What significant event in Marine Corps history happened in 1947?

In 1947, the National Security Act was enacted, which significantly redefined the structure and function of the Marine Corps within the United States military framework. This act provided a comprehensive reorganization by establishing the modern unified command structure and ensuring that the Marine Corps maintained its identity and mission separate from other branches of the military. This was crucial for the Marine Corps as it affirmed its role as an integral part of the nation's defense strategy, allowing it to operate effectively alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force in joint operations.

The creation of the National Security Act effectively solidified the Marine Corps' identity in the post-World War II era, amidst changing military needs and strategies. This was not merely about organizational structure; it also addressed policies regarding military readiness and the operational scope of the Marine Corps, further highlighting its importance in national security matters.

Other events listed, such as the establishment of air stations, the founding of the Marine Corps Reserve, and the onset of World War II, while significant in their own right, do not directly relate to the foundational changes introduced by the National Security Act of 1947.