Where did the nickname "Devil Dogs" originate?

The nickname "Devil Dogs" originated from World War I, specifically during the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918. This term was reportedly used by German soldiers to describe the Marines who fought fiercely in this significant battle. The intensity and tenacity of the U.S. Marines during the engagement left a lasting impression on their adversaries, leading to the nickname. The battle was a pivotal moment in the war, showcasing the bravery and combat proficiency of the Marines, which contributed to the emergence of this iconic moniker that persists in Marine Corps culture today.

Other choices may reflect various historical contexts, but they do not directly relate to the origins of the "Devil Dogs" nickname as firmly as the events of the Battle of Belleau Wood, where the Marines' reputation for ferocity truly became immortalized.