Expeditionary
Interwar China Expeditions
In the years between the world wars, China was torn by civil war, warlord fighting, and unrest as rival groups struggled for control of the country.
Foreigners living and working there, including many Americans, were often caught in the middle and put in danger. The Marine Corps was sent to China again and again to protect them. Operating with the Navy's Asiatic Fleet, Marines landed at port cities like Shanghai and Tientsin whenever fighting threatened American lives or property, and they guarded the legation and consulates that housed American diplomats. Their job was to shield people and property, not to take sides in China's quarrels. Most of the time the mere presence of armed Marines was enough to keep order, and they avoided combat with the Chinese whenever possible. These expeditions kept a watchful Marine presence in China through years of turmoil.
Engagements in this conflict (3)
Record no. 548