Born of a resolution of the Continental Congress in 1775, the Marine Corps came into being with the nation it serves - and has been a proud defender of the American ideal ever since. With photographs of historic missions and shots of the Corps in action today, this illustrated volume gives readers a feel for what it means - and has meant - to be a Marine. On display are the discipline, loyalty, enthusiasm, and poise that distinguish each soldier, and that give the entire Corps such power and cohesion. Here, over time and wherever duty calls, are the select few who make up the tightly knit fighting force known for its ability to strike at lightning speed with massive, overwhelming power in the most volatile situations - training, planning, fighting - doing whatever it takes, always with the esprit de corps that makes the Marines second to no other fighting unit in the world.