About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines (1/2), Headquarters & Service Company (H&S Co.) is a key component of the 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Established in 1941, the battalion has participated in major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism, with H&S Company providing essential command, control, and support functions. Throughout its history, 1/2 Marines have distinguished themselves in significant operations such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Fallujah. H&S Company continues to ensure the battalion’s operational readiness by delivering critical administrative, logistical, and communications support.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines (1/2) was originally activated on July 1, 1925, at Marine Barracks Quantico, Virginia, making it one of the older continuously serving infantry battalions in the Marine Corps.
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World War II Service: 1/2 participated in some of the most pivotal battles in the Pacific, including Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions at Tarawa.
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Korean War Deployment: The battalion saw action during the Korean War, taking part in crucial operations such as the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
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Headquarters & Service Company Role: H&S Company, or Headquarters & Service Company, provides essential command and control, logistics, communications, and administrative support to the battalion, making it the backbone of 1/2’s combat effectiveness.
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Vietnam War: Although the 2nd Marine Division was not deployed to Vietnam as a unit, 1/2 provided individual and small unit replacements for Marine forces in Vietnam, contributing to the overall USMC effort there.
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Operation Desert Storm: 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, playing a role in the liberation of Kuwait.
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Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: Since 2003, 1/2 has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting security, combat, and stability operations.
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Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, including support to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake as part of Operation Unified Response.
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Motto and Identity: 1/2 is known for its motto, “Second to None,” reflecting the battalion’s pride and storied history within the 2nd Marine Division.
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Training and Readiness: H&S Company is integral in maintaining the battalion’s readiness, overseeing training programs, medical support, and the implementation of new tactics and technologies.
