2ND TANK BATTALION

• Formation and World War II: The 2nd Tank Battalion was activated on December 20, 1941, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It quickly became a key armored unit of the 2nd Marine Division. • Tarawa Landings: The battalion played a pivotal role during the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943. Its tanks provided crucial fire support for infantry in one of the bloodiest Pacific island assaults of WWII. • Saipan and Tinian: 2nd Tank Battalion tanks landed with the first assault waves during the battles of Saipan and Tinian in 1944, helping break through Japanese defenses and supporting the rapid advance inland. • Okinawa Campaign: The battalion participated in the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater—the Battle of Okinawa—where its tanks faced fierce resistance and challenging terrain. • Post-WWII Service: After WWII, the battalion was deactivated and reactivated several times, reflecting the evolving structure of the Marine Corps during peacetime and the Cold War. • Korean War Absence: Unlike many Marine units, the 2nd Tank Battalion did not see combat during the Korean War, although its Marines trained and supported other units that deployed. • Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, the battalion deployed to Saudi Arabia and played a significant combat role during Operation Desert Storm, helping breach Iraqi defensive lines and liberate Kuwait. • Iraq War Deployments: The battalion deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing armored support for Marines and coalition forces in major battles such as the Battle of Nasiriyah. • Deactivation: As part of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030 initiative, the 2nd Tank Battalion was officially deactivated on May 5, 2021, marking the end of Marine Corps tank battalions. • Legacy and Honors: The battalion earned numerous awards, including Presidential Unit Citations and Navy Unit Commendations. Its lineage and honors continue to be remembered in Marine Corps history and traditions.