2nd Battalion 26th Marines

• Formation and Early History: The 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines (2/26) was activated on 1 March 1966 at Camp Pendleton, California, as part of the rapid expansion of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. • Vietnam War Deployment: The battalion deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and became part of the 3rd Marine Division, seeing extensive combat operations throughout the conflict. • Battle of Khe Sanh: 2/26 played a pivotal role in the defense of Khe Sanh Combat Base during the famous 77-day siege in 1968, enduring heavy shelling and repeated ground assaults. • Operation Prairie: The battalion was actively involved in Operation Prairie, a major campaign to eliminate North Vietnamese Army forces in the Quang Tri Province. • Hue City: Elements of 2/26 participated in the Battle of Hue, one of the war’s fiercest urban battles, helping to retake the city during the 1968 Tet Offensive. • Amphibious Operations: 2/26 was involved in several amphibious operations along the coast of Vietnam, showcasing the Marine Corps' expeditionary capabilities. • Operation Kingfisher: The battalion took part in Operation Kingfisher, a series of actions near the DMZ that aimed to disrupt North Vietnamese infiltration routes. • Significant Sacrifice: During its Vietnam service, 2/26 suffered significant casualties, reflecting the intensity of combat and the battalion’s frontline roles. • Deactivation: After returning from Vietnam, 2/26 was deactivated on 1 March 1970 as part of the general drawdown of Marine forces. • Legacy: The unit’s actions, particularly at Khe Sanh, are remembered as examples of Marine bravery and resilience, with numerous individual members receiving high decorations for valor.