About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2), known as "Warlords," is a distinguished infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, formed in July 1925. The battalion saw extensive combat in World War II, participating in major campaigns such as Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. During the Gulf War, 2/2 took part in Operation Desert Storm and has since deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The "Warlords" continue to serve as a key element of the 2nd Marine Division, maintaining a high state of readiness for crisis response around the globe.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2) traces its lineage back to July 1, 1925, but its roots and traditions are heavily tied to the Marine Corps’ early expeditionary actions and World War I era.
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Nickname – “The Warlords”: 2/2 is commonly known by its nickname "The Warlords," a moniker earned for its fierce reputation in combat and esprit de corps.
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Battle of Tarawa: During World War II, 2/2 played a pivotal role in the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.
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Presidential Unit Citation: The battalion has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action, notably for actions during World War II and the Iraq War.
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Cold War Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, 2/2 deployed to numerous global hotspots, including Lebanon, Cuba (Guantanamo Bay), and the Mediterranean as part of the 6th Fleet.
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Operation Urgent Fury – Grenada (1983): 2/2 participated in the U.S. invasion of Grenada, providing critical combat and security operations during the rapid campaign.
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Operation Desert Storm: Elements of 2/2 took part in the Gulf War (1990-91), supporting coalition efforts to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
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Iraq War Deployments: 2/2 deployed multiple times to Iraq, including to Al Anbar Province, and was heavily engaged in counterinsurgency operations during the height of the conflict.
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Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has participated in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including operations in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.
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Modern Expeditionary Role: Today, 2/2 remains a vital part of the 2nd Marine Division, known for rapid deployment as a Battalion Landing Team (BLT) and its readiness to respond to crises worldwide.
