Five Most Important Battles in Marine Corps History   Battle War Year Note 1 Belleau Wood WW I 1918 Without Belleau Wood there is no USMC 2 Guadalcanal WW II 1942 First American victory of the war. 3 Tarawa WW II 1943 Proved amphibious assault was possible. 4 Iwo Jima WW II 1945 Defining moment for Marines 5 Chosin Reservoir Korea 1950 Won by attacking in a different direction. Content provided by: Scott Laidig Source(s): Allan Millett, Semper Fidelis; The History of the United States Marine Corps Comments: The Marines have a long and glorious history, but these battles are special.

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