About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines (2/8), based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, is a distinguished infantry battalion within the 2nd Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1940, 2/8 has participated in major conflicts including World War II, where they fought in key battles such as Tarawa, Saipan, and Okinawa. In more recent history, the battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting combat and security operations. Renowned for their motto "America's Battalion," 2/8 continues to serve as a versatile, forward-deployed force ready to respond to crises worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Longstanding Legacy: The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines (2/8) was activated on April 1, 1940, making it one of the oldest continually serving battalions in the Marine Corps.
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Nickname "America's Battalion": 2/8 is known as "America's Battalion," a moniker earned for its extensive participation in major military operations worldwide.
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World War II Valor: 2/8 participated in several key battles during World War II, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa.
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Presidential Unit Citation: The battalion has been awarded multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action, notably in Tarawa and Okinawa.
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Operation Urgent Fury: 2/8 played a significant role in the 1983 invasion of Grenada, helping to rescue American medical students and restore order.
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Peacekeeping in Lebanon: 2/8 Marines were present in Beirut during the early 1980s and were part of the Multinational Force when the Marine barracks were bombed in 1983.
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Iraq War Deployments: The battalion deployed multiple times to Iraq, including operations in Fallujah and Ramadi, earning a reputation for toughness in urban warfare.
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Afghanistan Operations: 2/8 was one of the first battalions involved in the 2009 Helmand Province offensive, participating in Operation Khanjar (Strike of the Sword).
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat roles, 2/8 has participated in humanitarian relief, such as disaster response following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
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Camp Lejeune Home: The battalion is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, a major East Coast installation and training hub for the Marine Corps.