The creed of a United States Marine

Maj. Gen. W. H. Rupertus, USMC

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life.

My rifle, without me is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I
must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he
shoots me. I will...

My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the
noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is hits that count. We will
hit...

My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will
learn its weaknesses, it strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel. I
will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage. I will keep my rifle clean
and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...

Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are defenders of my country. We are
the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.

So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but Peace!