Semper Fi" is also a commitment to those who are left behind—to remember their sacrifice, to honor their lives, and to ensure that they are never forgotten. In this way, the men and women who perished in Beirut continue to live on in the hearts of their fellow Marines and the American people.

Honoring the Fallen: A Duty of Remembrance

As we remember the 241 American service members who lost their lives in Beirut, we also remember our duty to honor their legacy. These men and women gave their lives in the service of peace, and it is up to us to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. We must tell their stories, keep their memories alive, and continue to uphold the values for which they stood.

For the families of the fallen, the loss is immeasurable. Parents lost sons and daughters, wives lost husbands, and children lost fathers. The grief they carry is profound, but so too is the pride they feel in knowing that their loved ones served with honor and courage. It is a pride shared by all who have served in the Marine Corps—a pride that comes from knowing that even in the darkest moments, the Marines remain "Always Faithful."

In a few weeks, we Marines will be celebrating the Marine Corps’ 249th birthday. As every year, we remember those Marines who willingly served “in every clime and place”.

So until Valhalla …

Semper Fidelis, Always