1:5th Marines

• World War I Origins: The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5) was activated in 1917 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and quickly deployed to France as part of the American Expeditionary Force. • Belleau Wood Heroes: 1/5 played a pivotal role in the Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918, earning the nickname "Devil Dogs" from their German adversaries. • Decorations: The battalion was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with two palms and one gilt star for its valor in World War I. • Guadalcanal Landing: 1/5 was among the first U.S. Marine units to land at Guadalcanal in August 1942, beginning the first major Allied offensive in the Pacific during WWII. • Battle of Peleliu: In 1944, 1/5 endured fierce combat during the Battle of Peleliu, suffering heavy casualties but ultimately securing the island. • Korean War Chosin Reservoir: The battalion fought in the legendary Battle of Chosin Reservoir in 1950, executing a fighting withdrawal against overwhelming Chinese forces in freezing conditions. • Vietnam War Operations: 1/5 participated in numerous major operations, including Operation Hue City in 1968, where it was heavily engaged in urban combat during the Tet Offensive. • Operation Desert Storm: The battalion was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990-1991 and took part in the liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: 1/5 was the first Marine battalion to enter Baghdad in April 2003, playing a key role in the initial invasion of Iraq. • Modern Deployments: In recent years, 1/5 has continued to serve with distinction, deploying to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom and maintaining readiness as part of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California.