The blood stripe flag is a red stripe that runs down the side seams of dress uniform trousers worn by officers and enlisted personnel in the United States Marine Corps. The blood stripe dates back to the early days of the Marine Corps and serves as a symbolic reminder of the sacrifice and bloodshed experienced by Marines on the battlefield.
History and Origins
The exact origins of the blood stripe are not entirely clear, but it seems to date back to the early 19th century during the First Barbary War. According to tradition, Marine sharpshooters stationed in the rigging of US Navy ships engaged the Barbary pirates in several battles in the early 1800s. To honor the Marines for their bravery and marksmanship, a scarlet stripe was added down the seams of their uniform trousers.
Another account states that the blood stripe commemorates the high casualties suffered by the Marines during the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847 during the Mexican-American War. According to this story, General Officers wanted to honor the sacrifice of the Marines by authorized the blood stripe for all officers and enlisted Marines. Prior to this, only Non-Commissioned Officers were permitted to wear the red stripe.
While the exact origin is unclear, the blood stripe had become an established part of the Marine Corps uniform by the late 19th century. Marine Corps Order No. 4, released on April 6, 1876, officially standardized the blood stripe as a uniform requirement for all ranks.
Symbolic Meaning
The blood stripe is meant to symbolize the bloodshed and ultimate sacrifice that Marines are willing to make in defense of the United States. It serves as a reminder of fallen comrades and represents the commitment that all Marines make when taking the oath of enlistment.
The red color of the blood stripe is symbolic as well. Red represents the blood spilled in battle. The red stripes themselves are often referred to as “blood stripes.”
The blood stripe is also meant to honor the memory of all Marines who have courageously given their lives to protect and defend their country throughout the history of the Marine Corps.
Uniform Regulations
According to current uniform regulations:
- The blood stripe is worn by every Marine from the rank of Private First Class through General.
- The blood stripe is 1-1/2 inches wide and runs the length of the trouser seams on each leg.
- Blood stripes are permanently sewn into the dress blue trousers but are attached with Velcro on service trousers so they can be removed.
- For officers, the blood stripe stops 2 inches from the bottom of each trouser leg.
- For enlisted, the blood stripe extends to the bottom of each trouser leg.
On dress blue trousers, the blood stripe is sewn in scarlet red soutache braid. On service trousers, it is attached with a polyester red cloth.
The specific shade and color of red used for the blood stripe was standardized in the 20th century as “Infantry Scarlet” or “OCS Red.”
Traditions and Customs
The blood stripe is at the center of many traditions and customs within the Marine Corps surrounding promotion and uniform wear:
- When promoted from Private First Class to Lance Corporal, the Marine receives their first blood stripe. This is considered an important rite of passage for young Marines.
- Newly promoted Non-Commissioned Officers in the Staff NCO and Sergeant ranks undergo a blood-striping ceremony where their stripes are applied. This is meant to honor their new rank and status as a Marine NCO.
- Blood stripes are authorized for wear on service, dress, and mess uniforms. Marines take pride in the appearance and maintenance of their blood stripes.
- Marines salute the blood stripe when donning dress blue trousers to show respect for fallen comrades.
- Rumor has it that blood pinning ceremonies are sometimes conducted by “pinning” the stripes using a needle to draw blood. However, this is not officially sanctioned.
Controversies
While the blood stripe is a revered Marine Corps tradition, it has not been without some controversies over the years:
- Some critics have argued that blood stripes glorify violence and bloodshed. Supporters counter that the stripes honor sacrifice, not violence.
- There have been unsuccessful initiatives to award the blood stripe to Navy Corpsmen who serve with Marines to honor their sacrifices.
- In the late 1990s and 2000s, some Marines got blood stripe tattoos to show their pride and commitment. This led to many regretted tattoos after some Marines left the service.
- When women were first integrated into Marine recruit training in the 1990s, there was debate over whether they should wear blood stripes. Ultimately the tradition was maintained.
While occasionally controversial, the blood stripe remains an integral part of the Marine Corps uniform and continues to embody the ideals of sacrifice and commitment within the Corps.
Conclusion
The blood stripe flag is a distinctive uniform item of the United States Marine Corps. Its origins date back nearly two centuries, and it serves as an iconic reminder of the sacrifice and bloodshed endured by Marines in defense of the United States. The red color symbolizes the blood spilled by fallen Marines. While its exact origins are debated, the blood stripe flag remains an enduring symbol and Marine Corps tradition. The stripes represent commitment, rites of passage, and the honorable memory of the Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice from the Barbary Wars to today.
