1st Battalion 13th Marines

• World War II Origins: The 1st Battalion, 13th Marines (1/13) was originally activated on 1 November 1943 at Camp Pendleton, California as part of the 5th Marine Division. • Iwo Jima Landing: 1/13 played a key artillery support role during the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945, providing fire missions that helped Marines advance across the island. • Nickname – “The Cannon Cockers”: The battalion gained the nickname “The Cannon Cockers” as a nod to their artillery expertise and reliability in providing close support. • Deactivation and Reactivation: After World War II, the battalion was deactivated in December 1945, but was reactivated several times over the decades in response to changing military needs. • Vietnam War Service: 1/13 was reactivated in 1966 for the Vietnam War, where it provided artillery support for the 1st Marine Division, participating in major operations like Operation Union and Operation Swift. • First to Use New Artillery: During Vietnam, 1/13 was among the first Marine artillery battalions to field the M101A1 105mm howitzer, which became a mainstay for Marine artillery units. • Notable Alumni: Several Marines who served with 1/13 went on to hold high leadership positions in the Marine Corps and the U.S. military. • Humanitarian Operations: In addition to combat, 1/13 has participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. • Desert Storm: The battalion was reactivated in August 1990 for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, deploying to Saudi Arabia and supporting the liberation of Kuwait. • Recent Deployments: In the 21st century, 1/13 has supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, showcasing its adaptability and continued relevance in modern conflicts.