About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (1/10) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, first activated in November 1940. During World War II, the battalion participated in major campaigns in the Pacific, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, providing critical fire support to Marine infantry units. In the decades since, 1/10 has served in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, the battalion remains based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and continues its mission of providing artillery support to the 2nd Marine Division.
Historical Facts
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Formation and WWII Service: The 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (1/10) was activated on November 1, 1940, at San Diego, California, and participated in major World War II campaigns including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa.
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Nickname: 1/10 is sometimes referred to as the "Battery of Kings" due to its renowned artillery firepower and professionalism within the Marine Corps artillery community.
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Role in the Battle of Tarawa: During the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, 1/10 provided crucial artillery support, helping to break through heavily fortified Japanese defenses on Betio Island.
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Saipan and Tinian Operations: In the Marianas Campaign, 1/10’s accurate fire supported the 2nd Marine Division’s advance, playing a key role in neutralizing enemy positions and supporting infantry assaults.
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Okinawa Campaign: During the Battle of Okinawa, 1/10 delivered continuous fire missions, including counter-battery, harassing, and interdiction fire, despite challenging weather and terrain conditions.
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Post-WWII Deployments: After WWII, the battalion was deactivated and reactivated multiple times, participating in training and readiness operations during the Cold War era.
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Operation Desert Storm: In 1990-1991, elements of 1/10 deployed to Southwest Asia and provided artillery support to Marine and coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing artillery fire, security, and convoy support during multiple tours in the 2000s.
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Operation Enduring Freedom: 1/10 also deployed to Afghanistan, offering artillery and fire support to coalition and Afghan forces, adapting to counterinsurgency operations.
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Present Day: Today, 1/10 is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and remains a vital part of the 2nd Marine Division, known for rapid deployment and support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations worldwide.
