1st Marine Division

• Oldest & Largest Active Division: The 1st Marine Division, activated in 1941, is the oldest and largest active duty division in the United States Marine Corps. • The “Blue Diamond”: Its nickname, “The Old Breed,” and its distinctive blue diamond insignia were adopted during World War II. • Guadalcanal Campaign: The division’s first major combat action was the pivotal 1942 landing on Guadalcanal, a turning point in the Pacific Theater during World War II. • Bloody Nose Ridge: In the battle of Peleliu (1944), the division faced fierce Japanese resistance on “Bloody Nose Ridge,” suffering heavy casualties in one of the war’s most brutal battles. • Chosin Reservoir Heroics: During the Korean War, the division executed a legendary fighting withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir in freezing temperatures, earning the nickname “The Chosin Few” for survivors. • Vietnam War Operations: From 1965 to 1971, the 1st Marine Division served in Vietnam, fighting in major operations such as Starlite, Hue City, and the Tet Offensive. • Presidential Unit Citations: The division has been awarded nine Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism, more than any other Marine division. • Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, the division led the Marine ground attack in Kuwait, breaching Iraqi defenses and liberating Kuwait City. • Iraq & Afghanistan Deployments: The division played key roles in the 2003 invasion of Iraq (including the Battle of Nasiriyah and the seizure of Baghdad) and subsequent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. • Notable Members: Famous members include Medal of Honor recipients like John Basilone and Chesty Puller, as well as actor Lee Marvin, who served with the division during World War II.