Hey Big Daddy, I was applying my comment primarily to the current enemies of freedom who are attempting to destroy our military thru reduction, political correctness and lack of funding. As for Jimmy Doolittle, perhaps if they’d done what he was seeking to do, all prior to the Korean War, would’ve the US Army at that time, have survived the onslaught, without the Marines help, particularly early in the Korean war? Just asking. I’m the son of a US Army Korean War vet, and my father often asked the question himself. There will always be the need for U.S. Marines, no matter what the cost. Based on all the Marine vets I’ve met over the past 50+ years, I haven’t changed my mind. IMHO.
As an old doggie combat veteran, I must admit that the combat history of the USMC in Korea was sterling, They were instrumental in saving the Pusan perimeter at the Naktong Bulge, their aggressive seizure of Seoul after Inchon, the wisdom of MG OP Smith, CO of the 1st Marine Division in disregarding the reckless orders of the X Corp commander Army Gen. Ned Almond and keeping his forces well deployed to blunt the Chinese Winter offensive, the incredible stand of Fox Company against the better part of a Chinese Division at the Toktong pass as they covered the withdrawal of the 1st and 5th Marines to Hagaru-Ri, The magnificent and orderly withdrawal of Marine forces from the Chosin resovoir (aided though by the sacrifice of Army 7th Division Task Force Faith who were annihallated as they caught the initial brunt of the Chicom offensive) and so much more. There is something truly special about the fighting qualities of the Corp.
That being said, In every major war it will always be the Army that kills and captures most of the enemy, takes and holds the most ground, and fights most of the major battles, cause the Corp just ain’t big enough. They sure do punch WAY above their weight though. Used properly they are an invaluable asset.