He ran as he'd never run before, with neither hope nor despair. He ran because the world was divided into opposites and his side had already been chosen for him, his only choice being whether or not to play his part with heart and courage. He ran because fate had placed him in a position of responsibility and he had accepted the burden. He ran because his self-respect required it. He ran because he loved his friends and this was the only thing he could do to end the madness that was killing and maiming them.

~ Karl Marlantes

Karl Marlantes Battle Inspiration Marine Corps Officer Running Vietnam War Why We Fight

War is life multiplied by some number that no one has ever heard of.

~ Sebastian Junger

Sebastian Junger Afghanistan Army Combat Life Marine Corps Military Soldier War

As a civilian, I know nothing about combat, the Marine Corps experience or modern man's struggle adjusting to peace after war. I only know what's been shared with me; confidences I would never betray, nor use as details in a novel.

~ Tiffany Madison

Tiffany Madison Civilian Combat Combat Infantry Marine Marine Corps Marines Ptsd War Warrior Warrior Ethos Warriorship

Minnie Spotted Wolf from Butte, Montana, was the first Native American to enlist in the Marine Corps Womens' Reserve. Spotted Wolf joined in 1943. She commented that Marine Corps boot camp was hard, but not that hard.

~ Tom Holm

Tom Holm History Marine Corps Native American Native American History World War Ii

We ended up our talk by my asking Dennis his feelings now about the Marines. Any regrets for all those wounds? Or about having been sent to and having to fight an unpopular war?No. The Marine Corps meant a tremendous amount to me. And even today I gain momentum from it. The Corps is one of the prime reasons Marines are so successful in whatever we do - because we refuse to quit.

~ James Brady

James Brady Marine Corps Perseverance

Huxley: Tell me something Bryce, do you know the difference between a Jersey, a Guernsey, a Holstein, and an Ayershire?Bryce: No.Huxley: Seabags Brown does.Bryce: I don't see what that has to do...Huxley: What do you know about Gaelic history?Bryce: Not much.Huxley: Then why don't you sit down one day with Gunner McQuade. He is an expert. Speaks the language, too.Bryce: I don't...Huxley: What do you know about astronomy?Bryce: A little.Huxley: Discuss it with Wellman, he held a fellowship. Bryce: This is most puzzling.Huxley: What about Homer, ever read Homer?Bryce: Of course I've read Homer.Huxley: In the original Greek?Bryce: NoHuxley: Then chat with Pfc. Hodgkiss. Loves to read the ancient Greek.Bryce: Would you kindly get to the point?Huxley: The point is this, Bryce. What makes you think you are so goddam superior? Who gave you the bright idea that you had a corner on the world's knowledge? There are privates in this battalion who can piss more brains down a slit trench then you'll ever have. You're the most pretentious, egotistical individual I've ever encountered. Your superiority complex reeks. I've seen the way you treat men, like a big strutting peacock. Why, you've had them do everything but wipe your ass.

~ Leon Uris

Leon Uris Battle Cry Ego Humor Marine Corps Superior

In the simple moral maxim the Marine Corps teaches — do the right thing, for the right reason — no exception exists that says: unless there's criticism or risk. Damn the consequences.

~ Josh Rushing

Josh Rushing Ethics Marine Corps Marines Maxim Right And Wrong Usmc

I found myself surrounded by really old veterans wearing hats that said, Retired Marine - SEMPER FI. These hats didn't appear to fit on their heads, but instead seemed to hover over them.At one point, I mistakenly tried to take the last box of crackers that a veteran also wanted. He started yelling, I ran away from home at seventeen, lied about my age, and joined the Corps! I fought in World War II, Korea, and NAM! I have no cartilage in my right knee! It's bone-on-bone, but every morning I run six miles! I did not sacrifice my knee for this country to come here today and have you disrespect me at the commissary. Oooh-RAH!I dropped the crackers and walked away.

~ Mollie Gross

Mollie Gross Comedy Marine Corps Veteran

Members of every major street gang, outlaw biker, and domestic extremist group have been found in a number of military branches.

~ Carter F. Smith

Carter F. Smith Air Force Army Biker Gang Domestic Terrorism Gangster Marine Corps Military Military History Navy Street Gangs

The essence of the Marine Corps experience, I decided, was pain.

~ Philip Caputo

Philip Caputo Marine Corps Marines Military Pain War

Everyday US Marines make possible the impossible and then go about their business like it's just the way things are supposed to be.

~ Mark W. Boyer

Mark W. Boyer Boyer Comradery Marine Corps Mark Boyer Military Motivational Inspirational Wisdom Inspirational

The Marine Corps has just been called by the New York Times, 'The elite of this country.' I think it is the elite of the world.

~ Admiral William Halsey

Admiral William Halsey Marine Corps Motivational Inspirational

When we cuss each other out, call each other the vilest names on earth, and put each other down with thoughtless cruelty, it is the only way we know and the only language we have to express our ardent love for each other.

~ Pat Conroy

Pat Conroy Brotherhood Love Marine Corps Pat Conroy Sports Teammates

Show me a hero and I'll show you a bum.

~ Gregory Boyington

Gregory Boyington Bums Heroes Marine Corps Marines Usmc