During which battle was the nickname "Devil Dog" first used?

The nickname "Devil Dog" was first used during the Battle of Belleau Wood, which took place in World War I in 1918. This battle was significant for the U.S. Marine Corps and marked a turning point in the war due to the intense fighting that highlighted the determination and ferocity of the Marines. The term reportedly originated from German soldiers, who, upon encountering the Marines' fierce fighting spirit and tenacity, referred to them as "Teufel Hunden," which translates to "Devil Dogs." This name conveyed both respect and fear for the Marines' combat capabilities.

The other battles listed, while historic and important in their own right, did not see the initial use of this nickname. The Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Guadalcanal occurred in World War II, and the Battle of the Bulge, also a key World War II engagement, came later. The Battle of Belleau Wood is truly where this iconic nickname was born, making it a significant part of Marine Corps history and identity.