1:1

• Oldest Active Marine Infantry Battalion: The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) is one of the oldest and most decorated infantry battalions in the United States Marine Corps, originally activated in 1914. • Nickname – “First of the First”: The battalion is commonly known as the “First of the First” because it is the 1st Battalion of the 1st Marine Regiment. • World War II Valor: 1/1 was heavily involved in major Pacific battles such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, earning numerous Presidential Unit Citations and campaign streamers. • Korean War Heroics: The battalion fought at the legendary Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir, enduring extreme cold and overwhelming enemy forces. • Vietnam War Deployments: 1/1 participated in some of the fiercest fighting during the Vietnam War, including the Battle of Hue City during the Tet Offensive. • Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, 1/1 was among the first Marine units to breach Iraqi defenses during Operation Desert Storm. • Global War on Terror: 1/1 has served multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, including the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. • Decorated Marines: Medal of Honor recipients from 1/1 include PFC Harold Gonsalves (WWII) and others recognized for extraordinary heroism. • Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Asia-Pacific region. • Modern-Day Readiness: Today, 1/1 is based at Camp Pendleton, California, and remains a rapid-deployment force, ready to respond to crises worldwide as part of the 1st Marine Division.