Marines in World War II: A Comprehensive Overview

World War II was a global conflict that involved many armed forces, including the US Marine Corps and other national maritime infantry units. These units, despite their small number, played a significant role in the war's various theaters. This article explores the role of marines across different nations and the specific engagements, particularly focusing on amphibious assaults and the D-Day invasion.

The Role of Marine Units

Marines, also known as Fusiliers marins by the French, Kaigun Tokubetsu Rikusentai by the Japanese, Korps Mariniers by the Dutch, and Morskaya pekhota by the Soviet Union, served as specialized maritime infantry units. They were trained for various military operations, including amphibious assaults, raids, and the capture and defense of ports, islands, and coasts.

Naval and Ground Operations

Marines were not only infantry but also operated aircraft, artillery, landing craft, and even tanks. Their versatility made them essential for various types of combat operations. For instance, during the war, several marine units participated in the ground and air campaigns, particularly in the Pacific theaters, where their role as close air support (CAS) elements proved crucial.

The D-Day Invasion and Marine Participation

The D-Day invasion of Normandy, Operation Overlord, marked one of the largest amphibious assaults in history. While the primary forces landing on the beaches were Allied soldiers, the US and UK Marine Corps played a critical role in supporting these operations. Specifically, the only marine units participating in the D-Day invasion were those on board large American warships.

On the day of the invasion, the Marines on the USS Texas engaged with German forces, mostly as prisoners of war (POWs) and German soldiers returning to their lines on returning supply boats from Pointe du Hoc. While the sailors aboard the USS Texas lacked combat experience, they demonstrated bravery and resolve.

One notable event was when Colonel James E. Kerr, a member of Admiral Moon's staff, was sent to Utah Beach to evaluate the landing at 10:15 hours on June 6, 1944. He was the only marine to set foot on French soil on D-Day.

Special Operations and Training

Marines often participated in special operations alongside intelligence agencies like the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). They also worked with British special forces units, although there were no large-scale official command units in this capacity.

Task force operations during the war involved various marine units, sometimes as reinforcing elements or as part of larger task forces. These task forces, ranging from reinforced squads to full Marine divisions, were designed to conduct unit-specific missions, such as capturing prisoners or eliminating targets.

Conclusion

The US Marine Corps, along with its counterparts in other countries, played a vital role in World War II, particularly in amphibious assaults and support operations. Despite their smaller numbers, marine units contributed significantly to the Allied victory through their specialized training and adaptability in various combat scenarios.

Further research into the role of marine units in the conflict reveals numerous fascinating stories and insights, especially regarding the island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific, where marine ground and air groups developed and refined the close air support (CAS) capabilities that continue to be crucial for modern military operations.