About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), known as "Darkhorse," is a distinguished infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, activated in June 1917. The unit fought valiantly in World War I, notably at the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. During World War II, 3/5 participated in key battles across the Pacific, including Guadalcanal and Okinawa. In recent history, 3/5 served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning recognition for their courage and sacrifice, particularly during the intense fighting in Sangin, Afghanistan, in 2010-2011.
Historical Facts
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Nickname - "Darkhorse": The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines are famously known as "Darkhorse," a nickname with origins tracing back to the Korean War when their radio call sign was "Darkhorse."
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World War I Origins: 3/5 was activated during World War I in June 1917 and participated in major battles such as Belleau Wood, Soissons, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
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Purple Heart Battalion: During the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq (Operation Phantom Fury, 2004), 3/5 earned the nickname "Purple Heart Battalion" due to the high number of casualties sustained.
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Korean War Valor: 3/5 distinguished itself in the Korean War, especially during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where the battalion fought in freezing conditions against overwhelming odds.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The unit saw intensive combat during the Vietnam War, participating in operations such as Hastings, Union, and Hue City during the Tet Offensive.
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Modern Warfare Innovation: In Afghanistan (2010-2011), 3/5 was the first infantry battalion to deploy with the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) and the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, reflecting their role in testing new Marine Corps weaponry.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Two Marines from 3/5 received the Medal of Honor: PFC Harold Gonsalves (WWII) and Cpl. Larry Maxam (Vietnam).
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Heavy Losses in Sangin: In Helmand Province, Afghanistan, (2010-2011), 3/5 suffered some of the heaviest Marine casualties since the Vietnam War, losing 25 Marines and suffering over 180 wounded, but were instrumental in pushing back Taliban forces.
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Notable Alumni: Actor and Marine R. Lee Ermey, famous for his role in "Full Metal Jacket," served with 3/5 in Vietnam.
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Enduring Legacy: 3/5 is one of the most decorated battalions in the Marine Corps, with campaign participation in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, embodying the Marine Corps ethos of “Honor, Courage, Commitment.”
