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There is such a thing as a Distinguished Marksmanship badge. The only thing better than an Expert is a multiple award Expert and, of course, being a double expert in both rifle and pistol. They righteously look down upon the rest for their inability to manipulate a rifle accurately. Finally are the heroes who are qualified to sport Expert badges. Next are the Sharpshooters, whose skill is such that they can at least say they aren’t Marksmen. Nonetheless, Marksmen are looked down upon for their lack of ability. In all fairness, there are those who cannot hit the target with a bayonet let alone live ammo. The marksman badge or “pizza box” is the lowest of qualifications but at least the bearer can hit paper with a weapon. To be “unq” or “unqualified” with the rifle is the most egregious of crimes and can cause a Marine unbelievable shame and ridicule. Rifle and pistol badges can mean quite a bit to young Marines. The lethality of Marine marksmanship led General Pershing to remark: ” The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle.”
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Marine accuracy was such that German soldiers mistakenly believed they had engaged a battalion of snipers. Germans first encountered the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments at what they thought were distances well outside accurate rifle ranges. This stems all the way back to World War I. In the Corps we have a thing about being good with a rifle.