2:9th Marines

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has also participated in humanitarian operations, including Operation Sea Angel in Bangladesh (1991), providing disaster relief after a devastating cyclone. • Global War on Terror Deployments: Since 2007, 2/9 has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting counterinsurgency and security operations. • 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.