3:4th Marines

• Historic Roots: The 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4) was originally activated in 1925, making it one of the oldest battalions in the Marine Corps. • Nickname: 3/4 is commonly known as the "Thundering Third," a nickname reflecting its reputation for fierce combat effectiveness. • Bataan Death March: In World War II, the original 4th Marines were captured and forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March after the fall of Corregidor in the Philippines. • Vietnam War: 3/4 was among the first Marine battalions to land in Vietnam in 1965 and participated in several major operations including Operation Hastings and the Battle of Khe Sanh. • Operation Desert Storm: The battalion was deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as part of the 1st Marine Division. • Iraq War: 3/4 was one of the first Marine units to cross the border into Iraq in 2003, playing a key role in the Battle of An Nasiriyah and the march to Baghdad. • "The Magnificent Bastards": The battalion is also known by the nickname "The Magnificent Bastards," a moniker embraced by its Marines for their fighting spirit. • Operation Red Wings Connection: The battalion was involved in Operation Red Wings, which is famous for the story recounted in the book and movie "Lone Survivor." • Multiple Deployments to Afghanistan: 3/4 deployed several times to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where they conducted counterinsurgency operations in challenging environments. • Symbolism: The battalion’s insignia features a gold lion and a shield, symbolizing courage and readiness to defend, reflecting the unit’s storied legacy.