The Marine Corps League

06/21/2026

Marine History

On June 18, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Maj. James Capers Jr. and, posthumously, to Col. John Ripley during a White House ceremony. The next day, both Marines will be inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes for their extraordinary heroism in Vietnam.

Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, said their actions “represent the very best of our Corps.”

Maj. James Capers Jr. earned the Medal of Honor for leading a four‑day recon mission despite repeated contact with a larger enemy force. Wounded by a claymore mine and heavy fire, he continued directing his team and refused evacuation until all his men were safe. He credited his survival to his War Dog, King, who shielded him from the blast.

Capers’ family said they are deeply proud, noting his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazing Force Recon Marine.

Col. John Ripley received the Medal of Honor for single‑handedly placing 500 pounds of explosives under the D**g Ha Bridge in 1972. Under intense enemy fire, he spent three hours climbing beneath the bridge to set the charges, ultimately destroying it and halting a major North Vietnamese assault.

His family accepted the award on his behalf, saying he viewed his actions simply as doing his duty.

The Hall of Heroes induction will formally honor both Marines’ legacies and their lasting impact on American military history.

Source from Staff Sgt. Joshua Smith.

06/20/2026

Happy Juneteenth

Today, we recognize , a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and progress. We honor the contributions and service of Black Marines, past and present, whose dedication has helped shape our Corps and our nation.

06/19/2026

RED Friday — Remember Everyone Deployed

Today we wear red to honor the brave men and women serving far from home. Their sacrifice, courage, and commitment will never be forgotten. We stand with our troops, support their families, and continue to pray for their safe return.

Until they all come home. 🇺🇸❤️
Remember Everyone Deployed

06/19/2026

Marine History

06/17/2026

06/15/2026

MOJO MONDAY

A new week means a new opportunity to move closer to your goals.

Don’t worry about what happened last week. Focus on what you can control today. One call. One workout. One task. One step forward.

Success isn’t built in a day—it’s built through consistent effort, day after day.

Make this Monday count. Your future self will thank you for it.

06/13/2026

Battle of Belleau Wood — June 13th Reflection

On June 13, 1918, the Marines continued their brutal fight in the woods of Belleau Wood during World War I. Facing deadly machine-gun fire, artillery, and fierce resistance, the Marines pushed forward with unmatched courage and determination.

It was during this battle that the Marines earned a legendary reputation for toughness and fighting spirit, forever connecting them with the nickname “Devil Dogs” (Teufel Hunden). The sacrifice and bravery shown at Belleau Wood became part of the warrior legacy of the United States Marine Corps.

Belleau Wood was more than a battle — it was a statement.
Marines don’t quit. Marines adapt, overcome, and accomplish the mission.

To those who fought, bled, and never returned:

Semper Fidelis. 🇺🇸
Their courage echoes forever.

06/12/2026

Statement on Take Care of America’s Veterans Act
The American people asked our veterans to sacrifice for our country. Their sacrifices have placed a lasting burden not only on their physical and mental well-being, but also on the well-being of their families and loved ones. The commitment our veterans made when they raised their right hand contained no expiration date, and neither should the promise made to them by the American people. To truly take care of America’s Veteran, our country should not keep the promise to one group of Veterans while narrowing the promise to another.
For this reason, the Marine Corps League does not support this bill as currently drafted, particularly Section 108. While the bill is well intended and contains many provisions we support, Section 108 would effectively reduce disability compensation for future claims involving obstructive sleep apnea and tinnitus. These conditions are especially common to our Marines, FMF personnel, and other Veterans whose service involved toxic and environmental exposures, weapons-fire, aircraft and artillery noise, blast overpressure, and a wide variety of related experiences.
If a reformation of rating schedule for sleep apnea and tinnitus is needed, that discussion should occur separately, through a transparent and science-based process with full participation from Veterans Service Organizations, medical experts, and affected Veterans. Any reformation of VA rating schedule has serious impact to veterans benefits and should not be inserted into a comprehensive veterans’ benefits package to offset for other earned benefits.
Therefore, Marine Corps League urges Congress to remove Section 108 from the final legislative package and pass the remaining, strongly written Bill in the same manner as the PACT Act was passed.
Marines live by Semper Fidelis, “always faithful”, to country, Corps, and one another. The American people made a promise to all who served, and our nation should honor the same spirit of what we ask of those who are willing to wear the uniform.

06/12/2026

THE TITLE IS EARNED. NEVER GIVEN.

The Marine Corps doesn’t hand out titles. It demands commitment, sacrifice, discipline, and the determination to overcome every obstacle placed in your path.

Those who have earned the title of Marine carry it with pride for a lifetime. And through the Marine Corps League, we continue the mission of preserving the traditions, values, and brotherhood that define our Corps.

Whether you served yesterday or decades ago, the bond remains the same.

Honor. Courage. Commitment. Brotherhood.

Once a Marine, Always a Marine.