About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2), based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Activated in July 1925, 2/2 has a distinguished history, serving in major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism. Notably, the battalion participated in the Battle of Tarawa during WWII and has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan in recent decades. Known as "The Warlords," 2/2 remains a vital component of the 2nd Marine Division, ready to respond to crises worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2), known as "The Warlords," was originally activated in July 1925 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and later stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
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World War II Action: 2/2 participated in several major Pacific campaigns during World War II, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa.
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Tarawa Assault: During the Battle of Tarawa, 2/2 landed on Red Beach 2 and faced fierce Japanese resistance, suffering heavy casualties but playing a key role in securing the island.
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Korean War Absence: Interestingly, 2/2 did not deploy as a unit to the Korean War; many of its Marines, however, served in Korea as individual replacements.
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Lebanon Peacekeeping: In 1983, 2/2 participated in the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon, and was present during the Beirut barracks bombing that killed 241 U.S. service members.
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Operation Desert Storm: 2/2 was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 as part of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, participating in the liberation of Kuwait.
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Humanitarian Missions: The unit has taken part in humanitarian missions, such as Operation Provide Comfort in Northern Iraq in 1991, aiding Kurdish refugees after the Gulf War.
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Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: Since 2003, 2/2 has deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting combat operations in areas such as Fallujah and Helmand Province.
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Nickname & Motto: 2/2 is known as "The Warlords," a nickname adopted in the 1980s, and their battalion motto is "Second to None."
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Notable Alumni: Several distinguished Marines have served in 2/2, including Medal of Honor recipients and high-ranking officers, highlighting its legacy of leadership and heroism.
