About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines (2/9), known as "Hell in a Helmet," was activated during World War II in 1942 and served with distinction in the Pacific, notably at Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. The battalion saw heavy combat during the Vietnam War, participating in major operations such as Operation Dewey Canyon and defending Khe Sanh. After several periods of deactivation and reactivation, 2/9 served in the Gulf War and later participated in deployments supporting the Global War on Terrorism. The battalion was last deactivated in 2015 as part of the Marine Corps' force structure realignment.
Historical Facts
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Legacy of "Hell in a Helmet": The 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines (2/9) earned the nickname "Hell in a Helmet" due to their fierce fighting spirit and reputation in combat, particularly during the Vietnam War.
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World War II Service: 2/9 was activated in 1942 and saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater, participating in the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima.
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Guam Amphibious Assault: During the 1944 Battle of Guam, 2/9 landed on Asan Beach and was instrumental in the liberation of the island from Japanese forces.
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Vietnam War Operations: The battalion was deployed to Vietnam in 1965 and participated in numerous major operations, including Operation Harvest Moon, Operation Prairie, and the Battle of Khe Sanh.
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Khe Sanh Combat Base: Elements of 2/9 were among the units defending Khe Sanh Combat Base during the infamous 1968 siege, one of the war's most intense battles.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: 2/9 has been deactivated and reactivated several times throughout its history, most recently reactivating in July 2007 as part of the Global War on Terror.
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Operation Desert Storm: 2/9 was deployed as part of Task Force Ripper during the Gulf War in 1991, leading the charge into Kuwait and playing a key role in the liberation efforts.
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Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has also participated in humanitarian operations, including Operation Sea Angel in Bangladesh (1991), providing disaster relief after a devastating cyclone.
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Global War on Terror Deployments: Since 2007, 2/9 has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting counterinsurgency and security operations.
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Decorations and Honors: 2/9 has received numerous unit citations and awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendation, recognizing their valor and effectiveness in combat.
