MILITARY ORDER OF THE DEVIL DOGS

We are “The Fun and Honor Society of the Marine Corps League”

The Marine Corps League, formed in 1923 by members of what had been the Marine Corps Veterans Association assimilated more than 40 existing marine oriented organizations that sprang up following the end of World War 1. Comprised largely of veterans of the fierce fighting between the Fifth and Sixth Marine Regiments and the Germans, these returning veterans of the Great War (“the war to end all wars”) were called “Teufelhunden” by their German adversaries, literally meaning “Dogs of the Devil,” or as we now know, DEVIL DOGS.

Following the establishment of the Marine Corps League, the leadership of the League decided that the delegates assembling in convention needed some time during their serious deliberations to “blow off steam.” As a result, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs was organized and created in 1939, in Boston, MA and granted a charter as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League on 19 March 1940. From those early years, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs (the Order) has grown to strength of over 6,000 members.   

The Order is organized in nearly every state where there is a Marine Corps League presence. Now in its 77th year, the Order boasts a semi-permanent headquarters in Michigan, a full-time Kennel Dog Robber, National Executive Secretary and Bookkeeper.

The Order, the FUN and HONOR SOCIETY of the Marine Corps League, is comprised of only regular members of the League who have been recommended for membership by 2 members of the Order. Each member undergoes a series of initiations. First, as a Pup, in their Pound (the local organization, the basis of the Order); then, as a Devil Dog in their Pack (the State organization which meets during a Department Convention); and, finally, as a Pedigreed Devil Dog at the SUPREME GROWL held in conjunction with the National Convention of the League. Each degree must be held for one full year before candidacy for the next degree may be considered.

The Order promotes good fellowship among the members of the different Marine Corps League Detachments. It provides amusement and entertainment at all gatherings of the League, when and where advisable, preserves and strengthens the principles and ideals of the League, and maintains true allegiance to the United States of America and its Constitution and laws. It fosters and extends American institutions of freedom and defends America against all enemies whatsoever. The Order is also very active in raising funds for different charities . 

Many people think that we are all just about fun and games and our own Marine machismo, however, we are not. It is the underlying purpose of what we do that gives meaning to all of it. Every year we gather in a different part of the country and present our donation to different hospitals, we donate to Children’s Hospitals and Veteran’s Hospitals.

These Donations are designated for medical equipment purchases, which will keep giving year after year, long after the donations are made. And we endeavor to increase these donations every year, to give more, in an effort to help support the medical need. At the 2023 Supreme Growl in Oklahoma City, OK we were able to present a check to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital for $74,000.00