About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (3/1), known as the "Thundering Third," was activated in March 1941 and saw extensive combat during World War II, including battles at Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. During the Korean War, 3/1 participated in key engagements such as the Inchon Landing and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. In the Vietnam War, the battalion was heavily engaged in operations throughout the northern provinces, notably during the Tet Offensive. More recently, 3/1 has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, playing significant roles in the Second Battle of Fallujah and counterinsurgency operations.
Historical Facts
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Historic Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (3/1) was originally activated in March 1941 at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Its early formation predates the U.S. entry into World War II.
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Bougainville Campaign: 3/1 saw its first combat during the Bougainville Campaign in late 1943, fighting in dense jungle against Japanese forces.
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Iwo Jima Heroics: The battalion played a significant role in the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, enduring fierce resistance and heavy casualties while securing Mount Suribachi.
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Korean War Valor: During the Korean War, 3/1 participated in the legendary Inchon Landing and the brutal Chosin Reservoir campaign, earning a Presidential Unit Citation.
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Vietnam Deployments: 3/1 was deployed multiple times to Vietnam, notably participating in Operation Starlite in 1965—the first major offensive action undertaken by a purely American unit in Vietnam.
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Gulf War Service: The battalion was deployed to Saudi Arabia and participated in Operation Desert Storm, advancing into Kuwait and liberating the country from Iraqi occupation.
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Iraq War Tragedy: In 2005, 3/1 was involved in the Battle of Haditha, and tragically, some members were later implicated in the Haditha incident, leading to national and international scrutiny.
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Battle of Fallujah: 3/1 played a pivotal role in Operation Phantom Fury (Second Battle of Fallujah) in 2004, one of the bloodiest urban battles for U.S. forces since Vietnam.
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Nickname: 3/1 is known as the "Thundering Third," a nickname that reflects its reputation for tenacity and combat effectiveness.
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Modern Deployments: In addition to Iraq and Afghanistan, 3/1 has participated in humanitarian missions and multinational exercises, maintaining a forward-deployed posture as part of the 1st Marine Division.
