The Devil Dog Dictionary Earns Praise in U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Devil Dog Dictionary Earns Praise in U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings

JUPITER, Fla., July 19, 2026 — The Devil Dog Dictionary: An Unofficial Guide to Words and Expressions of the United States Marine Corps has been featured in the July 2026 issue of U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, the flagship magazine of the U.S. Naval Institute and one of the military profession's most respected publications.

Written by Marine veteran and corporate communications professional John Burke, the book explores the language, traditions and culture of the United States Marine Corps through hundreds of terms, expressions and acronyms collected from more than 250 years of Marine Corps history.

In his review, retired Marine Corps Colonel John C. McKay described The Devil Dog Dictionary as "a unique and worthwhile book" and wrote that 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."

The recognition carries special meaning for Burke. Col. McKay commanded 1st Battalion, 9th Marines during Burke's service with the battalion in the 1980s, making the review both professionally meaningful and deeply personal.

Published in 2025 to coincide with the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, The Devil Dog Dictionary was also formally accepted into the Commandant's Library as Entry #1144, recognizing its contribution to documenting and preserving Marine Corps terminology, culture and heritage.

"I wrote this book because language is part of our legacy," Burke said. "Marine Corps expressions tell stories about the people who served, the battles they fought and the traditions they passed to the next generation. I'm honored that Col. McKay recognized the book's purpose and that it has also found a place in the Commandant's Library."

Drawing on his service as an intelligence specialist and Marine Security Guard, Burke combines historical research with firsthand experience to explain the origins, evolution and enduring significance of Marine Corps language. The book is intended for Marines, veterans, military historians, families and anyone interested in understanding the culture and traditions of the Corps.

The Devil Dog Dictionary is available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions through major online booksellers.

About the Author

John Burke served in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1989, including assignments with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Marine Security Guard detachments at the U.S. Embassies in Guatemala, Czechoslovakia and Finland, and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235 at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. A communications professional and former journalist, Burke is the author of The Devil Dog Dictionary, a reference work dedicated to preserving the language, culture and traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

For more information, visit www.devildogdictionary.com.

Media Contact

John Burke
Email: jtburke.writes@gmail.com
Phone: (561) 308.3177
Website: www.devildogdictionary.com