2:26th Marines

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Vietnam War Deployment: 2/26 deployed to Vietnam in August 1966, where it saw continuous combat operations until 1970. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Operation Oklahoma Hills: In 1969, 2/26 participated in Operation Oklahoma Hills, which targeted NVA/VC base areas southwest of Da Nang. • Decorations and Honors: The battalion received numerous unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions at Iwo Jima and Khe Sanh. • 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.