The U.S. Marine Corps is the most admired and most feared military force in the world, its reputation for bravery and ferocity established through countless displays of tactical superiority and extraordinary bravery on the field of battle. From the Battle of Princeton to the Halls of Montezuma, the Boxer Rebellion to Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima to the Chosin Reservoir, Hue to Fallujah, the Marines have demonstrated again and again that there's "no better friend, no worse enemy than a U.S. Marine." This hard-won reputation continues to distinguish the Corps to this day. For example, the Marines were tapped as the nation's "911 Force-in-Readiness," making them the first troops deployed anywhere in the world where American armed power is needed. Even among the elite fighting organizations of the world, the U.S. Marine Corps is unique: it is the only branch of any nation's military that combines coordinated operational expertise in air, land, and sea combat.

Distinguishing the Marines above all else is the intense loyalty, camaraderie, and esprit de corps that are the heart and soul of the organization. Instilled in boot camp, this unifying spirit, warrior ethos, and commitment to core values stick with Marines for life. From active to retired members, grunts to generals, "Once a Marine, always a Marine" neatly sums up this extraordinary bond.

This revised and updated edition of Semper Fi: The Definitive Illustrated History of the U.S. Marines recounts the stirring history of the Corps from its birth during the American Revolution to today, describing the Corps' evolving mission, its remarkable successes on the battlefield, the challenges made to its very existence, and its continued relevance as an expeditionary force in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also covered are the Marine Corps' many innovations and contributions to the art and science of modern warfare.

And with more than 1,200 full-color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations-including images of historic and modern Marine uniforms, insignia, battle streamers, vehicles, equipment, weapons, campaign maps, and much more-this comprehensive volume is also a visually stunning tribute to the long and storied tradition of excellence in combat exemplified by this remarkable fighting force.