2nd BN, 23rd Marines, 4th Div

• World War II Activation: The 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines (2/23) was activated on July 20, 1942, as part of the 4th Marine Division, which was created in response to the demands of World War II. • Island Hopping Campaign: 2/23 played a key role in the Pacific island-hopping campaign, participating in several major amphibious assaults, including Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. • Battle of Iwo Jima: During the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, the battalion faced fierce resistance. The 2/23 helped secure the landing beaches and push inland, contributing to the eventual victory in one of the war's bloodiest battles. • Presidential Unit Citation: For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance in action during the seizure of Iwo Jima, the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines received the Presidential Unit Citation. • Reserve Status: Following World War II, the battalion was deactivated but later reactivated as a Marine Corps Reserve unit, continuing its tradition of readiness and service. • Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, elements of 2/23 were mobilized and deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, demonstrating the unit's ongoing relevance and capability. • Global War on Terrorism Deployments: 2/23 has deployed Marines in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in various combat and security roles. • Citizens and Warriors: As a Reserve unit, 2/23’s Marines balance civilian careers with military service, embodying the “citizen Marine” ethos, and are often called to respond to both national and local emergencies. • Geographic Dispersion: The battalion is geographically dispersed, with companies headquartered in different locations on the West Coast of the United States, strengthening ties to local communities. • Legacy of Valor: The battalion’s history is marked by acts of valor, including numerous individual awards for bravery, and its alumni include some of the Marine Corps’ most decorated warriors.