DDS Recognizes the Spartan Ethos Inherent to Our Corps!

SAN DIEGO - Jan. 20, 2016 - PRLog -- Our Spartan apparel draws its roots from an ancient time when warfare was rudimentary and brutal.  The personal bravery of each warrior was relied on equally.  Their shields formed an impenetrable wall, their spears a fine tip.  The enemy that marched unto a battle-ready formation of Spartan surely signed their own death warrant before marching blindly to their death.

The Spartan coin and apparel, symbolizes the incredible fighting spirit forged in every Marine.  The moment the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is placed unto the calloused hands of the tired recruit, the transformation is made.  Not in title, but in spirit.  This same spirit will drive Marines to excel on the field of battle and instill fear unto our enemies!

Spartan King Leonidas, who in August, 480 B.C., took a contingent of 300 of the best Spartan warriors to lead a greek coalition against the Persian King Xerxes.  The Greeks were no stranger to the Persian style of warfare.  This was the second (yet not the last) war with the Persian Empire.  The coalition of Greek forces, under the command of Leonidas, decided to meet the Persian horde head-on at a narrow mountain pass of Thermopylae.  There the Persian numbers would give way to skill and cold hard steel.

King Leonidas and his Spartan 300 held out against onslaught after onslaught of enemy hordes and did not give ground except to let their enemies fight upon their own dead.  This made the enemy unstable, broke up their formations, guarded against a fast advance or charge, and psychologically disrupted the Persians who had to tromple not only their own dead, but dying.  The Persian King Xerxes would soon entice a rival Greek city-state to guide them around the dangerous pass, ultimately allowing them to become enveloped.

The Spartans knew exactly what had to be done and King Leonidas then ordered the rest of the coalition to retreat, while they held the rear.  Many Greeks  walked away in tears as they left the remnants of the brave 300 behind.  The Spartans continued to fight, even as King Leonidas fell.  They were eventually defeated and the battle won by the Persians, but at an enormous price.   The Greek coalition of only 7,000 men to include the Spartan 300 faced an enemy that modern scholars estimate to between 300,000-700,000 men strong (although the legend says 2.6 million).  They took such a tremendous loss that it forced the Persian King to eventually leave Greece.

The ancient Spartans were so glamorized that they became almost mythical.  Yet this would serve a purpose throughout time.  It would give militaries everywhere an example to emulate to include our beloved Corps.  Many Marines by their example time and time again in the field of battle have proven that they carry the mantle of the ancient Spartans.  From killing fields of Europe, to the island citadels of the Pacific, in the blistering ice of the North Korea, to jungles of Vietnam, in the urban mire of Iraq, and the rivers of the Helmand US Marines have embodied the ancient warrior ethos of their Spartan predecessors.  Much like the ancient Spartans, who raised their shield high in unison to protect their brother to the left and right of them.

Spartan Apparel

Devil Dog Shirts strives to honor not only the Marines of the present, we work diligently to honor the Warriors that came before us.  This challenge coin commemorates the "Hard-Chargers" that gave life, limb, and a mass amount of testicular fortitude in the killing fields of Thermopylae.  The battle and warrior class would serve as an example to be emulated throughout the history of warfare.

It was they who started the legacy, and us who continue to carry it on, any clime or place!  Semper Fi!

USMC military challenge coins are a central part of the quality products created at Devildogshirts.Com. Their original artwork which is licensed by the United States Marine Corps trademark and licensing office depicts the strength, courage, commitment and undying loyalty US Marines have with America and America with them. At the heart of a Marine are the freedoms and way of life of America and the preservation of peace and freedom. The USMC will fight and die to preserve this American birthright. Each coin created by Devildogshirts.com is a testimony to this incredible dedication and love for our country! OO-RAH!

Find this USMC Spartan coin at https://devildogshirts.com/product/doggy-bag/usmc-spartan... and enjoy this Marine Corps coin for decades to come!

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