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Thank you for your interest in The Devil Dog Dictionary: An Unofficial Guide to Words and Expressions of the United States Marine Corps. This page provides resources for journalists, podcasters, event organizers, reviewers and others interested in learning more about the book and its author.
For interview requests or additional information, please contact John Burke using the information at the bottom of this page.
About the Book
The Devil Dog Dictionary: An Unofficial Guide to Words and Expressions of the United States Marine Corps
The Devil Dog Dictionary: An Unofficial Guide to Words and Expressions of the United States Marine Corps
A reference preserving more than 250 years of Marine Corps language, tradition and culture.
Published in conjunction with the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, The Devil Dog Dictionary explores the words, expressions and traditions that have shaped generations of Marines. Drawing on historical research and firsthand experience, the book explains the origins and meanings of hundreds of Marine Corps terms while celebrating the humor, camaraderie and esprit de corps that define life in the Corps.
About the Author
John Burke is a United States Marine Corps veteran, author and communications professional dedicated to preserving the language, traditions and heritage of the Corps.
Burke served in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1989. An Intelligence Specialist (0231), he served with the 1st Marine Regiment and 1st Battalion, 9th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California, before serving as a Marine Security Guard (8151) at the U.S. Embassies in Guatemala City, Guatemala; Prague, Czechoslovakia; and Helsinki, Finland. He later served with VMFA-235 (The Death Angels) at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
After leaving active duty, Burke earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, summa cum laude, from the University of Southern Maine and built a career in journalism, publishing and corporate communications.
His book, The Devil Dog Dictionary: An Unofficial Guide to Words and Expressions of the United States Marine Corps, was added to the Commandant's Library as Entry #1144 and reviewed in the July 2026 issue of U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings. Together, these distinctions recognize the book's contribution to preserving the unique language and traditions that have shaped generations of Marines.
Today, Burke continues to write about Marine Corps history, culture and heritage, ensuring that the words, expressions and stories of Marines endure for future generations. He lives in Jupiter, Florida.
Semper Fidelis.
Recognition
Featured in the July 2026 issue of U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings
"The Devil Dog Dictionary is a unique and worthwhile book."
"John Burke has written a notable work that adds nuance and understanding to what makes humans fight, and sometimes die, for a cause greater than themselves."
— Colonel John C. McKay, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
Added to the Commandant's Library (Entry #1144)
Added to the Commandant's Library
In January 2026, the Commandant of the Marine Corps informed me that that The Devil Dog Dictionary was formally added to the Commandant’s Library as Entry #1144.
As a former Intelligence Specialist, Marine Embassy Guard and lifelong student of our Corps’ history and language, this recognition means more to me than I can adequately put into words.
The Devil Dog Dictionary was created to preserve the language, traditions, and fighting spirit of Marines — from 1775 to today — and to ensure that our unique culture is never lost to time.
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