Mighty Randy! The term 'leatherneck' dates back to the Revolutionary War! It was in reference to the leather neck- guard worn by the early Marines, which would, in theory, protect the powerful warriors from nasty sabers while boarding enemy ships.
The red stripe reflects the blood of those lost during the Mexican-American War!
Hence its honorable name 'The Blood-Stripe'! [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Flag_USA.gif[/img] The Marines!!!