About this Unit
The 2nd Marine Division, activated on February 1, 1941, at Camp Elliott, California, is one of the United States Marine Corps' most storied combat divisions. It gained fame during World War II for its pivotal roles in the battles of Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, suffering heavy casualties but achieving crucial victories in the Pacific Theater. During the Cold War, the division remained a key component of America’s rapid deployment forces, participating in operations such as the Multinational Force in Lebanon and Operation Desert Storm. In the 21st century, the 2nd Marine Division has been actively engaged in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, maintaining its reputation for excellence and readiness.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Nickname: The 2nd Marine Division, often called "The Silent Second," was activated on February 1, 1941, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California.
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Guadalcanal Campaign: Elements of the division fought in the pivotal Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942, marking the first major offensive by Allied forces against Japan.
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Tarawa Landing: The division is famous for its assault on Betio Island during the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, where it suffered over 3,000 casualties in just 76 hours.
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Saipan and Tinian: The 2nd Marine Division played a critical role in the capture of Saipan and Tinian in 1944, helping to provide critical airfields for the bombing of Japan.
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Presidential Unit Citations: The division has been awarded three Presidential Unit Citations for its actions in Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Saipan.
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Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, the division was strategically based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and participated in numerous training exercises and rapid deployments.
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Operation Desert Storm: The 2nd Marine Division was the largest Marine unit deployed to the Gulf War in 1991, leading the famous "left hook" maneuver that helped liberate Kuwait.
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Iraq and Afghanistan: The division has served multiple combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, including the battles of Fallujah and operations in Helmand Province.
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Notable Leaders: The division has been commanded by several legendary Marines, including General Alexander Vandegrift, the first Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II.
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Modern Missions: Today, the 2nd Marine Division remains a key component of the Marine Corps’ rapid response force, ready to deploy worldwide on short notice for combat, humanitarian, and disaster relief operations.
