3:3rd Marines

• Origins and Designation: The 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines (3/3), known as "America’s Battalion," was activated on June 1, 1942, at New River, North Carolina, as part of the build-up for World War II. • World War II Service: 3/3 participated in major Pacific campaigns, including the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, playing a crucial role in the island-hopping strategy. • Vietnam War Deployments: The battalion was deployed to Vietnam in 1965 and took part in major operations such as Starlite, Hastings, and Prairie, earning a reputation for effective jungle warfare. • Decorations for Valor: 3/3 has received numerous awards, including Presidential Unit Citations and Navy Unit Commendations, for its actions in World War II, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terrorism. • Operation Desert Storm: Although not directly engaged in combat during Operation Desert Storm, 3/3 was deployed to Okinawa as a rapid response force and was prepared for contingency operations. • Afghanistan Deployments: 3/3 completed several deployments to Afghanistan, particularly in Helmand Province, where they conducted counterinsurgency operations and trained Afghan security forces. • Iraq Operations: The battalion deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, in 2006 and again in 2007, focusing on counterinsurgency, stability, and rebuilding efforts in Haditha, Barwanah, and Haqlaniyah. • Notable Alumni: Several 3/3 Marines have gone on to distinguished service, including Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Major Allan Kellogg, who served with the battalion in Vietnam. • “America’s Battalion” Nickname: The nickname was adopted in the 1990s to reflect the unit’s diverse composition and its deployments around the globe in service of the United States. • Deactivation and Reactivation: 3/3 has been deactivated and reactivated several times throughout its history, most recently reactivating in 2023 as part of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030 modernization efforts.