During the Civil War the United States Marine Corp had its authorized strength increased to 3000 men, minuscule compared to the Union Army that reached over a million men. Marine Commandant Colonel John Harris was a traditionalist who believed that the Marines should guard ships and man artillery batteries, leaving the numerous amphibious invasions that took place during the War to the Army. Even with this restricted scope, 17 Marines earned the newly created Medals of Honor during the War. Go here to read a comprehensive list of Marine participation in the Civil War.
