About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5), was activated in July 1917 and is the most decorated battalion in the United States Marine Corps. The unit first distinguished itself during World War I in battles such as Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. In World War II, 2/5 fought in major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. Since then, the battalion has served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, consistently demonstrating valor and adaptability across diverse combat environments.
Historical Facts
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Historic Formation: The 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5), was originally activated in July 1917 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, making it one of the Corps’ oldest and most decorated battalions.
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World War I Legacy: 2/5 fought in the legendary Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918, where the Marines earned the nickname "Devil Dogs" from German adversaries.
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Presidential Unit Citation: The battalion has received the Presidential Unit Citation for its heroic actions during World War II, particularly at Guadalcanal and Okinawa.
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Korean War Valor: 2/5 played a pivotal role in the Inchon Landing and the subsequent push to Seoul, as well as the brutal Chosin Reservoir campaign.
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Vietnam War Operations: The battalion was heavily engaged throughout the Vietnam War, including in the Battle of Hue City during the 1968 Tet Offensive, earning a reputation for urban combat proficiency.
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Motto - "Retreat, Hell!": 2/5 shares the famous motto attributed to Marine legend Maj. Lloyd Williams at Belleau Wood, symbolizing the battalion’s fighting spirit.
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Gulf War Deployment: 2/5 was among the first Marine units deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991.
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Global War on Terror: The battalion has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, notably participating in the intense 2004 Battle of Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury).
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Decorated Unit: 2/5 is recognized as the most decorated battalion in the Marine Corps, with more unit citations and accolades than any other.
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Hollywood Connections: The battalion has been depicted in movies, documentaries, and books—including the acclaimed HBO miniseries "The Pacific," which features several 2/5 Marines and their stories.
