About this Unit
**1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Bravo Company**—known as “B Co, 1/9”—has a distinguished and storied history within the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1942, the battalion saw heavy combat in the Pacific during World War II, including the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Bravo Company continued its legacy during the Vietnam War, where 1/9 earned the nickname "The Walking Dead" due to sustaining some of the highest casualty rates of any Marine unit. In subsequent decades, Bravo Company participated in operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, exemplifying courage and commitment in every era.
Historical Facts
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"The Walking Dead": The 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9), including Bravo Company, earned the nickname "The Walking Dead" due to the extremely high casualty rates it suffered during the Vietnam War, particularly in battles like Operation Buffalo in 1967.
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Vietnam War Legacy: During the Vietnam War, 1/9 was deployed for over four years, which was one of the longest continuous deployments of any Marine unit, and saw action in some of the fiercest combat zones including Khe Sanh and the DMZ.
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Operation Buffalo: In July 1967, Bravo Company participated in Operation Buffalo near Con Thien, enduring some of the heaviest fighting. The entire battalion took severe casualties, with Bravo Company suffering significant losses.
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Decorations: 1/9 received numerous unit citations and commendations, including Presidential Unit Citations, for its bravery and effectiveness in combat operations throughout its deployments.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: After Vietnam, 1/9 was deactivated and reactivated several times. Most recently, it was reactivated in 2008 and then deactivated again in 2014 as part of the Marine Corps’ force reduction.
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Global Deployments: Throughout its history, 1/9, including Bravo Company, participated in major operations beyond Vietnam, including the Gulf War (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm), and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Heroic Actions: Numerous Marines from 1/9, including those in B Company, have received the Navy Cross and Silver Star for acts of valor, such as during the defense of Hill 881 South in Vietnam.
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Somalia Humanitarian Mission: In the early 1990s, 1/9 was deployed as part of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, providing humanitarian assistance and security in a conflict-ridden region.
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Famous Alumni: Several notable Marines served with 1/9, including Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Alfredo Gonzalez, who was killed in action at Hue City in 1968 while serving with B Company.
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Enduring Legacy: The unit’s reputation for toughness, camaraderie, and sacrifice is still honored in Marine Corps traditions, and "The Walking Dead" remains a symbol of Marine perseverance and valor, inspiring new generations of Marines.
