1st Bn. 2nd Marines H&S Co.

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.