About this Unit
The 1st Marine Division Service Company, Headquarters Battalion (1st MarDiv Svce Co HQBn), is a support unit within the storied 1st Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War II, the Service Company has provided vital logistical, administrative, and supply support to division operations across major conflicts, including the Pacific campaigns, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East. Members of Service Company ensure the Headquarters Battalion and division command staff remain operational by handling transportation, maintenance, and essential services. Their behind-the-scenes efforts have been critical to the division’s success in both combat and peacetime operations.
Historical Facts
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Oldest Active Marine Division: The 1st Marine Division (1st MarDiv), which Headquarters Battalion Service Company (Svc Co, HQBn) supports, is the oldest and most decorated active division in the United States Marine Corps.
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Formed in 1941: The division was activated on February 1, 1941, aboard the USS Texas, and played a major role in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and modern conflicts.
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Guadalcanal Campaign: Elements of the 1st MarDiv, including those in service and support roles, were the first to land at Guadalcanal in August 1942, marking the first major Allied offensive against Japan.
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Presidential Unit Citations: The division has earned 9 Presidential Unit Citations, the most of any US military division, reflecting the valor and dedication of its Marines and support companies like Service Company.
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Service Company’s Role: Service Company, Headquarters Battalion, provides essential logistical and administrative support, including supply, transportation, and communications, ensuring the division’s operational effectiveness.
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“Blue Diamond” Insignia: The division’s famous insignia is a blue diamond with a red numeral "1" and white stars, symbolizing the unit’s heritage and achievements; Service Company Marines proudly wear this patch.
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Korean War – Chosin Reservoir: 1st MarDiv and its support units, including Service Company, played a crucial part in the legendary breakout from the Chosin Reservoir in freezing conditions in 1950.
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Vietnam War Contributions: The division and its HQBn elements, including Service Company, participated in major operations such as Starlite, Hue City, and the defense of Khe Sanh.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 1st MarDiv and HQBn Svc Co deployed to Iraq in 2003, playing a key role in the march to Baghdad and later stability operations in Al Anbar Province.
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Home at Camp Pendleton: Today, 1st MarDiv and its Headquarters Battalion Service Company are based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, and continue to support training, humanitarian, and combat missions globally.
