Hold High the Torch, the first of a series of regimental and squadron histories by the Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, is designed primarily to acquaint the members of the 4th Marines, past and present, with the history of their regiment. In addition, it is hoped this volume will enlarge public understanding of the Marine Corps’ worth both in limited war and as a force in readiness. During most of its existence the 4th Marines was not engaged in active military operations, but service of the regiment in China, the Dominican Republic, and off the west coast of Mexico, was typical of the Marine Corps’ support of national policy. In many of its combat operations, the 4th Marines was only one element of a much larger force. In other instances, as in the Dominican Republic and China, the regiment was a subordinate unit in situations which were essentially political and diplomatic. Only so much of these higher echelon activities as are essential to an understanding of the 4th Marines story have been told. This is a regimental history and the focus is therefore on the 4th Marines.

Hold High the Torch, first published in 1960, is a history of the distinguished USMC 4th Marine Regiment. Prior to World War II, the 4th Marines saw service in a number of regional conflicts-including the Dominican Republic and in China. With the outbreak of the Second World War, the Regiment took part in the beach defense of Corregidor. With the surrender of Allied Forces in the Philippines, the survivors became prisoners of war and the Regiment ceased to exist. On February 1, 1944, the Regiment was reactivated on Guadalcanal, seeing action on Guam and Okinawa, and with the surrender of Japan, the Regiment took part in the occupation of the country. Included are numerous maps, 32 pages of photographs, a chronology, list of regimental awards, medal of honor citations, and index.