1:8

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About 1:8

1st Battalion, 8th Marines (1/8) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps, activated in 1940. The unit distinguished itself during World War II, notably participating in the Battle of Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. In subsequent decades, 1/8 took part in major operations such as the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in 1983, where it suffered casualties in the Beirut barracks bombing. In the 21st century, the battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, upholding its reputation for bravery and professionalism.

Unit Members

Andrew Colella

U.S. Marine Corps

1:8View Profile

Joshua Houston Swan

U.S. Marine Corps

1:8View Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps • 1976

About 1:8

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• 1st Battalion, 8th Marines (1/8) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, part of the 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. • World War II Service: 1/8 was activated in 1940 and fought in some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. • Tarawa Landings: During the Battle of Tarawa in 1943, 1/8 was among the first assault waves to hit the beaches, enduring heavy casualties from Japanese defenders. • Cold War Deployments: The battalion had multiple deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean during the Cold War, serving as a ready force for crisis response. • Beirut Barracks Bombing (1983): 1/8 was the main unit housed in the building destroyed by a suicide truck bomb in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 220 Marines from the battalion—the deadliest single-day loss for the Corps since Iwo Jima. • Operation Desert Storm: 1/8 participated in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, advancing on Iraqi positions as part of the ground assault. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The unit deployed multiple times to Iraq, participating in major actions such as the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, where it fought intense urban combat. • Nickname: 1/8 is commonly known as "The Beirut Battalion," a tribute to its sacrifice and service in Lebanon. • Notable Alumni: Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Rafael Peralta served with 1/8 before being reassigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, where he was killed in Iraq. • Motto: The battalion's motto is "Fortune Favors the Brave," embodying its legacy of courage and sacrifice in battle.