2:8th Marines

• Long-standing Legacy: The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines (2/8) was initially activated on April 1, 1940, at San Diego, California, making it one of the older active battalions in the Marine Corps. • World War II Service: 2/8 participated in some of the fiercest battles of WWII, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. These operations were crucial in the Pacific campaign. • Tarawa Heroism: During the Battle of Tarawa in 1943, 2/8 Marines faced extreme resistance and heavy casualties, but their actions were pivotal in capturing the island. The battalion earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its valor. • Nickname: 2/8 is known as "America’s Battalion," a nickname earned through its service in nearly every major conflict since WWII. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In October 1962, 2/8 was deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis as part of the U.S. response to the Soviet missile threat, demonstrating the battalion’s rapid-response capabilities. • Operation Desert Storm: Elements of 2/8 deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, serving as part of the multinational coalition to liberate Kuwait. • Somalia and Operation Restore Hope: 2/8 participated in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in Somalia in 1993, helping to provide aid and restore order during a period of intense civil unrest and famine. • Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: 2/8 was deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror, conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Ramadi, Helmand Province, and other hotspots. • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat, 2/8 has been involved in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief in Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake, providing security and aid distribution. • Highly Decorated Unit: 2/8 Marines have received numerous awards and citations for valor and meritorious service, including several Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, and campaign streamers.