1st Battalion 24th Marines 4th Marine Division

• Origins in World War II: The 1st Battalion, 24th Marines (1/24) was activated on March 26, 1943, as part of the 4th Marine Division, seeing its first major action in the Pacific Theater during World War II. • Battle of Roi-Namur: 1/24 participated in the assault on Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands in February 1944, marking its combat debut in one of the first American offensive operations in the Central Pacific. • Saipan and Tinian Campaigns: The battalion played a key role in the invasions of Saipan and Tinian, facing fierce Japanese resistance and contributing to the eventual capture of the islands in mid-1944. • Iwo Jima Heroics: During the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, 1/24 fought in some of the bloodiest combat of the Pacific War, with Marines displaying extraordinary bravery amidst intense enemy fire and difficult terrain. • Post-WWII Deactivation and Reactivation: After World War II, 1/24 was deactivated in 1945 but later reactivated as a Marine Corps Reserve unit, continuing its legacy of service. • Cold War and Domestic Service: As a reserve unit, 1/24 was called upon for various training and support roles during the Cold War, including disaster relief and civil defense missions within the United States. • Operation Desert Storm: Elements of the battalion were activated in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, providing vital personnel and support to active-duty Marine units. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: 1/24 was activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007, conducting counterinsurgency operations in the volatile city of Fallujah and earning high praise for its professionalism and effectiveness. • Decorations and Honors: The battalion has received multiple unit commendations and campaign streamers, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendation, in recognition of its valor and sacrifice. • Citizen-Marines Tradition: As a Marine Corps Reserve unit, 1/24 is known for its "Citizen-Marines"—men and women who balance civilian careers with rigorous military training and deployment, embodying the Marine ethos both at home and abroad.