Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Since 1775, the Marine Corps has left a trail of history and traditions ranging from different battles to the uniforms worn today.
Marines of Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, visited the Command Museum to gain knowledge on the Marine Corps history aboard the depot, Feb. 19.
The museum tour included the Vietnam Gallery, Korean War, World War II, Waterhouse Room, Modern Warfare and Medals and Decorations, which fill the Marines’ minds full of history and knowledge.
“Our goal is to teach the Marines the Marine Corps’ role in military history,” said retired Sgt. Bud T. Tate, museum docent. “The thing I love most about the Marine Corps is no matter where you go or what you do after; being a Marine is always the highlight of your accomplishments.”
According to Tate, a 69-year-old Providence, R.I., native, he wanted to make sure the Marines truly understood each piece of history they talked about, which was easy because all of them listened eagerly.
“They showed great interest in all of the pieces of history that were displayed throughout the museum,” said Tate.
Every Marine is given the opportunity to explore the museum and of all its artifacts during Final Week. They were given approximately two hours with an instructor who guided them around the museum as they explained the history of the Marine Corps, such as the Battle of Belleau Wood.
The Battle of Belleau Wood took place in June 1918 during World War I. On that battle, casualties were the highest in Marine Corps history. The Marine Corps was successful and won one of the most important battles in Marine Corps history: it came at the cost of 9,777 United States casualties and 1,811 fatalities. After the battle, General Pershing said, “The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle."
“Each piece of artifact in the museum tells a story about the Marine Corps and shows us our Corps’ great accomplishments,” said Pvt. Turner Ray, Platoon 2114. “My grandfather fought in the Vietnam War and it gives me a sense of pride looking back on the history that he was a part of.”
It’s humbling looking at historical facts past Marines went through protecting and fighting for our country, explained 21-year-old Ray, a Pryor, Okla., native.
“It’s motivating to get us focused for the Crucible,” said Ray.
The Crucible is a 54-hour test of endurance where recruits must conquer more than 30 obstacles while they experience food and sleep deprivation; this is the last test the recruits face before they earn the title “Marine."
With the knowledge and motivation obtained from the museum, Co. E moves on to the Crucible. Once recruits hike up the mountain known as the Reaper, they will receive their eagle, globe and anchor along with the title “Marine.” From that moment on, they will be a part of Marine Corps history.