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This Month In History

Nicaragua


One of the most long-lived publications ever produced by the Marine Corps has to be the still widely read Small Wars Manual (1940). This remarkable document was actually a compilation of lessons learned from dozens of Marine Corps operations conducted primarily in Central America and the Caribbean from 1903 to 1933. These small wars were all what we would term today counterinsurgency operations. And due to the largely expeditionary nature of such combat the Marine Corps responded with an effective and, at the time, very unique idea of providing small units operating on the ground with direct air support from above-tactics that ultimately evolved into the modern day hallmark of the Corps, the Marine air-ground task force...Read the entire article.

 

Nicaragua

As the U.S. Armed Forces develop and refine their doctrine for the use of military resources in low-intensity conflicts and military operations other than war, they should carefully assess the "small wars"1 experiences of Marine forces through the first three decades of this century. These earlier campaigns are important, not only for their doctrinal contributions, but also because of their resemblance to conflict today... Read the entire article.

Nicaragua


When it comes to the history of the U.S. Marine Corps, few names stand out more than MajGen Merritt A. "Red Mike" Edson's. Famous for winning the Medal of Honor on Guadalcanal, Edson is also recognized for his leadership during the Rio Coco patrol during the Second Nicaragua Campaign (1926-33). Although several historians have treated the Rio Coco patrol, they mostly have emphasized Edson's composure in the face of natural hazards and determined opposition from Sandinista guerrillas or his creativity in employing light infantry tactics.1 Most of these accounts have not dealt with the unique political aspect of the mission. Yet this "other side" of the Rio Coco patrol is perhaps the more significant for today's Marines. Edson's story illustrates how the many campaigns of that era, together known by the trivializing term "Banana Wars," may have much to say to the Marines of today... Read the entire article.

Nicaragua


Merritt A. Edson earned his reputation as the Corps' quintessential light fighter during the U.S. intervention in Nicaragua between the world wars. The newly promoted captain arrived in that country in February 1928 at the head of the USS Denver's 56-man Marine detachment. As part of the effort to quell Augusto Sandino's rebellion, he and his men made three separate forays up the Coco River during their 13 months ashore... Read the entire article.

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