Marines in Europe During World War II: A Hidden Commando Role

The perception that the United States Marine Corps (USMC) did not play a role in European operations during World War II is a common misconception. While the primary focus of USMC forces was on the Pacific Theater, a select few Marines participated in clandestine missions and supported commando operations on the European continent. This article explores the role of Marines in the European Theaters and highlights the significant contributions made by those few who ventured beyond the Pacific.

Marines as OSS Operatives and Support Personnel

During the conflict, the Marine Corps did not send large-scale units to the European Theaters like Normandy. Instead, several Marines served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) – the predecessor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) – in Europe. These operatives played a crucial role in aiding the Allied cause, conducting hazardous missions behind enemy lines and working with the French Resistance and British Special Operations Executive (SOE).

One of the most notable Marines to serve in this capacity was Major Pierre “Peter” Ortiz, whose story is deeply intertwined with the history of the small town of Centron in southeastern France. Ortiz and his team of two leatherneck sergeants and a Free French officer served as intelligence gatherers and saboteurs. Though they volunteered to surrender rather than carry out a mission, they managed to prevent the destruction of an entire town during the Liberation of France in August 1944. Their extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice greatly contributed to the success of the Allied invasion.

No Cohesive Marine Units in Europe

While a few individual Marines were involved in OSS missions, Marine units as we traditionally think of them – fighting battalions conducting amphibious assaults – did not exist on the European battlefield. The extensive resources needed for this type of operation, given the vast number of land combat units required to counter the Axis powers, limited the number of Marine formations that could be deployed. Additionally, the Pacific Theater (PTO) required all 6 Marine Divisions, and even then, 20 or more Army divisions were still needed to combat the Japanese. Therefore, most Marine assets, including shipboard detachments, were deployed in the Pacific Theater.

On naval vessels, small teams of Marines often served to ensure the security of ships and to perform boat search and seizure duties. These units were well-equipped to handle the mixed responsibilities required during naval operations that supported amphibious assaults. Even on some capital warships like battleships, Marines manned secondary 5-inch guns to provide auxiliary fire support during Allied military operations.

Royal Marines: An Elite Force with a Rich History

It is also worth noting that other elite British and Commonwealth forces, including the Royal Marines, were deeply involved in operations throughout Europe. The Royal Marines, in particular, saw action on many fronts, including in the Normandy landings. They are renowned for their combat prowess and have a long, proud history that stretches back to 1664, including their involvement in the American War of Independence and the subsequent conflicts leading up to World War II.

Though the focus of this article is on the unique contributions of US Marines to the European Theaters, it is important to recognize the broader context of Allied military operations. By understanding the roles of different military units, including the intriguing and often overlooked work of US Marines in OSS missions, we gain a clearer picture of the complex and multifaceted nature of World War II.