What is commemorated by the 'Blood Stripe' worn by NCOs and officers?

What is commemorated by the 'Blood Stripe' worn by NCOs and officers?

• A. The 50% casualty rate at Iwo Jima.
• B. The 90% casualty rate of Marine officers and NCOs at Chapultepec.
• C. The 30% casualty rate at Guadalcanal.
• D. The 10% casualty rate at Normandy.

Answer: (B)

The Blood Stripe honors the Marines who paid the ultimate price during the assault on Chapultepec Castle in the Mexican-American War of 1847. In that brutal battle, many Marine officers and noncommissioned officers led the charge and suffered extremely high casualties—often cited as about 90% of those leaders killed or wounded. The red stripe on the dress uniform remembers that sacrifice, with the color symbolizing blood shed in battle. It serves as a constant reminder of courage, duty, and the Marines’ heritage, tying current Marines to the heavy losses their predecessors endured while defending their country.

The Blood Stripe honors the Marines who paid the ultimate price during the assault on Chapultepec Castle in the Mexican-American War of 1847. In that brutal battle, many Marine officers and noncommissioned officers led the charge and suffered extremely high casualties—often cited as about 90% of those leaders killed or wounded. The red stripe on the dress uniform remembers that sacrifice, with the color symbolizing blood shed in battle. It serves as a constant reminder of courage, duty, and the Marines’ heritage, tying current Marines to the heavy losses their predecessors endured while defending their country.