About this Unit
**1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3), United States Marine Corps**
The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3), known as the "Lava Dogs," was activated in 1942 and has served with distinction in numerous major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism. The battalion participated in iconic campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima during WWII, and later saw extensive combat operations in Vietnam. In the 21st century, 1/3 deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting counterinsurgency and security operations. Hospital Corpsmen Second Class (HM2) have played a critical role within 1/3, providing life-saving medical care to Marines and Sailors on the front lines throughout the unit’s storied history.
Historical Facts
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Historic Lineage: The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (“1/3”), also known as “Lava Dogs,” was activated on June 1, 1942, at New River, North Carolina, and has participated in major conflicts from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism.
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Peleliu & Bougainville: During World War II, 1/3 participated in the intense battles of Bougainville and Peleliu, facing some of the most challenging fighting conditions in the Pacific Theater.
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Korean War Valor: 1/3 was reactivated for the Korean War in 1951, serving at the front lines in the Battle of the Punchbowl and other engagements, earning numerous unit citations.
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Vietnam Deployments: The battalion was deployed multiple times to Vietnam, engaging in major operations such as Operation Starlite and Operation Hastings, and earning a reputation for effectiveness in jungle warfare.
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Global War on Terror: In the 21st century, 1/3 deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, including participation in Operation Phantom Fury (the Second Battle of Fallujah) in 2004, a pivotal and bloody conflict in the Iraq War.
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Lava Dogs Nickname: The nickname “Lava Dogs” reflects the battalion’s home base in Hawaii and their reputation for toughness and tenacity in combat.
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Corpsmen Valor: Navy corpsmen (such as HM2s) serving with 1/3 have repeatedly distinguished themselves for bravery, including numerous instances of treating wounded Marines under fire and earning decorations like the Silver Star and Navy Cross.
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“First to Fight” Motto: The battalion’s motto is “First to Fight,” referencing their forward presence and role in being among the initial assault elements in operations.
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Notable Alumni: Medal of Honor recipient PFC Bruce W. Carter served with 1/3 in Vietnam, sacrificing his life to save fellow Marines from a grenade.
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Recent Deactivation: As part of the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 initiative, 1/3 was deactivated in 2023 after over 80 years of distinguished service, marking the end of an era for the Lava Dogs.
