Parris Island

In 1891, U.S. Marines were originally stationed on Parris Island to protect life and property as part of the Naval Station, Port Royal. In 1915, Parris Island officially became a Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Women became a permanent part of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948. Today Parris Island boasts a historic district with homes and military structures built between 1891 and World War I, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. These postcards track the history of Parris Island and the rich heritage, character, and changes that mark it as the oldest major post in the U.S. Marine Corps.

The definitive account of a tragic episode in U.S. Marine Corps history and its aftermath On the night of April 8, 1956, marine drill instructor Matthew McKeon led Platoon 71 on a forced march through the backwaters of Parris Island in an effort to restore flagging discipline. Unexpectedly strong currents in Ribbon Creek and an ensuing panic led to the drowning of six recruits. The tragedy of Ribbon Creek and the court-martial of Staff Sergeant McKeon became the subject of sensational national media coverage and put the future of the U.S. Marine Corps in jeopardy. In this definitive account of the Ribbon Creek incident former marine and experienced trial lawyer and judge John C. Stevens III examines the events of that night, the men of Platoon 71, and the fate of Sergeant McKeon. Drawing on personal interviews with key participants and his own extensive courtroom experience, Stevens balances the human side of this story with insights into the court proceedings and the tactics of the prosecution and defense attorney Emile Zola Berman. The resulting narrative is a richly developed account of a horrific episode in American military history and of the complex characters at the heart of this cautionary tale.

Located near the Palmetto State's historic city of Beaufort, the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina is one of the world's most famous military bases. Having trained Marine recruits since World War I, the base is the oldest major post of the Marine Corps. It is also the first base commissioned exclusively to train United States Marines, and therefore may truly be called "The Cradle of the Corps." Parris Island takes the reader on a visual journey through documented photographs that highlight the base's touchstones. Before the American Revolution, the island was partially owned by Col. Alexander Parris, who became the island's namesake. Plantations flourished on Parris Island until the end of the War between the States. A small detachment of Marines first arrived in the late 1800s. It was not until 1915, however, that the Marines arrived for good. Since then, the base has rapidly expanded, first during World War I and more so during World War II. Over the years, much of the physical appearance of the base has changed; yet, through this collection of photographs, former Parris Island Marines will have a chance to relive some of their memories while new recruits can watch the progression of their base unfold.

The original 1983 manuscript written by Eugene Alvarez, who is the primary author of this book, included the years 15621983. The current and revised manuscript was edited and updated by Leo J. Daugherty III, PhD, in cooperation with the primary author, and covers the years 1997 to 2015, including chapter 6, dealing with recruit training in the 1920s and 1930s, which was a part of his doctoral dissertation at the Ohio State University. Since this work was first completed, Parris Island has undergone numerous changes in buildings, the base layout, and recruit training. The training philosophy has been altered as society demands. Thus, past training situations and methods should be observed as recorded in the chronological approach of the text to present times.

On the night of April 8, 1956, marine drill instructor Matthew McKeon led Platoon 71 on a forced march through the backwaters of Parris Island in an effort to restore flagging discipline. Unexpectedly strong currents in Ribbon Creek and an ensuing panic led to the drowning of six recruits. The tragedy of Ribbon Creek and the court-martial of Staff Sergeant McKeon became the subject of sensational national media coverage and put the future of the U.S. Marine Corps in jeopardy.

***Includes details about 4th Phase*** In the Parris Island Planner you will discover the best way to keep in touch with your loved one during USMC boot camp. Each chapter will give you new insight into the Marine Boot Camp process from a loved one's point of view. Become an expert support person to your loved one as you follow the Adapt and Overcome Action Steps in each chapter. When a loved one joins the Marine Corps, you have many questions swimming in your head and a lot of different emotions. Not knowing what to expect, you may turn to the internet but then feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and your lack of understanding. This information, which may or may not be correct, coupled with mystifying terms like Close Order Drill and MCMAP, may leave you with even more questions. If you can relate, and your loved one is going to Boot Camp on Parris Island or has already begun the journey, then this planner is for you. Author Vera Basilone writes about the process of Marine Corps Recruit Training and answers all of the questions people have asked her over the years on her website ParrisIsland.com. Rather than focus on the recruit, as much of the information found online and in books does, this planner focuses on the loved ones, (moms, dads, boyfriends, girlfriends, grandparents), who wait for their recruits to complete training. It also provides specific activities in the form of Adapt and Overcome Action Steps throughout each chapter designed to prepare you for life with a loved one in the Marine Corps. In this book you will learn: How to prepare for your new role as a support person for your recruit. All the facts and answers to your questions about Marine Corps boot camp and the process of making Marines. How to prepare for graduation day and how to make the most of your trip to Parris Island. Don't waste time searching the Internet for scraps of information; get your copy of the Parris Island Planner today!