Post
by Smitty-48 » Fri Jun 16, 2017 10:02 pm
From the Marine Corps website;
"Marines and historians have determined the true origins of "Oorah" lie with recon Marines stationed in Korea in 1953. During this time, reconnaissance Marines in the 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Co., found themselves traveling via submarine to where they were needed. The memorable call of "dive, dive!" would be called on the intercom and a klaxon alarm, which made a very distinct "Aarugha" sound, would announce the descent of the sub below water.
The recon Marines, who heard this sound often, started using it as a motivational tool during runs and physical training. Over time, the word "Aarugha" came to be too much of a mouthful, and eventually molded itself into the familiar "Oorah," according to Maj. Gary Marte, a retired Marine."
They used to actually say "Aarugha" in fact; "A Marine does not cheer, a Marine does not clap, when a Marine is pleased, he says "Aarugha!'", then all the recruits would have to shout "Aarugha!Aarugha!Aarugha!", I've heard Marines do that whole spiel myself, back in the 80's.
And again, sped up, in that Paris Island drawl, is sounded more like "Aaurrah!Aaurrah!Aaurrah!", more like a bloodhound barking than a shout.
Nec Aspera Terrent