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3:11th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps•71 members

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About this Unit

3:11th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps

The 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines (3/11) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, established in May 1942 during World War II. The unit saw significant combat in the Pacific Theater, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. Reactivated for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, 3/11 provided crucial fire support in key engagements. In recent decades, the battalion has participated in Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, continuing its legacy of artillery excellence within the 1st Marine Division.

About 3:11th Marines

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Formation and Designation: The 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines (3/11) was activated on May 1, 1942, at New River, North Carolina, originally as an artillery battalion to support Marine infantry units.
World War II Service: 3/11 participated in major Pacific campaigns including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, providing crucial fire support during amphibious assaults.
Nuclear Age Testing: In the 1950s, 3/11 was involved in atomic test exercises at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada, as part of the military's nuclear readiness training.
Vietnam War Deployments: The battalion served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971, supporting Marine and allied units in operations such as Operation Hastings and Operation Prairie.
First to Fire in Desert Storm: On January 17, 1991, 3/11 became the first U.S. artillery unit to fire on enemy positions during Operation Desert Storm, marking the beginning of the ground offensive.
Nickname: Known as the "Thunder" battalion, 3/11's call sign reflects its reputation for delivering powerful and accurate artillery fire.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: 3/11 deployed multiple times to Iraq, supporting operations such as the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, often providing both artillery and provisional infantry support.
Afghanistan Deployments: The battalion played a key role in Helmand Province during Operation Enduring Freedom, adapting to counterinsurgency operations while still maintaining artillery support capabilities.
Innovative Tactics: 3/11 has been at the forefront of integrating new technologies, such as the M777A2 lightweight howitzer and advanced digital fire control systems.
Community Engagement: Beyond combat, 3/11 regularly participates in humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and community outreach both at home and abroad, showcasing the Marine Corps' commitment to service.

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3:11th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps•71 members

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About this Unit

3:11th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

Walter Kemp

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1973 - 1975

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Duane Drake

U.S. Marine Corps · 1988 - 1994

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Eric Trujillo

U.S. Marine Corps · 2001 - 2006

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Derek Stewart

U.S. Marine Corps · 1997 - 2001

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About 3:11th Marines

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Formation and Designation: The 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines (3/11) was activated on May 1, 1942, at New River, North Carolina, originally as an artillery battalion to support Marine infantry units.
World War II Service: 3/11 participated in major Pacific campaigns including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, providing crucial fire support during amphibious assaults.
Nuclear Age Testing: In the 1950s, 3/11 was involved in atomic test exercises at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada, as part of the military's nuclear readiness training.
Vietnam War Deployments: The battalion served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971, supporting Marine and allied units in operations such as Operation Hastings and Operation Prairie.
First to Fire in Desert Storm: On January 17, 1991, 3/11 became the first U.S. artillery unit to fire on enemy positions during Operation Desert Storm, marking the beginning of the ground offensive.
Nickname: Known as the "Thunder" battalion, 3/11's call sign reflects its reputation for delivering powerful and accurate artillery fire.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: 3/11 deployed multiple times to Iraq, supporting operations such as the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, often providing both artillery and provisional infantry support.
Afghanistan Deployments: The battalion played a key role in Helmand Province during Operation Enduring Freedom, adapting to counterinsurgency operations while still maintaining artillery support capabilities.
Innovative Tactics: 3/11 has been at the forefront of integrating new technologies, such as the M777A2 lightweight howitzer and advanced digital fire control systems.
Community Engagement: Beyond combat, 3/11 regularly participates in humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and community outreach both at home and abroad, showcasing the Marine Corps' commitment to service.