1:26 tab

• Origins: 1st Battalion, 26th Marines (1/26) was activated during World War II as part of the 5th Marine Division, participating in the famous Battle of Iwo Jima. • Vietnam War Service: 1/26 was reactivated for service in the Vietnam War, arriving in 1966 and participating in major operations such as Operation Prairie, Operation Kingfisher, and the Battle of Khe Sanh. • Khe Sanh Defense: In early 1968, 1/26 played a crucial role in defending the Khe Sanh Combat Base during the 77-day siege, a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Several Marines from 1/26 were awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam, including PFC James Anderson Jr., the first African American Marine to receive the award. • Unit Motto: 1/26’s unofficial motto is "Semper Fidelis," reflecting the Marine Corps’ core values of loyalty and faithfulness. • Deactivation and Reactivation: After Vietnam, 1/26 was deactivated in 1970, but its lineage and honors continue to be remembered by the Marine Corps community. • Notable Commanders: LtCol William Weise led 1/26 at Khe Sanh and was instrumental in the battalion's defense and survival under siege. • Combined Operations: 1/26 often operated alongside Army, Navy, and South Vietnamese forces, exemplifying joint operations in combat environments. • Legacy in Marine Corps History: The battalion’s actions at Khe Sanh are studied in military academies as examples of endurance, leadership, and defense under fire. • Reunions and Remembrance: Veterans of 1/26 maintain strong bonds, holding reunions and participating in memorial events to honor their fallen comrades and share their stories.