The Sword More than a weapon — a heritage The swords Marines carry signify the Marine Corps’ heritage as America’s original protectors. They are the oldest weapons still in service by United States Armed Forces. Officers carry the Mameluke sword, which was originally given to Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon in 1805 by a Mameluke chieftain in North Africa. Lt O’Bannon and his Marines marched across 600 miles of North African desert to rid the "shores of Tripoli" of pirates. By 1825, all Marine Corps Officers carried the Mameluke sword. Staff Noncommissioned Officers (SNCO) and Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) carry the 1858 Cavalry sword. This sword was bestowed upon them by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in recognition of their leadership in combat, their virtue and tradition. Only the Marine Corps awards such recognition to Noncommissioned Officers. "From th Marines website"