SWORD--MARINE
From Knob Knowledge
Marine Corps Officer's sword is called the Mameluke sword. It "gets its name from the cross-hilt and ivory grip, both of which were used for centuries by the Moslems of North Africa and Arabia.... The Marine Corps tradition of carrying this type of sword dates from Lieutenant O'Bannon's assault on Derna, Tripoli, in 1805, when he is said to have won the sword of the governor of the town." (Source: The Marine Officer's Guide, 6th edition, p. 130. REF VE153 .E85 1996) (DH)
