U.S.M.C. In the Civil War (1861-1865)

The United States Marine Corps was one of the Union's toughest units, but it did not take part in many major battles. The action the U.S.M.C. mostly saw was on the ships of the Union Blockading Force. They also took part in may small scale rades along the North Carolina and South Carolina coasts. The major actions that the Marines did take part in were at the battle of 1st Manassas (1st Bull Run) and the 2nd Assault of Fort Fisher. The U.S.M.C. wore the standard uniform assigned in 1851. A frock coat, French kepi, and boots, but they were recognised by there white silk trousers (for the heat of the coast), white buff belts, and the rank cheverons turned with points up instead of down. The officers wore instead the regular rank shoulder boards, Russian knots on there shoulders to identify there rank. They Marines also had a large armerment of different weapons but mostly carried the M1855 Harpers Ferry Rifled Musket.

CURRENT OFFICERS
Maj.Gen. John Hawkins (Cmdr. U.S.M.C.)

Allies
United States Regular Army

2nd Battle of Fort Fisher[en.wikipedia.org]
US Marines at the 1st Battle of Bull Run[www.historynet.com]