leo dempsey

The 3rd Marine Division Headquarters (3rd Mar Div HQ) was activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. The division first saw combat during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations including the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Reactivated for the Korean War and later stationed in Okinawa, Japan, the 3rd Mar Div HQ played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, commanding Marine operations in northern I Corps, including the defense of Khe Sanh and operations along the DMZ. Today, the 3rd Mar Div HQ continues to serve as a forward-deployed command element, ensuring the readiness and rapid response capability of Marine forces throughout the Indo-Pacific region.