In August, 1919, the Fourth and Filth Brigades of Marines, which had been serving with the Army in France, were returned to the Marine barracks, Quantico, Va., and the naval operating base, Hampton Roads, Va., respectively, at which places the demobilization of these two organizations was effected. This undertaking was by far the largest and most important of its kind that had ever confronted the Marine Corps, but due to the coordination of the various departments interested, and the far-reaching and clearly defined instructions issued in advance the demobilization of these units was effected in a remarkably short time, being completed on August 13, 1919, and in a manner bringing satisfaction to the men discharged, and reflecting to the credit of the corps. The success of these efforts is evidenced by the following statement of demobilization: Discharged or transferred to inactive status: Fourth Brigade, 6,677 enlisted men. Fifth Brigade, 6,671 enlisted men. In addition to the enlisted men released there were also about two hundred officers of the two brigades who were either discharged or transferred to an inactive status. Due to the diligent cooperation of those concerned the demobilization was carried out with a degree of success far beyond expectations. MARINES ARE WELCOMED HOME BY THE NAVY. Acting Secretary Roosevelt August 11, 1919, sent to all ships and stations of the United States Navy the following special order: The Fourth Brigade of the Marine Corps, consisting of the Fifth Regiment, Sixth Regiment, and the Sixth Machine Gun Battalion, and the Fifth Brigade of the Marine Corps, consisting of the Eleventh Regiment, Thirteenth Regiment, and Fifth Brigade Machine Gun Battalion, have returned from service in Europe and have reverted from the Army to their status in the United States Navy. At this time I wish, on behalf of the naval service, to welcome them back and express to the officers and men of these organizations the very deep appreciation of the Navy for their splendid services while with the Army during the war. Beginning with the first expeditionary forces which left the United States in June, 1917, over 30,000 officers and men of the Marine Corps have been sent to France. The Fourth Brigade, as a part of the immortal Second Division, has been engaged in all of the principal operations of the war. Their record speaks for itself. The Fifth Brigade, going to France later, furnished many splendidly trained replacements for the Fourth Brigade and performed arduous tasks according to tradition. The entire Navy welcomes them home. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, _Acting Secretary of the Navy_. THE SECRETARY OF WAR PRAISES THE FOURTH BRIGADE. WAR DEPARTMENT, _August 12, 1919_. Hon. JOSEPHUS DANIELS, _Secretary of the Navy_.