About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 13th Marines (1/13) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, first activated during World War II in February 1943. The battalion served with distinction in the Pacific Theater, participating in key campaigns such as the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After World War II, 1/13 was deactivated and reactivated several times, notably serving during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970, providing vital fire support. The unit has continued to serve in various capacities, supporting Marine operations and maintaining readiness as part of the 13th Marine Regiment.
Historical Facts
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Humanitarian Operations: In addition to combat, 1/13 has participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
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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.
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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.
