1ST TANK BATTALION

• Historic Activation: The 1st Tank Battalion was activated on 1 November 1941 at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California, just before the United States entered World War II. • World War II Service: The battalion fought heroically in the Pacific Theater, participating in major campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Eastern New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa. • Peleliu Beach Landing: At the Battle of Peleliu, 1st Tank Battalion tanks were fitted with improvised wooden planks to avoid getting stuck in coral reefs during the amphibious assault. • Korean War Contributions: The battalion saw heavy combat in Korea, supporting Marine infantry at the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon, Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir. • Chosin Reservoir Heroics: During the Chosin Reservoir campaign, the battalion played a key role in the "fighting withdrawal," helping evacuate thousands of Marines under extreme conditions. • Cold War and Beyond: 1st Tank Battalion remained a vital armored force during the Cold War, training and deploying as part of the 1st Marine Division. • Operation Desert Storm: The battalion was among the first Marine units to cross into Kuwait in 1991, leading the way with their M60A1 tanks during the liberation of Kuwait. • Transition to M1 Abrams: In the early 1990s, the battalion upgraded from older M60A1 tanks to the modern M1A1 Abrams main battle tank, dramatically increasing its firepower and protection. • Global War on Terror: 1st Tank Battalion deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing armored support and security. • Deactivation: As part of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 plan, the 1st Tank Battalion was deactivated on 29 July 2020, ending nearly 80 years of distinguished service.