"In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue."



                                         

One the Corps most notable leaders, General John A. Lejeune's legacy shaped the Marine Corps and his impact on the Marine Corps remains to this day.  Every Marine is intimately familar with the Marine Corps Order he published in 1921 that has been read at every Marine Corps Birthday Ball since 1921.

Born on 10 January, 1867 in Louisiana.  General Lejeune graduated from Louisiana State University and the United States Naval Academy.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on 1 July, 1890.   He saw expeditionary duty in Panama, the Philippines, Cuba, and Mexico and served in a variety of assignments including Barracks, Sea and Recruiting Duty and in Battalion Commander prior to World War I.  He also served as the assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Promoted to Brigadier General on 29 August, 1916 he was the first Commander of the newly constructed Quantico, Marine Barracks.

While serving in Guantanamo Bay, LtCol Lejeune formed the Marine Corps Association (MCA) with the goal of professional advancement among Marines.

 Service during World War I

General Lejeune arrived in France during June, 1918 and was promoted Major General the following month.  He assumed command of the 4th Brigade of Marines of the 2nd Division following the attack by the Division in the Battle of Soissons.  In July of 1918 Major General Lejeune assumed command of the Army's 2nd Division and remained in command until the Division was demobilized in August of 1919.  He led the Division march into Germany following the Armistice.

He was recognized by the French Government with the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre.  General Pershing awarded him the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He was also awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his service during World War I.  Following the war he was re-appointed as Commanding General, Marine Barracks Quantico in October 1919.

General Lejeune was appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps on 1 July, 1920.

On November 1st, 1921 General Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47 which, as every Marine knows, has been read on every Marine Corps Birthday Ball since.

Marine Corps Birthday Message by General John A Lejeune

MARINE CORPS ORDERS
No. 47 (Series 1921)
HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS
Washington, November 1, 1921

759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the  
10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it
will be read upon receipt.

   (1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by  a resolution of Continental
Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is
fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the
glories of its long and illustrious history.

   (2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous
military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the
Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the
Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home,
generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every
corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

   (3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves
with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come
to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

   (4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received
from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit
which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of
the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal
to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will
regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of
the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

JOHN A. LEJEUNE,
Major General Commandant
75705--21


General Lejeune retired from active duty on 10 November, 1929 and accepted the position of superintendent of Virginia Military Institute (VMI).  He served at VMI until October 1937. 

He was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant General on the Marine Corps retired list in February of 1942 and passed away on 20 November, 1942.

General Lejeune died on 20 November, 1942 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  

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