1:23rd Reserve Unit

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines (1/23) is a reserve infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated during World War II in 1942. • Nickname: The unit is nicknamed "The Lone Star Battalion," reflecting its roots and headquarters in Texas. • World War II Service: 1/23 fought in major battles including Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima as part of the 4th Marine Division, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for heroism on Iwo Jima. • Iwo Jima Flag Raising: Members of 1/23 were part of the assault forces that secured Mount Suribachi, where the iconic flag raising took place, although the actual flag raisers were from 2/28. • Postwar Reserve Status: After WWII, the battalion was deactivated but later reactivated as part of the Marine Corps Reserve and has maintained its reserve status since. • Operation Desert Storm: 1/23 was mobilized in 1990-1991 for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing security in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion deployed multiple times in the 2000s, notably to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, where it conducted security operations and partnered with Iraqi forces. • Recruiting Area: 1/23 primarily recruits from Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, making it a uniquely Southwestern Marine unit. • Community Ties: The battalion is known for its deep engagement with local communities, including disaster response efforts after hurricanes affecting the Gulf Coast. • Modern Deployments: In recent years, 1/23 has supported operations and training exercises worldwide, including deployments to Europe and the Pacific, supporting NATO and allied forces.