1939: Marine Corps, United States

The advent of the year 1939 found the United States Marine Corps performing its peace time mission of various activities wherever the United States Navy had need for a military force to assist in forwarding the national defense policies of the country. Marines were assigned to domestic and foreign posts and stationed aboard numerous ships of the Navy as necessary.

The President's proclamation of a limited national emergency on Sept. 5, 1939, after the outbreak of the European War, resulted in an increase of all naval activities. Existing Navy Yards enlarged their forces, ship building and construction of naval necessities were augmented, and in turn added protection became essential at all these stations. Consequently Marine guards were increased at these Navy Yards. Idle Navy Yards were put back into operation and Marine detachments were formed and sent to Key West, Florida; Tongue Point, Oregon; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Kodiak, Alaska; and Sitka, Alaska. Protection of our national interests was continued in the Far East with units stationed in Shanghai, Peiping and Tientsin, China, and in the Philippines with detachments in Cavite and Olangapo. Increased units continued on duty in the Hawaiian Islands, Virgin Islands, Guam, Panama Canal Zone, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The Fleet Marine Force was numerically increased by the addition of 842 officers and men to bring it to a strength of 5,642, and a program of intensive training was inaugurated so that this 'minute-man' military arm of the United States Fleet might function efficiently and smoothly upon a moment's notice should the need arise for its use.

In furtherance of the national defense plan, four Marine defense battalions are being organized. These defense battalions consist of highly mobile and highly trained artillery units, for use either against land, sea or air forces.

This expansion of all Marine Corps activities necessitated in bringing the Marine Corps complement up to an authorized strength of 25,000. In order to accomplish this increase seventeen new recruiting stations and seventy-five sub-stations were established throughout the country. Certain specified Fleet Marine Corps Reservists were recalled to active duty and junior Marine Corps Reserve officers who volunteered were assigned to active service. Retired officers who expressed their willingness to serve were taken back to assist in this expansion.

As the year draws to an end the United States Marine Corps is operating with over 6,000 more men than it had at the beginning, and with numerous new stations and activities. Marines everywhere are on the alert safeguarding our national policies and possessions.