This book describes the organization of this formidable force from 1917-18 and details their uniforms, insignia and decorations, weapons and equipment. Though the US Marines initially struggled to maintain their distinctive identity within the huge American Expeditionary Force in France, their unforgettable performance at Belleau Wood, Soissons, St Mihiel, Blanc Mont and the Meuse-Argonne established their reputation as 'the most aggressive body of diehards on the Western Front'. Alongside the text, numerous photographs and eight full colour plates vividly depict the various ranks of the US Marine Corps.