1:1st

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1st), also known as "The First of the First," was originally activated on March 1, 1941, at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. • World War II Service: The unit participated in major Pacific campaigns including Guadalcanal, New Britain, Peleliu, and Okinawa, earning a distinguished combat record. • Peleliu Assault: During the Battle of Peleliu in September 1944, 1/1st faced some of the fiercest fighting and suffered heavy casualties while securing the island's airfield. • Korean War Involvement: The battalion was among the first Marine units to land at Inchon in 1950 and participated in the legendary Chosin Reservoir campaign. • Vietnam War Actions: 1/1st deployed to Vietnam in 1965, participating in major operations such as Starlite, Hue City, and the Tet Offensive, earning multiple unit citations. • Nickname "First of the First": Their nickname comes from being the first battalion of the Corps' first regiment, symbolizing their place as a cornerstone of the Marine Corps. • Gulf War Operations: The battalion was deployed in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, leading assaults into Kuwait and liberating the country from Iraqi occupation in 1991. • OIF and OEF Deployments: 1/1st has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting operations in Fallujah, Ramadi, and Helmand Province. • Presidential Unit Citations: The battalion has received several Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. • Tradition of Service: Many notable Marines, including Medal of Honor recipients and future Commandants, have served in the ranks of 1/1st, cementing its legacy in Marine Corps history.