1st battalion 4th marines charlie company 3rd marine division

• Historic Origins: The 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4) traces its lineage back to April 16, 1914, when it was activated in Puget Sound, Washington, making it one of the Marine Corps’ most historic infantry battalions. • China Marines: During the 1920s and 1930s, 1/4 was part of the "China Marines," stationed in Shanghai to protect American interests during periods of civil unrest in China. • “The Oldest and the Proudest”: The 4th Marines, to which 1/4 belongs, adopted the motto “The Oldest and the Proudest” due to their early establishment and storied history in the Corps. • Battle of Corregidor: In World War II, 1/4 fought valiantly during the defense of Corregidor in the Philippines but was ultimately captured by Japanese forces in May 1942. The battalion was later reconstituted in Australia. • Vietnam War Service: 1/4, including Charlie Company, saw extensive combat in Vietnam, participating in major operations such as Operation Prairie and Operation Hastings, often engaging in fierce battles along the DMZ. • Operation Desert Shield/Storm: The battalion deployed to the Middle East during the Gulf War, playing a key role in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. • “China Marines” Colors: When the original 4th Marines’ colors were destroyed at Corregidor to prevent capture, the battalion was later presented new colors in Australia, symbolizing the unit’s rebirth and resilience. • OIF and OEF Deployments: Since 2003, 1/4 has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting counterinsurgency and security missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. • Charlie Company Nickname: Charlie Company is often referred to as “Chosen Company,” a designation that underscores their reputation for being among the best-trained and most reliable units in the battalion. • Humanitarian Assistance: 1/4 and Charlie Company have participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in Southeast Asia following the 2004 tsunami, showcasing the Marines’ versatility beyond combat roles.