About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 8th Marines (1/8), known as "The Beirut Battalion," is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, formed in 1940. It saw extensive combat during World War II, notably at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. In 1983, 1/8 was deployed to Beirut, Lebanon, as part of a multinational peacekeeping force, and tragically suffered heavy casualties in the Beirut barracks bombing. Since then, 1/8 has participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, upholding its legacy of service and sacrifice.
Historical Facts
• Formation and Nickname: 1st Battalion, 8th Marines (1/8) was activated in October 1940 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and is nicknamed "Beirut's Battalion" for its service in Lebanon.
• World War II Service: 1/8 participated in several key Pacific campaigns, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa.
• Tarawa Heroism: During the Battle of Tarawa in 1943, 1/8 played a pivotal role in the assault on Betio Island, enduring fierce resistance and heavy casualties.
• Cold War Deployments: The battalion took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, serving as a rapid response force during this tense standoff with the Soviet Union.
• Beirut Bombing (1983): 1/8 suffered devastating losses in the Beirut barracks bombing, where 220 Marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers were killed, marking the deadliest single-day loss for the Marine Corps since Iwo Jima.
• Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War in 1991, 1/8 was among the first Marine units to breach Iraqi defensive positions and advance into Kuwait.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: 1/8 was deployed multiple times to Iraq, notably participating in the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, one of the fiercest urban battles fought by U.S. forces since Vietnam.
• Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has also participated in humanitarian operations, including relief efforts in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.
• Presidential Unit Citation: 1/8 has received multiple unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces.
• Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, 1/8 has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting combat and stabilization operations in Helmand Province.
