About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines (2/26) was an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, first activated during World War II. The unit saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, where it participated in operations such as the defense of Khe Sanh during the 1968 siege, Operation Kingfisher, and various actions in the Quang Tri and Thua Thien provinces. The battalion earned a reputation for its resilience under fire and effectiveness in both defensive and offensive operations. 2/26 was deactivated in the early 1970s as part of postwar force reductions.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines (2/26) was originally activated on 1 January 1944 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as part of the 5th Marine Division.
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Iwo Jima Campaign: 2/26 participated in the famous Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, where the division earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its heroic actions.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: The battalion was deactivated after World War II but was reactivated on 1 March 1966 at Camp Pendleton, California, to support operations in the Vietnam War.
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Vietnam War Deployment: 2/26 deployed to Vietnam in August 1966, where it saw continuous combat operations until 1970.
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Khe Sanh Siege: 2/26 played a crucial role in the defense of Khe Sanh Combat Base during the famous 77-day siege in early 1968, earning widespread recognition for valor and endurance.
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Operation Kingfisher: During July–October 1967, 2/26 was heavily engaged in Operation Kingfisher, a major effort to disrupt North Vietnamese Army (NVA) infiltration routes near the DMZ.
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Evacuation of Khe Sanh: In July 1968, 2/26 was the last Marine battalion to leave Khe Sanh, covering the withdrawal of other units in a difficult and dangerous operation.
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Operation Oklahoma Hills: In 1969, 2/26 participated in Operation Oklahoma Hills, which targeted NVA/VC base areas southwest of Da Nang.
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Decorations and Honors: The battalion received numerous unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions at Iwo Jima and Khe Sanh.
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Final Deactivation: 2/26 was deactivated on 26 March 1970 as the U.S. began reducing its involvement in Vietnam, marking the end of the battalion’s storied history.
