This short film from 1948 celebrates the 173rd anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, which was founded in 1775. It shows the 2nd Marine Division being inspected by Gen. Clifton V. Cates, Commandant of the Corps. The location is Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. At the time, the 2nd Division had just returned from an amphibious landing exercise. The film goes on to show some of the capabilities of the USMC, and the “first team” which includes new jet aircraft (1:30), cutting edge helicopters (1:40), and more. At 1:58, the Freedom Train is shown along with the Marines who guarded it. The 1947–49 special exhibit Freedom Train included the battle flag from Iwo Jima. At 2:20, General Clifton B. Cates addresses the audience.

The Marine Corps Birthday is an celebrated every year on 10 November with a traditional ball and cake-cutting ceremony. On that day in 1775, the Continental Marines were established.

Clifton Bledsoe Cates served as the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1948 to 1951. He was one of the few officers from any branch of service to have commanded a platoon, a company, a battalion, a regiment, and a division each in combat.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com