3:8th Marines

• World War II Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines (3/8) was activated on November 1, 1940, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, as part of the buildup for World War II. • Guadalcanal Campaign: 3/8 participated in the Guadalcanal campaign, one of the first major Allied offensives against Japan, contributing to turning the tide in the Pacific. • Battle of Tarawa: The battalion played a crucial role in the fierce Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, facing intense Japanese resistance on the heavily fortified island. • Saipan and Tinian: 3/8 fought in the battles of Saipan and Tinian in 1944, helping secure key islands for the Allied advance towards Japan. • Okinawa Campaign: The battalion took part in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the last major battle of World War II in the Pacific and one of the bloodiest. • Lebanon Deployments: In 1982 and 1983, 3/8 served as part of the Multinational Force in Lebanon, including during the Beirut barracks bombing tragedy. • Operation Desert Storm: 3/8 deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990-1991 in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, participating in the liberation of Kuwait. • Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has been involved in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. • Global War on Terror: 3/8 deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan during the 2000s and 2010s, engaging in combat operations and stability missions. • Deactivation and Legacy: Due to force restructuring, 3/8 was deactivated in May 2021, but its storied history and traditions continue to inspire Marines and military historians.