About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated in 1914 in response to political instability in the Caribbean. The unit saw distinguished service in World War II, notably during the battles of Guam and Okinawa. During the Vietnam War, 2/4 earned the nickname "The Magnificent Bastards" for their fierce fighting in places like Con Thien and Operation Hastings. In recent decades, 2/4 has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of bravery and adaptability in modern combat operations.
Historical Facts
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Nickname "Magnificent Bastards": The 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines is famously known as the "Magnificent Bastards," a moniker adopted in the 1960s that reflects their fierce reputation and esprit de corps.
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Formation and Early Years: 2/4 was originally activated in April 1914 as part of the 4th Marine Regiment, serving in China and the Philippines during the early years of the 20th century.
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Battle of Corregidor: During World War II, the battalion was part of the defense of Corregidor Island in the Philippines in 1942, enduring the intense final battles before being captured and enduring years as POWs.
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Reactivation after WWII: After being virtually wiped out in the Philippines, the unit was reactivated in 1946 at Camp Pendleton, California, and has served continuously since then.
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Vietnam War Valor: 2/4 Marines saw some of the heaviest fighting of the Vietnam War, particularly during the battles of Đông Hà and the defense of Con Thien in 1967, earning a Presidential Unit Citation.
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Leadership by Notable Marines: The legendary Marine Colonel William “Wild Bill” Weise commanded 2/4 during the Vietnam War, shaping the battalion’s legacy with his aggressive tactics and leadership.
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Operation Starlite: In 1965, 2/4 participated in Operation Starlite, the first major American ground action of the Vietnam War, which was a decisive victory over the Viet Cong.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2004, 2/4 played a key role in the First Battle of Ramadi, engaging in intense urban combat and counterinsurgency operations, suffering heavy casualties but achieving mission objectives.
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Global Deployments: The battalion has participated in numerous deployments and exercises across the globe, including humanitarian missions, peacekeeping, and combat operations in the Pacific, Middle East, and elsewhere.
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Decorations and Honors: 2/4 Marines have earned multiple unit and individual awards, including Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, and dozens of individual medals for valor and sacrifice.
