The Paramarines was a short-lived specialized combat unit of the United States Marine Corps, trained to be paratroopers dropped from planes by parachute. Marine parachute training which began in New Jersey in October 1940 ended with the parachute units being disbanded at Camp Pendleton, California in February 1944. Paratroopers received a significantly increased salary after completing training, so there was no shortage of volunteers, although all were required to be unmarried. Standards of fitness were high, and 40% failed the training course.
Paramarine in training at NAS Lakehurst in 1942
Marines make a high-altitude jump from a Douglas R4D, in late 1943
The 1st Marine Division is a Marine division of the United States Marine Corps headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. It is the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.
A Marine of the 1st Marine Regiment on Guadalcanal.
Marines of 1st Marine Division fighting on Okinawa, 1945.
Marines of 1st Marine Division at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
3/3 Marines observe an airstrike during Operation Harvest Moon